U2 France

By Charlie Mathews

Irish rock star Bono has used his celebrity status to draw attention to various global ills, including AIDS and poverty.

At 7 p.m. Sunday, the music of Bono and his U2 bandmates will be part of a "U2-charist" worship service at St. James Episcopal Church in Manitowoc.

"I personally appreciate the vision that comes through their music, that is deeply informed by the gospel," said St. James’ Rev. Tom McAlpine.

He said a PowerPoint presentation will show the lyrics and various images of U2, while a high-powered sound system in the sanctuary will pump out the music.

"Singing and dancing will be highly encouraged," said Anne Schuette, a St. James member who was doing her own jig in the center aisle last Sunday at a technical run-through.

McAlpine said U2’s music will not be the sole focus of the service, which will include scripture reading, communion and prayers.

Permission to use the music is not an issue.

The band’s record label, Universal Music Group, authorizes use of U2’s music for a one-time, non-commercial service, as long as a freewill offering is taken to benefit charities fighting poverty or AIDS.

Money put into the collection plate Sunday will go to the ecumenical organization Bread for the World, and to Episcopal Relief & Development.

’Try something different’

Mary Burckle, co-chair of St. James’ Outreach Committee, makes no secret of her hope the U2-charist draws young adults who often are not in church on Sundays.

"Whether they come just this one night or forever, whatever they choose to do is great," Burckle said. "It’s always fun to try something different."

Tony Karl, director of the adult choir at St. James, agreed.

"We have an older choir and many members didn’t know the names, but recognized many of the songs when they were played," he said.

Choir members will be interspersed throughout the pews. Like those attending, they will be able to sing the lyrics as they are displayed on an oversized screen hanging from a roof beam in the sanctuary that features Christ on the cross.

"People will have their hands free to clap," Karl said. "There won’t be any dance leaders, but I can think of a few who probably will (lead)."

One of them might be the pastor’s wife, Elvice McAlpine.

"We serve a God of sight and sound," she said. "You can read that on almost every page of the Bible. This has been the case since Adam’s day."

If you go

 What: "U2-charist," a worship service featuring music of the Irish rock band U2. Open to all.
 When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14.
 Where: St. James Episcopal Church, 434 N. Eighth St., Manitowoc.
 Why: To raise awareness of global issues, including AIDS and extreme poverty, two of the Millennium Development Goals of Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation.
 Background: The first "U2-charist" was held in July 2005 at an Episcopal church in Maine. U2 has given permission to use its music if an offering is taken for relief efforts.