The exercises below are designed to explore the role of music in worship and to heighten participants' appreciation for music. Pick and choose those that interest your group or fit your congregation's situation. Ask if any one has ever attended worship that DID NOT include music. Next, or if nobody has an experience to share, ask participants to imagine a service without music. Many Ash Wednesday and Good Friday services do not have music.
Most people cherish a hymn or two above all others.
It's the one that brings tears to their eyes, warmth to their heart and fire to their soul. This exercise is aimed at exploring and sharing why. Though it would work well in any discussion format, it might work better to ask a musician to attend so everyone could hear a stanza of the favorites selected. After a few minutes, convene as a whole and invite people to share their favorite hymn. Repeat until everyone who wants to share has shared, or until time's up, and then wrap up by inviting people to summarize the teachings or awarenesses they have learned.