What. We can offer leadership for workshops and retreats on congregational song in contemporary times.

Why.  A wise man once told me, “Hymnody is always one generation away from extinction. Next to the Bible, the hymnal is the most important book for congregational worship.” Sessions on hymnody can help people discover and appreciate this gift of congregational song.

How.  We can plan sessions for an hour, a half day, or all day on a variety of topics for local congregations, ecumenical groups, area denominational groups, clergy groups, or college classes.  We can also help you design an overnight retreat focused on congregational song.

Some Examples.  Here are some examples of events we have led together:

Bridging the Gap between Traditional and Contemporary Hymnody.
Finding hymns that speak to the head and the heart.

Let the Children Sing: Involving the Children and Youth in Congregational Song.
Creative ways to help children and youth learn our heritage of hymns through choirs, church school, and congregational worship.

Helping the Congregation Find Its Voice.
Making classical and newly-composed hymns and songs more accessible to people in the pew.

What to Do When Your Choir Numbers Dwindle and Your Financial Resources for Music Are Limited.
Making the most of your hymnal as a resource for choral music with all ages.

With the Table So Full, Why Do We Argue about What to Eat?  
Appreciating and incorporating diversity in congregational song.

Singing the Stories of Jesus  

Hymns and songs that children and adults can sing together in worship.

A Festival of Congregational Song: Selecting Hymns and Singing Them Well, The Art of Hymn-Writing, and Planning A Hymn Festival.

A three-part workshop for worship leaders and others who want to learn more about hymns.

The Evolution of a Hymn.
A hymn from a scripture-based theological idea to poetry to congregational song in a liturgical setting.  Learning why and how new hymns are written can help people develop

The Evolution of a Musical Drama
The creation of a musical drama from biblical or historical subject, to dialogue and lyrics, to musical setting. Illustrations are taken from our own musicals.  (Bev: Link to Musicals page.)

For more information about workshops and retreats, including fees, contact marynk@hymnsetc.com