Hello,Well, you just right here with your questions.You should read our manual at: http://manual.openlp.org/ . For some of your questions I searched the corresponding chapter in advance.> I don't see anyone addressing the things that are impeding my progress on my first service.Check: http://manual.openlp.org/creating_service.html  > I can't manage the backgrounds; I don't know the difference between a theme and a background (I suppose); I can't get my text to land in the middle of the screenIn OpenLP we call this "Themes". How to create new themes? And what are theme levels? > Also, the "Optional Split" button?!? I supposed that meant it would break the text into two screens, but I don't see that happening so I guess I don't know what "Optional Split" means.When the text is too long for one slide and you have an "Optional Split" in your text OpenLP will try to split your text there. If you have more questions try to find answers in the manual, but if you sill need our help you are welcome to ask us.Regards