Liturgical Renewal Sites

This page was created to give you information about and links to some places that are doing creative work in worship renewal.  Each of these centers is committed to embracing a variety of cultural and denominational expressions.  Even though these places may seem to be "off the beaten track," keep them in mind.   If you are ever traveling near these places, they are definitely worth a side trip.  If you have experienced a place that is doing good work in the renewal of Christian worship, please let me know about it.  You can reach me at

quietbreezemusic@aol.com

Holden Village / Chelan, Washington - Located high in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, Holden Village is a retreat center with an operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  For the past 35 years Holden has drawn Christians from around the world who are interested in vibrant worship that is connected to our life in the world.  Worship life at Holden cannot be separated from their concern for peace and justice issues, the environment, simple living and enculturation.  During various stays at Holden I wrote most the Holden Evening Prayer, Now the Feast and Celebration and most of the  collection, Shepherd Me, O God (all published by GIA--see below).   It is the kind of place that energizes and challenges Christians to a deeper sense of ministry.  The staff is mostly volunteer, and liturgical artists are always welcome.  For more information, visit their website at

www.holdenvillage.org

Iona Abbey / Iona, Scotland - This vibrant and prophetic center for Christian worship renewal is located at the on the tiny island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland.  Although officially managed by the Church of Scotland, Iona has been a source of inspiration for Christians of every denomination.  They have an active program of retreats and conferences throughout the year that nourish guests and visitors from around the world.  The Wild Goose Worship Group (founded by John Bell and Graham Maule) has its roots at the Abbey.  Music collected and written by the Wild Goose Worship Group has become known world-wide as a powerful resource for worship renewal.  Worship at Iona combines the richness of the Celtic Christian tradition with Christian influences from around the world. You can get a listing of the music written, collected and published by the Wild Goose Worship Group from GIA (see the link below).  If you want more information about the Abbey, Wild Goose Music and the Iona Community, you can check out their website at

www.iona.org.uk

Taizé Community / Taizé, France - The ecumenical community of Taizé was founded during World War II as a center for peace and reconciliation.  Over the past 50 years it has become world famous as a gathering place for youth and Christians seeking a deeper common prayer life and a closer connection between worship and action in the world.  The music of Taizé was created to serve a culturally diverse community; it is characterized by a simple, contemplative style and direct, theologically sound texts.  Over the past fifteen years, the music created for the Taizé community has found a home in Christian communities of all denominations.  You can get more information about Taizé at their website: 

www.taize.fr

For more information about the Wild Goose Music of the Iona Community, the music of Taizé, the Spirit of Malia recording, Holden Evening Prayer or Now the Feast and Celebration, you can contact GIA at 1-800-442-1358 or at

giamusic.com

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