Songs of Hope and Healing
Throughout history, music has served to break down divisions, draw circles wider, and tear down walls of hate and prejudice. Choristers Guild champions music and messages which build and strengthen communities. We are proud to offer many choral titles that address the important issue of social justice.
In Mark Miller's own words, "Too often the sacred worth of people is compromised and crushed by powerful systems sustained by those with power and wealth. Too often fear and violence are made the tools for salvation, rather than non-violent, peaceful, sacred interventions. It is the glad gift of music that engages our emotional life and helps us to embody our prayers for new life. Spirit-filled, spirit-given music shapes us into vessels of God's love. Music, like prayer, may not change the circumstances in which we find ourselves, but it can change us and our perspective on those circumstances. Music can change the world."
If you are searching for choral music which fosters love and courage, promotes acceptance and beauty, and calls for peace and justice, consider these titles from Choristers Guild:
CGBK72 Roll Down, Justice! Songbook
Mark Miller's songbook, Roll Down, Justice!, contains 23 soulful songs for congregational worship. In the midst of struggles for social justice and freedom from oppressive systems, these songs will transform and inspire your community. You will be challenged - and empowered - to be instruments of peace. Includes congregational editions of Miller's bestselling choral anthems: "God Has Work for Us to Do," "Child of God," "What Does the Lord Require of You?" and "Welcome to God's Love." Songbook also includes convenient reproducible congregational pages and a demo CD for your worship leaders.
Written in a hymn-like, chorus style, I Believe can be used as an anthem or as a congregational song. The sentiment of the text, "I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining" is one that is applicable in our times in any worship setting. This anthem represents the best of Mark Miller's writing and will be sung by generations to come.
CGA1224 Christ Has Broken Down the Wall (SATB)
This combination of incredibly moving text and music is ideal for today's youth choirs. Set in a gospel style, the piece reminds us that "we're accepted as we are," that "peace and love are freely offered" by God, and that God has called us to "join our hearts as one" in all that we go through. Youth and adults alike will connect with the text and music.
CGA1288 God Has Work for Us to Do (SATB)
God Has Work for Us to Do is a moving anthem by Mark A. Miller with an extremely thoughtful and relevant text by Carl P. Daw. Teaching us that we need to work until "all the jails are empty, all the bellies filled; till no one hurts or steals or lies," this anthem will be a valuable addition to the spiritual and musical teachings in your choir.
Inspired by the story of Jacob and Esau (particularly when Jacob wrestles with the angel), the beautifully simple text by Laurie Zelman reminds us that no matter what we go through in life, we can always cling to God and all that has been promised to us by God. Written in a very dramatic gospel style, I Won't Let Go will flourish with a talented soloist and the addition of improvised bass and drums.
CGA1384 Love Has Broken Down the Wall (SATB)
Mark Miller's bestseller, Christ Has Broken Down the Wall, returns with a new title and a slightly altered text. Still beautiful for use in Christian worship, this new edition is a perfect fit for interdenominational events, community programs, and public schools. A memorable piece bringing the messages of grace, acceptance and love.
This anthem has all you've come to expect from Mark Miller: resonant lyrics combined with a soulful melody. Mixed choirs of all ages and sizes will enjoy singing this Gospel ballad. The bridge brings the piece to a powerful climax: "There is no thing, or no one, that can separate you from the truth that you're someone - you are family; you are meant to be a child of God."
CGA1436 What Does the Lord Require of You? (Unison/Two-part)
A strong and dynamic setting of this familiar verse from Micah: "What does the Lord require, but to do what is right, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God." This anthem is a spirited expression of justice, a powerful selection for sacred treble choir. A lyrical section complements the rhythmic main theme, and the exciting build into the finale is the perfect teaching tool for contrasting dynamics!
CGA1429 Welcome to God's Love (SATB)
Another gem from Mark Miller! This inspiring ballad shares powerful truths about our relationships, our Christian community, and our interactions with one another. A beautiful anthem to welcome new members, the newly baptized, or to celebrate God's limitless love for each of us.
CGA1452 Teach Me to Fly (SATB)
A powerful new ballad from bestselling composer Mark Miller and lyricist Lindy Thompson. Focusing on the transforming love of God and the courage to embrace life, this piece is emotional and honest. Full refrains and delicate stanzas are woven together in just the right way. This anthem is perfect for featuring one of your strong soloists.
CGA1472 Roll Down, Justice! (SATB)
Mark Miller has done it again with this exciting and inspirational new Gospel anthem! The title track from his new songbook, Roll Down, Justice!, is soulfully set for mixed voices, including an optional congregation part for use in worship. The call for justice is made with honesty, courage, and conviction - and the final chord will give you chills! Incorporates Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Great for any service with a peace and justice focus, including MLK celebrations.
Written in response to the tragic event in Charleston in June 2015, this piece represents our solidarity to love in the midst. In the midst of pain, of war, of brokenness...we choose love. We choose community. What better way to share this message than through powerful song... and that's exactly what you'll find in this anthem for SATB voices.
CGA1496 The Light of God's Love (Unison/Two-part)
Celebrate God's light shining through us than with this anthem from bestselling composer Mark Burrows. With a soulful melody, a rockin' accompaniment, and suggestions for optional percussion, this anthem will become one of your choristers' favorites. Mark's lyrics move from "me" to "you" to "we" - intentionally putting the focus on community and mission.
A new SSA edition of Mark Miller's bestselling anthem, I Believe. The sentiment of the text, "I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining," is a bold statement of trust and is applicable in any sacred or secular setting. This anthem truly represents the best of Mark Miller's writing and will be sung by generations to come.
In the SATB adaptation of How Long?, voices plead for an answer to injustice and lament the struggle of waiting. The short, powerful anthem can be woven into a litany or used as an effective prayer response. Also available for solo voice and/or congregation in CGBK72 Roll Down, Justice!
CGA1524 The Day Is Coming (SATB)
In times of uncertainty and hopelessness, Mark Miller's music reminds us that we are essential instruments of peace. This upfliting anthem empowers us to face crises as faithful people of God, working together for a better world. Also available for solo voice and/or congregation in CGBK72 Roll Down, Justice!
CGA1525 You Are Welcome Here (Unison/Two-part)
"We love you just the way you are, so have no fear: you are welcome here." There is no greater message of grace and belonging than this! Mark Burrows' honest, soulful ballad will quickly become one of your congregation's favorites. God's love is clearly stated in this memorable anthem for voices of all ages.
CGA1531 Let the Children Come (SATB)
A bright, jubilant song of welcome! Composer Mark Burrows takes the tender story of Jesus welcoming children and sets it with exuberant energy. All God's children will be moving to the rhythm of this anthem, which incorporates Swahili text and percussion accompaniment. Vocally accessible and reptitive in all the right ways, this is a great way to acknowledge and accommodate children in worship.
CGA1537 Broken Yet Chosen (SATB)
In this emotional new ballad from Mark Miller and Lindy Thompson, we ponder the possibility that God would choose to use us - broken as we are - to bless and heal others. The poignant text from Thompson is set to a soulful, yet accessible melody by Miller, which is easily adaptable for SAB and SAT voicings. The result is a touching, powerful realization of God's grace and redemption.
CGA1538 Ascension Prayer (SATB)
This earthy, purposeful anthem reflects on the work of the people after Christ's resurrection and ascension. The natural rising and falling of the phrase is a compelling representation of the disciple's journey. Without other accompaniment, voices move together as one, bringing the piece from prayerful inception to focused completion.
CGA1561 Let Us Pray for Peace (SATB)
An earnest and accessible anthem of prayer for adult or youth choirs. The inspired text from Nancy Kraft calls for the healing of our world through compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. Featuring a lovely, uplifting musical setting by Tom Keesecker.
CGA1565 You Are Loving, You Are Loved (Unison/Two-part)
We can all use a reminder to be kind and loving to others we meet. The Mr. Rogers of our day, Mister Mark (composer Mark Burrows), expresses this hopeful sentiment with a soulful melody and accompaniment. This anthem not only assures us we are loved - it asks us to embrace our capacity to love others.
CGA1576 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life (SATB)
Another show-stopping piece from Mark Miller, featuring driving rhythm, a soaring refrain, and impressive piano accompaniment. This anthem reflects a brisk and busy world, yet compels us to offer a compassionate presence to those we encounter. A perfect complement to worship themes of Mission, Service, and Community.
CGA1582 Let Us Pray for Peace (TTBB)
An earnest and accessible anthem of prayer, voiced here for men's choir. The inspired text from Nancy Kraft calls for the healing of our world through compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. Featuring a lovely, uplifting musical setting by Tom Keesecker.
In the midst of pain, of war, of brokenness...we choose love. We choose community. What better way to share this message than through powerful song, and that's exactly what you'll find in this anthem for SATB or SSA voices. Written in response to the tragic event in Charleston in June 2015, this piece by Mark Miller and Lindy Thompson represents our commitment to love one another through hardship.
CGA1595 Show Us How to Love (SATB)
A compelling new piece from the talented duo of Mark Miller and Lindy Thompson. Thompson's earnest text compels communities of faith to respond to hatred and injustice with a singular prayer: Show us how to love. Mark Miller's music is a powerful and poignant complement to the text, willing this prayer into action. In addition to its use in sacred spaces, this piece is an excellent choice for ecumenical, secular, and school venues.
This gently driving piece derives its title from word play on worlds apart. It invites singers and audiences alike to reflect on our personal responsibility to use words to build bridges instead of tearing them down. Suitable developing or advanced choirs, this penetrating piece underscores the theme that "we are all the same, living words apart."