The song "I Said Rejoice" is a powerful anthem written by Katie Simbala, Cameron Malaki, Rachel Francis, and Steph Hord, four talented queer Christian musicians who have each experienced church hurt and rejection. This song is an expression of their journey to find God in the midst of being outcasted by the traditional church. It speaks to the joy and freedom they have discovered by realizing that they were never rejected by God, despite what others may say. Their personal experiences have shaped this uplifting and empowering song, reminding listeners that their worth and acceptance come from a higher power that cannot be taken away. "I Said Rejoice" serves as a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and finding spiritual solace in unconventional places. Learn More

Ken Medema’s CHORAL SETTING of this original text lets singers give voice to disappointments we all face in this life. If we could make our dreams come true, our world would have no pain, no injustice against the land or any living thing, and no war. How do we face the evils and injuries around us? This anthem encourages us to take up the call of charity, of courage, of shouting down the darkness—all possible when we call on God’s Spirit to infuse our journeys. Our dream world is our walk with God’s presence through this life. With music and lyrics by Ken Medema and the choral arrangement by Ken Medema and Cathy Chamblee, this very accessible S.S.A.T.T.B. anthem is supported by a lyrical flowing piano accompaniment. Useful in many different worship settings, your choir will enjoy challenging your congregation to take up the call of the Spirit in their lives. Because this anthem was composed during the pandemic, a performance recording is unavailable, but you may get to know this anthem through the free MIDI-generated recording available on this website. Learn More

• The lead sheet product includes lead sheet plus songleader's guide and congregational melody line.
• "I Am For Peace" is from Richard Bruxvoort Colligan's album, "Love Stands With."

Psalm 120 is the voice of the psalmist desperate. At one point in the psalm, the psalmist throws their head back and wails, "I am for peace but whenever I open my mouth, they are for violence!" This is a song for sidewalk, street and capital steps. The rerfain may stand alone at a protest rally or the entire song can be sung to name moments of our lives ready for serious change. Particularly adventurous communities may invent verses that hit home at the time of singing.

This song is licensed via OneLicense.net, CCLI and Worldmaking.net.

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

A beautiful song for benedictions, blessings, commissionings, and sending folks out into the world with good intentions and loving energy.

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.

This song was inspired by a story told by Rev. Traci Blackmon, a UCC clergyperson and National Church leader who was on the front lines of the clergy response to the KKK and white extremist violence in Charlottesville, VA. According to the story (which did not take place in Charlottesville), a 5 year old boy was going to say a few words in his church on Easter in front of the whole congregation. When the time came, he was too afraid to do it and refused. Eventually though he went ahead and spoke his piece. When the pastor then asked him to explain how he got rid of his fear, the little boy said, "I didn't. I just did it afraid." This brief chorus will work in many contexts, especially after the story that inspired it is told. Sometimes faith doesn't mean not being afraid--it means feeling the fear and yet doing what we're called to do anyway... Learn More

An upbeat rocking song with a catchy hook based on Psalm 58 that names systemic injustice and oppression.  This song has some guts and is a strong call for introspection and "uprooting corruption even when it serves us." 

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?

This congregational hymn is a setting of Psalm 1 using contemporary language and an upbeat feel. Learn More

This is a brand new song by composer Sherri Hansen based on the well known line from Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." Sherri has done a beautiful job of putting to music the "subtraction prayer" practice by which a word is removed from this phrase until the word "be" is all that remains before going into silence. The audio was produced and performed by well known CMP artist Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, and the still photos in the video were taken by Sherri Hansen. This simple but beautiful song is going to be used widely we're sure! Learn More

In the spirit of John Bell and Taize, here is a new 2 or 3 part round that can be sung unaccompanied or with a band and/or choir and congregation. It's a setting from The Many of the powerful words of God’s care for us in Matthew 7:7. "Ask and it shall be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened.” If you have never tried to sing a round with your congregation, this is a place to start. This is also a great song to use as a table grace, before congregational dinners or in small groups or family dinners. Learn More

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

A new song written by Emma Ceurvels and Bryan Sirchio (Emma is Bryan's daughter) based on Romans 8:28. This beautiful song proclaims the simple but powerful truth that God's Grace can bring blessing and beauty and goodness out of even the most painful chapters of our lives. This song works as a congregational song, an anthem, and eventually a choral arrangement will be provided as well. At this point the video is the only product related to this song, but a piano arrangement and lead sheet are in the works and will be posted as soon as possible. Learn More