Lee University’s U-Church chapel series will welcome Rend Collective for the first service of the semester on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

“Rend Collective quickly became a campus favorite back in the spring of 2014 when they visited with us for one of our morning chapel services,” said U-Church Director Josh York. “Since that time they have been one of the most requested artists by students through email, Twitter, and our online artist interest surveys. I am so pleased that we were able to work it out for them to return this semester as a U-Church guest.”

According to their website, Rend Collective developed organically, outside of the influence of the music industry and CCM culture, as a self-described “group of confused twenty-somethings trying to figure out faith, life, God and community.” The group hails from the small coastal town of Bangor in Northern Ireland.

Since 2010, they have released four albums and have stepped onto the world stage as leading voices in the evolution of modern worship. Their 2012 song “Build Your Kingdom Here” received a Dove Award nomination, and their 2014 album “The Art of Celebration” hit the Billboard 200 Top 15 and UK Top 30. The Collective toured with Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockels in 2011, with Kari Jobe in 2014, and with Hillsong United in 2015.

While the group comprises over 15 members, the band tours and records with five to six members. The remaining members are there for support and to encourage the band “spiritually, musically, and missionally.” Rend Collective member Chris Llewellyn explains that “we aren’t really so much of a band as we are a family. People are more important than music, art or apparent success.”

Other U-Church events this semester include Andy Mineo on Feb. 21 and the student-led “An Evening of Worship” on March 20.

U-Church is always a free, non-ticketed event for all who would like to attend. The doors will open at 7 p.m.

For a chance to win contests and have input on future artists, please follow U-Church on Twitter @LeeUChurch.

For more information about U-Church, please contact Joyce Lane at [email protected] or 423-614-8347.