Year-End Service Ideas: How to Plan Your Church's Last Sunday of the Year
Year-end worship service ideas, a sample order of service, Scripture readings and tips for leading a year-end offering.
The last Sunday of the year is one of the most meaningful services on your calendar. People are tired from the holidays, many are traveling, and some are carrying a hard year into a new one. It's the right moment to look back at God's faithfulness, give thanks together and look ahead with hope.
In 2026, Christmas falls on a Friday, so the last Sunday of the year is December 27, and New Year's Eve follows on Thursday. If your church gathers on December 31, see our New Year's Eve church service ideas.
Below are eight year-end service ideas, a sample order of service, Scripture readings and tips for leading a year-end offering.
8 Year-End Service Ideas
1. Share Stories of God's Faithfulness
Invite two or three people to share a two-minute story of what God did in their lives this year. Connect it to Samuel's stone of remembrance: “He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us’” (1 Samuel 7:12). Some churches hand out small stones or cards so people can write their own “Ebenezer” and leave it at the front.
2. Show a Year-in-Review Video
A three- to four-minute video of photos from baptisms, outreach, kids ministry and mission trips helps people see the whole year at once. End it with one slide that points to the year ahead.
3. Create a Gratitude Wall
Put cards in the seats or the lobby that ask, “What has God done for you this year?” Read a few aloud during the service, display the rest on a wall, and share photos online with permission.
4. Remember Those You've Lost
Read the names of members who died this year, light a candle for each, and pray for their families. Contact families ahead of time, and keep the moment brief and hopeful.
5. Celebrate Communion
Communion at the turn of the year is a reminder that God's mercy carries us from one year into the next: “Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
6. Lead a Covenant Renewal Prayer
Many churches, especially in the Methodist tradition, pray John Wesley's Covenant Prayer at the start of a new year. Whatever prayer you use, give people a quiet moment to recommit their lives to Jesus for the year ahead.
7. Cast Vision for the Year Ahead
Take five minutes to share two or three priorities for 2027 and how people can be part of them. Keep it hopeful and concrete.
8. Send People Out with a Blessing
Close by speaking the priestly blessing over your congregation: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24–26).
Sample Year-End Order of Service
This sample runs about 70 minutes:
- Welcome and call to worship, Psalm 126:3 (3 minutes)
- Worship (15 minutes)
- Year-in-review video (4 minutes)
- Stories of God's faithfulness (8 minutes)
- Scripture reading, Lamentations 3:22–23 (2 minutes)
- Message, such as Psalm 90:12 or Philippians 3:13–14 (20 minutes)
- Communion (8 minutes)
- Year-end offering and thank you (5 minutes)
- Vision for the year ahead (3 minutes)
- Benediction, Numbers 6:24–26 (2 minutes)
Scripture Readings for a Year-End Service
- 1 Samuel 7:12: He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”
- Psalm 90:12: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
- Psalm 103:2: Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
- Psalm 126:3: The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
- Isaiah 43:18–19: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
- Lamentations 3:22–23: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
- Philippians 3:13–14: But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
- Numbers 6:24–26: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
How to Lead a Year-End Offering
For many churches, the last Sunday of December brings one of the biggest offerings of the year. How you lead that moment matters.
1. Make It Easy to Give
Almost everyone in the room has a phone. Lead with online giving and the mobile app, put a QR code on screen, and keep envelopes available for people who prefer them.
2. Cast a Vision
Tell people what their gifts make possible in the year ahead. The offering only takes a few minutes, but it's one of the clearest moments to connect giving to mission.
3. Use Scripture
Read a verse before you give, such as “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). For more, see these Bible verses about money.
4. Share a Story
Ask someone to take two or three minutes to share what giving has meant for them and their family. Most of your congregation never sees how their gifts are used.
5. Slow Down for the Giving Moment
Don't rush. Try something like, “Hey, church. I want you to focus for a moment. We're going to get ready to give.” Then thank God for your people and ask him to bless them.
6. Say Thank You
Thank everyone who gives, in person, online or by phone. For ideas, see how to say thank you to your year-end donors.
7. Give Your Visitors a Pass
Holiday guests shouldn't feel pressure to give. Try saying, “If this isn't your church or you're just visiting, we don't want you to feel any pressure to give. You're welcome to give here or at your local church as you feel led.”
Planning a full campaign, not just one Sunday? See our year-end giving campaign ideas for churches and how to talk about year-end giving without it feeling awkward.
More Year-End Resources
Sign Up for Product Updates
Dean Sweetman is the co-founder and CEO of Tithe.ly. Before launching Tithe.ly, Dean was involved in ministry for more than 30 years. During this time, he planted over 50 churches and raised millions of dollars to spread the gospel, equip leaders, and see lives transformed by Jesus. When Dean is not encouraging his team and helping churches grow, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family.
The last Sunday of the year is one of the most meaningful services on your calendar. People are tired from the holidays, many are traveling, and some are carrying a hard year into a new one. It's the right moment to look back at God's faithfulness, give thanks together and look ahead with hope.
In 2026, Christmas falls on a Friday, so the last Sunday of the year is December 27, and New Year's Eve follows on Thursday. If your church gathers on December 31, see our New Year's Eve church service ideas.
Below are eight year-end service ideas, a sample order of service, Scripture readings and tips for leading a year-end offering.
8 Year-End Service Ideas
1. Share Stories of God's Faithfulness
Invite two or three people to share a two-minute story of what God did in their lives this year. Connect it to Samuel's stone of remembrance: “He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us’” (1 Samuel 7:12). Some churches hand out small stones or cards so people can write their own “Ebenezer” and leave it at the front.
2. Show a Year-in-Review Video
A three- to four-minute video of photos from baptisms, outreach, kids ministry and mission trips helps people see the whole year at once. End it with one slide that points to the year ahead.
3. Create a Gratitude Wall
Put cards in the seats or the lobby that ask, “What has God done for you this year?” Read a few aloud during the service, display the rest on a wall, and share photos online with permission.
4. Remember Those You've Lost
Read the names of members who died this year, light a candle for each, and pray for their families. Contact families ahead of time, and keep the moment brief and hopeful.
5. Celebrate Communion
Communion at the turn of the year is a reminder that God's mercy carries us from one year into the next: “Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
6. Lead a Covenant Renewal Prayer
Many churches, especially in the Methodist tradition, pray John Wesley's Covenant Prayer at the start of a new year. Whatever prayer you use, give people a quiet moment to recommit their lives to Jesus for the year ahead.
7. Cast Vision for the Year Ahead
Take five minutes to share two or three priorities for 2027 and how people can be part of them. Keep it hopeful and concrete.
8. Send People Out with a Blessing
Close by speaking the priestly blessing over your congregation: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24–26).
Sample Year-End Order of Service
This sample runs about 70 minutes:
- Welcome and call to worship, Psalm 126:3 (3 minutes)
- Worship (15 minutes)
- Year-in-review video (4 minutes)
- Stories of God's faithfulness (8 minutes)
- Scripture reading, Lamentations 3:22–23 (2 minutes)
- Message, such as Psalm 90:12 or Philippians 3:13–14 (20 minutes)
- Communion (8 minutes)
- Year-end offering and thank you (5 minutes)
- Vision for the year ahead (3 minutes)
- Benediction, Numbers 6:24–26 (2 minutes)
Scripture Readings for a Year-End Service
- 1 Samuel 7:12: He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”
- Psalm 90:12: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
- Psalm 103:2: Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
- Psalm 126:3: The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
- Isaiah 43:18–19: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
- Lamentations 3:22–23: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
- Philippians 3:13–14: But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
- Numbers 6:24–26: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
How to Lead a Year-End Offering
For many churches, the last Sunday of December brings one of the biggest offerings of the year. How you lead that moment matters.
1. Make It Easy to Give
Almost everyone in the room has a phone. Lead with online giving and the mobile app, put a QR code on screen, and keep envelopes available for people who prefer them.
2. Cast a Vision
Tell people what their gifts make possible in the year ahead. The offering only takes a few minutes, but it's one of the clearest moments to connect giving to mission.
3. Use Scripture
Read a verse before you give, such as “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). For more, see these Bible verses about money.
4. Share a Story
Ask someone to take two or three minutes to share what giving has meant for them and their family. Most of your congregation never sees how their gifts are used.
5. Slow Down for the Giving Moment
Don't rush. Try something like, “Hey, church. I want you to focus for a moment. We're going to get ready to give.” Then thank God for your people and ask him to bless them.
6. Say Thank You
Thank everyone who gives, in person, online or by phone. For ideas, see how to say thank you to your year-end donors.
7. Give Your Visitors a Pass
Holiday guests shouldn't feel pressure to give. Try saying, “If this isn't your church or you're just visiting, we don't want you to feel any pressure to give. You're welcome to give here or at your local church as you feel led.”
Planning a full campaign, not just one Sunday? See our year-end giving campaign ideas for churches and how to talk about year-end giving without it feeling awkward.
More Year-End Resources
podcast transcript
Dean Sweetman is the co-founder and CEO of Tithe.ly. Before launching Tithe.ly, Dean was involved in ministry for more than 30 years. During this time, he planted over 50 churches and raised millions of dollars to spread the gospel, equip leaders, and see lives transformed by Jesus. When Dean is not encouraging his team and helping churches grow, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family.
The last Sunday of the year is one of the most meaningful services on your calendar. People are tired from the holidays, many are traveling, and some are carrying a hard year into a new one. It's the right moment to look back at God's faithfulness, give thanks together and look ahead with hope.
In 2026, Christmas falls on a Friday, so the last Sunday of the year is December 27, and New Year's Eve follows on Thursday. If your church gathers on December 31, see our New Year's Eve church service ideas.
Below are eight year-end service ideas, a sample order of service, Scripture readings and tips for leading a year-end offering.
8 Year-End Service Ideas
1. Share Stories of God's Faithfulness
Invite two or three people to share a two-minute story of what God did in their lives this year. Connect it to Samuel's stone of remembrance: “He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us’” (1 Samuel 7:12). Some churches hand out small stones or cards so people can write their own “Ebenezer” and leave it at the front.
2. Show a Year-in-Review Video
A three- to four-minute video of photos from baptisms, outreach, kids ministry and mission trips helps people see the whole year at once. End it with one slide that points to the year ahead.
3. Create a Gratitude Wall
Put cards in the seats or the lobby that ask, “What has God done for you this year?” Read a few aloud during the service, display the rest on a wall, and share photos online with permission.
4. Remember Those You've Lost
Read the names of members who died this year, light a candle for each, and pray for their families. Contact families ahead of time, and keep the moment brief and hopeful.
5. Celebrate Communion
Communion at the turn of the year is a reminder that God's mercy carries us from one year into the next: “Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
6. Lead a Covenant Renewal Prayer
Many churches, especially in the Methodist tradition, pray John Wesley's Covenant Prayer at the start of a new year. Whatever prayer you use, give people a quiet moment to recommit their lives to Jesus for the year ahead.
7. Cast Vision for the Year Ahead
Take five minutes to share two or three priorities for 2027 and how people can be part of them. Keep it hopeful and concrete.
8. Send People Out with a Blessing
Close by speaking the priestly blessing over your congregation: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24–26).
Sample Year-End Order of Service
This sample runs about 70 minutes:
- Welcome and call to worship, Psalm 126:3 (3 minutes)
- Worship (15 minutes)
- Year-in-review video (4 minutes)
- Stories of God's faithfulness (8 minutes)
- Scripture reading, Lamentations 3:22–23 (2 minutes)
- Message, such as Psalm 90:12 or Philippians 3:13–14 (20 minutes)
- Communion (8 minutes)
- Year-end offering and thank you (5 minutes)
- Vision for the year ahead (3 minutes)
- Benediction, Numbers 6:24–26 (2 minutes)
Scripture Readings for a Year-End Service
- 1 Samuel 7:12: He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”
- Psalm 90:12: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
- Psalm 103:2: Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
- Psalm 126:3: The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
- Isaiah 43:18–19: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
- Lamentations 3:22–23: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
- Philippians 3:13–14: But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
- Numbers 6:24–26: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
How to Lead a Year-End Offering
For many churches, the last Sunday of December brings one of the biggest offerings of the year. How you lead that moment matters.
1. Make It Easy to Give
Almost everyone in the room has a phone. Lead with online giving and the mobile app, put a QR code on screen, and keep envelopes available for people who prefer them.
2. Cast a Vision
Tell people what their gifts make possible in the year ahead. The offering only takes a few minutes, but it's one of the clearest moments to connect giving to mission.
3. Use Scripture
Read a verse before you give, such as “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). For more, see these Bible verses about money.
4. Share a Story
Ask someone to take two or three minutes to share what giving has meant for them and their family. Most of your congregation never sees how their gifts are used.
5. Slow Down for the Giving Moment
Don't rush. Try something like, “Hey, church. I want you to focus for a moment. We're going to get ready to give.” Then thank God for your people and ask him to bless them.
6. Say Thank You
Thank everyone who gives, in person, online or by phone. For ideas, see how to say thank you to your year-end donors.
7. Give Your Visitors a Pass
Holiday guests shouldn't feel pressure to give. Try saying, “If this isn't your church or you're just visiting, we don't want you to feel any pressure to give. You're welcome to give here or at your local church as you feel led.”
Planning a full campaign, not just one Sunday? See our year-end giving campaign ideas for churches and how to talk about year-end giving without it feeling awkward.
More Year-End Resources
VIDEO transcript
The last Sunday of the year is one of the most meaningful services on your calendar. People are tired from the holidays, many are traveling, and some are carrying a hard year into a new one. It's the right moment to look back at God's faithfulness, give thanks together and look ahead with hope.
In 2026, Christmas falls on a Friday, so the last Sunday of the year is December 27, and New Year's Eve follows on Thursday. If your church gathers on December 31, see our New Year's Eve church service ideas.
Below are eight year-end service ideas, a sample order of service, Scripture readings and tips for leading a year-end offering.
8 Year-End Service Ideas
1. Share Stories of God's Faithfulness
Invite two or three people to share a two-minute story of what God did in their lives this year. Connect it to Samuel's stone of remembrance: “He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us’” (1 Samuel 7:12). Some churches hand out small stones or cards so people can write their own “Ebenezer” and leave it at the front.
2. Show a Year-in-Review Video
A three- to four-minute video of photos from baptisms, outreach, kids ministry and mission trips helps people see the whole year at once. End it with one slide that points to the year ahead.
3. Create a Gratitude Wall
Put cards in the seats or the lobby that ask, “What has God done for you this year?” Read a few aloud during the service, display the rest on a wall, and share photos online with permission.
4. Remember Those You've Lost
Read the names of members who died this year, light a candle for each, and pray for their families. Contact families ahead of time, and keep the moment brief and hopeful.
5. Celebrate Communion
Communion at the turn of the year is a reminder that God's mercy carries us from one year into the next: “Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
6. Lead a Covenant Renewal Prayer
Many churches, especially in the Methodist tradition, pray John Wesley's Covenant Prayer at the start of a new year. Whatever prayer you use, give people a quiet moment to recommit their lives to Jesus for the year ahead.
7. Cast Vision for the Year Ahead
Take five minutes to share two or three priorities for 2027 and how people can be part of them. Keep it hopeful and concrete.
8. Send People Out with a Blessing
Close by speaking the priestly blessing over your congregation: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24–26).
Sample Year-End Order of Service
This sample runs about 70 minutes:
- Welcome and call to worship, Psalm 126:3 (3 minutes)
- Worship (15 minutes)
- Year-in-review video (4 minutes)
- Stories of God's faithfulness (8 minutes)
- Scripture reading, Lamentations 3:22–23 (2 minutes)
- Message, such as Psalm 90:12 or Philippians 3:13–14 (20 minutes)
- Communion (8 minutes)
- Year-end offering and thank you (5 minutes)
- Vision for the year ahead (3 minutes)
- Benediction, Numbers 6:24–26 (2 minutes)
Scripture Readings for a Year-End Service
- 1 Samuel 7:12: He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”
- Psalm 90:12: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
- Psalm 103:2: Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
- Psalm 126:3: The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
- Isaiah 43:18–19: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
- Lamentations 3:22–23: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
- Philippians 3:13–14: But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
- Numbers 6:24–26: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
How to Lead a Year-End Offering
For many churches, the last Sunday of December brings one of the biggest offerings of the year. How you lead that moment matters.
1. Make It Easy to Give
Almost everyone in the room has a phone. Lead with online giving and the mobile app, put a QR code on screen, and keep envelopes available for people who prefer them.
2. Cast a Vision
Tell people what their gifts make possible in the year ahead. The offering only takes a few minutes, but it's one of the clearest moments to connect giving to mission.
3. Use Scripture
Read a verse before you give, such as “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). For more, see these Bible verses about money.
4. Share a Story
Ask someone to take two or three minutes to share what giving has meant for them and their family. Most of your congregation never sees how their gifts are used.
5. Slow Down for the Giving Moment
Don't rush. Try something like, “Hey, church. I want you to focus for a moment. We're going to get ready to give.” Then thank God for your people and ask him to bless them.
6. Say Thank You
Thank everyone who gives, in person, online or by phone. For ideas, see how to say thank you to your year-end donors.
7. Give Your Visitors a Pass
Holiday guests shouldn't feel pressure to give. Try saying, “If this isn't your church or you're just visiting, we don't want you to feel any pressure to give. You're welcome to give here or at your local church as you feel led.”
Planning a full campaign, not just one Sunday? See our year-end giving campaign ideas for churches and how to talk about year-end giving without it feeling awkward.
More Year-End Resources
Sign Up for Product Updates
Dean Sweetman is the co-founder and CEO of Tithe.ly. Before launching Tithe.ly, Dean was involved in ministry for more than 30 years. During this time, he planted over 50 churches and raised millions of dollars to spread the gospel, equip leaders, and see lives transformed by Jesus. When Dean is not encouraging his team and helping churches grow, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family.
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