A wonderful new song based on the "Taste and See" text from Psalm 34.  This is widely used as an invitation to the Table and a song to sing during Holy Communion.
 

This 4 part a capella arrangement holds a unique and much needed message--that there are gifts and truths given in the "dark." In addition to this being a powerful message in and of itself--that there is beauty and power and deep Truth to be experienced in the dark moments and realities of life (literally and metaphorically), there is also power in challenging the implicit racist implications in assuming that "light is good" and "dark is bad." This song could be a congregational song and/or a choral anthem. It could also be a piece to use on "Good Friday" during Holy Week. Lots of potential uses for this provocative chorus. Learn More

A driving acoustic guitar song that proclaims the simple Truth that all beauty and goodness comes from and points back to the Divine. A nice open tuning sound on the guitar, but the song can be done very simply in standard tuning as well. Easy to learn, fun to sing, and congregations could easily add their own verses to this one. Learn More

A hymn exploring the mystery of God and how we name this Mystery. Learn More

Brian McLaren is known widely for his many books and his signficant role as one of the pioneers and theological framers of the "Emerging Church" movement.  But music and songwriting in particular has also been a passion of Brian's for many years.  Brian took a travel sabbatical for the first part of 2016 during which he composed a number of new songs for worship.  Many of these new songs of his will soon be available primarily if not exclusively through CMP!

No one is more humble and self-deprecating when it comes to his own playing and singing than Brian, so cut him some slack if his "Garage Band" demos aren't flawless.  We or others may redo some of these songs in a more studio polished format, but we want to begin sharing his new songs with the Church right away.  Few songwriters hit the lyrical heart and essence of what CMP is all about any more deeply and consistently than Brian.

"Spirit Running" is a fun, joyful, upbeat song proclaiming the call to do justice and to care for and honor the earth.  Enjoy!

This gorgeous chorus from Christopher Grundy is a poetic invitation to sing the soul's deepest yearnings and longings for union with the Divine.  We have a feeling this one's going to be used widely.  It could be done in a variety of styles and tempos and used both in worship contexts and beyond (another potential great camp song).

A community song celebrating God whose spirit pervades creation. Resonates with 'This We Affirm' Affirmation #3 Learn More

Many of us struggle with how to name God. So many of our old names and metaphors feel used up, small, and polluted with toxic associations. Yet if we give up on speaking to and about God, there are other terrible losses. This song grew out of that struggle and is an attempt to maintain a heart of hungry, thirsty openness to the Mystery who transcends all of our words and concepts. The song was written by Brian McLaren (brianmclaren.net) and this recording is by Fran McKendree, a gifted singer/songwriter you can learn more about here: https://franmckendree.com/ Learn More

Sherry Cothran is an ordained United Methodist Pastor and singer/songwriter who enjoyed critical success a while back with a band called The Envirudes.   This one's less for group singing and more just for reflection and inspiration.  Enjoy her beautiful vocals and the lovely imagery of her lyrics...