This song is a straight ahead pledge to "honor the stories" of individuals and groups of persons who have been victimized by the abuse of power and systemic injustice. The verse is a simple pledge NOT to violate the dignity of others or to misuse one's power. The chorus is a promise to "speak only truth" and to celebrate the lives of those who have been put down and disrespected. Co-writers Bryan Sirchio and Richard Bruxvoort Colligan had the #Me Too movement in mind when this song was written, as well as the oppression and injustice committed historically against the LBGTQ community and against all marginalized individuals and groups of persons. Learn More

This song was written to go with the "Day 3" Scriptures and Themes of the 2018 "Beyond Belief" Outdoor Ministries Camp curriculum published by Chalice Press. The theme for the day is "What If We Hope?," and the Scripture is the story of a man's friends bringing a sick friend to Jesus for healing and cutting a hole in the roof in order to get through the crowd." This song is simple, accessible, but layered with meaning and will be useful in many different contexts, from Church camps and retreats to Sunday morning worship. Learn More

A simple song of blessing and benediction to send people on the road knowing that God is with us and that we're not alone as we take to the road. This one will work well with the "Day 7" "Beyond Belief" 2018 Outdoor Ministries Camp Curriculum theme, "What If We Go Beyond?" The title and lyric was inspired in part by author Anne Lammot's book "Traveling Mercies." Learn More

A simple song written initially to go with a camp curriculum and with the Emmaus Road road story from Luke 24:13-35. Easy to play and accessible to all ages. Learn More

This song was written specifically to match the "Day 5" Scripture and Theme of the 2018 "Beyond Belief" Outdoor Ministries Camp curriculum published by Chalice Press. The Scripture is the amazing encounter of Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman in Mark 7:24-30, and the theme for the day is "What If We Speak Up?" Sometimes speaking up is hard and requires courage and strength to "find our voices." This song is a prayer for that courage and grace and the ability to know when it's time to speak up. Learn More

This song is based on the life and teachings of Mother Teresa. When living with her order in Calcutta, India Mother Teresa would end each morning's time of worship by saying to her sisters, "Today let us do something beautiful for God." The song includes as many key teachings and insights that motivated Mother Teresa's work, such as "do something small where you are with what you've got." This song works great in congregational worship and can be done either with just piano or guitar or with a worship band. Learn More

This song was written by Pastor Bryan Sirchio with some input from members and friends of the congregation he serves--McFarland UCC in McFarland, WI. The song is part of the "Not In Our Name" campaign that McFarland UCC has initiated to express its opposition to the separation of immigrant children from their families at U.S. borders. This song is not yet available in Mp3 form, but here is a link to a video of members and friends of McFarland UCC singing this song during a worship service on August 18, 2019. If you agree with the message of this song, please share this video in any social media forums to which you have access. https://www.facebook.com/NION.US/videos/1253920748148145/ The lead sheet, congregational bulletin insert, and piano arrangement for this song are available here on the CMP site at no charge. We encourage you to sing the song in your own communities. The "Not In Our Name" (N.I.O.N.) campaign's materials are available on the campaign's Facebook page. Search for "Not In Our Name" in your Facebook search bar and you will find the page. There is a petition that you can sign, and bracelets and T-shirts for sale. Proceeds from sales of these items and donations to the campaign will be used to support organizations that are monitoring human rights conditions in detention centers and/or doing the tedious leg work to help separated family members to find each other. Learn More

Many congregations consider themselves to be "welcoming," and that's fantastic.  But it's time to be MORE than just welcoming.  This song goes beyond welcome to the call for joyful and full participation in the community of faith. 

"More Than Welcome Here" was inspired in part by a quote that Bryan Sirchio saw tweeted...something like "Welcome is being included.  Belonging is being missed when you're not there." 

Note:  This song is available exclusively here on the CMP site!