Years ago, AIDS and HIV received a lot of attention -- and a lot of concern.

Not so much these days, says the Rev. Stephen Griffith of Lincoln.

"I just feel like HIV and AIDS have gone undercover. People are not talking about it and not thinking about it. Maybe they are ignoring it. Maybe they think it has gone away. ... Churches especially don't seem to be talking about it."

But AIDS and HIV, the disease that causes AIDS, are not gone. Although medications can prolong and improve the lives of those afflicted, HIV/AIDS remains incurable. People still die from AIDS.

Even in Lincoln.

Tuesday is World AIDS Day. The World Health Organization established the day in 1988 as a way for governments, national programs, churches, community organizations and individuals to educate and increase public awareness of the global epidemic of AIDS.

The sense that HIV and AIDS have slipped off the radar in Lincoln spurred Griffith, Saint Paul's minister to the community, and the Rev. Nancy Erickson of First-Plymouth Congregational Christ to offer a communitywide worship service for people whose lives have been affected by HIV and AIDS.

The 7 p.m. service at Saint Paul is open to people of all faiths and those without religious affiliation, Erickson said.

Tuesday's service will feature music by Alicia Opoku, a lamentation dance by Maribel Cruz and Elizabeth Govaerts and "a procession of hope" with singing and drumming. Attendees will be invited to light candles and voice the names of those lost to AIDS and those living with HIV.

"This is a service for the whole community," Griffith said.

A service of support, compassion and hope, Griffith said.

"For the community to come together and stand together, that can be a source of hope for us all," he said.

In addition to the worship service, medical professionals and counselors will be available from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to provide free testing and confidential counseling.

More than 1 million Americans, and 33 million people worldwide, are estimated to be living with HIV, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In Nebraska, about 2,000 people live with HIV or AIDS, according to state Department of Health and Human Services statistics. About 230 of those live in Lancaster County.

Reach Erin Andersen at 473-7217 or eandersen@journalstar.com.