How do you run a bible study in Second Life?
Sophia Tulip who runs a Bible Study each week shares her thoughts:
One Sunday, at the Anglican Cathedral, Arkin asked the congregation if people would like to be a part of this growing community and I immediately thought that I would like to facilitate a bible study. Since October 21, 2007, I have been leading a bible study, which is amazing because I had no idea how this could be achieved; I had no experience in leading a virtual world bible study. So, I went searching on the internet and found different resources, and I went for simplicity. I found a really good resource at www.episcopalchurch.org. It has a section called Lesson Plans for Small Congregations and it is based on the Revised Common Lectionary gospel reading for that Sunday. From the website www.biblegateway.com I use the New International Version for the scripture. I cut and paste the lesson plans and the scripture into a note card, and distribute that to participants by means of a note card dispenser.
The preparation is the hardest part of running a virtual bible study. The participants
make it easy. Participants vary in knowledge from basic surface knowledge to people with strong biblical knowledge, and they come with fresh ideas about the scripture. Different viewpoints are expressed and no one tries to force their beliefs or values on others, which I think helps make this group work. I was worried that after I asked questions, there would be an awkward silence (thank goodness that rarely happens), but people chime in and ask questions. The insight that they have has really helped me learn more about scripture. The study pretty much runs itself, so I am more of a participator than a leader. I have enjoyed it and am glad that this ministry is available in Second Life.
The Easter Sunday service was simply amazing! The largest turn out of our short life. To check out the video and the message Revd Mark preached, ‘The Fourth Day: God’s Plan For You.’ Click here.
A huge thanks to Cady Enoch for all her work it setting the Cathedral up!
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Christ is RISEN! He has risen indeed!
You are invited to a very special Easter Sunday Service in the Anglican Cathedral of Second Life. 12 noon SL time.
Revd Mark Brown will be preaching on: ‘The Fourth Day: God’s Plan For You.’
Check out World Clock meeting planner to work out the time in your location. SL time is the same as Los Angeles.
To visit the Cathedral to attend the service click here
HALLELUJAH!!!
The new Conference Centre at Epiphany is now up and running, thanks to the hard work and design expertise of Erszhebet Maertens. The first meeting held there was a talk and discussion on Tuesday 18th March, entitled “Passion Week: In Expectation of the Christ”. It was led by the Revd Gareth Edwards (Gareth Janus), a Methodist minister who is a long-time member of the Community. Through a mixture of exposition, poetry, art, and group discussion, the session took the participants on a journey through the tumultuous last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, using the Passion narrative in St Mark’s Gospel as source.
The Good Friday Service was very moving with a large number attending. To see some images from the service CLICK HERE.
Please join us on Tuesday, March 18, at 2pm SLT for a talk and discussion led by the Revd Gareth Edwards (Gareth Janus) on the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The talk will be held in the new Epiphany Conference Center (just behind the Parish House).
Refreshments will be served!
Head over the Revd Mark Brown’s blog for a report on the first virtual Palm Sunday service. CLICK HERE.
Head over to Mike’s blog for a great essay on The Anglican Ministry in SL.. well worth a read CLICK HERE.
Greetings!
If you read our latest Leadership Team report, you know that we have big plans for re-developing the land surrounding the Courtyard Square. Phase One of this process is already underway! As a result, all of this land has been cleared, so things look a little bare out there right now. Hopefully the recent enhancements to the Cathedral and Courtyard Square are making this a little easier to take. Watch this space (here on the blog, and the actual space in SL) for updates on our progress. And thanks, as always for your support!
How do you run a bible study in Second Life?
make it easy. Participants vary in knowledge from basic surface knowledge to people with strong biblical knowledge, and they come with fresh ideas about the scripture. Different viewpoints are expressed and no one tries to force their beliefs or values on others, which I think helps make this group work. I was worried that after I asked questions, there would be an awkward silence (thank goodness that rarely happens), but people chime in and ask questions. The insight that they have has really helped me learn more about scripture. The study pretty much runs itself, so I am more of a participator than a leader. I have enjoyed it and am glad that this ministry is available in Second Life.
