Tonight was our church’s (Asbury Memorial, Savannah) third Taize service of the 2025 Lenton season.
Taize is a meditative worship service known for simple, repetitive chants, scripture readings, and times of silence, originating from the Taizé community in France.
Peacefully beautiful as usual, with the theme this evening of “There is a balm in Gilead.”
Whatever our faith (or lack thereof), we all probably need a balm from time to time, a gentle soothing.
The tranquil chorus we sang several times throughout the thirty minute service:
“There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.”
May we all experience a Bit of Balm this lovely Springtime Season.
Tonight was the first of our church’s five Taizé services during the Lenten season leading up to Easter Sunday. (Asburymemorial.org)
I LOVE the quiet, almost somber, beauty of Taizé.
A little about the history of Taizé:
“The Taizé prayer service is from an interfaith community founded in Taizé, France in 1940. A Taizé service provides a meditative style of song and prayer known for its simplicity and focus on Christ. Today the Taizé community comprises those of Catholic and Protestant backgrounds from regions around the globe. At a Taizé service we pray as we sing, as we reflect on the Scripture reading, as we sit in silence, and as we offer our prayers to Christ.” jaxcathedral.org
TONIGHT’S INVITATION: “Come into this place of peace and let its silence heal your spirit; Come into this place of memory & let its history warm your soul; Come into this place of prophecy and power and let its vision change your heart.”
Tonight’s theme focused on light.
And the MUSIC/CHANT:
“Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us.
Let not my doubts, and my darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.”
Whatever your belief, or lack of, may Peace be your Portion at this time of year.
1. The amazingly resilient beauty of Savannah’s Resurrection Fern.
The green plant growing on the live oak tree behind me, Pleopeltis polypodioides, commonly known as Resurrection Fern, is “a native plant known for its ability to survive extreme dehydration and revive when exposed to water. Appearance and behavior: During dry periods, the fern shrivels and turns brown, resembling a dead clump of leaves. It can lose up to 97% of its water content, while most plants can only tolerate a 10% loss.”
“When it rains, the fern uncurls and turns green within hours.” National Wildlife Federation
(I need a little of what it has!)
2. Recognizing that two out of three isn’t bad.
High School Basketballer Grandson Gabriel practicing three-pointers
3. Going on a fascinating Savannah Port Tour this week.
Savannah has one of the busiest ports in the nation. We live a few blocks from the Savannah River, walk along it often but have never toured the port.
Fascinating!
Here we are with our nee bestie tour buddies. Captain Birdie’s flowing hair.
There’s also a massive yacht repair facility …
The white structure to the right is actually a large yacht which had been “shrink wrapped” for some kind of moisture-control work.
What a fun couple of hours.
4. The joy of simple, delicious food.
I love being able to pull my grandmother’s large cast iron skillet off our cool, little rack …
… and toss in a couple of seasoned chicken thighs, along with whatever vegetables are on hand (cherry tomatoes, carrots and onions this time).
Yum!
5. The truth of this little placard outside a business on a recent morning walk here in Savannah.
Whatever your definition of “good” may be, may you have it this day … and this weekend.
In a recent post, I mentioned that one of the major donors for the current Savannah Performing Arts Festival withdrew his funding because the festival was to include a section on the Art of Drag.
Art. Key word …. “Art.”
This injustice, of course, follows a dangerously growing trend led by the Trump regime to damage/destroy trans and LGBTQ rights in the United States, a country that proclaims liberty and justice FOR ALL.
Apparently, “ALL” now means white and straight.
But thankfully, ALL are not narrow-minded and evil …
May Evil’s Democracy-Destroying Voice Be Silenced.
NealEnJoy 