The Boston Globe has an article on special “U2 Eucharist,” a communion service punctuated by the band’s rock music.
Multicolor streamers flew over worshippers’ heads at this service. Children danced by the altar. Plasma-screen TVs illuminated the gothic sanctuary. Some people sang and clapped. A few looked puzzled.
Brooks said the special service is part of an effort to reinvigorate his congregation by infusing it with young people and those interested in social activism. The service included an offering for local charities and enlisted volunteers for the One Campaign, an effort to alleviate global poverty that’s backed by U2’s lead singer, Bono.
“We absolutely need to grow in order to survive,” Brooks said.
Weeks before the service, church members conducted what Brooks called “guerrilla marketing,” posting fliers at coffee and sandwich shops, bars and colleges. About 130 people showed up for the Friday night service, roughly the same turnout as a Sunday morning.
What do you think? Do U2 songs have a place in the church? During a communion service? They’re being accepted on Christian radio, but only if they’re covered by the likes of Delirious or Chris Tomlin.
Why not? There’s more truth and honesty in a U2 lyric than in 90% of what you’d hear on KLTY. When those things can be found in something that impacts the culture as much as U2 does, the church should embrace it, you know?