For those who work for the church week in and week out, time away to rest, reflect, and re-inspire is important. Writing the Church’s Song is a three-day writing retreat for beginner and intermediate hymn writers. Two exceptional clinicians will challenge, inspire, and guide you as a hymn writer. These mentors will provide sessions on how to start writing hymns and how to hone your skills throughout the three days. Group sessions to build writing/composing skills will be offered, as well as one-on-one time with the mentors to discuss your works in detail and receive personal feedback.
Rest, Reflect, and Re-Inspire
October 22-25, 2025
Richmond, Virginia
Our hosts will be Richmond Hill, an ecumenical Christian fellowship and residential community who serve as stewards of an urban retreat center within the setting of a historic monastery.
Lodging & Food: Richmond Hill is a residential facility with simple but comfortable rooms available. The full registration ($480) includes a room within the Richmond Hill facilities, all your meals while on campus, and times of prayer with the community. For more information about what it’s like to attend a retreat at Richmond Hill, you can click here.
$480 Full Registration Fee (includes 3 nights lodging & all meals)
$325 No-Lodging Registration Fee (includes lunch & dinner for each day)
*two needs-based full scholarships are available. Contact ccs@thehymnsociety.org to inquire.
Text Writing – Mary Louise Bringle, FHS
Mary Louise (Mel) Bringle is Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Brevard College in Brevard, NC. The winner of several international hymnwriting competitions, her original texts and translations are included in hymnals and supplements of numerous denominations in North America and the United Kingdom. She has served as President of The Hymn Society and chair of the Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song, responsible for creating the 2013 PCUSA hymnal Glory to God. In the summer of 2020, she was named a Fellow of the Hymn Society.
Tune Writing – Benjamin Brody
Benjamin Brody serves as Chair of the Music Department, Professor of Music and Director of Church Music Studies at Whitworth University. He studied music education and church music as an undergraduate at Whitworth and went on to complete graduate degrees in choral conducting from the University of Washington. At Whitworth, he teaches courses in church music and music appreciation, and serves as Director of Campus Worship. A life member of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, Ben served as President (2020-22), and convened the working group that produced Singing Welcome: Songs and Hymns for Refugees and Immigrants (2017). A hymn tune composer, Ben has authored two collections of hymn tunes, Come, O Holy House, And Worship (GIA, 2017) and At the Weaving of Creation (GIA, 2024). His hymn tunes have appeared in over a dozen hymnals and published hymn collections.
Hospitality & Logistics – Hymn Society Staff
A Hymn Society staff person will be present to help ensure things go smoothly and to take care of any on-site logistics or needs we may have.
Wednesday
4:00PM – Arrival & Room Check-In
6:00PM – Evening Prayer (with the Richmond Hill Community)
6:30PM – Dinner
8:00PM – Opening Gathering
Thursday & Friday
7:00AM – Morning Prayer (with the Richmond Hill Community)
7:30AM – Breakfast
9:00AM – Plenary Session 1
10:00AM – One-On-One Sessions & Small-Group Workshops
12:00PM – Noon Prayer (with the Richmond Hill Community)
12:30PM – Lunch
1:30PM – Plenary Session 2
2:30PM – One-On-One Sessions & Small-Group Workshops
4:00PM – Free Time
5:00PM – Participant Sharing & Feedback Session
6:00PM – Evening Prayer (with the Richmond Hill Community)
6:30PM – Dinner
Saturday
7:00AM – Morning Prayer (with the Richmond Hill Community)
7:30AM – Breakfast
9:00AM – Final Gathering & Anointing Service (Our group only)
11:00AM – Check-Out & Departure