Currently I use an Excel Spreadsheet to track which songs I select each week. It basically is a database/library of all the songs that I've planned on which dates. This gives me a reference to go back to when I wonder: when did I last use that song, or have we ever sung that song here before? Are there any better systems, or maybe even programs out there for this type of thing? Ideally I would like to be able to categorize, or even search for songs instead of having to scroll through the whole list I have. What's your system for cataloguing and tracking your church's song repertoire?

A not-so-hypothetical question: you have snow birds who have been attending your congregation for a couple of years. They've resisted membership because they maintain membership in their "southern" church. Now they are wondering if they can become dual members (like dual citizenship?) at both churches. Their hearts are in the right place - they want to have committed relationships with the congregation that they are in. They know that membership does not provide them with much in terms of benefits, since we will care for them regardless. They simply want to formalize the relationship. So,...

According to church order, is it permissible for a lay person i.e. not an elected elder or deacon to bring God's greeting at the start of a worship service?

I graduated from Calvin two and a half years ago. At Calvin I was a part of the worship teams for LOFT and chapel (piano and organ). At those services we regularly used the organ as an "orchestral" instrument to supplement the rhythm instruments of the praise band. I am now the director of music at my church in New Jersey. Ordinarily, we just use the organ on the "traditional hymns" and the praise band on the "contemporary songs". (I really hate that lingo, by the way. But that's a conversation for another post). I am trying to convince the worship coordinator and praise band coordinator to...

We're running the Alpha Course at our church now as I have in my past two churches where I've served. I'm curious about the spiritual fruit that has been harvested as a result of your experience with this program.

I have not come across many churches in the CRC creating original multi-media material. Maybe I just haven't come in contact with churches doing it yet. Is there anyone involved in creating videos and graphics for their churches (or even for other ministries outside our churches)? I would love to hear what you do and begin the conversation. Our church recently purchased the Adobe Creative Suite which has allowed us to really expand artistically and I love seeing what other churches are doing. After reading through some of the threads, I saw a suggestion to create a location on the web for...

What software (besides Powerpoint) do you use in your church to project songs, liturgy, and notes? It's been a while for me, but I have used SongShow Plus and I don't remember the other.

Wondering how you all train your potential tech team members. Sound, projection, lighting etc. Do you have someone in your church who is proficient in each department to teach others or are volunteers handed the keys and told to make it up as they go? I'm interested in making sure that our incoming techies have a good understanding before they are put incharge, are there any good resources out there for training in these areas? Doug

There is some discussion in our church about projecting the words to songs or scripture verses on the large overhead screen above the pulpit. There are some who say this helps engage the congregation, and other who feel that it's intrusive, distracting, and disconnects us from our hymnals and bibles. How does your congregation use projection technology, and how has that helped or hindered your worship experience?

Our Cadet club has been shrinking for the last several years. We have terrific co-ordinator who truly loves the ministry and the boys, but it seems like each year there are less and less boys who attend. I am wondering what other CRCs have done to promote their Cadet clubs and increase their membership. Is this a denomination wide problem, or is it just our goup? I wonder if a name change would help....??? Any ideas would be great! Yours in Christ, Grace

It is mid-November, and your church is experiencing a significant shortfall to its budget. How can you make the urgency clear to the congregation, and also point out membership obligations?