Charles McCartha : Wonderful Grace

A salvation celebration is uncovered in this cheerful anthem voiced for quick learning. A light contemporary styling infuses this catchy offering with immediate charm, and the chorus invites everyone to rejoice and sing praise!

Composer: Cindy Ovokaitys

Uses: General, Ordination, Commitment Scripture: Matthew 25:34-40; Galatians 5:13-14; Ephesians 3:6-8 This sacred song of devotion and service moves forward with humble, refined charm. A triplet pattern in the piano provides the harmonic grounding, and the understated choral parts carry a message of encouragement and challenge. Brief in length but long lasting in its impact, this piece is a sincere moment of worship for the people of God.

The lilting 6/8 meter of this anthem is brimming with joy. You can feel the exuberance in the opening fanfare and the dance of the primary theme. The text is pulled from both Old and New Testament passages and celebrates God's love and creation in jubilant song.

Uses: General, Thanksgiving Scripture: Psalm 18:3; Revelation 5:12 This simple song of gratitude is decorated with tender grace by a pleasing piano accompaniment. Fulfilling SATB writing mixes with unison passages for an expressive yet clarion presentation of this message of heart-felt devotion. A special anthem of reflection for Thanksgiving or any worship gathering!

Uses: General Scripture: Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:20 Full of words of encouragement for the people of God, this piece beautifully captures the spirit of the Beatitudes in its message. A series of divine promises warms the anthem with the glow of assurance, and this affirmation is held tenderly by a graceful melodic theme and engaging harmonies. Moving!

Joy unbounded defines this bluegrass-styled song. The words are inspired by the traditional spiritual Don't Be Weary, O Traveler, and the music maintains a rustic sensibility. The choral parts are easily absorbed, and the piano accompaniment is filled with idiomatic figurations that ignite the Appalachian ambience of the piece. The optional bluegrass consort sends this piece into overdrive and will make for an unforgettable impact on your concert or worship gathering. Score and Parts (fdl, bjo, mndln, ac gtr, db) available as a digital download.

Uses: Advent, Call to Worship, General Scripture: Genesis 28:16-17; Psalm 121:1; Isaiah 2:1-5; I Timothy 3:15 Galloping confidently forward, this rhythmic praise anthem is filled with inviting lyrics and music. A syncopated opening theme announces the confident intent of the piece calling the faithful to gather for worship with great rejoicing. Contrasting sections add variety and incorporate the prophetic passages of Isaiah's vision of a world where peace is at last the inheritance. A jubilant piano accompaniment builds security and drives the choir to a convincing ending. A great up-tempo Advent call to worship!

This original anthem immediately engages both heart and spirit! Lofty words of challenge springing from scripture hold a modern application and are lifted high on the wings of a beautiful theme. The power ballad style is perfectly chosen for the pace of these lyrics, and there is a natural crescendo of purpose that drives the arc of the arrangement. A supportive piano accompaniment enables success with thoughtful voice leadings and clearly defined modulations, and the optional orchestration is truly inspired. Score and Parts (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, hn 1-2, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2, tba, hp, bells, chm, timp, perc, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a digital download.

Uses: General, Wedding, Concert Scripture: Song of Solomon 2:4; John 15:9 Dancing gracefully from the score, this appealing setting from the wisdom of Solomon is an impressive choral for your treble choir. Playful interaction between keyboard and voices engages the ear while the sweetly scored harmonies work the strengths of the treble choir. Like a lilting folk song, this anthem is equally at home in the concert hall or the sanctuary.

A pleasant lilting tune presents the contrast of a life without Christ to the abundance of spiritual contentment in the walk of faith. As the piano bubbles over with sweet harmonies and sparkling figures, the theme presents itself clearly. The anthem ends in confidence and security but with restrained ranges, opening its charm to choirs of every size and ability. Score and Parts (fl, vc, perc) available as a digital download.

Composer: Patricia Mock

Here is a meaningful pairing of two treasured folk melodies, with a message that is a hopeful glimpse of our heavenly destination. Refined writing characterizes the piece with pristine piano decorations and elegant vocal lines. Ranges are very user-friendly and each section of the octavo has its own distinctive spirit. A true gem!

Uses: General Scripture: Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16 This delightful anthem combines new text with familiar words from Jesus Loves the Little Children. A new melody filled with joy and playful syncopation underscores the song's message of inclusivity and love. Available separately: Unison/opt. 2-Part Treble, CelebrationTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:09 ScorePlay - click to view score with recording.

Pristine in its clarity, this song of devotion shares the faithfulness of God's protection in lovely melody and pure harmonies. A quick learn anthem, it has an impressive impact when sung with sincere expression.

Composer: Patricia Mock

This rousing anthem celebrates the wonderful diversity of the church's voice of praise. The music is easily learned, freeing the singer to truly surrender to the joy and glory of worship!

Uses: Christmas, Christmas Eve, Epiphany Scripture: Matthew 1:18, Luke 2:1-20, Acts 4:20 Like a whispered prayer of thanksgiving, this Christmas piece wafts on the air with tender grace. Poetry and music perfectly meld to create a stunning portrait of the newborn Savior. The call and response chorus is exquisite, assuring us that Love, Hope, Peace and Joy have come! Light the Christ Candle accompanied by this song for a moment that will be long remembered.

Composer: Cindy Ovokaitys

Uses: Holy Week, Good Friday, Communion Scripture: Matthew 26:62-63; Acts 8:32; Isaiah 53:7 One of our most cherished sacred texts is treated to a sensitive musical rendering that calls us to consider the cross. Abundant unison singing assists in a quick learning process and the drama of the celebrated third verse is truly memorable in the hands of the writer. A quiescent ending is a perfect conclusion to a very intimate and delicate worship offering.

Bursting forth with joy, this Christmas anthem uses the familiar hymn text of James Montgomery, Angels from the Realms of Glory, as well as some new lyrics by the composer. An optional Handbell part adds brilliance to this 6/8 dancing song. Easy to Medium.

Uses: General, Lent Scripture: Psalm 40:1; Psalm 116:1-2; Romans 10:13 With the character of an art song, this evocative SAB offering is a wonderful addition to the sacred choral repertoire. Incorporating the time-honored text Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior, the impressionistic nature of the writing is a sorbet for the soul, reminding us of God's merciful kindness. Prayerful, encouraging and hopeful, this sacred song is a beautiful portrait of God's grace.

Set to the well-known Scottish tune AFTON WATER, this lovely anthem is conversation with the Lord in the form of a choral prayer. A flowing accompaniment sets the devotional spirit of the piece and the lyricism of the melody creates many pleasing moments throughout, nurturing the intimacy of the words. Achievable four-part harmonic contours add to the tonal tapestry with unison and two-part textures creating contrast. Endearing!

Uses: General, Lent Scripture: Matthew 11:28-29; Psalm 61:3-5; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:6 The divine invitation to come to Christ is beautifully presented with blending of Scripture and song. A simple yet elegant melodic line rises gently to reveal a folk like theme that is immediately engaging. Supported by a flowing, expressive piano accompaniment, this quickly learned anthem of assurance reminds the listener to trust in the promises of Christ and to rest beneath the shadow of his graceful wings. Duration: ca. 4:08.

Like a troubadour song, this anthem tells the greatest story ever told! An almost-guitar like piano accompaniment decorates the folk song melody BUACHAILL ON EIRNE with delicate beauty. As the drama of Christ's life unfolds, creative use of dynamics will add depth and directors should have diction at the front of their agenda while learning. This very special song will have an impact on your worship gatherings! Score and Parts (pwhis, perc 1-2, gtr, fdl, vc) available as a digital download.

Featuring original music that displays the full strength and sonority of men's voices coupled with a rich, folk-like nineteenth-century text, this spirited selection is a great choice for contest and concert use throughout the year.

Country: Wales

The simple blessings of life are exalted in this song of thanksgiving and devotion. Sincerity characterizes the musical style of the anthem while the words read like a spiritual diary of God's presence in our daily lives. The arranger has left no stumbling block to success, leaving the choir to focus on interpretation and blend. Meaningful!

Composer: Patricia Mock

Uses: General, Stewardship Scripture: Luke 14:12-24; Matthew 25:35-40 This anthem presents a needful message that challenges us to be the hands and heart of Christ in our world. We are blessed to be a blessing, and this admonition is presented with important New Testament references abounding. The minor mode is used to add depth and the tasteful flute obligato acts in dialogue with the winsome vocal lines.

Uses:Christ the Shepherd, Lent, Baptism Scripture: Matthew 18:12-13; Psalm 100:3 Written in a folk-song style, the piece unfolds like an ancient story with the choir acting as a sacred troubadour. The voice of the Shepherd is heard calling for the sheep and leaving the ninety and nine to find the little lost lamb. Sentimental but powerful, this would lend itself to extra-musical elements such as dance or pantomime. Precious writing and comforting words remind us that we are always in the care of the Good Shepherd. Duration: ca. 3:11.

The optional lilting flute and rhythmic hand drum parts lend a festive air to this song that celebrates the end of winter. Robust choral singing throughout beckons a change of season, and a soaring descant at the end signals the triumphant return of spring. A fully developed piece for winter and spring programs.

Composer: Gwyn Williams

Here is a song that calls the believer to a trusting relationship with the Living God. The music mimics the humbleness and gentleness of the text, and a lightness in the vocal writing brings a crystal clarity and transparency to choral sound. Creative concept meets music of sincerity and pure beauty!