Useful links for planning worship, broadening horizons and exploring the many worlds of sung worship.
ArtServe
Founded in 2008, ArtServe promotes and supports the use of all creative arts in worship, including music, dance and drama, visual arts, and creative writing.
The organisation has grown out of (and now incorporates) the former Methodist Church Music Society. ArtServe’s services include an annual conference, a twice-yearly magazine, long service awards, the Methodist Organ Advisory Service, and a website that enables members to share ideas and experiences with others. Find out more
General Board of Discipleship (UMC)
Based in the USA, The General Board of Discipleship is the resourcing, training and consulting agency of The United Methodist Church. Its wide-ranging website offers a wealth of suggestions and support for worship, including extensive “Lectionary planning helps”, music downloads, background articles and hymn writer biographies. Find out more
Hymn Society of Great Britain & Ireland
The GB&I Hymn Society was founded in 1936 in order to encourage study and research in the field of hymnody; promote “good standards of hymn-singing”; and encourage “the discerning use of hymns in worship”
Details of events around the country (including an annual conference) – new texts – and a wealth of archived articles under the heading “80 treasures”. Find out more
Hymn Society in the United States and Canada
With an international membership (including many familiar British hymn writers), the USA/Canada Hymn Soeciety frequently sponsors “hymn searches” (competitions).
The society publishes a magazine (The Hymn), bi-annual newsletter (The Stanza) and monthly e-newsletter (The Verse). Find out more
Methodist Modern Art Collection
The Methodist Art Collection comprises over 50 works, most depciting scnes from the life and teaching of Jesus. Exhibits from the collection are regularl on display around the UK and the images have provided the basis for a number of resources for worship and personal reflection. Find out more
Methodist Publishing
Methodist Publishing is not only the place to order your copy of Singing the Faith. It is also home to a host of other books and resources designed to support the life and mission of the Church. The team can be contacted by phone 0845 017 8220 or email (orders@norwichbooksandmusic.co.uk) and the full range of resources offered by Methodist Publishing can be found online at Methodist Publishing.
Royal School of Church Music (RSCM)
The RSCM is a Christian charity that supports a world-wide network of 8,500 churches, schools and individuals. It offers training in practical skills through three core programmes (Voice for Life, Church Music Skills, and a Foundation Degree in Church Music). Members benefit from a range of other services and two publications, ‘Church Music Quarterly’ and ‘Sunday by Sunday’, the RSCM’s quarterly resource for all who plan and lead worship. Find out more
Roots
Ecumenical resources to support the planning of worship, the encouragement of day-to-day discipleship, and the nuture of chilren and young people in faith. Find out more
Spirituality of Conflict lectionary resource
Free online resource providing reflections on conflict through the lens of the Sunday Gospel readings. An ecumenical team of writers follows the three-year lectionary cycle. Sign up to receive the newsletter and don’t miss a week. Find out more
Worship Cloud
A creative resource site, supported by The Methodist Church, full of photographs, illustrations, stories, scripts, songs, paintings and prayers, everything you need for a sermon, assembly, presentation or many other uses.
The Worship Cloud is a subscription service (different levels available). Up front payment allows free downloads as and when you need them. Find out more