The Bellisseria Anniversary, PBC Autism Awareness Show, And Other Happenings On April 15 & 16

 

Last Saturday was the anniversary of the Bellisseria Linden Home continent, which had much music and dancing. But that wasn't the only event that weekend. There was the Autism Awareness event at the PBC. There was the Affiliated Ministries' Easter Dance. There was the return of a live music performer at Music Island. And there was the grand opening celebration at a new art gallery

 

 Read the story in Events.

Announcement: Affiliated Ministries' Easter Dance

 

 !Affiliated Ministries invites you & your friends to our Annual Easter Dance.

If your are in SL between SLT 4-8 pm on Saturday April 15th 2023 Please join us as we Celebrate Jesus's Resurrection & God accepting Jesus’s Sacrifice as payment for our sins.

This years Easter Event will start at 4PM with a message from Pastor Michael followed by the dance outside Club United's Chapel. DJs Bob & Zakar will be providing the music as we all join together as 1 corporate family of God in SL & fellowship together.

    Sim – Eternal Life
    SLURL: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Eternal%20Life/123/247/1002
    When: Saturday April 15th 2023
    Time: SL 4 to 8 pm
              * Come when you can, leave when you need to.
    Attire - Sunday Best or Semi-Formal wear
              * This is a G rated Event, please dress appropriately.

!Affiliated Ministries is a group of Christians & Staff Representatives from Christian Groups in SL that all work towards bringing everyone together for Corporate Celebrations of Our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

For any Information or questions you may have;
Please contact
2023 !AM Chairperson - TicToc (tigrera.silverfall)

Scenes From Easter

 

The weekend from Friday April 15 to Sunday April 17 was a busy one in Second Life. The Bellissarians were celebrating their anniversary at their Fairgrounds. But that wasn't all. It was also Easter Weekend, so there were a number of Easter Events. While yours truly has been extra busy in real life, I was able to get a few pictures.

See the pictures in Events.
 

Easter Art Exhibition at Harmony Castle

 

The story of Easter is told in many ways today, through movies, television, stage plays, and books. But centuries ago, it was told in another way, through art. Dancerina Starlight recently went to Harmony Castle in Gorlen Bay. The place currently hosts an Easter art exhibition with pictures from various artists between the Fourteenth and Nineteenth Centuries showing different scenes of Christ in Jerusalem which "depict episodes of Jesus' journey to the cross and beyond."
 
See Dancerina's article in Design.
 

Return to Grace Baptist Church

 

Easter has come and gone, and we had fun with bunnies, chocolate, and eggs. But there's more to the holiday than that. For religious Christians, it's one of the more important holidays of the year, and of course church. For those in Second Life, there are churches one can go to, which can come in handy for the physically disabled or if one lives too far away from one in real life. Yours truly stopped by one a couple days ago, and had a talk with the pastor as well as two of the parishioners.

Read the story in People.
 

Happy Easter

It's Easter Sunday, which means a number of things in Second Life. For some, it's strictly chocolate and bunnies. One of the best known examples of this is Easter Town in the Townies sim, which Gemma wrote about last year.

And then, there's the more spiritual side of Easter. There are many churches, and prayer groups, in Second Life. Among them is The Vine Christian Mission at Miliaco (160/95/75), and the Egyptian church at the Coptic Egypt sim.

However you celebrate, Happy Easter.

Bixyl Shuftan and the SL Newser Crew

Cleopatra Xigalia and the Ephesians Four Christian Community

The Newser recently met up with Cleopatra Xigalia, whom wanted to discuss the Christian community in Second Life she was a part of, Ephesians Four. The group isn't a traditional church and pastor. But it's more of a combination Bible studies group, and friends with a common interest, Christianity, whom like to have some fun together. Cleopatra, and other members of the group, told me what they felt their community was about.

Read the story in People.

Bastille Day in Paris 1900, The Creation Story

July 14, or "La Quatorzieme (The Fourteenth)" as it was known in France, was Bastille_Day, or officially known there as "la Fete nationale" (the national celebration). And so in the Paris 1900 sims, they were throwing a party. The event lasted two hours, with a DJ, a performance troupe, and live music, provided by Sylvana. The event took place in the Paris 2000 and the Les Champs Elysees sims.

There probably hadn't been as much red white and blue around since the American Independence Day celebrations ten days earlier. While the majority of the crowd were "Francophones," there were a number of English speakers happy to join the party.

* * * * *

That night at 7PM was a showing of "The Creation Story," a Christian stage production. Performed by Pet Karu and Unity Stage Productions, the Newser wrote about them several years ago. Pet stated then that the point of the play was getting the Christian message, “not just from the pulpit, not just from church, but in a new light.”

The play was performed in front of a mixed crowd of human and furred avatars. The play will take place again today at 4PM, Friday the 28th at 7PM, Saturday the 29th at 2PM, and Sunday the 20th at 4PM

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dreamworld%20Pirate/51/125/2051

Bixyl Shuftan

Announcement:Club United's Christmas and New Year's Party

IT'S A PARTY! And YOU are invited!

Please join us at Club United on Wednesday December 28th, from 5 to 9 pm SLT, for the first annual Christian Christmas Party. Everyone is welcome whether you are a member of one of the sponsoring groups or not.

Theme is "Red & Green".
There will be contests every hour.

Formal attire preferred but not required.

Get ready to have some fun, meet new people, and generally have a great time!

And maybe have a surprise or 2. :)

PS: Club United is located on the G-rated Eternal Life sim. Please dress appropriately. Thanks!

Eternal Life (122, 225, 1001)

"One the  friendliest clubs in Second Life, well established, and sponsored by Full Vision Ministries in Myrtle Beach SC. This is Christmas party with different Christian groups coming together. but you don't have to be a Christian to join the party, just be respectful of Christian beliefs."

Announcement: "Faith Filled Furries" Dance at Club Remnants

Sunday at 8PM SL time is the monthly "Faith-Filled Furries" dance at Club Remnants, a club for a Christian group, TRF Ministries, and their friends, "Not your daddies night club. Real people, Real Faith, Real Christians."

As it turns out, one of the members has a birthday this weekend. So they're making it in part a birthday party. There's also a contest for the best Pokemon look. 

Dreamworld Pirate (192, 69, 22)

Eye on the Blog: Second Life Machinima "Breakout" to Air Today

A machinima filmed in Second Life, described as having a Christian theme, is appearing on Internet TV tonight.

A series filmed using Second Life is set to air its first of three 30-minute pilot episodes this coming Monday, February 1, 2016 at 6pm Pacific. Breakout “Joyful Noise” is the first in the series that focuses on a young woman named Joy Jamison who works in a high-end boutique but struggles with her faith and self-image.

Those in the Midwest who are interested in watching may check their listings for Charter Cable channel 198. Everyone can view the broadcast on Dynasty Television via stream.

There was also a trailer available



(Click here if the video fails to play)

To see the blog post, Click Here.

*Addition* The first episode can be viewed on Youtube (Click Here).

Announcement: 2016 Christian Music Festival

On Jan 24th at 2pm SLT, The Bowl at Origen's Hollywood Venues will be hosting its first annual Christian Music Festival. And it couldn't start out with a more distinguished line up of performers.

Earlier this month, both The Pink Vampire and Luciano Lionheart were name two of the top three vocalists in the 2015 Live Music Awards. They will be presenting both traditional and contemporary Christian music for a time of reflection and praise.

Christopher Quan and David Csiszer are well known around the grid for their ability to remind people who God is and what he has done for them through Jesus. Their music that always touches the heart and mind.

Please join us for this special event two-hour event with Second Life’s top vocalists.

 
The 2016 Christian Music Festival.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/0%200%20Acajou/63/119/4003

For more information, check "The Hollywood Ballroom and Theater" group or contact: Origen Resident

Source: SL Enquirer

The ALM Cyberchurch (Feb 2010)

The following was originally published in Second Life Newspaper in February 2010

I recently came across a church in Second Life, the ALM Cyber Church. The church is in the appropriately  named Truth sim. Porting there automatically takes one to the sim entry circle at (124, 118, 26). In front of the newly arrived visitor will be a structure full of stained-glass windows, with a steeple on top. Near the church is a three-cross structure. There are some nearby places. Behind the sim entrance is a community center. Further away is a garden area, and some residential quarters.

The church holds two regular events a week. One is the Ladies’ Bible Study on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM SL time. And of course there is the Sunday Service at 11:00 AM SL time. Services are conducted by pastors Rev. Benjamin and Mariposa Psaltery. The chapel is constructed much like that of a real church, with ample seating in the pews and a second floor available. Behind the pulpit are a piano and an electronic organ. Near the doors is a collections plate for Lindens.

The Sunday I showed up, attendance was small at first, but gradually grew. At one point there were 36 people around, both furred and normal human, and a tiny. Above Benjamin was a tag showing a proverb from the Bible. At a couple times, the pastors would sing, some of the congregation getting up with their arms up in the air, swinging:

Bless the Lord O my soul
     and all that is within me
     bless His holy name

For he has done great things
     He has done great things
     He has done great things
He's so good to me

He saved my soul
     He saved my soul
     He saved my soul
He's so good to me

He is coming soon
     He is coming soon
     He is coming soon
Bless his holy name

The sermon was around the passage Romans 13: 1-4 in the Bible, concerning submission to earthy authority, “It’s too easy to speak evil of others ... of our leaders. But we will not be blessed unless we speak good ... He who rebels against authority rebels against what God has established. ... It’s best to examine our own lives. ... Spreading gossip? Stop it! Speaking evil of our leaders? Stop it.”

There were some signs that a few in the audience seemed to be missing the point, one typing, “unrealistic RP.” Then floating, joking that he had been healed. Following the service, when some went up to the altar to pray, a few began being disruptive. After plenty of fair warning, they were finally banned from the sim.

Presumably that grefing was a rare event in this church in Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan

*Addition* The church is still around, located in Pieup (16, 28, 63). Sunday services are still at 11 AM

Return to the God’s House of Prayer Church

About two years ago, Grease Coakes paid a visit to the House of Prayer church. He recently decided to check in on the place to see how it was doing. Indeed the church had changed, such as the chapel now being an outdoor one. But an even bigger difference was they had gone from having furred avatars in the flock to telling those coming by only human appearances were welcome.

Read Grease's story in People.

Ash Wednesday Cross Tattoo

For those whom want their Ash Wednesday religious services reflected in Second Life, a few builders have made some ash cross marks, which are actually avatar tattoos. Among them, a freebie one by Edd Thor.

Tattoo layers are required. A selection of ten. Ash Wednesday is observed by some denominations as the beginning of the time of preparation for Easter. A cross made of ashes may be placed on the forehead, perhaps with the words, "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return." To the best of my knowledge, the church clip art from which these crosses are derived are public domain. If this is an error, please notify me (Edd Thor). Please distribute these as you wish throughout the Second Life communities.

The tattoo can be found on Marketplace (Here).

Passover Service in Second Life (March 2010)

In March 2010 on Palm Sunday, Bixyl Shuftan was at a virtual Passover service in Second Life. The event was performed by a Christian group whom saw great value for followers in learning about what has traditionally been a Jewish practice. Although done four years ago, this event still stands out as how Second Life can be used for religious education.

Read more in Events.

Bible Study at the "House of Prayer" Church

With Easter later this month, churches are more active than usual this time of year. And this includes churches in Second Life. Grease Coakes stopped by one, the "House of Prayer" church during its Bible study hour. There was singing, and much discussion as the group talked about God.

Read Grease's story in Places.

Ash Wednesday Forehead Mark

"After the reverly, time to reflect." At least that what comes to mind with the contrast between Mardi Gras or "Carnival," and Ash Wednesday. For those who don't know, Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. For Catholics and more recently some Protestant denominations, the day offers church services in which the observers have their foreheads with a cross-shaped mark made of ashes.

Second Life Marketplace offers several forehead cross marks. Among them, a free one from Edd Thor, whom on his profile described himself as Episcopalian, "Ash Wednesday is observed by some denominations as the beginning of the time of preparation for Easter. A cross made of ashes may be placed on the forehead, perhaps with the words, "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return." To the best of my knowledge, the church clip art from which these crosses are derived are public domain."

The item can be found on the Marketplace Here.

SL Video: " 'Come Away My Beloved' - A Musical Rendition of the Book 'The Song of Solomon' "

Prouduced by Pet Karu, "The Friends of Unity presented the first Second Life® based theater production of biblical stories. The performances over weeks inworld provided funds to be given to the Heifer International Foundation (http://www.heifer.org/ ). I created this machinima at their request."

Stations of the Cross at Via Dolorosa

 Recently, I heard of a Christian sim named Via Dolorosa. Here, residents are invited to virtually relive Christ's carrying of the cross in his journey to Calvary.


We are all asked by Jesus to carry our cross; this sim is the Via Dolorosa where you re-enact the final steps of our Lord to His crucifixion and the Empty Tomb.  At Station 2 you are given a cross to wear and it follows a track for you through the 14 stations of the cross.  Again, this is a must see.... must experience... and reminder of our own cross that we bear.  Peace & blessings - Pet Karu


Via Dolorosa gets its name from the street in ancient Jerusalem believed to be the path Jesus walked carrying the cross, also called the "Way of Grief." Like the real life Via Dolorosa, there are fourteen Stations of the Cross. In real life, the Stations are shrines to "help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, through meditating upon the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death." The crosses are picked up at the second Station, with a smaller one available for child avatars.


The journey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete the 14 Stations. Your avatar will be fully animated via a scripted tour as you travel to each Station. Each of the 14 Stations are marked by a gold disk on the ground, a plaque and an artistic representation on the wall. Upon arriving at each Station, simple touch the plaque on the wall to receive the Station description. A local chat message will whisper that you have arrived at each Station.


Via Dolorosa is run by the Sacred Fish Group.

"We hope you are touched by this experience."

Via Dolorosa (90, 182, 23)

Bixyl Shuftan