Welcome to
Crete United Methodist Church
The worship of God is the deepest activity of the human spirit. In worship, we hear and reflect upon the biblical story; the grace, mercy and the love of God shown to us in Jesus Christ. We respond with adoration, praise and song. We confess our woundedness and deep need for God. In Prayer, we lift our joys, concerns and hopes for the world. Ultimately, we trust that God will meet us here, in this time and space, to shape, nurture and transform our lives. Services are open to everyone and you are invited to attend regularly.
Music Ministries
Adult Hand Bell Choir
Deb Bachert, Director
Chancel Choir & Praise Team
Paul Blievernicht, Church Musician
Worship Service Time:
Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m.
A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION BY PAUL BLIEVERNICHT
Here’s a little bit about me, your new organist and pianist. I was born and raised in Crete, studied piano in Park Forest, moved to Chicago while in college, and am now happy to be moving back to the Crete area. I hold a Bachelor and Master of Music in piano performance from Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University and studied voice at Millikin University in Decatur. While at Roosevelt, I got my first church job playing at Christ the King, a mission church in the Loop; since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a pianist and organist at various churches throughout the city and suburbs.
In addition to my work with churches, I teach piano. Quality music education for youth is important to me, and I currently have forty-five piano students, some of whom I’ve taught over ten years! This has been a joy! I also work with adults at the piano.
One of my fondest memories goes back to childhood: I’m seated between two cousins at a Methodist church in Manhattan, Illinois, singing the hymn In My Heart There Rings a Melody. I hadn’t heard the tune until that Sunday morning, and its upbeat tempo and joyful message had me soaring above the pews! I felt transcendental peace at that moment. I share this memory so you know how deeply spiritual music is to me and also know that I will do my best to honor the worship experience at CUMC.
Thank you to those I’ve recently met for offering me such a warm welcome, and if we haven’t yet met, please come up after a service and say hello.