20 Responses to “U2charists”

1. 1
   scott Says:
   February 6th, 2007 at 7:46 am

   Hi Phil, I found a power point on the net. 130 megs latter and 10 minutes to load it into power point it looks pretty good. I think we will probably use bits of it at Ranges, although Christian wants to make a few alterations.

2. 2
   phil Says:
   February 6th, 2007 at 1:07 pm

   Hey Scott - can you email me the link?

3. 3
   Greg the explorer Says:
   July 10th, 2007 at 12:36 pm

   Here is a form of service for a U2charist - and here is a complete list of resources including the link to a powerpoint presentation

   U2charist

   “I Want” and “How Long?” – Hunger and Hope

   St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

   February 12, 2006

   Gathering: (stationary slide – text over image - up before start of service. Background music playing as people arrive.)

   Welcome. We come together to engage our minds, bodies and souls in the Spirit of God. Drawing on the spiritual and cultural messages of the music of U2, this worship directs us towards faith in God to give meaning to our human struggles. Through music, and word, and action we acknowledge our longing and celebrate our hope.

   This U2charist is a creative work, just as we all are. You are encouraged to sing, and move, and participate as you feel comfortable. Just join in as you are, and bear with us as we are, and we will all be changed as we go.

   (20 seconds silence/no music, greeters dim lights, before opening songs and slideshows)

   Opening:

   (songs and images. Lyrics printed on paper handout.)

   “Where the Streets Have No Name” (images of natural disasters)

   (music transitions)

   “Sunday Bloody Sunday” (images of human disasters)

   (slideshow goes to blank slide at end. Music transitions from song to just background. After a few moments, the leader steps out to open with prayer and prayer slide goes up.)

   Prayer:

   (leader stands)

   (slide)

   We gather here in your presence, God,

   In our need and bringing with us the needs of the world.

   We come with our faith and with our doubts;

   We come with our hopes and our hunger.

   We come as we are, because you invite us to come

   And you have promised never to turn us away.

   Open us, God, to experience you here.

   All Respond: Amen.

   (percussive rhythm starts, no background music)

   Word: (interactive reading – mixture of scripture and text from “Still haven’t found.” Leader introduces by saying:

   Our prayer for tonight is for transformation,

   for help in redirecting our world from death into life.

   Throughout history,

   God has commissioned prophets to point our way towards transformation

   – many and varied voices speaking words of both warning and promise to us.

   On the screen behind me you will see such words displayed,

   written by the evangelists, St. Mark and Bono.

   I invite you to lend your own prophetic voice to these words,

   speaking the parts assigned to you

   – the left side and the right side.

   In our speaking and in our listening,

   may we begin to discern the way.

   Slides are put up one at a time with the congregation reading their parts. Percussion as only background)

   (Slide 1)

   ◄Left Side says together:

   A leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees,

   “If you want to, you can cleanse me.”

   ►Right Side say together:

   Deeply moved, Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said,

   “I want to. Be clean.”

   Then and there the leprosy was gone,

   his skin smooth and healthy.

   (Slide 2)

   All say together:

   I have climbed highest mountain

   I have run through the fields

   Only to be with you

   Only to be with you

   (Slide 3)

   ◄ Left Side says together:

   The crowd brought a paraplegic to Jesus,

   Carried by four men.

   When they weren’t able to get in to him,

   Because of the crowd,

   They removed part of the roof

   And lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher.

   ► Right Side say together:

   Impressed by their bold belief,

   Jesus said to the paraplegic,

   “Son, I forgive your sins.

   Get up.

   Pick up your stretcher and go home.”

   And the man did it.

   (Slide 4)

   All say together:

   I have run

   I have crawled

   I have scaled these city walls

   These city walls

   Only to be with you

   (Slide 5)

   ◄ Left Side says together:

   They came to Simon and Andrew’s house

   With James and John.

   Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed,

   Burning up with fever.

   They told Jesus.

   ► Right Side say together:

   He went to her,

   Took her hand,

   And raised her up.

   Then the fever left her

   And she waited on them.

   (Slide 6)

   All say together:

   I have kissed honey lips

   Felt the healing in her fingertips

   It burned like fire

   This burning desire

   (Slide 7)

   ◄ Left Side says together:

   In their meeting place there was a man,

   Deeply disturbed and yelling out

   “What business do you have here with us,

   Jesus of

   Nazareth

   !

   I know what you’re up to!

   You’re the Holy One of God,

   And you’ve come to destroy us!”

   ► Right Side say together:

   Jesus shut him up:

   “Quiet! Get out of him!”

   The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms,

   Protesting loudly,

   And got out.

   (Slide

   All say together:

   I have spoke with the tongue of angels

   I have held the hand of the devil

   It was warm in the night

   I was cold as stone

   (Slide 9)

   ◄ Left Side says together:

   Jesus said, “How can we picture God’s kingdom?

   What kind of story can we use?”

   It is like a mustard seed,

   when it lands on the ground.

   ► Right Side say together:

   It is the smallest of all seeds,

   Yet once it is planted it grows

   Into a huge plant with large branches,

   So that all the birds of the sky

   Can nest in its shade.

   (Slide 10)

   All say together:

   I believe in the kingdom come

   Then all the colors will bleed into one

   Bleed into one

   Well yes I’m still running

   (Slide 11)

   ◄ Left Side says together:

   James and John, Zebedee’s sons, came to Jesus.

   “Teacher, we have something we want you to do for us.”

   ► Right Side say together:

   “What is it? What do you wish for me to do?

   ◄ Left Side says together:

   “Arrange it,” they said, “so that we will be awarded

   The highest places of honor

   In your glory

   ► Right Side say together:

   One of us on our right,

   ◄ Left Side says together:

   The other on your left.”

   ►Right Side say together:

   Jesus said, “You have no idea what you’re asking.

   Are you capable of drinking the cup I drink,

   Of being baptized in the baptism

   I’m about to be plunged into?”

   (Slide 12)

   All say together:

   You broke the bonds and you

   Loosed the chains

   Carried the cross

   Of my shame

   Of my shame

   You know I believed it.

   (Slide 13)

   All say together:

   But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.

   Reflection: (Matt – 7 mins. Max. Ryan playing chords of “Still” behind speaking, building up to the start of the song immediately following the sermon)

   Reflection Song: (candle lighting during song)

   Song: “I Still Haven’t found what I’m looking for” (slideshow images of candles and other images of light)

   (background music)

   Prayers:

   (no slide - spoken by leader)

   We light these candles as symbols of God’s light in a dark world,

   Symbols of the light within us,

   And symbols of hope.

   Let us stand and pray,

   And sing our response.

   (Slide 1)

   God, we share with you now all that we hunger for, in our lives, in our faith and in our world.

   (You are invited to share your prayers either silently or aloud)

   For all that we name, silently and aloud, fill us with your healing grace.

   All Respond Be our light, be our light on the path.

   (Slide 2)

   God, we share with you now all that we hope for, in our lives, in our faith, and in our world.

   (You are invited to share your prayers either silently or aloud)

   For all that we name, silently and aloud, thank you for your faithful promise.

   All Respond Be our light, be our light on the path.

   (Slide 3)

   God sometimes we can’t even find the door.

   We stumble around in the dark.

   We lose our way.

   We can’t see even where to put our feet.

   Let alone see the end of the journey.

   All Respond Be our light, be our light on the path.

   (Slide 4)

   We will stop and take a deep breath.

   We will open our eyes to the possibilities.

   We will pray for light.

   Show us the way, God.

   Calm our minds and soothe our souls.

   Show us the way, and we will go.

   All Respond Be our light, be our light on the path.

   (Slide 5)

   All Say together: (speak “And now we say together”)

   O God, lead us from death to life,

   From falsehood to truth.

   Lead us from despair to hope,

   From fear to trust.

   Lead us from hate to love,

   From war to peace.

   Let peace fill our hearts,

   Our world, our universe.

   All Respond Be our light, be our light on the path.

   Please extinguish your candle.

   Invitation:

   (stationary blank slide. Silence, no music))

   Celebrant says:

   This is the table of God.

   It is to be made ready

   for those who trust in God’s incarnate love

   and those who want to know it.

   So, come,

   You who have much faith

   And you who have little

   You who have been here often

   And you who have not been for a long time,

   You who have tried to follow

   And you who have failed.

   Come,

   Not because it is I who invite you: But God.

   God desires to meet you here.

   During the song please come forward and gather around this table of thanksgiving.

   (Slide) (Music kicks in)

   During the song please come forward and gather around the altar – the table of thanksgiving – in concentric circles. Please help children and those in need to stand or sit where they can best participate. Please join in singing as you feel comfortable.

   (Slide)

   Song: “40” (Band only)

   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 fear

   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…

   Thanksgivings: (congregation is gathered around the altar. No music)

   (no slide)

   Celebrant:

   As we approach sharing communion, let us express our gratitude to God for what is important to us at this time, whether that be ordinary or special. Please speak your thanksgivings, either silently or aloud. (people add petitions)

   For this time and this place, and those around us. For our freedom to worship and name you, thank you God

   (no slide)

   Celebrant continues:

   Gratitude, praise,

   Hearts lifted high,

   Voices full and joyful…

   These you deserve

   For you gave us the gift of your son, Jesus.

   For us he was born,

   For us he healed,

   Preached, taught

   And showed the way to heaven;

   For us he was crucified,

   And for us, after death,

   He rose again.

   Holy God,

   Present with us now,

   For all that you have done

   And all that you have promised,

   What have we to offer?

   Our hands are empty,

   Our hearts are sometimes full of wrong things.

   We are not fit to gather up the crumbs

   From under your table.

   But with you is mercy

   And the power to change us.

   Among friends, gathered around a table,

   Jesus took bread, broke it and said,

   “This is my body, broken for you.”

   And later he took the cup of wine and said,

   “This is the new relationship with God,

   Made possible because of my death.

   Take this – all of you – to remember me.”

   So as we do in this place

   What he did in an upstairs room,

   Send down your Holy spirit

   On us

   And on these gifts of bread and wine

   That they may become for us your body,

   Healing, forgiving,

   And making us whole;

   And that we may become,

   For you,

   Your body,

   Loving and caring in the world

   Until your kingdom comes. Amen.

   (fraction)

   Jesus Christ, be known to us in the breaking of the bread and in the sharing of the cup.

   These are the gifts of God

   For the people of God.

   Communion:

   (commune choir and band first.)

   (slide)

   All who seek Christ are invited to receive the blessed bread and wine, which are served at stations in front of the altar. After receiving communion, or if you do not wish to receive at this time, please return to your seat for the conclusion of the service.

   Song: “One” (images of mission trip, families, people at their best. Band only))

   Is it getting better
   Or do you feel the same
   Will it make it easier on you now
   You got someone to blame
   You say…

   One love
   One life
   When it’s one need
   In the night
   One love
   We get to share it
   Leaves you baby if you
   Don’t care for it

   Did I disappoint you
   Or leave a bad taste in your mouth
   You act like you never had love
   And you want me to go without
   Well it’s…

   Too late
   Tonight
   To drag the past out into the light
   We’re one, but we’re not the same
   We get to
   Carry each other
   Carry each other
   One…

   Have you come here for forgiveness
   Have you come to raise the dead
   Have you come here to play Jesus
   To the lepers in your head

   Did I ask too much
   More than a lot
   You gave me nothing
   Now it’s all I got
   We’re one
   But we’re not the same
   Well we
   Hurt each other
   Then we do it again
   You say
   Love is a temple
   Love a higher law
   Love is a temple
   Love the higher law
   You ask me to enter
   But then you make me crawl
   And I can’t be holding on
   To what you got
   When all you got is hurt

   One love
   One blood
   One life
   You got to do what you should
   One life
   With each other
   Sisters
   Brothers
   One life
   But we’re not the same
   We get to
   Carry each other
   Carry each other

   One…life

   One

   Concluding Prayer: (said together)

   (Slide – when leader starts)

   All say together:

   Holy God,

   You have put your life into our hands;

   Now we put our lives into yours.

   Take us,

   Renew and remake us.

   What we have been is past;

   What we shall be through you,

   Still awaits us.

   Lead us on.

   Take us with you. Amen.

   Blessing:

   Announcements: (ONE movie followed by slide with offering information)

   Song: “Elevation” (images of the spirit i.e. birds, bubbles, clouds, mountain tops, sunrises, light rays, fire, waterfalls)

   Peace:

   (Slide)

   Not an easy peace,

   Not an insignificant peace,

   Not a half-hearted peace,

   But the peace of God

   Is with us now.

   Let us share it with each other and go out in peace.

   Peace be with you!

   All respond: And also with you!

4. 4
   bec Says:
   July 10th, 2007 at 1:52 pm

   Barney Zwartz’ blog on it…

   http://blogs.theage.com.au/thereligiouswrite/archives/2007/07/cathedral_u2cha.html

5. 5
   saint Says:
   July 10th, 2007 at 11:02 pm

   Sorry but I can’t stand the U2charist. It was an innovation of another theological leftie in the ECUSA in praise and worship of the U.N. Millenium Development Goals (peace and blessings upon them) which has replaced the gospel in many parts of the ECUSA. Every version since is as bad as the other.

   I can’t find a full online version of the APBA which is used in most Anglican prayer book services in Australia but compare this with say the Church of England Communion Service Rite II (based on the Book of Common Prayer )

   Communion is not for those still searching, but those who approach having first confessed, and made their peace…even the version Greg printed above shows just how arse about face it is.

6. 6
   Greg the explorer Says:
   July 12th, 2007 at 9:44 am

   Show me where the bible says that communion is not for those still searching. It is impossible ot actually take communion without acknowledging that you are remembering what Jesus did - and that is what communion is - a remembrance; that is how Jesus instituted it: “DO this in memory of me”

   How is incorporating MDG information in a serivce of praise to God wrong? How is it that just because it comes from ECUSA and what you brand as theologicaly left that is is somehow suspect? The liturgy is traditional prayer book liturgy the only thing that is really different is the music which is all U2 and I chalenge you to find something in any of the songs outlined aboue that is theologically suspect?

   This is the Rev Paige Blair who is being attributed as being the force behind the U2charist. this is her parish’s web site Paige recently stood for election as Bishop of El Camino Real.

   Sarah Dylan Breuer was actually the person who “invented” the U2Charist and this page will give you an idea of her theological background as will her bio page.

   I consider the U2charist to be a great way to introduce people who otherwise woldn’t grace the inside of a church to the eucharist - and let’s face it, if Jesus had only meant the eucharist for those who approach having first confessed, and made their peace then Judas (as we have discussed on another thread) would harldy have been involved in the very first eucharist now would he?

7. 7
   Greg the explorer Says:
   July 12th, 2007 at 9:48 am

   Sarah Dylan Breuer was actually the person who “invented” the U2Charist and this page will give you an idea of her theological background as will her bio page.

   for those too lazy to follow the links:

   Who’s Dylan?
   Sarah Dylan Breuer is a preacher, teacher, and thinker with a master’s degree in New Testament from St. Mary’s Divinity College of the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and a C.Phil. (that is, she’s a Ph.D. candidate) in the history of early Christianity at the University of California at Los Angeles (U.C.L.A.). Her lectionary blog, which offers reflections on biblical readings for the coming Sunday in the Revised Common Lectionary, was named among “The Best Spiritual Blogs on the Internet” by Beliefnet.com. As a longtime U2 fan, she was pleased to contribute six meditations to the recent book Get Up Off Your Knees: Preaching the U2 Catalog, and she and the Without Walls ministry network created the first U2charist, held in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2004. In her spare time, she loves cooking, writing music, and questing for the perfect cup of coffee.

8. 8
   Greg the explorer Says:
   July 12th, 2007 at 11:13 am

   top 10 rejected alternative worship themes
   A lot of people have been asking me, as instigator of the first U2charist (held in Baltimore, Maryland in April of 2004) what other liturgical developments are in the pike. What I can say is that, having carefully pondered cultural and liturgical trends, I’ve decided that the Next Big Thing is most definitely NOT:

   1. The Kazoocharist — in which the service music is led entirely by 30 people playing kazoos.
   2. The Magoocharist — which would have been gravely insulting to blind people.
   3. The “I Melt With You”charist — which may have been well-received by those from my generation who are lovers of one-hit pop wonders. Sadly, I could find no theological justification for such a service, and even those from my high school graduating class couldn’t stand singing it ten times in a single hour.
   4. The “Chattanooga Choo-Choo”charist — for lovers of 40’s jazz and railway enthusiasts.
   5. The R2D2charist and Naboocharist — for lovers of the Star Wars film franchise.
   6. The ShihTzucharist — for lovers of expensive and diminutive dogs, in honor of which the altar party would wear their hair tied up with a ribbons on the tops of their heads
   7. The HoodooGurucharist — for lovers of obscure alternative Australian rock.
   8. The Dewcharist — a service for computer coders in which Mountain Dew would replace the sherry or port normally used; rejected when no one could figure out whether a Twinkie was or could ever be ‘bread.’
   9. The Moocharist — in which chocolate milk would replace the port or sherry to appeal more to children.
   10. The Booboocharist — for fans of the diminutive animated bear of Jellystone Park.

   From Sarahs blog…and yes I am on holidays and have a lot of time on my hands!

9. 9
   saint Says:
   July 12th, 2007 at 12:12 pm

   Sarah Dylan Breuer - hmm I believe that’s the openly gay partnered theologically liberal Sarah Dylan Breuer. Her CV would look quite different if I wrote it for her. I’d start promoting a few home truths about herself for a start.

   Paige Blair. Another self-promoter. The woman who was laughed at by the blogosphere for her wonderfully bogus PhD in holistic theology. In fact, if I remember correctly I wouldn’t have to rewrite her CV too much because it was chock full of New Age psychobabble. Fortunately withdrew after the first ballot in the bishop election, not that Camino Real ended up with anyone remotely worthy.

   Yes Greg I read Anglican blogs too (including sarahlaughed.net once in a while, although I prefer the book by that name by Carol Meyers). The ECUSA is a particular passion (derision, amusement, drama queens, persecuted minority - it’s all there).

   And I am even learning the names of a few orthodox Anglican female priests in the ECUSA.

   I wouldn’t give either of these women the time of day in terms of theology or Christian witness. It’s the U.N. MDGs and Global Reconciliation and gay emancipation all the way. Might as well stay in bed on Sundays.

   And I’m not working today.

10. 10
    saint Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 12:17 pm

    Oops forgot your question Greg:

    Show me where the bible says that communion is not for those still searching.

    Off the top of my head you will find pertinent passages in

    Genesis
    Exodus
    Leviticus
    Numbers
    A few of the latter prophets.
    Matthew
    Mark
    Luke
    John
    1 Cor (or was it 2 Cor?)
    Revelation

    Hmm if I think about it, pretty much right throughout Scripture.

11. 11
    saint Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 12:23 pm

    Heh, can’t find one of the classic blog posts about Paige Blair with lots of links to her loopy beliefs and lack of pastoral experience. But I found this one from Elizabeth Keaton who is currently being outed for her lies and a very vicious attack on a fellow female Episcopalian priest who dares to be a wife and mother while she herself is disappointed her 6 year old granddaughter wants to be a mum when she grows up.

    Google her up sunshine.

12. 12
    Greg the explorer Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 12:39 pm

    Oh….cool, thanks for clearing that up for me! Didn’rt realise she was a lesbian - that changes everything for me…I like her even more.

13. 13
    saint Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 12:53 pm

    You’re Anglican right? Please tell me you are in a leadership or pastoral position so I can set the Anglo-blogosphere onto you. May get you a spot in a detective story.

    But do it tomorrow (or don’t do it at all if you want to keep your position). I’m outta here.

14. 14
    daisy Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 2:59 pm

    What if you don’t like Bono…
    I stillll haven’t found what I’m looking forrr.

15. 15
    Greg the explorer Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 4:51 pm

    The just walk on!

16. 16
    daisy Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 5:43 pm

    What if the streets have no name…..

17. 17
    turtleneck Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 7:47 pm

    it wouldn’t matter…. in the city of blinding lights no one can read the street signs anyway.

18. 18
    Greg the explorer Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 8:14 pm

    It all depends - if it’s a BEAUTIFUL DAY then the ANGEL OF HARLEM might direct you. However if it’s a DIRTY DAY and your DESIRE is to be DANCING BAREFOOT then you might just have to have a CONVERSATION ON A BARSTOOL on a NEW YEARS DAY and then you’ll find that you are ONE STEP CLOSER.

19. 19
    turtleneck Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 9:14 pm

    hmm, a challenge.

    Well, if you wear that velvet dress at 11 O’clock (tick tock) it may cause an Electrical Storm.

20. 20
    Greg the explorer Says:
    July 13th, 2007 at 4:33 pm

    Well in Another Time, Another Place I was so angry that I threw a brick through a window it truelly was the sweetest thing