Willow Arts

Recent

Famous Fathers Service Plan with Free Drama | 0 Replies
Okay, so the first question running through your mind is probably: who is this person who keeps promoting her work on Willow's site? I mean doesn't she know their reputation for excellence, and does she really expect that anyone would prefer her stuff to Willows? The answer is, yes I'm well aware of the excellent quality and abundance of Willow's resources. But, I have felt God leading me to create resources for churches, especially those with a small staff and/or limited budget. So, if you're still reading this and if you're looking for some new resources for Father's Day, all I suggest is taking a look at the Famous Father's service plan. It focuses on the lives of Abraham, David, and Joseph (Jesus' earthly father), and it includes a free Father's Day drama script. More details are available at: www.leapofaith.com
Deb Meyer, Sun Prairie WI,

Missions Drama- needing powerful ideas. | 2 Replies
This year I am in charge of creating and directing dramas that students will perform while doing missions work around the world. This is my passion, and I am very excited about the opportunity. I am needing some ideas of stories (I am really looking for one from the Bible) about being delivered, or Jesus radically changing someone. Last year, we took the story of legion and set it to music (aka: human video). We did some incredibly stunts in it, and it was very impacting. We even set it to spanish music, and took it to Honduras- where it impacted hundreds of people. I am looking for something similar, and I was wondereing what Bible stories might be good? It really needs to capture (and keep!) the audiences attention. Thanks for your input!
Katie Roso, Broken Arrow Oklahoma,The Assembly at Broken Arrow

Creative resources at www.leapofaith.com | 0 Replies
Jesus left us with a short, but challenging, “to do” list: “go and make disciples”. In January I took a recent “leap of faith” and began a new business, by the same name. As I read through God’s Word, and observe through both personal experiences, and the media, the heart breaking, spiritual, emotional and physical struggles people are facing these days, my heart pounds with a desire to use my creative gifts to help you, who are in staff ministry positions, as you strive to engage, encourage and equip the people walking through your doors. I know many churches don’t have a large staff. I know many churches are scaling back their budgets. I also know from both serving as a volunteer and working on staff that there is usually more work to be done than there are hours in the day. It is exactly for those reasons, I feel God calling me to share my creative work with you. You can currently find a variety of dramas, covering a wide range of life issues at: www.leapofaith.com. In future months I hope to offer scripture-focused video clips and topical service plans. God bless you, as you continue to serve him so faithfully and diligently.
Deb Meyer, Sun Prairie WI,

Creating a reflective beach atmosphere | 0 Replies
I recently needed to create an indoor beach atmosphere for our student ministries program in the middle of our Wisconsin winter. The students were going to spend time in prayer and reflection. To help create a soft beach-like setting I used several bamboo Tikki lights, set into large plastic pails, filled with sand. Then I removed the fuel holders from the Tikki lights and replaced them with clear plastic cups, which I filled with small stones, and set a battery powered tea light in them, adding a few more stones on the top. The tea lights created a wonderful soft flicker. I enhanced the atmosphere by spreading out an assortment of beach towels on the floor and quietly playing a CD of ocean waves. The total effect was soothing and accomplished at a very low cost.
Deb Meyer, Sun Prairie WI,

Making Moms Smile | 0 Replies
While I can't claim these are all my ideas, I can share some of the special things we did while I was on staff at a church in the Madison area. One year set up 3-4 different spring backdrops, contacted volunteers who we knew loved to take pictures and offered Mom's the opportunity to have family pictures taken after or during our Sunday services. Our volunteers burned the pictures onto CD's and after I viewed and cropped them, I had 5x7 prints made for each mom, which they were able to pick up on the following Sundays. Another year we contacted a local bakery and had about 150, 7" chocolate cakes decorated. We then gave one to each family as they left after the service. Who doesn't love chocolate cake? We also tried taking video of some of the kids, asking them what they loved about their Mom's, but many became quite camera shy. Still, the Mom's loved it.
Deb Meyer, Sun Prairie WI,

Script Recommendations for Series on "Fear" | 2 Replies
We are looking to do a 4-week series on "Fear"; Fear of Finances, Fear of Suffering, Fear of Failure and Fear of the Future. Can anyone recommend any drama sketches that might tie in well to these topics?
Tabitha Steinbock, Sheboygan WI,New Life Community Church - Plymouth

Script Recommendations for Series on "Fear" | 0 Replies
We are looking to do a 4-week series on "Fear"; Fear of Finances, Fear of Suffering, Fear of Failure and Fear of the Future. Can anyone recommend any drama sketches that might tie in well to these topics?
Tabitha Steinbock, Sheboygan WI,New Life Community Church - Plymouth

Easter Services | 4 Replies
Hi!! I'm new to this community but loving it so far, we are putting together our month of april services at our church (mavuno church-kenya) and i need creative ways to replicate the garden of eden on stage...our theme is "return to eden"...anyone ever done this at their church? any photos?
Henry Wamai, Na ,Mavuno Church

IN HIS STEPS, now available on lulu.com | 0 Replies
One of the most powerful service plans I have created was a series of Scripture-focused Stations representing several of the key moments in Jesus' final days. I recently created a comprehensive list of all the materials I used for each station, along with step by step set up guidelines and designed a print-ready pamphlet, to be used as a written guide. If you don't have your Holy Week or Good Friday service plan developed yet, you may want to consider taking a look at: IN HIS STEPS on lulu.com
Deb Meyer, Sun Prairie WI,

Barna study reveals info as we head toward Easter Sunday | 0 Replies
I found this info quite interesting and thought you might too. Reaching the Unattached With the final weeks of the Easter season rapidly approaching, the Barna study also identified some of the characteristics of the Unattached that might enable conventional churches or other ministries to more adeptly connect with those people. Compared to regular churchgoers, the Unattached are: • more likely to feel stressed out • less likely to be concerned about the moral condition of the nation • much less likely to believe that they are making a positive difference in the world • less optimistic about the future • far less likely to believe that the Bible is totally accurate in its principles • substantially more likely to believe that Satan and the Holy Spirit are symbolic figures, but are not real • more likely to believe that Jesus Christ sinned while He was on earth • much more likely to believe that the holy literature of the major faiths all teach the same principles even though they use different stories • less likely to believe that a person can be under demonic influence • more likely to describe their sociopolitical views as "mostly liberal" than "mostly conservative"
Deb Meyer, Sun Prairie WI,

Close Encounters dramas perfect for Lent or a new series | 0 Replies
I recently posted a series of six powerful and engaging dramas revolving around different people who encountered Christ during his years of ministry on a site called lulu.com I don't want to sound like some kind of pushy salesperson, but I am looking for some help with getting the placement of my dramas moved up to a more visible location on the lulu site. I have reduced the cost of the collection of six dramas to $1. (it was previously $25) The scripts are downloadable. If you are looking for some fresh new dramas and would like to help out a fellow artist at the same time, please consider checking out this collection. It is posted on lulu.com and is called Close Encounters of the spiritual kind, by Deb Meyer (the price will remain $1 from Feb. 12-15)
Deb Meyer, Sun Prairie WI,

Musicians can collaborate at IndabaMusic.com | 0 Replies
For musicians who would like to collaborate on songs and projects there is now Indaba Music. It is a web site that acts as a central connection point for musicians around the world, and facilitates collaboration and multi-site efforts. It is looking to be a major force for musicians wanting to network, like Facebook has been for social networking. http://www.indabamusic.com/
Rob Hueniken, London ON,

Obeying God's word | 5 Replies
We are looking for a performance song about not just being a hearer of the word, but a doer for a series on the book of James
Sue Vock, North Prairie WI,RiverGlen Christian Church

need some ideas | 4 Replies
Hey - I'm looking for drama scripts that deal with the topics of loss and grief, but not in the typical ways we think tend to think about them. Usually when we deal with those issues, we're talking about the physical death of a person. I'm wanting to deal with the loss and grief we feel over broken relationships that never get mended. Any ideas? Thanks!
Tammy Wold, Arlington WA,

I need some ideas for a "production" | 5 Replies
In a few months we'd like to have a creative service of dramatic scenes accompanied by a mix of so-called "secular" songs, Christian and worship songs. I'm wondering if people have ideas of a script or scripts that we could build the service around and pick the songs around. To pitch our tent thematically so to speak. Ideally it would be a piece in 3 parts or segments, perhaps totally 20-30 minutes in all. Jason Hildebrand for instance has a series of 3 short monolouges entitled the PRODIGAL TRILOGY which would be interesting. Any othere ideas??
Jonathan Gonyou, Stony Plain Alberta,

kidMinistry Media | 1 Replies
I'd love to see Willow create more kidMinistry videos. Being a church of 8000, we have implemented a highly technical program for kids. One thing that always seems to be missing is media that you can buy to use in kidMinistry. Any thoughts for future productions?
Rich Murphy, Mount Joy PA,LCBC (Lives Changed By Christ)

any ideas for communion? | 3 Replies

hi all, any ideas for communion? what are some creative things that you guys have done? looking for some ideas, want to keep communion fresh and real for folks. last time we had communion, we began with a series of scriptures that were displayed onscreen during complete silence. that morphed into a video that also cued our church when to take the elements. on the search... thanks everyone!

Ted Kim, Des Plaines IL,South Park Church

Pastor Appreciation - Soul Man | 2 Replies
You just never know when an old song on the radio will sprout a new idea. I wanted to do something different for our lead teaching pastor during October for pastor appreciation month. As the words from Sam and Dave's rendition of Soul Man played on the radio, images from a SNL Blues Brothers skit danced through my mind. I looked up the lyrics on-line, re-wrote them reflecting what I knew about our pastor and then worked with two members of our worship team to bring both the song and Blues Brothers characters to life. Needless to say the look on his face was priceless.
Steve Meyer, Sun Prairie WI,

Home Video Announcements | 4 Replies
I thought it would be fun to challenge our audience to create the announcements on a Home Video. We have had an amazing response to this idea! Typically we are very particular about the quality of our service elements, but since the expectations of a "home video" are not very high it allowed a lot of grace. I created an envelope at one of our information kiosks people could pick up that contained the items they had to include in their video. Things like offering envelope, information cards,communion service and baptism sign ups. The rest was up to them!
Lori Biddle, Mansfield OH,Crossroads Community Church

Love by Brian Wu from Alisong Music | 2 Replies
I sang "Love" by Brian Wu from Alisong Music in Worship Arts Conference in June 08. Then, I try to search the whole internet. I couldn't find the lyrics, mp3 or chord at all. Anyone , can anyone give me some idea how do I find this song? I really love this song.... and want to sing it in our church. Here is some part of the song: Love, help us be your love In peace, in oppression ... when we step out, let the world see your love Thanks Samuel
Samuel Lee, Seattle WA,Chinese Baptist Church

Love by Brian Wu from Alisong Music | 0 Replies
I sang "Love" by Brian Wu from Alisong Music in Worship Arts Conference in June 08. Then, I try to search the whole internet. I couldn't find the lyrics, mp3 or chord at all. Anyone , can anyone give me some idea how do I find this song? I really love this song.... and want to sing it in our church. Here is some part of the song: Love, help us be your love In peace, in oppression ... when we step out, let the world see your love Thanks Samuel
Samuel Lee, Seattle WA,Chinese Baptist Church

Need Portable Baptistry Reference | 2 Replies
Looking for an attractive portable baptristry to purchase. Does anyone have a manufacturer or supplier they would recommend? Thank you! Sincerely, Michelle Schulte Worship Arts Director Hope Church Dubuque, IA
Michelle McClure, Dubuque IA,Hope Evangelical Free Church

'Truth' film | 2 Replies
film of truth through the Bible
Kate Paley, Warren, CT,

worddiamonds.com | 0 Replies
worddiamonds is an interactive visualization of the Bible, where people connect scriptures to share with each other. It is still in beta.
Kate Paley, Warren, CT,

Turning The Corner | 1 Replies
The theme of the service was the Incarnation of Christ... but we were doing it in the middle of the summer! How do you turn the corner from summer craziness to a traditionally Christmasy topic? Here's what my team did! http://gallery.me.com/artsings/100000
Bob Gerard, Geneva IL,Willow Creek Community Church

Holy Week: Maundy Thursday | 2 Replies
At First Baptist Church of Geneva (Illinois), we've had a long tradition of observing Maundy Thursday-- the day before Good Friday. Our goal has always been to create a simple, reflective, and emotionally rich service centered around the communion table. We've tried various approaches over the years, experimenting with video, performed music and congregational music, along with our settings and lighting. This year, though, we hit on a program that we really loved. The service was held in our gym, which is typically the site of our contemporary worship services. We have a bunch of doors at the back, but for this service, we ushered everyone through one door on the side of the gym. As our congregation entered, they found themselves in a long, dark hallway (created with pipe and drape set up a few feet away, and parallel to, the gym wall). Walking down this hallway, they encountered three round tables, each spotlit from above, to make a museum-like display. The first table held a first-century looking washbasin and towel, representing Jesus washing the disciples' feet. The second table held a crown of thorn and nails. The final table held the elements of the Lord's supper. As we hoped, our congregation paused to examine each table and reflect on the symbols. Emerging from the hallway, the congregation found themselves in an in-the-round setting. At the center of the space we set four long tables up in a square, so our four pastors could stand in the center of the table. The table was decorated for passover, with rich fabrics, bread, wine, fruit... and lots and lots of candles. As in previous years, the service was simple. We had some music, and a brief meditation by the head pastor. But the heart of the service was communion, where families came to the table one by one, to be served communion by one of our pastors. After communion and a final hymn, we all left in silence. This program worked great for our church. We used the arts, and especially visual arts, to set the mood and pull people into the experience. But the real highlight was being together as one church, in community, deeply reflecting on Christ's sacrifice for us. It was a great kickoff to Holy Week! If you want any more details about the program, please let me know!
Bob Gerard, Geneva IL,Willow Creek Community Church

Evaluation Video (or script), etc. for WCCC Christmas plays | 3 Replies
Looking for some help in evaluating the following WCCC Christmas dramas. Does anyone have a video (or script) that I could borrow? "Word on the Street" - length?: "Festival of the King" - length?: "Imagine Christmas" - length?: (Performance video with alternative angle - length: 57 minutes 9 seconds) "The Christmas Rewind" - 5 actors, 22 min. The descriptions of these look quite interesting, but without any script, video, etc. or material of any kind I don't know how one can evaluate any of these works to know if they want to produce them at our church. Nothing of this kind is offered on their web site. I see favorable reviews, but I certainly can't make a decision based on a review (except to consider looking at it).
Rick Moore, Springfield Virginia,Word of Life

Starting a christian theatre group | 5 Replies
Hi, nice to meet anyone (Is anybody out there?) LOL This Internet thing is really something. I'm from Panama, I'm a drama professor at the University of Panama, and I also organize dramas in my congregation, Crossroads Bible Church (check it out, we have a web page, if you are curiuos, do a google search Crossroads Bible Church, Panama). At the Faculty of Fine Arts I have quiet a lot of students that are born again christians (I'm a born again myself), and some of my own students have shared with me their vision and desire to start a Christian Theatre company in Panama. So I kind of have started something, but we are not quite there yet. I've been praying for this a lot, and I really see God moving, little by little, but moving, and I am really excited of what is going on. I would like some advice on this. I'm thinking of posting audtions sheets in different churches to see what happens. What else can I do? How can I organize a season? Does it only have to be for evangelism? I studied drama at an old age (32), before that I was just a secretary, and not too long ago I got an MFA in theatre. I never thought that God would use me in this, all I wanted to do was study painting. I really feel honored to serve God this way, and I love it (sometimes not too much). I welcome any ideas and advice God bless Myrna
Myrna Castro, Panama Panama,

Do You See? | 2 Replies
Here's a video that our church produced to discuss God's generosity to us and how we should allow that generosity to flow through our lives into those around us. I'm not sure how to embed this video. It's at our website at http://www.prairielakeschurch.org/mc_other_doyousee.asp and it's on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZctpREm3la0 Questions, Comments?
Matt Rittgers, Cedar Falls IA,Prairie Lakes Church

Worship Administration Web sites | 5 Replies
There's a ton of worship planning web sites for a monthly fee (worshipteam.com planningcenteronline.com) to name just a few. What is considered the best one? Any thoughts?
Jonathan Gonyou, Stony Plain Alberta,

Lighthearted Fun for Mothers Day | 0 Replies
For Lighthearted Fun: 1. Prepare a video montage of children sharing, “My mama always said…” or “Mom, thanks for…” 2. Perform “The Mom Song” by Go Fish. Available on i-tunes. 3. Give one woman in the congregation a spa day. Choose any method you’d like to select the winner. To Shower the Women with Words of Encouragement: 1. Prepare a slideshow thanking women for the little things they do. 2. Record children’s voices reading quotes about moms or sharing thoughts about motherhood. 3. Prepare a magnet, sticker, bookmark, or any printed item with words of affirmation for women. 4. Purchase Dove chocolates, ordered with special Mother’s Day messages inside. Order at mydovechocolate.com. 5. Position a large sheet of paper or canvas at the entry way to the auditorium, provide colorful markers and prompt people to write a message to moms or women they treasure. Read a few during the service. 6. Provide note cards to everyone attending the service, and ask them to write a note to a special woman in their lives. Provide envelopes and stamps if your budget allows.
Lori Finnegan, West Dundee IL,Willow Creek Community Church

to post an Idea