Volume 1, Number 2, January 2005
Greetings once again all you Modists out there!
This month we highlight the new additions to our community and bring you a special exclusive interview!
A Very Gaian Modmas
This year the Admins put on a spectacular show, allowing users to sing Modmas Carols to the various shop owners around Gaia, allowing them to get more into the holiday mood. And did they ever! Not only did the singing bring tears to peoples eyes (we won't say why), but it also set off a giving spirit in many Modists who exchanged presents of various types, including letters, artwork, and other items.
The First Church of Mod Choir Returns!
The Choir has returned to the Church once more. Its members were always few, but when the earthquake upheaved everything, there was a time, when the halls were silent of joyous song. Now, The Church Director Cryllia has returned to open the Choir Room, and dust off the Hymn books. There's seems to be a lot of interest in it....How will it go? You'll just have to wait and see!
The Church Gains a New Office
Yes the Church has gained a new office, and with it a new post. Its a Post Office! Postmaster-General William Black reports that there is currently Far too much mail for him to deliever, and requests that all Modists please pick up their back-logged mail at their earliest convience.
A Matter of Faith
We bring you an Exclusive Interview with the Church's Founder, Romuel!
TMM:We're sitting here today with some of the finest and most necessary people of the Church of Mod. Hello there!
Romuel: *laughs* Well, I'd hardly call myself necessary Cryllia. All anyone needs for the faith is a love of the MODs and a reverence for the FAQ and TOS. But thank you for the compliment.
TMM: *dimple* Thats what you say, but its true that without you and your continuing support, there simply wouldn't be a Church of Mod
Romuel: I...don't think there would be a physical body, no. But look at how this movement has grown and spread. Look at the activities of the 'saints' in the church. I may have begun this, but it's something I think several goodhearted people were waiting to have happen.
TMM: Thats completely true. So tell me, for the benefit of our readers, and those who are newer to the Church. How did it all start?
Romuel: It actually began with a lunatic. When I began on M&R, there were many posts that reflected two kinds of christianity that I wasn't fond of. The first was Crack Cocaine christianity, where the love of christ was a drug replacing other bad behavior (OMG!!! I <3 JESUS! DO YOU <3 Jesus too?!?!?!) and Cookie Christians, who believed that christianity existed only for the reward the 'cookie' at the end. While fighting these beliefs, someone began posting who was...insane. His posts were -miles- long, and reflected a revisionist christianity that came to him in a dream. After 6 such posts, people began to question the existence of moderators. I had to step in. The moderators -are- real and they -do- love us. I didn't want people to lose faith. So I took the language of the Cookie Christians and Crack Cocaine Christians, and began posting.
TMM: mmmm, what happened then? From what we've heard you've been met with a bit of opposition...
Romuel: Well, from there, it -really- took off. It wasn't 10 pages of the thread before people asked for a church proper, and once the question of Mods was raised, it -splintered- into countless groups. Some wanted to worship only one moderator, some denied mods totally, and then there was the folks who hit a nerve by believing only in a standard of economy. It was difficult. Worse, several people 'didn't get it', and worked repeatedly to have the thread flung into chatterbox...
TMM: goodness! How did you manage to hold it all together?
Romuel: *laughs* -I-?!? This is the great CoM myth! I did my best to simply create a place for good people to talk , share their company in friendship and faith...Songlian, Meghan, Deo, Kij....So many others....each of -you- worked so hard to keep the thread going, to develop many other groups, even charities...It was astounding to watch the joy and fervor people put into it. I know I was used as a rallying cry, but it was all I could do to watch what was going on and be amazed.
TMM: Is that where the aspects of the Church come in?
Romuel: The aspects are here to aid in the practical functioning of the church. Spirit, Church and Love are the means by which the church takes action. There are many things going on. Charitable gift giving, church development, recognition of effort, and the Aspects are the means by which action can take place in the name of the church without it being an individual's effort.
TMM: So Who takes care of what?
Romuel: Well, Church is our gift-giver. She pops around when needed to dispense warmth, love and affection. Spirit is our growth. She builds the chest needed to administer the fairy wings to those who the church wishes to recognize. Love is our stability. She is our development and growth, when the guild can access its funds, it will be Love who acts.
TMM: I see! Is this similar to the ideal of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, or the wiccan ideal of the Maiden, Woman and Crone?
Romuel: I perfer to think of it as Moe Larry and Curly.
TMM: *giggle* Fair enough. How important is it for a modist to know the ToS, the FAQ and the Rules and Guidelines?
Romuel: *blink* It's essential. It's not something that has to be memorized, but they should be read and understood. This is how we are to -be- on Gaia. It is how we thrive, and, sadly how we are banned. If you don't see the path, how can you walk it?
TMM: Yet there are thousands of users out there everyday who don't really know these rules and regulations. What, if anything, do you have to say to them?
Romuel: Please. Even if you don't subscribe to the faith. even if you choose to follow no path at all. Please. read them. It's harmony. It's how we're meant to be, and how best to get along. There's so many people, from all over. Different views, different beliefs, different likes and dislikes...These rules help us all share and grow in the best way possible, with the moderators watching over us ensuring that harmony takes place.
TMM: So, ultimately then, the Word of Mod is Harmony for all?
Romuel: Of course. Harmony allows for all the voices to be different and varied, and yet have one sound. And that sound is Gaia.
TMM: Thank you very much for your time today Ms. Romuel. I'm certain that our readers will take your words to heart.
Romuel: You're welcome....Do you want a cookie?
