TAIZE LENTEN RETREAT 2023

As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. As well as working with our staff to ensure the best possible guest experience, he partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was the subject of his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.

Brian Bayer-Larson is a Massachusetts-based musician who has led Taize-style worship services for nearly 20 years. Brian first visited the Taize community in the spring of 2003 where he worked in the kitchen, helped lead his small group Bible study, and was lucky enough to be invited to dine with the brothers of the community. Brian even got to meet Brother Roger, Taize’s founder, before he tragically died in 2005. In addition to leading worship services Brian is an active songwriter and performer who regularly plays music at cafes and events around Boston’s north shore. In 2017 he released his first album of original music, Time to Go Home, which can be found on all streaming services. He is also an 8th grade social studies teacher, a happily married husband, and father to 3 active and beautiful children.