Six Portage la Prairie churches came together Sunday evening at the Glesby Centre for a community worship night, aimed at promoting unity among congregations in the central Manitoba city. Organized by Bhryden Doherty and the Portage la Prairie Worship Collective, the event featured approximately 90 minutes of music, prayer, and fellowship. “Six churches came together—different congregations and leadership—for one night of worship and unity,” Doherty said ahead of the event. “It was a community gathering to worship God.” The worship team was composed of members from across the participating churches, with various individuals rotating through roles such as leading music and ushering. “We formed a local worship team made up of different churches in Portage la Prairie,” Doherty explained. “There were leaders for music, ushering and other aspects of the evening, all drawn from the community.” Building on past success Sunday's event followed a successful outdoor worship night held in September at the Funland Family Day Festival, which drew about 500 attendees. “This was our second one,” Doherty noted. “We’re now shifting to indoor venues for the winter months, and we're planning to hold these approximately every two months going forward.” Feedback from the initial event was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing appreciation for the collective spirit and the quality of worship leadership. “Most of the people who led the first event said they were really impressed with how the team came together and led people in worship,” said Doherty. Emphasis on unity While the lineup of musicians may change from event to event, the collective’s focus remains on collaboration rather than spotlighting individuals. “Our goal isn’t to promote prominent faces,” said Doherty. “It’s about the unity of the churches in Portage, and choosing skilled musicians to help reinforce that message.” A fresh approach to a familiar tradition Citywide worship nights have taken place in Portage before, but Doherty said this marks the first time a coordinated and ongoing effort has been launched. “This is the first year we’ve taken an organized approach,” he said. “In the past, we’d bring in different bands or host a single night here or there. Now, we’re building something consistent with local leadership.” Music for all generations The worship music was designed to appeal to a wide age range, blending hymns with contemporary worship to create an inclusive experience. “There was a bit of everything,” Doherty said. “We included hymns for those who love them, and more modern worship songs for younger attendees. We want the elderly to come and mentor the youth—and the youth to bring the fire for Christ.” Next steps The next worship night is scheduled for November 2 at the Glesby Centre. Future dates include January 11, March 15, and May 3, all starting at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. Events remain free to attend, with coffee, tea, and light snacks available by donation. Doherty said the ultimate goal is to foster spiritual growth and bring churches together in a shared mission. “The more churches that participate, the more impact we’ll have,” he said. “Our hope is to ignite something in the hearts of believers—and for that light to spread throughout Portage la Prairie.” Churches involved in the Worship Collective: Portage First Baptist Portage Evangelical Prairie Alliance Prairie Vineyard Jesus Reigns Ministries (JRM Filipino Christian Church) Rock Christian Assembly Community Fellowship Church (Newton)