Sixty-four years ago, a 14-year-old named Eddie Cochran was confirmed in faith at First Methodist Church on West College Street in Albert Lea. He later went on to write and perform songs such as “Three Steps to Heaven” and “Summertime Blues.”

United Methodist Church, now located at 709 S. Highway 65, is joining in on Albert Lea’s celebration of Eddie Cochran’s life and music by hosting a rock ’n’ roll service at 10 a.m. Sunday.

It’s not likely that Eddie Cochran’s confirmation service included any rock ’n’ roll. This special service was first offered in 2007, using many well-known hits from the ’50s, with lyrics changed by permission to make them appropriate for worship. The repertoire is expanding.

Music Director Lora Virgil said, “We will still be doing the ’50s worship version of ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll,’ ‘Let’s Go to the Hop’ and ‘Johnny B. Good,’ but we are going into the ’60s and 70s as well. ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ will be sung and played by Todd Peterson and Harmony Junction will perform several numbers.”

This will be the last worship service under the leadership of Rev. Tom Biatek. He and his wife, Jill, will be moving to a new congregation. It seems appropriate to send them off to the echoes of Eddie Cochran because Biatek also plays guitar and the rock ’n’ roll service is one of his favorite annual events.

“I am very excited but sad for this Sunday morning,” said Virgil. “I would love for people from the community to come and see how we can turn these songs into worship songs expressing our love for Jesus and His love for us and totally rock the house!”

Lunch will be available in the social hall following the worship service. Poodle skirts and classic cars are welcome.