Woodfords Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Portland, Maine, announces a contest for hymn writers. It carries an honorarium prize of $1000 for the winning entry.

 

We are asking for a new hymn which speaks to the ministry and life of our church. Our mission statement is: Creating community, Championing justice, and Growing with God.

During the 2022-2023 program year, Woodfords Church is celebrating its 150th Anniversary year. Woodfords is a member of the United Church of Christ, a liberal and inclusive church with a strong sense of outreach and mission. Members regularly volunteer with the Wayside Community Lunch Program, Project Feed Food Pantry, Family Promise, Church World Service Program, and support many more local Social Justice activities. Woodfords is also an Opening and Affirming and Just Peace Congregation.

This is a search for a new text and tune. However, texts in familiar meters which may be sung with familiar tunes are also welcome. The language of the text should be contemporary and inclusive. Hymns previously published or currently entered in other contests should not be submitted.

Entrants should provide four copies of each hymn which should not include the entrant’s name.

 

To Enter the Contest

Please provide a cover letter with your name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, and the title of your entry or entries. All entries will be acknowledged within two weeks of receipt.

All entries must be postmarked by March 1, 2023. The judges will arrive at their decision by April 22, 2023, and their decision is final. The winning
hymn will be announced after the winner has been notified. The judges reserve the right not to select any hymn as the winner. Each entrant will receive notification of the contest winner.

Copyright for the winning hymn will be retained by the author, but the author agrees to permit the use of this hymn by Woodfords Congregational Church UCC in perpetuity.

Please send entries and correspondence to:
Paul Schnell

Director of Music

Woodfords Congregational Church

202 Woodford Street

Portland, Maine 04103
E-mail: Music @ woodfordschurch.org