The April
U2 Eucharist — Four

a community-wide communion worship service
— featuring the recorded music of U2

— raised $4092.29 for Sacks of Hope —

In addition to the strong spiritual imagery of U2's music, African drums played by Fashion Afrique African Drumming & Ballet Ensemble punctuated the words of the prophet Amos — who appeared in historical attire to challenge us with the scripture - let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Singers from the Southeast High School Sensations led usin song with energy and enthusiasm. We will share communion together at our open table, and the entire evening's collection will go to purchase Darfur Sacks of Hope. We exceeded our challenge to purchase 70 kits at $40.00 apiece to help alleviate extreme world poverty. Your presence will literally saved human lives!

First Presbyterian Church was inspired to the U2 Eucharist ministry by a suggestion from one of our youth, Bennett Stephens. He drew our attention to rock band leader Bono, who encourages the use of his music to focus attention on ending extreme poverty, healing the Malaria and HIV/AIDS epidemic, and ending hunger around the world — It was a "no-brainer": Put together our passion for mission, our love of experiencing the Spirit in new ways, and our computerized Pentegra sound system with inline speakers for a . . . U2 Eucharist! Many lives have been saved through the thousands of dollars you have given. And, we are committed to keep doing more! View our video about the U2 Eucharsist below:

View a slide show about—



U2 Eucharists at First Presbyterian Church.
— View large format | View small format

Can I take communion in the Presbyterian Church if I am not a member? In the Presbyterian Church, all baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, are invited and encouraged to receive the elements at the Lord’s Table, for it is God’s table, and not our own. Communion is offered at five stations throughout our sanctuary for U2 Eucharists.

What can I expect to happen in a U2 Eucharist?
The U2 Eucharist is a communion service that uses the recorded music of rock band U2 in place of traditional hymns. It is lively worship in which we sing along with the music — and sometimes dance. Children love not having to sit still — as do we all! We follow a liturgy that is familiar to many from various worship traditions. You will receive a printed bulletin at the door with the pattern, or order, of worship — so you will know what will happen when. Download a copy of the July 28 liturgy here. We will upload a PDF of the October 20 service soon.

What if I belong to another church?
We are people from many faith traditions joining together for worship and mission in this special ministry. There is no East or West in Christ, and so we honor the many church families in our community: We would like you join us in an ecumenical spirit of worshipping and giving in this service, and to take the message of need out into the world. All funds collected at U2 Eucharists go to alleviate extreme world poverty.

Who started U2 Eucharists?
U2 has been recording for more than 25 years, and the group’s music appeals to several generations of listeners. Many of the group’s songs have messages of justice and faith, and the imagery has inspired many spiritual journeys. An Episcopal Priest, Rev. Paige Blair, is credited with developing the concept of a U2 ministry as a tool for alleviating world poverty as outlined in the UN Millennium Development Goals. Since then, she has consulted with about 150 churches in 15 states and seven countries that have held U2 Eucharist services. Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation now provides resources for the growing movement of U2 communion services.




~ Resources for the UN Millennium Development Goals ~

UN Millennium Project
Millennium Villages Project
UN Millennium Development Goals
Millennium Development Goals Indicators
The Earth Institute at Columbia University     
Millennium Promise
Millennium Campaign
The ONE Campaign

Currently, the most basic needs of more than 1.2 billion people, or 1 out of every six people worldwide, are not met. Extreme poverty kills; more than 24,000 voiceless individuals perish from extreme poverty.
Fast facts:
— Every year six million children die from malnutrition before their fifth birthday
— More than 800 million people go to bed hungry every day...300 million are children.
— Everyday HIV/AIDS kills 6,000 people and another 8,200 people are infected with this deadly virus.
— More than 40 percent of women in Africa do not have access to basic education.
— A total of 114 million children do not get even a basic education and 584 million women are illiterate.

For more information on extreme poverty, please visit http://unmillenniumproject.org/press/press2.htm.
This info came from Positive Foundations at Brandeis University.

A Celebration (by U2) draws from the Book of Joshua:
"I believe in the walls of Jericho / I believe they're coming down"
— Joshua 6:20: When the people heard the blast of the trumpets, they gave a thunderclap shout. The wall fell at once. The people rushed straight into the city and took it. — from "The Message"

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