Worship Notes/What's Going On: Meet Our Worship Intern - Taryn DeHaan - September 16, 2026
A few months ago, I was talking to my pastor-friend Cara about worship songs and lyrics, as we are prone to do as pastoral-worship-musicians. She mentioned that her daughter, Taryn, was taking a Music/Worship Leadership course at Redeemer University and had been discussing these things with her as well. I did not know that her daughter was taking music courses, but it turns out she had just claimed music as her minor. I immediately wondered if Taryn would want to work with me as a music intern; honestly, it was a long shot, and not something I had been intentionally looking for. But I asked Taryn and she said yes!
As you know, I am no longer young and so it does cross my mind that one day I won’t be doing this work anymore, and I often wonder if there are other folks out there who do this work that I have done for the past 30 years. Are there younger folks who are interested in doing the work of worship ministry? Taryn is absolutely not committing to being a Worship Director “when she grows up” (she’s actually a Math major and researcher), but I believe she and I will be able to grow together in this relationship as she learns, and I coach. Her musical gifts will strengthen our worship here, and I will learn (again) how to coach and teach someone in worship planning and leadership. It’s a win-win!
We committed to five hours of paid worship work per week for Taryn as a Worship Intern with me. After speaking more with her professors, Taryn was able to make it a “proper” internship with Redeemer University allowing her to get a credit for it as well, with 120 hours for the semester. So, we’re adding on other un-paid administration/ministry opportunities for her to help in other areas with Pastor Kristy, Pastor Erick, Alice or Karin, to complete her hours. I am so excited to be working with Taryn this semester. You will have the opportunity to meet her this Sunday, September 20th. Please join me in welcoming Taryn!
FALL PLAYLIST on Deep Hope
This playlist is once again a collection of songs that we will learn for our sermon series on “Deep Hope” and other familiar and newer songs less connected to the themes. There are some powerful songs here about the kingdom and love and unity. Two new songs that I’m excited about are “He is Making All things Right” (theme song) and “You Keep Hope Alive” (thanks to David VK for that suggestion). Some are not directly related to the theme, yet they will shape us as we worship at home – a beautiful arrangement of “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” and a song called “Morning by Morning” that leans into the lyrics of Great is thy faithfulness.
This Sunday we will sing some new lyrics to a very familiar hymn-tune, called “We Seek Your Kingdom.” And then there are songs that I love to repeat for us so we could sing them in worship at any time: “Trinity Song” by Sandra McCracken, and “Love will Never Fail” by Porter’s Gate. I always hope and pray that there is at least one song that draws you towards God and reminds you of his presence or reminds you of the beauty of the combination of music and lyrics in such a way that you are moved – moved to silence, or moved to action, or moved to praise. May it be so.
Peace,
Ruth Ann
Worship Director
Spotify Deep Hope Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4jIAX46e2OYtAbACzigpZ3?si=8131363df5544e10
YouTube Deep Hope Playlist:
(22) Deep Hope - Fall 2026 - YouTube
