Amahoro” is a word from the Kirundi language, spoken in Burundi as well as adjacent parts of Tanzania, Uganda and the D.R. Congo. It is a common greeting meaning “peace” and is used in this song as a prayer and blessing that could be translated, “Let peace flow between us!”  Composer Tracy Howe Wispelwey is committed to composing songs that honor and draw from cultural traditions and communities that have been historically marginalized.  Congregations that love to sing songs like "We Are Marching In The Light of God"  (Siyaham' ekukhanyen' kwenkhos') will jump right on this one!

From singer/songwriter Tracy Howe: "Based on Isaiah 60, this is an upbeat gathering song declaring the promises of God that God's love brings God's people together." Learn More

"As We Gather, Draw Us Nearer" marries the traditional hymn melody Beach Spring with vibrant images of nature, family, communion and belonging. This text explains holiness in a fresh, new way. It's a CMP staff favorite! Lyric video for this is coming soon! Learn More

This is a brand new song written specifically to go with the Day 1 Scripture and Themes of the 2018 "Beyond Belief" Outdoor Ministries Camp Curriculum published by Chalice Press. Based on Psalm 139 and the theme, "What If I Belong?"--this is easy to learn and sing and will be useful in many contexts, including Sunday morning worship services. Learn More

“See the glory of Creator in the wonders of creation! See the glory of our Savior in the lives that Love makes new! See the glory of God present in the power of Love awakened! We are called to be God’s glory in everything we think and say and do!” These lively, compelling lyrics by Terry W. York and Ken Medema with music by Ken Medema are a call to service based on gratitude for all the love and merciful provisions God grants us in this life. Originally composed for the Alleluia Conference at Baylor University in July 2019, this new choral arrangement by Ken Medema and Cathy Chamblee features choir, piano, organ, cello, and rhythm section with an opportunity for the congregation to join in on the chorus. Suitable for a variety of worship settings, this piece is sure to become a favorite for your congregation! Because of the pandemic, a performance recording is not available for this anthem, but you can acquaint yourself with the piece through the free MIDI-generated recording available on this website. Learn More

Composer and UCC pastor James F.D. Martin (or "Jim" to most of his friends and colleagues) writes very catchy, easy to learn, upbeat and meaningful songs for worship.  Several of his songs are in the UCC's supplemental contemporary hymnal, "Sing!  Prayer and Praise!" and we are delighted to be sharing his music here at CMP.  

This one has a Latin feel and could be done in a number of different ways.  Jimmy Buffet worship anyone?

"Come As You Are” is from the album, Love > Fear, from The Many. It's a reflection on the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” The song is an invitation to all of us into God's loving embrace. We can come with our faith and with our doubt; we are welcomed with hopes and with fears. We can come deeply weary and wounded and carrying loads of baggage and God promises to never turn us away. We come as we are and are loved as we are. No small print. No exceptions. Learn More

This song is vintage Christopher Grundy and really deserves to be used more widely.  Great invitation, call to worship, prayer, or "short song or response" based on Jesus' invitation to come and find rest in Matthew 11:28.

A rousing opener, welcoming the faith community to a sense of God’s joyful presence and the security of feeling loved and valued. Easy to sing, with a lively Latin feel. A favorite of many. Learn More

This song was originally written as a theme song for a retreat that took place during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend and that focused on the life and witness of Dr. King.  It underscores the fact that Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech was rooted in his understanding of the Dream of God.  In addition to working well in the context of worship and in several different liturgical moments in worship services, this song is also often used as a theme for church renewal programs, stewardship campaigns, and as music for videos dealing with issues such as hunger, racism, compassion for the poor, and social justice in a broad sense.

A grateful song for Holy Communion. Learn More

This is a very singable and easy to learn chorus by Troy Hatfield, one of the musical leaders of Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, MI.  The lyric is a beautiful reminder of Psalm 46:12 which tell us that because God is with us--especially in the midst of trouble--we do not need to be afraid. 

Fear--it's being thrown at us and sold to us and used to manipuate and control folks in so many ways.  We all have our own personal fears as well.  We hope and pray that little choruses like this will help us respond to fear with Spirit-centered love and strength and freedom.

Note:  The audio for this song is a simple live demo at this point.  Troy is finishing up a more produced studio version and we will use that as soon as it is available.  If you purchase this simple demo and want the studio version when it comes out please just let us know.  Also, the song was initially called, "For He Is Here."  Troy was very open to the suggestion that other pronouns and images for God be used so that the song is not exclusively using a masculine image for the Divine.  You'll see our suggestions (God, He, She)  on the lyric pages and sheet music, but the audio here only uses the original male pronoun.  Please "hear" beyond that and imagine repeating the song using "God" for the first verse, "He" for the second, and "She" for the third.

This simple but catchy chorus is based on the famous quote from Esther 4:14. This could be used as a stand alone chorus, a "short song" liturgical phrase in the context of a responsive prayer, or even on the street when protesting injustice. Learn More

Ken Medema takes the familiar Ebenezer hymn tune and sets his original lyrics as a call to worship for many kinds of believers--those who are joyful, those who are broken, those without answers, and those who stand firm in faith. He reminds us that God asks us to gather in worship with our fears and our masks left at the door. Ken has created new music to lead us into each new verse. The hymn culminates in a prayer from the gathered for the journey ahead. This setting is highly suitable for congregational singing. Learn More