U2charist 2014

This is the eighth annual 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 Millennium 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 in need. Led by the Global MDG ambassador, Bono, U2 is calling people worldwide to a deeper faith and engagement with God's mission. The U2charist seeks to be an extension of this ministry in our parish.

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

The Playlist:

Prelude: Ordinary Love (2013)

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Opening Song: Pride (In the Name of Love) (1984) – How do we offer our love?

Song of Praise: Jesus Christ (written by Woodie Guthrie, 1961)

Psalm: 40 (1983)

For today's "Souper Bowl of Caring," all monetary donations in the soup kettles and the offering plate will go to the feeding ministries of the Episcopal Bridgeport Deanery; all canned goods will be donated to the Monroe Food Pantry.
Offertory: Nothing More by The Alternate Routes (A Guest Appearance) - 2013

The song “Nothing More” was written in an effort to raise awareness for the organization Newtown Kindness. Newtown Kindness was founded in the memory of Charlotte Bacon and their mission is to promote kindness and acts of kindness in communities. (Fall 2013) The band is from Connecticut.
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: Miracle Drug (2004)

"It feels like God walking through the room, and it feels like a blessing, and in the end, music is a kind of sacrament." - Bono