The Worship and Education Team of Local Church Ministries is developing a new Praise and Worship Music Book to meet the needs of local church congregations seeking music which speaks to the covenantal values of the denomination.

The Praise and Worship Music Book will contain over 200 songs and choruses.

Thank you for all of the submissions to the praise and worship music song book.  The deadline for submissions has passed.  The Praise Song Advisory Team (PSAT) is no longer accepting songs for consideration, except for those requested by the team.

If you have not heard about your submission, please be patient.  During the weeks prior to the deadline, hundreds of songs were submitted.  Please know that your song or songs were received and will be reviewed by the PSAT as soon as possible.  The Team expects to make final decisions on songs this summer.

The Worship and Education Team of Local Church Ministries began the "Praise and Worship Music Project" in the Fall of 2006.  A Praise Song Songwriting Competition was held as a kick off for the development of the new resource. 

Two winning songs were selected -- "Hush" by James F.D. Martin, and "You Are" by Mark Unbehagen.  The songs were debuted by their composers at the Congregational Vitality luncheon and the Local Church Ministries banquet at General Synod 26 in Hartford.  They were also included in the pre-service music for the 50th Anniversary worship service on Sunday, June 24, 2007.  Over 1400 copies of each song were distributed at General Synod.

Copies of the music for "Hush" and "You Are" are available for download.  United Church of Christ congregations and entities are free to reproduce the songs for use in worship and at other gatherings, provided the copyright included on the music appears as written.

Praise Song Songwriting Competition resources:

Lead sheet for "Hush" by James F.D. Martin

Accompaniment version of "Hush" by James F.D. Martin

Lead sheet for "You Are" by Mark C. Unbehagen

Accompaniment version of "You Are" by Mark C. Unbehage

What is a praise music?

The Praise Song Advisory Team, the eleven member team responsible for constructing the Praise and Worship Music Book, for the purposes of the Praise and Worship Music Project, has defined praise music as follows:

"Praise music is a memorable, melody-based composition which is musically accessible without being simplistic; it has a fresh sound incorporating less-traditional rhythms and harmonization.  Praise music makes one 'feel' something with a goal of establishing a deeper relationship with God.  It can move one to thought, action, and reflection based on the text or theme.

The language of praise music is inclusive and accessible.  It encompasses traditional religious vocabulary; explores non-traditional, contemporary images of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit; and draws from the rich imagery found within sacred Scripture.

Praise music seeks to embody the covenantal values of the United Church of Christ: Justice and Peace, Multiracial/Multicultural, Open and Affirming, Accessible to All -- as we seek unity; celebrate diversity; honor inclusion; hope for relational, loving communities; and explore multiple images and understandings of God." 

(Adopted by the Praise Song Advisory Team, Sunday, July 22, 2007)