Discovery & Reflection of Expressions of Faith

• Posted by admin on January 28th, 2011 filed in Previous Events

After the success of Taste and See in 2008 and 2009 a third day of Bite-Size Spirituality is being held in York on Saturday 19th March 2011.  Taste and See offers people the opportunity to experience different ways of prayer and spiritual traditions through worship, workshops and discussion in a friendly and engaging setting.

Participants will have the opportunity to join three of the twenty-three workshops hosted by Christians of different denominations.  In the workshops they can discover and reflect on new ways of relating to God.  Workshop leaders for Taste and See 2011 include Margaret Sentamu, Revd Inderjit Bhogal OBE, Revd Philip Roderick, Brother Damian and Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent at of The Times.

Revd Inderjit Bhogal OBE, who will be leading a workshop called ‘Lent-ills: Just Fast’ explained: “The Bible tells us that people worship God in different ways, each of which have their own value. Jesus Christ prayed in the synagogue; he worshipped his Father in the formal liturgy of the Temple; his charismatic preaching was a form of prayer; he spoke prayers aloud, and sometimes he withdrew for reflection in silence and solitude. Christ used his mouth, his body, and most of all his heart to speak and to listen in prayer.  Participating in Taste and See allows people to meet like minded individuals to share experiences but also provides space to reflect and discover more about their own self.”  This will be one of Inderjit’s last public appearances before he takes up his new role as leader of the Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland.

Taste and See offers a rich breadth of Christian spirituality. Some types of prayer engage the heart whilst others engage the head; some involve physical movement whilst others promote stillness. Some are about the practical application of faith whilst others are more abstract in their approach. Some use challenging images and ideas whilst others are more comforting and calming. Some encourage corporate prayer, perhaps with music, whilst others nurture private prayer in silence.  These forms of prayer attract people in different ways because people are all different, and God reaches out to us in many and various ways.

A previous participant, when asked about the day said: “The workshops taught me something I will be able to keep with me and use in my everyday life.  Thank you for a wonderful opportunity that has made a marked difference for my journey in Christ.”

Organised by CoRE, with support from the Diocese of York the event is kindly being hosted by the Chaplaincy Department of York St John University.  CoRE’s Chairman Rev Canon Simon Stanley said “Taste and See is a fun and informative way of exploring different types of prayer in an ecumenical context.  The event is open to everyone.  In previous years individuals travelled from as far-a-field as London, Dorset and the Midlands.  Trying a new experience of worship allows those participating to discover more about themselves and their spiritual tastes.  This may lead to a better understanding of their fellow Christians who pray in ways different to them, and deepen their relationship with God.”

The day will commence at 9am on Saturday 19th March at York St John University with the Opening Act of Worship led by Margaret Sentamu ending at 4.15pm with final worship led by Revd Philip Roderick in the style of Contemplative Fire, a Fresh Expression of church.  Places are limited and must be booked in advance costing just £12 per person with group discounts available.  More information about the event, the workshops on offer and details on how to book can be found by visiting http://tasteandseeyork.org or alternatively calling (01904) 619489 or emailing info@coreyork.org.