
Central United Methodist Church (Arlington, Virginia) Sermon Podcast
An audio podcast of the weekly message preached at Central United Methodist Church in Arlington, Virginia. You're invited to join us online for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Visit us on the web at cumcballston.org to learn how to join us for worship via zoom or facebook live. You're invited to join our congregation where we worship God, serve others, and embrace all.
Central United Methodist Church (Arlington, Virginia) Sermon Podcast
Taizé
🕊️ Sent and Still: A Taizé-Inspired Service
Scripture: Luke 10:1–11
This week’s worship service at Central UMC took a contemplative turn as we explored the rhythms and spiritual practices of the Taizé Community, an ecumenical monastic movement in France devoted to prayer, simplicity, and reconciliation. Pastor Sarah introduced us to the story of Taizé’s founding, its daily rhythms of prayer and reflection, and the spirit of unity that continues to draw thousands of pilgrims there each year.
Our scripture reading comes from Luke 10, where Jesus sends out 72 disciples in pairs—not to work alone, but to rely on community, hospitality, and trust in God’s provision. The reflection, originally shared with pilgrims at Taizé, challenges us to embrace the mystery of being “sent” not with certainty, but with trust, humility, and openness to those we meet along the way.
As part of our Singing Our Faith series, this service invited us into silence, sacred listening, and shared reflection. In a world of noise and speed, Taizé reminds us that the Spirit still speaks—especially when we slow down enough to hear.
🌀 Reflection Questions:
- Have I ever brought some peace to a difficult situation?
- What helps me believe that Jesus himself is present there?
- How do “being sent” and having to make choices in life fit together?