by Tim Eason

Media ministers everywhere have eagerly been awaiting version two of Grass Roots Software's Prologue Worship Leader presentation software. Previous and new users of this updated version, now called Prologue SundayPlus, will not be disappointed. The team at Grass Roots has proved once again that they are dedicated to providing a unique and effective alternative to PowerPoint for displaying song lyrics, graphics, scripture, and videos.

SundayPlus is designed to work on a PC-based computer with dual-graphics capabilities. Using this configuration, the computer monitor displays a control interface, while the second graphics output is connected to the projector. A desktop computer may be upgraded to dual graphics by simply adding a second video card. There are several single-card solutions with two outputs available as well. Many laptops also offer dual-graphics capabilities built in. The laptop screen would act as the control screen while the monitor port would be connected to the projector for slide display. Windows '98 or better is required for dual-screen operation.

Grass Roots Software has always distinguished themselves with their clever and entertaining packaging. The SundayPlus box comes stashed full of goodies. A package of Jelly-Bellies labeled "SundayPlus- Eye Candy" was included and immediately consumed. Other freebies included a CD case and a literature holder, both embossed with the snazzy SundayPlus logo. A quick reference card outlines the shortcut keys available in SundayPlus and may be used as a mouse pad. The "operator's field guide" (manual) is just the right size to keep handy by the computer for reference.

The terminology used in SundayPlus differs from that of most presentation software. A Cue represents a slide or set of slides. These cues are stored in three bins - the text bin, the image bin and the movie bin. When first starting the program, these bins are empty.

The text bin may be loaded with song cues, Bible cues or text cues. A new cue may be created using Sunday Plus' text editor. The text editor has been vastly improved. Any system font may be used. Font characteristics such as size, color, shadow (shadow offset, color and transparency), and transparency are controlled here. Standard paragraph formatting tools are also included. The ability to set margins for the text area is a useful tool. This is great for formatting the text to fit into a specific area of a graphic. The "TAC" tool will automatically insert song information such as Title, Author, Copyright information and a CCLI number. Pages are easily separated by clicking the page break button. Each page may be labeled with a marker (e.g. Verse 1) and assigned a hot key. This allows an operator to use the computer keyboard to navigate the song. SundayPlus works in conjunction with BibleSoft software (optional) to automatically import scripture into a text cue.

The graphics bin may be loaded with images. SundayPlus includes a sampling of graphics to be used as backgrounds for songs. All mainstream graphics formats are compatible. The movie bin may be loaded with video and Flash files.

Once the bins are loaded with material, cues may be dragged from the bins into the cue list. Cues may be arranged by simply dragging and dropping them into the desired location. Even though a song cue may contain multiple slides, it will only occupy one space in the cue list. When clicked, all of the pages of the song cue will be displayed. Each element (verse, chorus, etc.) will be displayed on the projector when clicked. A background image may be applied to a song or text cue by simply dragging the graphic from the image bin and dropped onto the desired cue. Images may also be moved into the cue list as independent elements to be shown when clicked.

When movie cues are added to the cue list and activated, a control panel pops up allowing an operator to control its playback. Standard playback controls are included. While video quality is subject to QuickTime limitations, this new addition to SundayPlus is a strong step in the right direction. Movie cues may also be used as backgrounds for song cues. Using the margin controls in the text editor, the text may be set to appear inside a box which overlays on top of the video content. Again, this is an aspect of SundayPlus that will eventually develop into a powerful feature when computer power and video compression technology improves.

When a cue list is assembled, there are a few adjustments to make before putting it into action. As with the previous version of Prologue, SundayPlus sports an impressive array of transition effects. Transitions may be applied globally or per cue. The speed of the transitions is adjustable. Next, a series of cues may be set to cycle in a timed loop. This is a useful feature for announcements to be shown before a service. The cycle may be ended by clicking the stop button, at which time other cues may be selected. Finally, an image may be assigned to the "bail-to-logo" button, for times when you need to switch quickly to a different screen or a generic logo.

Using SundayPlus is intuitive and can be learned in a short period of time-vital for churches that use volunteers in their media ministries. During the worship service, the operator may navigate the cue list by simply clicking on the elements to be shown. Upcoming cues will be displayed in a configurable preview window and any cue may be previewed before sending it to the projector. A "bail-to-black" button is handy for blacking out the screen, as well as the aforementioned logo button.

A nursery alert display, allows numbers or text to be entered and displayed in the corner of the projection screen, alerting a parent that they are needed in the nursery. This alert will remain visible until turned off, even while the cues are changed.

Upon reviewing SundayPlus it is apparent that the team at Grass Roots has done a first-rate job of beefing up an already great program. This a good indication of even better things to come as Grass Roots continues to develop SundayPlus. A demo version is available from www.SundayPlus.com.

Tim Eason is president of ChurchMedia.net, an online resource center dedicated to churches using media in ministry. Known as the "Media Missionary", Tim has a passion for equipping churches to fulfill the great commission using modern methods of communication.