Royal Anthems Releases ‘Thank You’ Single June 28th: Uniting Churches in Canada Through Crossroads’ New National Worship Music Project
BURLINGTON, ON, June 28, 2024 — Royal Anthems, a groundbreaking national worship music project by Crossroads, kicks off Summer 2024 with the release of ‘Thank You,’ the first in a series of four powerful new worship singles.
Earlier this year, Crossroads hosted a landmark songwriter’s retreat at the Crossroads Unity Commons in Burlington, ON. Twenty-two worship leaders from across Canada with diverse church backgrounds convened, co-crafting sixteen original compositions during a period of intensive collaboration, prayer, and worship. On the third day, four of these songs were professionally recorded at Crossroads Studios, renowned for its flagship program 100 Huntley Street.
The first release, “Thank You,” features the voices of Ryan and Wendy Wegner, the Worship Leaders at Hope City Church, Edmonton, AB, and is available now at royalanthems.com.
“Crossroads is excited to launch this pioneering national initiative that amplifies the voices of Canadian worship leaders,” says Joel Auge, Chief Growth Officer at Crossroads. “Through these songs, we believe Canada’s unique worship expression will resonate globally, drawing hearts closer to Jesus.”
The Royal Anthems initiative was inspired by Jesus’ desire for believers to unite, expressed through His prayer in John 17:23, “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Royal Anthems also addresses a crucial gap in Canada’s music landscape by empowering local worship leaders and songwriters from across the country to create original worship songs from the Canadian experience. Despite Canada’s rich musical heritage, we mainly import worship music from other nations. This project seeks to change that narrative, showcasing Canada’s diverse cultural and linguistic richness through worship. Royal Anthems’ project partner Matthew Greive expressed, “Canada has a song in it’s heart and the world needs to hear it!”
GRAMMY®-nominated producer Jeff Schneeweis (known for his work with Steffany Gretzinger and Chandler Moore) contributed his expertise to ensure the highest production standards for these releases.
Song Release Schedule:
- June 28: ‘Thank You’
- July 26: ‘Good Good Day’
- August 30: ‘Be Enthroned’
- September 27: ‘How Great the Love’
These songs will be available in English, with French versions coming later this summer, reflecting Canada’s bilingual identity. Additionally, live-recorded music videos and lyric videos will accompany each release.
Crossroads remains committed to supporting local churches by providing essential resources such as lyrics, chord charts, and individual stems to equip worship teams nationwide. “I am thrilled to debut ‘Thank You‘ across our four services on July 7th,” stated Trevor Robert, Executive Pastor of Services and Worship Leader at Sanctus Church in Ajax, ON, “The unity and inspiration we experienced through the inaugural Royal Anthems’ songwriters camp signal the start of God’s unifying work across the church in Canada.”
For more information and updates on Royal Anthems, visit royalanthems.com and follow us on Instagram @royalanthems.
About Royal Anthems:
“Royal Anthems” is a national worship initiative by Crossroads, empowering Canadian church leaders to create original worship songs that reflect the nation’s cultural diversity. Through collaborative songwriting and professional recording, the project aims to unify the Canadian Church and amplify Canada’s unique worship expression globally. royalanthems.com
About Crossroads:
Crossroads is Canada’s leading provider of faith-based media content, renowned for its flagship program, 100 Huntley Street, broadcasting daily for over 47 years. Through inspirational messages and 24/7 prayer lines, having answered its 14 millionth call, Crossroads aims to help people of all ages embrace faith. Additionally, as a respected nonprofit aid agency, Crossroads supports global disaster relief efforts, reflecting its commitment to revealing the transforming story of Jesus through innovative media worldwide. crossroads.ca