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| General FAQs |
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Do I need to be a member of the Willow Creek Association before I can buy service elements from ServiceBuilder™?
No, however, WCA members receive 20% off all purchases, along with many other benefits. For more information on membership, click here.
Who creates the products sold on ServiceBuilder™?
The products Dramas, Music, Messages and Video are literal transcriptions of the service elements as performed by the Willow Creek Community Church artists at services, conferences and ministry events.
How often will new products be added?
We plan to add new products to ServiceBuilder™ every month. Make sure you are on our email list so you know when and what is coming out! Sign up by clicking here!
Can I preview the product I want to buy before I buy it?
For most of our products we try to have a complete description written and where possible an audio or video sample of the element actually being performed at a Willow Creek service. For most of our music charts, you can preview a page or two of the chart. When previewing a song, click "Bookmarks" to see what instrumental and vocal parts are included in the chart.
Can I return my product?
Downloadable products are not returnable. Video products may be returned unopened within 30 days of your receipt of this shipment for a full refund. Videos that have been opened may be returned only if damaged or defective for replacement of the same item. Please note that shipping and handling charges are non-refundable unless the return is due to our error. If you would like to return a video, please call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-570-9812.
How long before I receive my product?
Orders placed for downloadable products are available immediately. Orders that require shipping may take anywhere between one day and eight weeks to arrive, depending on the shipping method you choose and your location.
Video orders will take 7-10 Working days for VHS & DVD products; 10-12 Working days for all other product. Then your order will be shipped by the method you choose. Orders placed after 1:30 p.m. (Central Standard Time) will begin processing the following business day. International Exception: International shipping will vary as these orders have special shipping requirements. Unless expedited method is chosen.
How do I order?
We have two options for ordering. For each, we need your name, church, address, phone number and email address in order to process your order.
- Internet - Our web site features a secure shopping cart system through which you can process your order and submit your payment by credit card (Master Card, Visa, & Discover. Unfortunately, we do not take American Express).
- Phone - Call us toll free at 1-800-570-9812 (Monday - Friday, 9-5 CST) to place your order with one of our Customer Service Ambassadors.
How do I pay?
Orders placed via our web site must be paid by credit card. Orders placed over the phone can be paid with credit card or check.
What kinds of products are offered in ServiceBuilder™
There are over 5,000 different service elements available on ServiceBuilder™, you can browse through Music Charts, Drama, Messages and Videos of every kind.
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| Music Chart Product FAQs |
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Music Charts
Hundreds of worship songs and the finest of contemporary Christian music can be downloaded for use in your church services. More than sheet music, these are the actual music charts used by the bands, vocal teams and orchestra at Willow Creek Community Church.
What is the difference in the kinds of charts available on ServiceBuilder™?
- Worship Songs - Charts for worship songs usually come in the form of a master rhythm part. This part includes melody, lyrics, chords, 3-part vocal harmonization, and some arrangement cues. Vocalists and rhythm section players read from different copies of the same master rhythm part. These charts for worship songs typically do not include parts written out specifically for piano.
- Vocal Specials - Charts for vocal specials are usually more complex than charts for worship songs. They include parts for vocals and rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, guitar, synthesizers, and sometimes a few other instruments). Vocal specials usually have separate parts for lead vocals, group vocals, and each rhythm instrument, plus a vocal rehearsal score. Often there are specific piano parts written out.
- Instrumentals - Charts for instrumental arrangements usually include rhythm section parts with solo instrument parts or horn section parts. Instrumentation varies for each arrangement.
What is a "Basic Package"?
The core of our music charts is the basic package. It usually includes the vocal and rhythm section parts. The basic package of a song is a complete arrangement in itself. However, many of our charts have horn parts, orchestra parts, and/or choir parts that can be added to the basic package. These additional parts may be purchased separately.
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What's included in the horn charts?
Horn parts can be added to the basic package. Instrumentation varies, but the horn section usually includes:
- Saxes – 2 Altos, 2 Tenors, 1 Baritone Sax
- Trumpets – 3 Trumpets
- Trombones – 3 Trombones, occasionally Bass Trombone on 3rd
What's included in the orchestra charts?
Orchestra parts can be added to the basic package. Instrumentation usually includes:
- Woodwinds – Flute, Oboe, occasionally English Horn, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon
- Brass – 3 French Horns, 3 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Tuba
- Percussion – Timpani, Congas
- Strings – Violins, Viola, Cello, String bass
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What's included in the choir charts?
SATB Large Choir parts are available on some songs. Choir parts are $1.00 per choir member, with a $20.00 minimum purchase. The basic package includes SAT vocal parts for praise teams and contemporary worship choirs.
Why do I have to order a minimum of 20 choir charts?
The choir charts are written for a group larger than the small three-part worship teams found in many churches doing contemporary worship today. The minimum size of these choirs seems to be at 20 singers in most churches. That's why we set the minimum order for the choir charts at 20. If you have less than that, you might want to purchase the Basic Package of the chart which contains a vocal group part that would work very well for groups of less than 20.
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What are MP3 Tracks?
These are recordings you can download from ServiceBuilder™ to your computer. MP3 tracks can be played on your computer or an MP3 player. They can also be recorded to audiotape or burned on CD. Follow the instructions that came with your MP3 player for downloading and recording. NOTE: Mac Users click here to see a note about downloading and playing MP3 files.
What can I use these MP3s for?
- MP3 Rehearsal Tracks are instrumental accompaniment tracks that can be used as accompaniment for rehearsals or as practice tapes for your music team. Rehearsal tracks are not made to play at a church, sometimes they are just the skeletal instrumental music behind a song. They are made to help the singer practice. Some of the music from Greg Ferguson's CDs has rehearsal tracks with background vocals. These would be performance quality if you did not have a band or background vocalist to augment your lead vocal performance. This is also true of most of the Promiseland music.
- MP3 Song Demo Tracks are recordings with vocal and instrumental parts. They can be played in rehearsal to teach your music team their parts or they can be used as reference practice tapes for your music team.
Can I make copies of MP3 Tracks?
For songs and tracks solely copyrighted by Ever Devoted Music a Willow Creek Community Church publisher, you may make enough copies equal to the number of people in the band performing the song. For songs and tracks that are not solely copyrighted by Ever Devoted Music (including songs and tracks that are co-copyrighted by Ever Devoted Music), other than your original download, you may not make any copies without permission from all of the non-Ever Devoted Music song and track copyright owners.
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Do I need my CCLI license to use these songs?
You need your CCLI license to project and copy words or words/chords versions derived from our arrangements if the songs are registered under CCLI. You do not need to register direct copies of our arrangements with CCLI.
Can I photocopy the charts for my musicians?
For songs solely copyrighted by Ever Devoted Music, you may make enough copies equal to the number of people in the band performing the song. For songs that are not solely copyrighted by Ever Devoted Music (including songs that are co-copyrighted by Ever Devoted Music), other than your original download, you may not make any copies without permission from all of the non-Ever Devoted Music song copyright owners.
Can I receive the music in Finale format?
We do not offer Finale versions of our arrangements at this time.
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| Drama Product FAQs |
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Drama Products
When drama is done well, it has power. Drama works in churches large and small, and in contemporary, as well as traditional, settings. When people see their own lives reflected on stage, their defenses are lowered and they become more responsive to the truth of the gospel. Willow Creek drama sketches are designed to introduce and create identification with a particular issue or topic that will be addressed by the pastor in the message portion of a service.
What's included in a Drama Script?
Drama scripts are the literal transcription of scenes that have been performed at Willow Creek Community Church.
What is the average length of a drama script?
Typically our dramas run about 8 minuets. Some of our dramas are service long seasonal drama musicals. Their times are specified on the product description.
What are your drama musical specials?
Some of our dramas are extended production usually revolving around a major seasonal event.
Can I photocopy the scripts for my actors?
The price for each copyrighted sketch or drama resource from ServiceBuilder™ licenses your church and/ or nonprofit organization to unlimited use when used as part of your regular nonprofit services or program. This is limited to photocopying sketches for each actor in your church or nonprofit organization only, and the performance as often as you like at no additional cost or royalty fee. Drama sketches and drama resources are non-transferable between churches or organizations and cannot be resold.
Also Note:
- Use of the sketch or drama resource in conjunction with fund raising, radio, television, video, film, or commercial purposes is prohibited.
- Transcribing a script from a video is an infringement of copyright law.
- Please select carefully, as the sketches are not returnable.
- © 2005 Willow Creek Community Church
Can I edit the drama to better suit our needs?
Small changes like the name of a city or street or character may be ok, but changing the intent or content of the drama is forbidden.
What are Drama Videos?
Drama Videos are service videos of our dramas.
Can I show these drama videos in my service?
YES! If you are just starting out or need to give your drama team a rest, we hope that you can use our drama videos to augment your service.
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| Video Product FAQs |
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Videos
As our culture becomes more media savvy, the local church must make strides to motivate people towards God by using the visual arts. ServiceBuilder™ is your on-line resource created to serve the local church by providing the finest, relevant video arts which assist communication of the Gospel in weekly services. At ServiceBuilder™, you can access the Willow Creek Community’s own library of proven, field-tested videos that address believers’ daily walk with Christ, spiritual questions, contemporary issues, and core Christian beliefs.
What is the difference in the kinds of videos available on ServiceBuilder™?
- Topical Videos: Nothing speaks to the majesty of God's creation better than beautiful scenes of creation, prayerful people, or families laughing together. Visuals of the homeless or blatant violence cause anyone deep thought. Such topical videos are often powerful transitional pieces to any related message.
- Interview Video: Also known as “Man On The Street” Videos or MOTS. These fast pace live interview videos grab truth as it’s walking. The world view comes at you from the kind old lady to the kid next door. Find out what people are talking about!
- Baptism Videos: Observing baptism is one of the most compelling and motivating moments for a Christ- follower. Now, ServiceBuilder™ has made baptism videos available to inspire believers to seek deeper relationships and community with people far from Christ.
- Seasonal Videos: Now you can order videos to enhance your Christmas, Easter or other special services! Each year, as you strive to add fresh artistic components to holiday worship, go to ServiceBuilder™, where you can access powerful videos that will touch hearts and souls.
- Message Series Promos: Introduce your message series with more ingenuity! Use one of ServiceBuilder™’s many series promo videos to capture and maintain the attention of your congregation.
- Song Support Videos: ServiceBuilder™ provides a variety of Song Support Videos that allows your teams the freedom for creative expression, without the additional time it takes to craft a video from scratch! Most of our Song Support Videos provide click tracks and “green screens” so you can integrate live performances of your vocal teams with existing video images. However, if you prefer to just press “play,” ServiceBuilder™ also provides original artist vocals mixed to remarkable media images.
- Wallpaper Videos: Creative videos that can be used with almost anything! These can be used as a continual video roll, they have wide shots, some are time lapse and may have locked down camera shots.
- Drama Videos: When drama is done well, it has power. When people see their own lives reflected on stage, their defenses are lowered and they become more responsive to the truth of the gospel.
- Conference Videos: The driving force behind all we do at the Willow Creek Association is our work with local churches around the world to find answers to what it really means to build a "prevailing church." And one of the best venues we've found to cast vision, provide training, and share resources with widespread potential is through our Willow Creek Conferences and Training Events.
- Message Videos: These Videos are field-tested in front of Willow Creek's congregation. These relevant messages connects with people's lives, the ageless wisdom of Scripture is presented in a creative, yet straight-forward way. These are messages of hope, encouragement, and in-depth Bible teaching that help our hearts grow bigger toward God and others as we learn how to live, day-by-day, as Jesus wants us to.
What are the differences between the available video formats?
- DVD: This is everyone's favorite... but their is a catch, this DVD has a compatibility issues, so please click here for more information before you buy!
- VHS: The VHS tape is and has been the standard for home video. This is the fastest to ship and least expensive to buy.
- DVCam: This is the industrial/professional standard of the DV line for Sony. It is as cool as it sounds. The quality improves with this purchase.
- Mini DV: The DV (short for digital video) tape is becoming the “VHS” of home video use. The common term “Mini-DV” is just a description of the same format, but a smaller tape case or shell. High quality and easy use.
You can chose from each one of these formats for the video of your choice. If you have more questions about these and other formats, check out the Video Format Tutorial page for more information.
NOTE: Due to the variation of manufacturers equipment, videocassettes recorded in Mini DV or DVCam Formats may not be compatible to all playback equipment. If your experiencing problems, check your set-up menu for proper tape format.
Are there any compatibility issues?
DVD Recordable Media: We burn DVD-Rs (as opposed to the newer, yet less common, DVD+Rs. The DVD+Rs that were developed for better compatibility of features and playback, which is generally the more common format and the one that is used in drives from Apple. Our DVDs are burned on Apple Macintosh Super Drives and very likely are DVD-Rs.
There is around 76% compatibility for standard players. This is an industry standard figure for duplicated DVD-Rs and is based on the media our vendors use in conjunction with general research on the average consumer player in most homes these days.
There are many different figures on the web ranging from < 70% to > 90%. Several variables have to be taken into account, such as media brand, age of the players, etc. First and second-generation consumer DVD players often have difficulty with recordable media. And, naturally, cheap media will generally be more troublesome. So, newer players with good media will have a much better rate of playback success.
There's no way to guarantee playback success with recordable DVDs. You can guarantee playback with professionally replicated DVDs (as opposed to duplicated DVDs), but of course that's not really financially practical with our current business model.
Hope that helps a bit... Here are a few related links:
www.dvddemystified.com
www.dvdrhelp.com
www.dvdrw.com
www.actionduplication.com
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About how long is each video?
As much as we can we put the play time on the product description. if we have missed a few please write in to ask and we will add it.
Can I preview the video I want to buy before I buy it?
For most of our videos, you can preview the entire video before purchase.
Can I make copies of these videos or edit the video to better suit our needs?
No, sorry.
© & (P) 2005 Willow Creek Community Church. A Willow Creek Resources Video Release. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA. Cleared for home use, face to face instructional settings, and public performance in regular church services.
Unauthorized duplication or editing is prohibited. Broadcast rights strictly forbidden
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| Message FAQs |
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Messages
This area contains hundreds of sermon transcripts of various teachers who have taught at Willow Creek since 1990. Field-tested in front of Willow Creek's congregation, these relevant messages help connect spiritual seekers with the truth of God's Word. You may also look up messages from our New Community services that are geared for the more mature believer.
What is the difference in the types of messages?
- Seeker - Both series and individual messages contain content that has strongly impacted those investigating Christianity, as well as believers. These messages, delivered by Senior Pastor Bill Hybels and other highly skilled teachers, address the real issues people face in their everyday lives.
- Believer - Willow Creek is committed to helping believers grow into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. These messages include in-depth Bible teaching and are designed to enhance and deepen spiritual growth of Christians.
- GenNeXt - These messages deal with issues that affect the lives of both single and married people in the postmodern generation (18- to 20-something).
- Conference - The driving force behind all we do at the Willow Creek Association is our work with local churches around the world to find answers to what it really means to build a "prevailing church." One of the best venues we've found to cast vision, provide training, and share resources with widespread potential is through our Willow Creek Conferences and Training Events. These conferences are the Arts Conference, Communicating in Today's Reality (Teaching), Evangelism, How To Change Your Church... , Leadership Summit, Prevailing Church, Conference, Promiseland (Children's Ministry), Resource Challenge (Stewardship), Small Groups, Student Ministries (Next Gen), & Women's Conference.
- Sermon - General sermons.
- Other - Other! ;)
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What formats are available ?
- Audio Cassette - The tried and true audio cassettes. (This format is phasing out after 2006)
- CD - Subscription also available for the CD format.
- MP3 - MP3 for your computer or MP3 player.
- Transcript - The tried and true transcripts. In an updated PDF format. All Transcripts before March 2003 are still in HTML format. To download the most up to date Adobe Reader click here.
- Video - Get the video in DVD or VHS where available.
Can I preview the message I want to buy before I buy it?
When available you can view a portion of video . Elsewhere there may be a sample audio recording. Not all messages have previews or descriptions.
Can I photocopy the message transcripts?
No, this copyright is granted for personal use only. For additional usage, contact WCA Rights and Permissions. (See information under Tools & Services or click here.)
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What are Message MP3s?
These are messages you can download from ServiceBuilder™ to your computer. MP3 tracks can be played on your computer or an MP3 player. They can also be recorded to audiotape or burned on CD. Click here for downloading and recording instructions. NOTE: Mac Users click here to see a note about downloading and playing MP3 files.
Can I make copies of Message MP3s?
No, this copyright is granted for personal use only. For additional usage, contact WCA Rights and Permissions. (See information under Tools & Services or click here.)
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Why can't I find that one message?
There may be intentional gaps in the availability of cassettes for certain message series. Some services do not contain a message component, while others are excluded from sale for various reasons. If a tape is not listed along with other messages in its series, it is not available. We appreciate your understanding.
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| Site Help FAQs |
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System Requirements
Most home computer systems purchased new within the last two years come with every thing you should need to successfully print products and hear MP3 files from your computer.
You will need the most recent version of any player or viewer software in order to use this site.
Windows:
- Win 95 (*OEM Service Release 2), 98, 2000 or NT
- 200 MHz Pentium
- 32 MB RAM
- Netscape Communicator 4.5 or newer
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or newer
- 56K modem or broadband connection
- Sound card
- Computer speakers
Macintosh:
- OS 8.5 and newer
- PowerPC processor
- 32 MB RAM
- Netscape Communicator 4.5 or newer
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or newer
- 56K modem or broadband connection
- Computer speakers
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Media Player and Document Viewer Software Download Instructions
Adobe Acrobat Reader is free and available for almost any computer. It allows you to view and print a document and/or drawing much as you could with your word processor.
Windows Media Player and RealPlayer play both video and audio files. Streaming video clips are also available in both formats for many titles. These are also both free to download and install on your computer.
You will need the most recent version of any player or viewer software in order to use this site.
Windows Users:
- Quit all open programs or applications, except your browser.
- Click one of the links above to select the one you want to download onto your computer.
- Save the download file to an easy-to-find location on your hard drive -- your desktop is a good example. This should take a few minutes.
- Go to your desktop, or wherever you saved the download file, and open (click on) or "run" the download file to begin the installation process.
- Fill in the required fields and follow the instructions on your screen.
- You should be notified when you're finished installing.
- Reboot/restart your computer. Once you have done this, you should see the player icon on your desktop or in your program tray or Windows Start Menu.
Mac Users:
- Quit all open programs or applications, except your browser.
- Click one of the links above to select the one you want to download onto your computer.
- Save the download file to an easy-to-find location on your hard drive -- your desktop is a good example. This should take a few minutes.
- Go to your desktop, or wherever you saved the download file, and launch the Installer program for whatever software you just downloaded (if necessary).
- Fill in the required fields and follow the instructions on your screen to install.
- You should be notified when you're finished installing.
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ServiceBuilder™ Product Download Instructions
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the usic Charts, Dramas and Message transcripts purchased from ServiceBuilder™.
Once you have purchased your ServiceBuilder™ product you can choose to print it out right away or save the product to your computer and then print (preferred option).
To print right away:
- Click on the title of the product. A box will appear called "File Download".
- Use your mouse to click on "Open this file from its current location". You will now be able to see the product in its entirety.
- You may now print using your browser's print button or by choosing "Print" under "File" at the top left hand corner of your screen.
To save to your computer:
- If you haven't already, you may want to create a new folder on your computer. This will be where you will store them ServiceBuilder™ you want to download.
- A box will appear called "File Download". Chose "Save this file to disk". A new box called "Save File" will open. It is from here that you will chose where on your computer to save the prodcut. If you have a folder for products, locate it and then "Save".
- The speed of the download is based on Internet traffic and speed of the remote computer. It is possible that the download rate will be slower than the capacity of your modem. If any problems occur, or if the download stops midway for more than 3 or 4 minutes, click "Cancel" and try again.
- When the download has finished, locate and open the folder containing your products.
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MP3s Download Instructions
Quicktime (or any other MP3 player software) is required to listen to the MP3s purchased from ServiceBuilder™.
Once you have purchased your MP3 you can choose to play the MP3 right away or save the MP3 to your computer (preferred option).
To play right away:
Click on the title of the MP3. The Quicktime player should automatically open and start playing the MP3.
To save to your computer:
- If you haven't already, you may want to create a new folder on your computer. This will be where you will store the MP3s you want to download.
- The speed of the download is based on Internet traffic and speed of the remote computer. It is possible that the download rate will be slower than the capacity of your modem. If any problems occur, or if the download stops midway for more than 3 or 4 minutes, click ?Cancel? and try again.
- When the download has finished, locate and open the folder on your computer which now contains your MP3.
It is recommended that you save to your computer before transferring to any other device, such as an MP3 player, CD burner/writer or cassette recorder.
To save to your MP3 player:
Follow the instructions that came with your MP3 player.
To make a cassette tape from an MP3:
- To transfer an MP3 from your computer to your cassette recorder you need a miniplug cable.
- Plug in one end of the cable into the headphone jack on your computer and the other end into the jack into the input jack on your recorder.
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Mac Users
Mac users will need to use Windows Media Player or the Quicktime player to view video clips. Although RealPlayer does work on many Macintosh systems, its performance has been unreliable on several of our test systems. Your best bet will be to avoid it altogether.
Also for Mac users - Downloading MP3 audio files - Macs automatically shorten our long file names and often clip off the extension: ".mp3" In order for you to play the file you will need to rename it with ".mp3" at the end of file name.
Call us if you need help @ 847-765-0070.
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I can't get this thing to work!
Not to worry. We have a Plan B. Send an email message to webmaster@willowcreek.org with a few words about the problem, including your order number and names of the file(s) you are trying to download. We will respond as quickly as we can. Remember, the more information you provide in your email about whatever problem you are experiencing, the more easily we can assist you.
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