Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

  1. Again And Again
    By: The Many

    This brand new song from The Many is such a gift to us all right now. The song acknowledges some of the heartbreaking realities of injustice and cruelty that confront us, such as the separation of families at U.S. borders. The lyrics validate our sorrow and frustration with the fact that even though we pray and work for justice, we humans keep losing our way and causing each other so much unnecessary pain. But as always, The Many reminds us that God is with us and sustaining us and leading us in the midst of heartache and loss. In other words, God comes to us--"again and again"-- in the middle of our brokenness and bewilderment, and gives us courage and strength to keep living, loving, and working for change. There is a great video available for this song that is perfect for virtual worship! CCLI #716829 Learn More

  2. Arise
    By: Tracy Howe

    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

  3. Belong To You
    By: Bryan Sirchio

    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

  4. Blessing of St. Clare
    By: Lacey Brown
    By: Poor Clare

    A very interesting combination of a contemporary sound with a very old benediction/blessing attributed to St. Clare. The lyric reminds us that "there is no fear in love." Learn More

  5. Do It Afraid
    By: Bryan Sirchio

    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

  6. Do Not Fear
    By: The Many

    “Do Not Fear” is a song of God’s love from Lenora and Hannah Rand, as recorded by The Many. There are so many scary things happening all around us, affecting our lives and the lives of those we love. Fear seems to be hard to avoid these days. Here’s a quiet song to sing whether you’re just sitting alone with your fears or you are gathered in community facing these challenging times together. In words inspired by Isaiah 49: 15-17, it is God’s word of assurance to us. Love is greater than fear. God’s love will sustain us. “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you. I have written your name on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15-17). Learn More

  7. For God Is Here
    By: Troy Hatfield

    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.

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  8. Forgive Us
    By: The Many

    From Gary Rand of "The Many..." "Forgive Us is a song of lament and confession. It’s a song to sing when the words don’t come; when our efforts to help, or do right, or even pray seem to come up empty. The songs says, “we don’t know how to pray here, stay here. All we hope is that you’re here.” It’s a song that resonates with Romans 8:26-27, where Paul speaks of the Spirit interceding for us when we don’t have the words." Learn More

  9. God I Am Beaten Battered And Bruised
    By: Ken Medema

    Ken Medema captures the anguishing prayer of the servant who longs for God's justice in frustrating times and who trusts in God against despair and fear. The song concludes with a comforting reminder that we belong to God. This bluesy song is a setting of Psalm 56 and is best suited to be performed as a vocal solo with piano accompaniment. Look for these additional psalm settings in this series by Ken: "All My Life (Psalm 73)," "It's Good to Give Thanks (Psalm 92)," "We Will Raise Our Eyes (Psalm 121)." Learn More

  10. God of the Movements and Martyrs (Wil Smith Version)
    By: David LaMotte

    "God of the Movements and Martyrs" was written in honor of the 85th anniversary of the North Carolina Council of Churches. the Council was formed in 1935 to address racial injustice, and continues to work for peace, justice, equity, and inclusion. The hymn honors Christians who have been working for a better world for generations, because of their faith, and invites all of us to join in that sacred work. Note: There are several different versions of this song on the CMP site. Each version has it's own product page and related downloads available. It is the same song done if several different styles by several different artists. This particular arrangement by liturgical musician Wil Smith brings this powerful new hymn into the style of traditional congregational hymn. Learn More

  11. God of the Movements and Martyrs (Zach Light Wells Version)
    By: David LaMotte

    "God of the Movements and Martyrs" was written in honor of the 85th anniversary of the North Carolina Council of Churches. The Council was formed in 1935 to address racial injustice, and continues to work for peace, justice, equity, and inclusion. The hymn honors those whose faith has called them to work for peace and justice, past, present, and future, and invites all of us to join in that sacred work. The hymn has been interpreted by several different musicians in different genres and styles. Please explore Convergence Music Project to hear other versions of the hymn. Learn More

  12. God Will See Us Through
    By: Emma Ceurvels

    A brand new song from Emma Ceurvels and Bryan Sirchio. We're really excited about this one! A simple song of hope and encouragement that reminds us that God is with us and that God will always see us through times of heartache and challenge. This song will work in many different liturgical moments and will be a great source of comfort and hope and healing both to individuals and to groups of people. Learn More

  13. God's Love Will Hold Us
    By: Bryan Sirchio

    This song was written specifically for Maundy Thursday, the last night of Jesus's life, and yet it is useful for any time people feel "up against it." One of the Gospels says that after the Last Supper and the foot washing, and after Judas left the table to betray him, Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn together before they left for the garden of Gethsemane. A song that would give Jesus strength to face what he knew the next day was going to mean for him. It is our hope that this song will be a source of strength and courage for those facing a difficult tomorrow. Learn More

  14. Healing Of The Heart
    By: Ken Medema

    “Healing of the Heart” is an earnest prayer of confession and hope for healing of the heart and soul. It captures the deep, hard-to-ignore wounds to our souls delivered long ago, wondering how we begin the journey on the road to forgiveness with those who have hurt us. Is God with us in this struggle? Ken’s lyrics confront this question and the very difficult task of healing these painful wounds. The personal nature of this song makes it suitable for solo singing accompanied by either piano alone or by a rhythm section. It is highly appropriate when worship topics center on forgiveness, personal struggle, resolution of conflict, and God’s presence when we take up the challenge to walk these difficult paths. Learn More

  15. Hold My Hand
    By: Ken Medema

    On this journey we cannot walk alone. We must share our trials and joys, our stormy paths and our celebrations. Using a memorable melody with a delightful upbeat accompaniment, Ken Medema encourages us to hold hands with a grasp that does not let go as we work for greater understanding and compassion in this world. This song is suitable for congregational singing, especially in informal settings. Learn More

  16. Honor The Dark
    By: Lea Morris

    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

  17. Hope Out Loud
    By: Ben Johnson

    Ben Johnson leads a lot of the music at Solomon's Porch Church in the Twin Cities.  Ben says that often he will sing a song that the gathered community will listen to, and then sing along either with a refrain or just as they learn the song after repeated hearings over time. 

    This beautiful composition of Ben's is a great example of a song that is both singer/songwriter in the verses and then community song in the refrain and ending.  We look forward to making more of Ben's music available as well as to interviewing him (for our blog and Facebook posts) in order to learn how Solomon's Porch uses music in the context of worship.

    Note:  There is no sheet music available yet for this piece, but the guitar chords are listed with the lyrics in the Lead Sheet product slot for this song.

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  18. How Then Shall We Live
    By: Christian McIvor

    A song of hopeful lament that reflects on the need for relationship and togetherness both during and after communal suffering and loss. Learn More

  19. I Am For Peace
    By: Richard Bruxvoort Colligan

    • 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.

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  20. I Said Rejoice
    By: Katie Simbala

    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

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