‘U2charist’ features music, communion

CEDAR RAPIDS - First Lutheran Church, 1000 Third Ave. SE, is taking the name of one of the world's most popular rock bands, U2, literally.

“We want people who haven't been to church in years or who are interested to check it out,” Associate Pastor Craig Brown says.

In other words, they want you too.

So, the church will use the band's music in an open communion, or Eucharist. The U2charist is at 11 a.m. Sunday.

“Why not bring something that's bringing them in,” Brown says.

The service is a traditional liturgy that uses U2 songs such as “One” and “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For” as hymns. Brown is also making inspirational videos, with words to the songs so people can sing along.

Although U2 is not an overtly Christian band, Brown says, many of the band's songs use Scripture to convey its message.

The band's lead singer, Bono, also has been involved in humanitarian projects such as the United Nations Millennium Development Goals to help end extreme poverty and global AIDS.

“Bono is a world-class peacemaker,” Brown says. “He's got something.”

The “U2charist” was developed in 2005 in Maine and has been used in churches worldwide. This is the first time First Lutheran Church has hosted it.

In exchange for free copyright of its music, U2 requests a collection at the services. Proceeds from Sunday will go toward a water well for First Lutheran's sister congregation in Tanzania.

Everyone is invited to attend and take communion.

“In a lot of ways it will be like a normal worship service, but in a lot of ways it won't be like a normal worship service,” Brown says.