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

“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

From singer/songwriter Tracy Howe: "This song reminds us the peace, hope, and love we are longing for to move in our world is also inside of us." Learn More

This brand new song by gifted composer and musicologist Mark Miller was written just before Mark underwent surgery to remove a tumor on his brain.  He was told that the surgery could wind up leaving him deaf, especially in one ear--no small matter for anyone--but especially huge for one who is called to teach and create and perform music.  Thankfully, the surgery went well, the tumor was benign, and Mark hears perfectly.  And we all received the gift of this beautiful song in and through the process!  This one will minister deeply to anyone facing uncertainty and risk and who needs to be reminded that God and the community of faith will always "surround us with love."

If and when Mark does a more produced version of this song in the studio we will make that available, but for now this simple demo is the only recording of this brand new song that exists.  Thanks so much for sharing it with us Mark, and we have a feeling this song is going to be widely used!

"All Belong Here" is a new kind of call to communion, a call to remember who we are, and how much we are loved. It is a song that sees the Lord's Table as a place where we all belong. It reminds us that the whole world is God's table, where we can eat and be filled, where we can drink in the grace. Learn More

"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. Learn More

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

From Brian McLaren:  "In The Great Spiritual Migration, I propose that we imagine the local congregation as a school of love.  It's quite surprising how few songs we have that deepen our understanding of and commitment to the primacy of love;  I hope this song can help in this regard.  I also felt (aided by the strange and horrible 2016 election cycle) that we need to name greed, hate, and fear as deadly diseases of which love is the cure.  People constantly sell products and win elections using the currency of greed, hated and fear;  we need to expose that as a counterfeit currency and celebrate the power of love instead."

From CMP: Brian McLaren was on a road Sabbatical for the first 8 months of 2016.  During this time away from the grind of constant travel and preparation for live events Brian wrote, rewrote, compiled, and recorded demos (not finished studio recordings) of 21 songs.  9 of these demos are currently available here on the CMP site, and we are in the process of creating lead sheets and piano arrangements for them.  If you would like to purchase this entire collection of Brian's demo's, lyrics, and some notes he wrote about each song (21 songs for $18) please email Bryan Sirchio, CMP Lead Designer, and he will send you a link you can use to purchase Brian's entire collection.

A song about about using your voice, taking a risk when the moment comes. There's a time to be quiet and a time to Speak Up! Consider the moment when you witness bullying, injustice, someone in need or a time to simply be honest about your situation. Resonates with Day 5 of the "Beyond Belief" Inside Out curriculum. Learn More