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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 towardwonder.com?
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 towardwonder.com?
The majority of 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. There is also a growing number of products available from outside provider churches.
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. For most of our music charts, you can preview a page or two of 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(s)?
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 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 on towardwonder.com?
There are over 5,000 different service elements available on towardwonder.com, 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 as well as other churches.
What is the difference in the kinds of charts available on towardwonder.com?
- 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.
Some charts may just include a chord chart with lyrics and can be used for both vocalists and instrumentalists (price of these charts will be less than the "Basic Package" charts).
- 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.
What is a "Music Chart"?
This chart consists of a basic chord chart with lyrics. Easy and simple to read, this chart is accurate to the sample MP3 of the song. This type of chart will be priced less than the "Basic Package" charts.
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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 towardwonder.com to your computer. MP3 tracks can be played on your computer or an MP3 player. They can also be 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.
Some content providers may include a full or partial rhythm section on their rehearsal tracks which can be used in a live performance.
- 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 and outside content providers), 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 and outside content providers), 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.
Additional copyright questions can be answered by "Quick Reference Copyright for Service Planners" by Cheryl Besenjack on the towardwonder website.
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| Drama Product FAQs |
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Drama/ Spoken Word Products
When drama is done well, it has power. Drama and Spoken Word 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. Our 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/Spoken Word Script?
Drama and spoken word scripts are the literal transcription of scenes that have been performed at the service or event.
What is the average length of a drama or spoken word script?
Typically our dramas and spoken word pieces run an average of 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 special products?
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, drama, or spoken word resource from towardwonder.com 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/spoken word sketches and/or 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.
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/Spoken Word Videos?
Drama/Spoken Word Videos are service videos of our dramas. Some content providers are unable to have a video of the performed drama/spoken word piece.
Can I show these drama/spoken word 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. Towardwonder.com 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 towardwonder.com, you can access the Willow Creek Community Church'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, towardwonder.com 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 towardwonder.com, 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 towardwonder.com’s many series promo videos to capture and maintain the attention of your congregation.
- Song Support Videos: Towardwonder.com 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,” towardwonder.com 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/Spoken Word Videos: When drama and spoken word 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 Conferences and Training Events.
- Message Videos: Many of the videos on towardwonder.com 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: Please click here for more information before you purchase.
Are there any compatibility issues?
DVD Recordable Media: Most of our DVD products are duplicated on DVD-R's. This is different than the kind of DVD you might pick up as a movie rental. Compatibility for DVD-R's varies greatly from player to player. 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 that refer to DVD / Player compability; they range from less than 70% to greater than 90%. Several variables have to be taken into account, such as media brand, age of the player, 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.
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 copies or edits can be made.
© & (P) 2009 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 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 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?
- 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 downloadable formats 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.
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What are Message MP3s?
These are messages you can download from towardwonder.com 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.
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Why can't I find that one message?
There may be intentional gaps in the availability of recordings for certain message series. Some services do not contain a message component, while others are excluded from sale for various reasons. If a recording 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 98, 2000 or NT
- 200 MHz Pentium
- 32 MB RAM
- Mozilla Firefox 3.5 or newer
- Internet Explorer 7 or newer
- Safari 4
- 56K modem or broadband connection
- Sound card
- Computer speakers
Macintosh:
- OS 9 or newer
- PowerPC processor
- 32 MB RAM
- Mozilla Firefox 3.5 or newer
- Safari 3 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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Towardwonder.com Product Download Instructions
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the usic Charts, Dramas and Message transcripts purchased from towardwonder.com.
Once you have purchased your towardwonder.com 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 towardwonder.com.
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.
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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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Help!
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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