Lifelong Learning

When medical students graduate they are doctors but they still must do 3 more years of Residency to practice, hone their skills and grow. They are doctors in title but in reality, doctors in training.

It's no different with Christians, especially those new to the faith. But, like doctors, our training isn't finished after 3 years. In fact, we should consider ourselves in training and growth every day for a lifetime, not just once a week for an hour or two.

Why go to church?
Isn't God everywhere?
Why go to school?
Aren't books everywhere?

People who aren't ready to commit spiritually always use the argument that they can pray "anywhere" and God is available "everywhere" so why bother with church. They say this to excuse not going to church and even though what they say is truth (ie God IS everywhere), this truth is distorted to suit their needs. What they aren't grasping is that "the church" is a living, thriving community of fellowship, not merely a place of 4 walls and a roof. It isn't the structure that helps you to dive deeper into faith, its the members, the growth groups, and the Pastor. These people are the tools who help us to connect with God's Word.

So, that argument is an incomplete pass.

Can you imagine if your child decided he didn't have to go school anymore because "information" is available everywhere, on the internet, in the library, and on tv." Would you say "ok" and let him educate his mind this way? I bet not.

But why? Isn't it true that information is everywhere? Yes, of course. But, how can we filter, digest and make any sense of it?

Teachers.

That's what the church offers too-- a teacher in the form of a Pastor to help us filter, digest and make sense of things when we can't; to help us stay on track, keep walking our walk and to stay in God's Word. the church also offers us mentors who are experienced Christians to help lead us in growth. And, then there's the members who volunteer their time, help, support and encouragement to one another.

How can you learn, encourage and grow by yourself? Think about it. Yes, God is everywhere. He is God! But God also wants us to have fellowship, pray together and be the church so we can spread the good news as instructed in the Great Commission.

Don't go it alone, thinking you don't need to belong to a church community. Reach out and pray with others every Sunday and other times. God will still hear you, really He will.

Happy Souls

Elysian fields is a place where happy souls gather. I hope so. Peter and I created a lovely retreat for souls to gather, reflect, commune, communicate and connect. There are nature sounds to soothe the heart and wind chimes softly tinkling in the background. And, in the center is our campfire circle where people from all over the world gather to listen, witness and discuss.

So far we've had two campfire circle gatherings. The first topic was about the power of prayer. The second was a well attended session about spiritual warfare. We will have more in the coming weeks, from life stories to the crucifixtion to miracles and more.

Our next campfire meeting will be Saturday May 17 from 9am-10amSL. We'll be participating in the Center for Digital Story Telling's International Day for Sharing Stories. We have an open invitation to Second Life citizens to join us and tell us their testimonies and witnessing experiences. This will be a special session for Christians and nonChristians alike. We even have a colorful "story stick" to pass around!

Soon, we'll be adding a book discussion group to our spiritual center. Book lovers will be able to share their thoughts with others and gain useful insight.

Elysian fields was designed to be multidimensional. It is a park, a spiritual center, a "library" and a retreat. It is also a place for fellowship, prayer and meditation. But, mostly Elysian Fields is a place for us all, no matter what the reason.

Please come and visit soon. You'll be glad you did. Elysian fields is located right next to Z9 Christian Rock Club on the Wings of Hope sim in Second Life. Just Im me inworld for a tp or landmark.

When Doors Open You Walk Through

If someone had predicted last week that we'd have a new club this week, we wouldn't have believed it...but one of the incredible, magical things about Second Life is that your virtual life always changes and offers new opportunities. So, out of the blue, the thought of revitalizing the Wings of Hope sim set off a flashbulb moment. What would bring new life to our lovely, quiet sim?

A new dance club! One of our magazine's sections is called Z9, after Zechariah 9 referencing all the young men and women. Well, what better than to have a fun place to attract all the Christian men and women of Second Life? Add a theme decor, great retro 80's music, fellowship, perpetual confetti and viola! You have Z9 Christian Rock Club!

Our grand opening will be this Friday, May 2, 2008 at 3:30pmSL until the sun sets or rises or whatever time zone comes first. The theme will be Prom Night. And, we'll even crown a King and Queen. Their grand prize will be 100L and bragging rights until the next event :)

Z9 will offer a PG fun place to gather and meet others from around the world. Hopefully, visitors will want to come back and visit the sim's lighthouse, windmill and take the train ride tour. This is only the beginning of what's to come! Wings of Hope is going to be the place to be on Friday nights! See you there in your prom best. Just think, we don't even have to go to the Shore the next day, we're already there!