Worship by the Water: Atwood’s Growing Summer Tradition Continues to Inspire

Ben Fuller performs at 2025 Worship by the Water in Atwood, KS

Atwood’s beloved Worship by the Water event has become one of Northwest Kansas’ most uplifting summer traditions—and according to organizer Orrin Holle, it’s only getting bigger.

Holle visited with Kristina from NWKS Radio to talk about the incredible growth of the event, how it all began, and the fundraising efforts now underway to keep this family-friendly, faith-filled concert free for everyone.

A Calling That Sparked a Community Event

Worship by the Water began about five years ago when Holle felt called to bring more Christian music opportunities to western Kansas. With a beautiful lakeside venue in Atwood and a vision for a family-friendly gathering, the idea quickly took shape.

Holle connected with Christian artist Ben Fuller during a concert in Colby and built a friendship that helped launch the very first Worship by the Water. Fuller has returned several times, helping the event grow into a major regional draw.

Attendance Soars to New Heights

Worship by the Water 2025 Atwood, KS

The first year brought in around 300 attendees, but this year the event more than doubled previously recorded numbers.

“We estimate close to 1,500 people this year, which is huge for a town of 1,200–1,500,” Holle said. “It was just a beautiful night. You couldn’t have drawn it up any better.”

The 2025 concert featured food trucks, vendors, and plenty of space around the lake for families to relax and enjoy an evening of worship.

A Free Event With Local Support

Keeping the event free is a core mission, but it requires significant fundraising.

Early on, free-will donations covered the expenses. Today, support also comes from community foundations. Atwood Second Century and the ACE Foundation have both provided grant assistance.

This year, Brown’s True Value—through board member Lori Colgan—stepped up in a major way by offering a $5,000 matching donation. Every dollar contributed by the public—up to $5,000—will be matched to help fund next year’s worship event.

And costs are rising quickly.

“Ben was $10,000 to bring in last year,” Holle said. “Now he’s at $25,000. Everything goes up—meals, hotel rooms, transportation—so every bit helps.”

Worship by the Water is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donated funds stay within the organization to support future events.

Worship by the Water 2025 Atwood, KS

How to Donate or Get Involved

Anyone wishing to donate to the matching fund or support the 2026 event can do so in several ways:

• Scan the QR code on the Worship by the Water Facebook page

• Visit their website (search “Worship by the Water Atwood Kansas”)

• Drop off donations at Farmers Bank & Trust in Atwood or Colby• Contact any board member through the website

Holle shared that those who want to volunteer or get involved may also reach out directly. Board members include:

• Angie Gaede, Farmers Bank & Trust

• Lori Colgan, Brown’s True Value

• Dr. Nathan Schmidt, Goodland Dental Arts

• Albert Pope, SharePoint

• Orrin Holle

• Tasha Cavanee

  
  

Holle can also be reached at 785-626-0081.

Planning Already Underway for 2026

Even though next year’s concert feels far away, the planning begins right away.

“We started planning for 2026 the day after we wrapped up 2025,” Holle said. “That’s just the cycle.”

The tentative date is August 15, 2026, though it may shift based on artist schedules. Past performers like Hannah Kerr may return, and Holle said they are working hard to book strong Christian artists for another memorable night of worship.

Worship by the Water has become a cherished summer highlight for families across Northwest Kansas—an evening of music, community, and praise by the lake. And with strong local support, the event is set to continue blessing the region for years to come.

For more information, updates, or donation links, follow Worship by the Water – Atwood, Kansas on Facebook.