Happy New Year

It's hard to believe that it's January 12th already and it's been three weeks since I attended the Willow Creek's Christmas service. 

Months ago, Nancy wrote about the preparation for this year's service and the open hands of it's writer, Stacy Brewer.  So, it was a treat to see the story and planning come to life.  This year my friends Glen, Don and John built a video screen to stretch the entire length of the stage.  The screen had doors in it and the original videos created for the service were projected through three pairs of Christie projectors via three Pandora's Box media servers that Chris designed and operated.  It was truly a site to behold.  My friend Ryan created the opening video that told the story of creation through Christ's birth, and Steve wrote and recorded the most beautiful score.  The first time I experienced the opening of the service, I was moved to tears and sat in awe of our amazing God and how He gifts and uses artists, and that I'm privileged to be friends with them.

How did God use your services this year to touch hearts and lives?  Please share some of your stories with us.


Published 13 January 2009 12:45 PM by Lori Finnegan
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Comments

# Rob Hueniken said on 28 January, 2009 02:43 PM
Hi, Lori! I am the stage design director at Forest City Community Church (www.fccc.ca), working with a super team headed up by pastor Rob Hogendoorn. I am excited that there is an Arts conference this June for Willow churches, and am looking forward to attending that. I am wondering if Toward Wonder might offer a way for me to connect with some other stage designers. I have included a link to some of the stages I've worked on these past two years: http://www.fccc.ca/images/photos-of-services/index.html Thanks ! Rob
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# Rob Hueniken said on 28 January, 2009 02:57 PM
Hi, Lori! As a follow-up to my hope to connect with stage designers, my email address is: stage@timehawk.com Cheers ! Rob
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# Pam Howell said on 29 January, 2009 08:01 AM

Hey Rob!

Thanks for providing the link to the photos of some of the sets you all have done.  I especially liked the Hope set.

This is Pam Howell with Willow Arts.  I am leading the team that is planning this June's arts conference, Wonder.  I'd like to make myself available to talk with you & hear what ideas you might have & answer any questions, howellp@willowcreek.org  This year we have 4 breakouts devoted to the artist who works on building & designing sets.  For the first time we are going to be offering a Masters  Class for Stage Design. We also have 4 breakouts devoted to the art of lighting.  I hope some of those might serve you & help you connect with others.  I would also encourage you to post things on the Idea Network - it isn't just for asking questions but posting great ideas.  

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# ZULLY said on 29 January, 2009 08:52 PM
Im from Guatemala. And Im really excited about WONDER. Im looking forward to attending that. I hear about an hospitality house for international visitors. Could you explain me how it works? or you help me to connect with some other visitors who was in the hospitality house last year?. I really appreciate your answer.
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# Lori Finnegan said on 29 January, 2009 11:57 PM
Hi Rob, I'm thrilled that you will be coming to the Arts Conference. Pam made some great suggestions about attending the breakouts where you will be able to connect with other stage designers. I'm also going to ask the Willow scenic team to check out your photos...they are great! Your team is doing some very fun stuff!
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# Pam Howell said on 30 January, 2009 08:12 PM

Zully, please send an email to this address, wcaglobal@willowcreek.org.  The WCA Global team can answer all your questions & help you connect with the right people.

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# John Weygandt said on 02 February, 2009 01:23 PM
Hi Rob- Lori F. connected me to this blog; thanks for posting your pics... you obviously have a team who gets it! I am especially intrigued by the Lego design. Besides coming to the Arts Conference for connections, I suggest you "friend request" to "Scenic Church" on Facebook. Glenn Davis just recently started it to connect scenic designers and artists in churches. Blessings!
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# Rob Hueniken said on 06 February, 2009 03:41 PM
Hi, Lori! Here is an idea that musicians may like: 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/
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