COVINGTON, LA – In the two years that Fr. Bill Miller has been leading the congregation of Christ Episcopal Church, 129 N. New Hampshire St., in Covington, he’s introduced jazz-centered services and, just recently, a weekend devoted to one of his dogs. Now, Fr. Bill, as he prefers to be called, is about to unveil another unique offering in what he is calling a U2charist, and yes, it has everything to do with U2, the Irish rock band from Dublin, Ireland.
“I’m a huge fan of U2, and since they are performing in New Orleans on Thursday, Sept. 14, I decided to devote a service and a special presentation to this band that has made such a positive difference in our world – and not just musically,” Fr. Bill said.
The U2charist will be held on Sunday Sept. 10, during the 11:30 a.m. service at Christ Episcopal Church. All the music, which will performed live by the church’s Celebration Band and special musical guests, will be from the U2 song catalogue. The Celebration Band includes music director, guitarist and vocalist Crispin Schroeder, vocalist Ashley Lemmler, Matt Lemmler on piano, Dan Caro on drums, bassist Keenan Knight and guitarist Ronnie Boudreaux.
The songs being performed include:
• “When Love Comes to Town”
• “Gloria”
• “40”
• “Pride (In the Name of Love)”
• “ONE”
• “Where the Streets Have No Name”
• “Grace”
• “Love Rescue Me”
• “BAD”
• “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For”
The prelude and postlude will also feature actual U2 recordings such as "Beautiful Day,” and Fr. Bill’s sermon will be based on the U2 song “ONE.”
There will also be a special offering to support the Sustainable Development Goals as well as Harvey Relief through Episcopal Relief and Development.
In addition to the Sunday service, Fr. Bill will also host “The Gospel According to U2,” a presentation that will take place at the church on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 6:00 p.m.
“I see the whole U2 theme as a way to share the band’s theology and spirituality,” Fr. Bill said. “Their music and lyrics are not as ‘in-your-face’ as some contemporary Christian expression. It tends to be more subtle, and I believe that approach seeps into your soul, and thus, has a more long-term transformative effect.”
Fr. Bill said he will explore how U2 asks the important spiritual questions in a way that remains open and engaging, which he says, “is the best way to do theology.”
The Wednesday presentation will look at how the beliefs of U2 create not only personal transformation but also global transformation – helping feed, educate, clothe, heal and empower a hurting world, illustrating the importance of community and communion, and thus collaboration, in all the varied endeavors undertaken by the band.
The service and the presentation are free and open to the public.