Risen to Save to perform at Lower Burrell church to raise money for mission trip

The band is about more than creating beautiful music, and the musicians say they are rooted in a spiritual calling.

The Lower Burrell contemporary christian group Risen to Save doesn’t refer to their performances as concerts. They prefer to call them worship services.

“We bring together a group of believers who share God’s word through music,” said Curt Marino, one of the vocalists.

“Through music, we can connect on another level that is much deeper. We all come from different churches and different religious backgrounds, but we all believe our music can touch someone’s heart in a positive way.”

They will be performing at an event called Hearts to Serve on Saturday at Trinity United Christian Church in Lower Burrell.

It’s a fundraiser for the church’s Mission to Nicaragua trip this summer.

Pastor Cletus Hall went to Nicaragua last year and said the journey opened his world and expanded his mind. He did everything from giving sermons and sharing meals with the people to playing soccer with the children.

“It was such a positive experience,” he said.

Linda Claypool of Richland, a church elder who chairs the mission committee, said this will be the third trip to Nicaragua. It is scheduled for July 24 to Aug. 1.

It’s the second time Risen to Save will perform for the fundraising event.

“They are an awesome group,” Claypool said. “Their music fills your heart and touches your soul.”

The group formed in 2015 when they were all part of different bands. They perform about two times a month.

“The Good Lord brought us together,” Marino said. “And now we are all on one stage. God led us on this journey and our paths crossed.”

They try to rehearse once a week and enjoy interacting with the audience during performances.

“When we are together, it is very peaceful time for us,” Marino said. “We pray together, and the people who come to see us, if they need prayer, then we gather around and pray with them. This is our passion.”