What you need for a Taizé service

A Taizé service needs fewer decorative supplies than a typical church event, but the practical details matter. Plan seating, reusable cups, plates and serving equipment for the expected attendance, then add water, hot drinks and catering supplies. The music setup also needs checking: instruments, microphones, stands, speakers, a mixer and safe power access should be ready before rehearsal. Candles, LED lamps and battery lanterns help create a calm atmosphere without leaving lighting to the last minute.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 90
Tablesqty 8
Stoolsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 90
Glassesqty 90
Platesqty 90
Cutlery setsqty 90
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 3
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving trays with lidsqty 4

Catering

Water jugsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Coffee filtersqty 100
Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Black tea - 3 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Grape juice - 4 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Butter - 4 packets
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Honey - 2 jars
- Baguettes - 30 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Gluten-free bread - 3 loaves
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Mandarins - 6 kilograms
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Raisins - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salty crackers - 8 packs
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Olives - 6 jars
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Trash bags - 2 rolls

Equipment

Keyboard
Acoustic guitarsqty 2
Music standsqty 6
Sheet music foldersqty 6
Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

Candlesticksqty 12
LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Altar cloth
Fabric runnersqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 4
Cross
Bible stand

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 3
Serving traysqty 6
Aluminum foilqty 2

Cleaning

Washing-up bowlsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Broomsqty 2
Trash binsqty 6

Tips

Count chairs, stools and table places against confirmed registrations, then add a small buffer for late arrivals. Do this at least 3 days before the service so missing furniture can still be arranged.
Allow one reusable mug and one glass per person, plus roughly 10% extra. Check plates, cutlery and serving spoons together rather than discovering gaps when catering is being set out.
Prepare coffee pots, teapots, filters, thermos flasks and water jugs before shopping for drinks. For a gathering of 30 people, having 33 mugs and glasses avoids sharing or washing during the break.
Test the full music chain at rehearsal: keyboard or guitars, music stands, sheet music folders, microphones, stands, speakers and mixer. Bring extension cords and power strips, and check cable routes before people arrive.
Use candleholders for candles and place LED lamps or battery lanterns where people walk. Charge or test battery lighting at least 24 hours beforehand, especially if the service continues into the evening.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a Taizé service?: Plan candles and holders, LED lamps or battery lanterns, reusable mugs, glasses, plates, cutlery and serving equipment. You may also need coffee and tea equipment, water jugs, thermos flasks, instruments, microphones, speakers and power accessories.
How many cups and glasses do I need for a Taizé service?: Allow one mug and one glass per attendee, plus about 10% extra. For 40 people, prepare at least 44 mugs and 44 glasses if both drinks are served.
How early should I prepare the music equipment?: Check the keyboard or guitars, stands, folders, microphones, mixer and speakers during a rehearsal at least 3 to 7 days before the service. Test extension cords and power strips in the actual room before the day itself.
How many candles are needed for a Taizé service?: Base the number on the planned candle arrangement and the length of the service, then keep at least 10% spare. Check candles, holders and backup LED lighting no later than 24 hours before the service.

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