Compiled by Eric Dundore

Again and again, in our journal, we have tried to give churches new ways to look at what they do in their worship life and in their communities. Some UCCMA journal articles are presented here that may spur some thought about what congregations can do to enhance music and worship. Putting new sparks into how you worship might attract new and younger persons to your fold.

These articles can be accessed by logging on to our website, pulling down the Members tab, and then clicking on the UCCMA Archives. Here is the direct link. 

Articles older than this are in printed journals and are not yet archived or available on the web page.

Visual Elements in Worship – Kelli Whitman (Summer 2015)

Visual elements can add depth and richness to worship throughout the year. Photography, fabric, symbols, and light (or darkness) can all draw people into the sacred story and help them experience the wonder of God's gracious love.

The Art of Making Dances: Spirit-Infused Choregraphy - Ronya-Lee Anderson (Summer 2015)

This article gives general ideas for creating sacred dances for worship that do not require trained dancers or much time and effort.

Breathing My Way to Freedom – Ronya-Lee Anderson (Fall 2015)

Leading the congregation in "an exercise break," a cleansing and renewal of the body, allows for authentic fellowship with others. Breathing and moving together affirm our common humanity and prepare us for worship.

Enhancing Worship with Handbells - Jason W. Krug (Fall 2015)

Handbells can be played alongside nearly any instrument or voice and are very simple to play. More than that, handbells can be inserted into virtually any part of a worship service, frequently with little effort or preparation time and with as many or as few musicians as you have on hand and care to use.

Why Jazz in Worship? and Jazz Notes on Worship – Cliff Aerie (Summer 2016)

These two articles, printed back to back, give you an overview of how jazz music can be incorporated into your congregation's worship experience. Jazz's spiritual nature and spontaneity lend itself well to uplifting praise through music and singing.

Global Music in Christian Worship – Jeffrey Clouser (Winter 2017)

The author starts with this quote: "It is often through the gift of music that we connect with people, their communities, their needs, their gifts, and their faith!" There are many reasons why churches should be singing songs of faith from around the world. The challenge is finding ways to let congregations know that the opportunity exists to incorporate global music beyond their traditional style of worship.

Secular Music in Worship – Michele Hecht (Winter 2018)

Secular (popular) music can be used effectively to support liturgy, sermons, and themes in worship. Presenting songs that have thoughtful lyrics and interesting musical characteristics can be invigorating for the congregation. This article includes an extensive list of examples to try.

Transforming a Traditional Hymn Through Jazz – Cliff Aerie (Fall 2018)

Hymns are a vital component of our worship tradition. The author shows us, step by step, how to take a regular hymn tune and make it come alive to your congregation through Jazz.

Creative Vespers (Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Summer 2020)

In these three articles, over the course of three issues, our author gives us tons of information on how to make Vesper services doable for you. She provides examples of music and liturgy for Campfire vespers, a Taize service, and Jazz vespers.

Season of Love – Don Shier (Winter 2020)

Subtitled Using the Broadway Songbook Throughout the Liturgical Year, this article encourages us to find new ways to reach and move people in our worship. Songs from musical theater often make us feel more intensely and call us to action. Using these songs can make a definite impression on the congregation.

Eco-hymns: Sing for the Earth – Ruth Striegle (Fall 2021)

Many congregations seek texts reminding us of God's call to care for creation. If you celebrate Earth Day or want to highlight our commitment to creation issues, this article is a bountiful resource for hymns and music that can enhance your focus.

The Globalization of Gospel Music – Lisa Clayton (Fall 2021)

Gospel Music has become a global phenomenon. This author explains why Gospel music can be an excellent fit for enlivening your congregation's energy in worship. She includes many examples and links to performances and the author's personal experiences.

New Worship Design Resources – Marcia McFee (Winter 2022)

The pandemic forced churches to get creative, and now that it has faded, we are left with the remnants of the havoc it wrought. The author gives us many resources to continue to be creative and raise excitement in our worship services through resources and her website. Very much worth checking out.

Ring Those Bells! – Norma deWall Malefyt (Winter 2022)

All of us who plan worship need new ideas and triggers that will spark our creativity occasionally. Using handbells in worship can be such a spark or seasoning to the "meat and potatoes" of the liturgy. More ideas and resources on how to use the bells/chimes to enhance worship are found here.

Amplifying Women Composers – Janet Yieh (Fall 2024)

This article promotes the large selection of sacred music produced by women composers and how they might be used in your services. Lists of composers and links to websites with music are included.

2025 SUMMER

2025 Summer Issue

Navigating Liturgies in Times of Political Turmoil and Injustice

Keep Singing: Congregational Song in a Time of Grief, Rage, and Terror

What is the Future of Worship Music?

Inviting the Poet's Voice into Worship

New Year, New Hymns - A New Hymn Resource Focusing on Women

Seven Ways to Use Videos in Worship

Cliff Notes: The Service of Worship

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, He’s Going to Transform Your Church

The Importance of Sacred Dance in Worship

Previous Articles that Encourage Out-of-Box Worship Ideas

We, Your Children, Offer Our Prayer

Dancing on Glass: A Piano Composition

Music Soaring to The Heavens

A Prayer for the Musicians

ARCHIVES

MUSIC DOWNLOAD

Dancing on Glass

Words and Music by Charles David Denler

UCC CHURCHES

First Congregational Church UCC Atlanta, Georgia

CROSSES

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LOOKING BACK – 30 YRS.