The ALM Cyber Church

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 t he 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 he floated in the air, 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, the owners reluctantly banned them from the sim. Talking with the pastors and some who regularly attend, it seems the griefing was a rare event, though hardly the first time it happened.

A look at one example of church coming to Second Life.

Bixyl Shuftan

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Sunday Worship - Church by Lyle Lovett

Lyle Lovett might be an odd looking man, but dammit, he can sing. He can write, he can play, and he can sing. He can sing Country, Pop, and even Gospel. His work with The Large Band had been rather good, and certainly worth a listen.



Lyle must have something going for him beside the talent - he managed to be married to Julia Roberts for a couple of years. He has been dating April Kimble for the last 10 years.


Lyle Lovett with Julia Roberts & April Kimble.

But, like I said, the boy can sing. So here he is performing with The Large Band, along with some special guests. Together, they perform his song, Church.



Amen, brother. Sing it.

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Another Christmas Delight!!!!

By Gemma Cleanslate

Merry Christmas!!
After the wonderful time I had looking at the lovely sims ready for the winter and Christmas season I decided to continue the travels around SL sims to see more. A friend sent me the LM for St George Orthodox Christian Church which was included in the hotspots on the sl Showcase page.
What a magnificent sight! The whole sim was clothed in white snow. The church structure stood out with it’s blue dome above the glistening hillside.
I entered and was greeted by the builder, who with a team fashioned the church and the sim. As he explained, most of the build was done in sl with authentic icons from all around the world collected into the church in the manner they would be placed accurately in a rl church. It will take a while to examine the whole place and you must use mouse look to look up above your head to see the dome in all its glory.
I quote from the note card: “ Another aspect of this church is that it has been a group project. Various members of the "parish" community have contributed at different times, each giving something according to their ability; things, ideas, Linden$ and labor. The process has been very "real' in the sense that we have all learned to "live" and work with each other.....and in the end value each other; it is a community composed of Serbians, British, Americans, Germans, Russians, Australians, Greeks and Dutch .”
It is truly inspiring.
There is a place north of the church where you will find the St. George Library. It contains books, pages, and other artifacts to examine. Outside there is a skating place with three penguins guarding the area. Animals roam around the sim. I met several wolves and deer, living in harmony. As you move around the sim you will find icons of saints with note cards of information. You wil find places to sit and have a cup of tea and perhaps meditate in the solitude.
Be sure you visit the magnificent sim during the season of Christmas while it is decorated for your enjoyment.
If you do not make it there during the season put it on the list for a future visit.
It is well worth it! Larsson 161,30, 112 will bring you to the entry.

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