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THE FORCE IS strong in Berlin.
A church in the German capital invited “Star Wars” fans to attend a special service yesterday themed on the sci-fi blockbuster in an attempt to attract more young people into the pews.
About 500 people heeded the call and attended the service, some carrying lightsaber props or wearing Darth Vader masks. It was more than twice as many as usually come to Zion Church on a Sunday.
“We were very happy to see so many people in the church today,” said Protestant pastor Lucas Ludewig said after the service. “It’s great that there are subjects that people are interested in. They trust us to make them part of the church service without making it too Christian or too Star Wars, but to find a good compromise.”
With the film’s theme song — played on the church’s organ — still echoing around the rafters, the 30-year-old said he came up with the idea of the “Star Wars” service while talking with fellow pastor Ulrike Garve, 29, about how much they were looking forward to the seventh instalment in the franchise “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which opened Friday.
“‘Star Wars’ picks up religious images, including Christian images and maybe some from other religions,” said Ludewig. “In doing so, it shows that the Bible and the Church are part of our culture that keeps being reworked and reinterpreted.”
Churchgoer Jonathan Wonneberger, dressed as a Jawa trader, described the service as a welcome change from tradition.
“You don’t have to take everything that’s religious too seriously. Of course you have to treat it with respect, but when there’s a global event like Star Wars, it’s ok to jump on the bandwagon,” he said.
Scott McGuire, sporting a Chewbacca costume, said he planned to go see the movie later.
“I think the whole question of God is very interesting, but getting up early on a Sunday is one of those things. But for something like this, I’ll go,” he said.
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Every once in a while I’m reminded of my youth and how quickly the years have gone. RIP Biddy
Her portrayal of Maggie in the Riordan’s was pretty impressive. She had a young Gabriel Byrnes all to her self. My mother was not happy with it all. It was a good reflection of changing Ireland. She will ways be remembered as a fine actress who seemed part of many families once a week.
Thinking of the Riordans and Glenroe and how everyone sat down both young and old to watch it in b/w tv. How the years have passed The problems of yesterday living as often played out in those shows seem very small to what is going on today. May she rest in peace.
Just watched an episode of the Riordans on YouTube the other nite, altho I was young when it was on tv it still brought back memories of a Sunday nite , life was simple then , RIP , the acting was good learned on stage not in front of a camera, but looking at Fair City I think its backwards we’re going.
@Slim Browne: I am glad someone else agrees with me on Fair City.
@Slim Browne: Fair City is an insult to acting and storylines…major rubbish
Aw I remember the mammy packing me off to college with one of Biddys cookbooks!
RIP end of an era.
Biddy in the riordans reflected rural life in that era , small farming village , projected Ireland in a by gone era . A great actress and a good soap of the day for its time ?
Rest in peace -a wonderful actress.-BTW is Bengy still alive
@TheBluffmaster2: Is he still out in Africa on the missions ? Tom Hickey another fine actor !!!
@TheBluffmaster2: Indeed he is and performs still when in good health, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013 but performs a one man show to educate people on the condition, he is now in his seventies , a good actor who has not received enough recognition.
@Honeybee: v. good thanks.
She adjudicated many plays around the country with the ADCI and was well regarded by drama groups for her work. RIP.
My childhood has just been robbed.
Sad as Benji’s tractor.. RIP
She was a celebrity guest at Moynalty Steam Threshing in the Seventies. Flying around on an old Ferguson 20. Happy memories. Thanks Biddy/Maggie. Rest peacefully.
Just curious about her age. Was she about 70?
@Carm(Orange Vampire): More than that. Joined the Riordans in 1965 when she was about 18. Her husband passed away last December, also.
May she Rest In Peace. I loved that show & was very young at the time. My mother’s cousin used to think it was for real (as a lot of people did in those days ) my sister in law was Delia think they were travelers!
There is no heaven, we are cells
We look back in sadness – everything is transitory
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