What's New, July 2026

So, you have been asked to lead worship.

When I do “Introduction to Worship Leadership” workshops, I always start with the same words: “You have an impossible task before you…” And then I expand with a common analogy fitting for the folks gathered, such as setting a feast where everyone feels welcome and everyone is fed; charting a course without knowing the terrain; preparing for a final exam without a course syllabus; setting out to sea without knowing your boat or the weather forecast. I always conclude by quoting Matthew 19:26b, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” 

For centuries, followers of Christ have been participating in the seemingly impossible task of leading worship services that facilitate meaningful encounters with the Divine for a diversity of people. We do this impossible task with the intervention of the Holy Spirit and with guidance from our ancestors who have passed down common orders, rituals, and practices that have become our worship traditions.

This parallels the approach I often take to planning worship. 

First, I consider the uniqueness and particularity of the task before me: the context, function, and purpose of the worshipping event.

Second, I pray, asking for the Spirit to work through me, the worship team, and the community gathered.

Third, I discern what tools and resources I have available to meet the specific needs of the worshipping community I am preparing for.  What words will I use in worship and what are they doing? Do they build trust? Do they reflect and respect the community gathered? Do they advance the gospel? Are they sincere and truthful?

I always end each workshop with deep gratitude for anyone who is willing to take on the sacred trust and privilege of leading worship. Truly, you are not alone; together, followers of Jesus have been worshipping in community for over 2,000 years. 

There are an overwhelming number of tools and resources to help in your worship leadership, including Gathering, starting with our Worship 101 page.

Below, Susan has gathered (pun intended) some seasonal resources that may help in your worship planning!

Many blessings, and thank you for leading us in worship!

Alydia

Ready to begin planning worship?  

Here are some Gathering resources to help you get started:

Exploring the Process of Worship Planning (Pentecost 1, 2021) is available as a download on our website, provides all the basics as well as many ideas for services and alternatives to preaching a sermon. There are even ideas for those times when you might be called to lead worship with only a few minutes to prepare.

Exploring the Order of Worship (Lent-Easter 2026) gives you more background information on the structure of the worship service to support you in your prayer writing and worship planning. It is also available as a download on the website.

To search for summer resources for your worship planning, type summer in the search bar and a variety of prayers, hymns, and other worship materials will be displayed. 

If you’d like a drama or reader’s theatre for your service, go to Tools along the top of the page and select Dramas to find a variety of options. For a story sermon, type story into the search bar. A couple that might be fun to use or adapt:
•    A Creation Story (Psalm 104) 
•    The Morning After for Mary and Martha 
•    Twenty Balloons (a children’s story but really for all ages) 
•    Miriam Dancing 

Remember that our Pentecost 1 issue each year includes several pre-planned services, with a bulletin layout ready for photocopying and lots of ideas to flesh out the service. In the Pentecost 1 2026 issue (and on our website), you’ll find:
•    Celebrating Trinity 
•    Teach Us to Pray 
•    A Day at Camp (in one hour) 
•    God Is Calling 

More pre-planned services can be found by typing Bulletin and Ideas in the search bar. Here are some to get you started:
•    A Blessed Summer (a basic service to shape to your needs)
•    Songs of the Gospel (a musical service) 
•    What Did Jesus Eat? (a food-centred service) 
•    The Spirituality of Pets (most of us have stories of pets)

Please take a moment and send along your original worship ideas, prayers, and services to Gathering.  Just send them as is, and we will do the editing! Gathering works best when we share our resources and inspiration!

Your contributions make Gathering the rich resource it is, supporting worship leaders across Canada!

Many blessings for finding the rest and restoration you need this summer!

Susan