The Anglican Cathedral of Second Life

As we approach Christmas, the prophecy from Isaiah that the Messiah will be ‘Prince of Peace’ will be heard many times. However, Jesus said that he came not to bring peace but a sword, to set family members against each other. How can this fit with being Prince of Peace?

This message was preached on Thursday 27th November.

Matthew 10:34-11:1

Jesus sent his disciples out with little in the way of luggage but a lot in the way of authority. They were to teach and to heal, just as they’d seen him do.

There are still many people in Second Life and RL who are ready to hear the message if we are ready to take it to them as those first disciples of Jesus did.

This message was preached on Tuesday 25th November.

Matthew 9:35-10:15

On this festival of Christ the King, at the climax of the Christian year, the reading for Evening Prayer is the very last part of Matthew’s gospel, where Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission: to go to all the world, baptising and teaching Jesus’ commands.

We too are sent out to spread the Good News including in Second Life. It’s exciting to be part of this Anglican community in SL, people from all over the world and of all different Christian traditions, learning and growing together.

The message I preached at 12pm SL on Sunday 23rd November can be found here:

Matthew 28:16-20

Helene Milena

‘Let the dead bury their own dead.’ Hardly an encouraging or pleasant comment to make! But Jesus made it to a would-be disciple. What was going on? Is this the Jesus we know? Are we really ready to know Jesus as he is, or is that just too challenging?

Listen to the reflection on this passage (Matthew 8:14-22) preached on Thursday 20th November in the SL Anglican Cathedral.

Matthew 8:14-22

Please join us in celebrating the ordination to the priesthood of the Rev. Mark Brown!  This event will take place on Saturday, November 22, at 2 p.m. (that is local time in New Zealand, so it may well have already happened by the time you read this!).  Your prayers are invited for him on this special day and for his future ministry work.

A celebratory reception will be held for him within Second Life, at the Anglican Cathedral, on Tuesday, November 25, at noon Second Life Time (SLT, which is the same a Pacific Standard Time).  A video of the ordination service will be shown at the reception, and also posted to this blog.

You are also invited to post your thoughts, prayers and general good wishes for Mark in the comments section below!

In Matthew 7:13-end Jesus tells among other things about the road to life. The reflection on this was given at the service in the Cathedral on Tuesday November 18th at 2pm SL. Travelling well

There’s quite a stir in the media about a Real Life divorce which has been caused by the behaviour of the husband’s avatar in Second Life.

The original article is here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/3453273/Woman-divorces-husband-for-having-a-virtual-affair-on-Second-Life.html

One piece of follow up can be found here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7729207.stm

The couple concerned met in SL initially, then met up in RL and eventually got married both in a RL registry office and in a SL ceremony. However, the behaviour of the husband’s avatar on two occasions with two different female avatars, one an online prostitute, has been cited as ‘unreasonable behaviour’ and has led to a divorce. Here is a case of behaviour in a virtual world having a very real effect on life in the real world.

It’s tempting for many to dismiss Second Life as ‘just a game’ but behind the avatars are real people with feelings and needs. This was a point made at a recent meeting in Guildford UK where a group of lawyers, theologians and others gathered in RL were joined by members worldwide in SL to discuss the development of the ministry of the Anglican Cathedral in Second Life. As Mark Brown, Deacon-in-charge said, “We are not dealing with pixels but with hearts.”

None of those present at that meeting was in any doubt that this expression of Anglicanism is as real as any other. When avatars meet together for worship there is a sense of community, of being present as a group to offer prayer and praise to God. When someone asks for and receives prayer it is a genuine experience of having needs heard and a response offered. Real friendships build up in the times of socialising that often take place on Epiphany Island. There is care and support for those who are going through difficulties in life.

We are using technology to facilitate our meeting, but it’s the hearts, minds, souls and spirits of real people who actually meet through this medium and find their (real) lives enriched as a result.

Rev Mark shares his powerful vision for the Anglican Cathedral in Second Life.

(14 mins in length)
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To get involved in resourcing this ministry click here.

Transcript follows here:

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Well, what I want to share with you today is the vision, the purpose, why we exist for this ministry here in Second Life, this Anglican Cathedral here in Second Life.
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Just over a year ago the Anglican Cathedral in Second Life was just a wild idea.  The idea of being church for the ever growing online generation.  And now there are more than 500 members and an active ministry with 5 services a week (and more planned), a Bible Study (and another being discussed), a popular discussion group, and numerous pastoral encounters throughout the week. We have reached the stage of needing to raise funds to support our operating expenses.

I invite you to become part of this exciting vision by making a donation towards this important ministry by clicking on the button below.  Or if you would like to become a regular supporter click here.

God bless,

Rev Mark Brown -  Leader of the Anglican Cathedral in Second Life.

Note: This ministry comes under the authority of the Bishop of Wellington, NZ and is supported by the Bishop of Guildford, UK.

Throughtout the history of the church there have been great Christians that have impacted their communities and have maintained an amazing relationship with God amidst the challenges of life. Some call them saints. In this short message Rev Mark shares from Matthew 5 hot tips on living an amazing Christian life. A message just for you.