A special musical weekend with First United Methodist Church in Morris

United Methodist Pastor Rich Rubietta from Park Ridge, Ill. will lead a special Musical Weekend Services of worship hosted by Morris First United Methodist Church.

Worship will take place Saturday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 8 at 10:20 a.m.

Rubietta is a songwriter and worship consultant who conducts high-energy, interactive worship experiences which include audience participation and upbeat versions of familiar Hymns and original material.

A graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in Music and an Illinois Arts Council Arts Tour artist, Rubietta has been offering new styles to traditional Church Hymns and songs.

“I’m finding that folks in the church of all ages and all denominations are yearning to sing their faith using music that moves them on a deeper emotional and spiritual level,” Rubietta said. “My goal is giving everyone freedom to try new things or not, without any pressure. As long as the local musicians and I can facilitate an experience that helps people feel God’s presence, then it's mission accomplished!”

Rev. Rubietta is married to Jane Rubietta and the couple have three children together. Jane is the author of popular devotional books like best-seller "Quiet Places," and "Worry Less – Live More." Both on United Methodist Women Recommended Reading List. Jane Rubietts is also an International, cross-denominational speaker.

Rev. Rubietta has produced the CD called "Quiet Places: God’s Music to Restore Your Soul," which is a companion resource to accompany the book. The songs on the CD are meditative, musical arrangements of scriptures, one for each chapter in the book. His CD for Children and the young at heart, "Room 4U & Me," received Parents’ Choice Approved award and contains Character Education songs from his Public-School Music Assemblies.

“Having Rich Rubietta here is one of the ways we can open ourselves to fresh ways of worshiping God, and also reach out to our community and share a special experience together,” said Rev. Robert Sathuri, pastor of Morris First United Methodist Church.

Refreshments will be served afterwards, and a Resource Table will be available to purchase books and order CDs/Cassettes.

Please contact the church office for more information at 815-942-0809.