U2charist X

This was our 10th U2charist on the “Souper Bowl of Caring” Sunday. The U2charist is an Episcopal Eucharist service that features the music of the band U2, and a message about God's call to rally around the Sustainable Development Goals. The music in this service is replete with images of our connection with God and the importance of caring for your neighbor, particularly the most vulnerable and those in need. Bono, from U2, is calling people worldwide to a deeper faith and engagement with God's mission. Our U2charist continues to be an extension of this ministry in our parish.

“I believe in the Kingdom Come…You carried the cross, and my shame. … You know I believe it.” (I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, U2 (1987))

Listen for biblical and theological references, for traditional Christian imagery and language, as well as for very nontraditional language, used to paint very traditional images of Christian theology. The traditional understanding of faith as an insatiable desire for God is a common theme, and “you” in U2’s lyrics is often indicative of God addressing the human, as it is the person of faith addressing God.

"We've found different ways of expressing it…. Maybe we just have to sort of draw our fish in the sand. It's there for people who are interested." – Bono

St. Augustine once said, “Those who sing, pray twice.” Join U2 and sing!



Playlist:

Prelude: Where the Streets Have No Name (1987)
Opening Song: Pride (In the Name of Love) (1984)
Song of Praise: Jesus Christ (sung by U2, written by Woodie Guthrie, 1961)
Psalm: 40 (1983)

"So then we had this slightly unusual piece of music and we said, 'OK, what are we going to do with it?' Bono said, 'Let's do a psalm.' Opened up the bible and found Psalm 40. 'This is it. Let's do it.' And within forty minutes we had worked out the last few elements for the tune, Bono had sung it, and we mixed it. And literally, after finishing the mix, we walked out through the door and the next band walked in." - The Edge, U2 By U2 2006

I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay

I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song

How long to sing this song
How long to sing this song
How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song

He set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm
Many will see
Many will see and hear

I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song

How long to sing this song
How long to sing this song
How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song

The portion of Psalm 40 that inspired Bono's lyrics:

I waited patiently for the Lord
And He inclined to me and heard my cry
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction
Out of the miry clay
And He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm
He put a new song in my mouth
A song of praise to our God
Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord

Offertory: Love and Peace or else (2004)
Communion Song I: One Step Closer (2004) – a song for the journey
Communion Song II: White as Snow (2009) – a song to the Lamb
Closing Song: Beautiful Day (2000)
Postlude: When Love Comes to Town (1988 with co-lead vocals from BB King)