But, do you kind of wonder about some of the stuff you see? When Yahoo, Excite, GoTo or some other search engine gives you pages related to "vitamins," "Valentine's Day" or "Venezuela," do you sometimes wonder how accurate the information is? Why the person or organization put the page up there? What angle they are coming from?

I know I like to have a bit of context when I come across something new. So, in case you're curious, here's a bit about us.

Virtual Christian Magazine, affectionately known as VCM, is a little over a year old. In 1999, 11 issues of VCM were posted on the Web as a public service, as part of the publishing efforts of the United Church of God.

As Vic Kubik, the managing editor and the founder of VCM, explained in the welcoming editorial in January 1999, this Internet magazine uses "the cyberworld to reach those inquiring about answers to life's biggest questions."

The mission statement for VCM is: "Hope and encouragement for the real world. An on-line magazine of practical Christian living and inspiration for the 21st century."

Being an on-line magazine has many advantages. Articles can immediately reflect quickly developing events in the world while at the same time dealing with timeless human issues. For example, an article about the shooting at Columbine High School was on-line in VCM weeks before it could be printed in our sister print magazine, The Good News. Suggestions from readers can also be incorporated into articles already on-line. The on-line medium also makes it possible to provide Internet links which guide readers to on-line resources and allows interaction with readers via e-mail.

Virtual Staff

Besides Vic Kubik, the virtual staff currently includes two ministerial reviewers, Jack Elliott and Joel Meeker, and seven volunteers: Mike Bennett, Michelle Grovak, Lorelei Nettles, Joan Osborn, Chris Rowland, John Rutis and Aimee Zahora.

John Rutis lives near Portland, Oregon. "As a software engineer/technical writer, I was on the Internet when the user organizations could be listed on two sheets of paper. When the Web was started I felt this could be a great way to spread the gospel.

"When Vic Kubik asked if I would like to help with VCM, I didn't hesitate. My wife and I have written articles for VCM and some of my kids have drawn illustrations. I've edited the work of other writers.… I hope all of our efforts combined can have a positive effect on people's lives."

Aimee Zahora lives in Indiana and works for Dow AgroSciences. She is also a certified teacher of English at the secondary level. She said, "I enjoy being a part of the staff of VCM because it's a magazine that's personal. The issues touched upon in it are real…

"Besides being personal, I appreciate the medium of the magazine. Because VCM is accessible through the Internet, its potential audience is extremely diverse. That diversity brings with it enormous possibilities which include a greater capacity for understanding individuals and issues, for reexamining our own perspectives and striving toward a more balanced approach, and also for building bridges within our extended communities."

Lorelei Nettles, who locates graphic images to enhance the message of the articles in VCM, lives in Holt, Missouri. She said: "I guess I do it because I just love being involved with something positive. I started in VCM's beginnings and just enjoy being part of the team. When someone tells me they enjoyed VCM or that they were inspired by an article, it makes it all worthwhile." She encourages readers to submit articles. "It would be great to have a little more diversity in the coming months. There are so many people out there with great and inspirational stories."

Other virtual editors include Michelle Grovak and Mike Bennett. Chris Rowland formats the whole thing for the Web, combining the text and graphics and producing the final product.

Writers Wanted

VCM always needs more good material, and readers are welcome to submit articles. Vic Kubik's January 1999 editorial described some of the articles the staff is looking for.

"Accounts of faith's power, love's bond and hope's anchor will fill this magazine. Practical solutions to life's challenges will be discussed along with stories about how God has intervened, encouraged or helped us overcome. We hope to include as many first-person true-life stories as possible to inspire and motivate someone to overcome life's difficulties and offer suggestions about how to live a life centered around Jesus Christ. We will talk about solving tough personal problems, and building satisfying relationships with family, friends and coworkers. We will be ready to laugh, but not afraid of tears."

VCM can be entered from the "UCGIA Life & Resources" button on the United Church of God Web page at http://www.ucg.org, or directly through http://vcmagazine.org.

Other Resources

VCM is just one of the helpful resources available from the United Church of God. Whether through the Web, or through the mail, these resources are free of charge. (As Jesus said in Matthew 10:8, "Freely you have received, freely give.")

Most of these resources are available through the Literature Library at http://www.ucg.org/html/literat.shtml. These include our full-color print magazine, The Good News, helpful publications such as Making Life Work, You Can Have Living Faith, Managing Your Finances and our monthly newsletter about World News and Prophecy.

If you want to know more about the United Church of God, you can check out the Church's mission statement, fundamental beliefs and even look through the Constitution and Bylaws. If there are any questions our Web site and literature don't answer, we are happy to respond to your questions.

You (Yes, You!)

So, you've seen a bit of what is behind VCM. If you have an interest in helping other people with your words and efforts, you are welcome to get involved. Send us your feedback, your suggestions, your article ideas. You are welcome to provide a link to VCM and encouraged to let others know about this free e-zine. Without you, VCM would be just a bunch of bits and bytes. You give it life, and help it grow. You are a key member of the virtual staff.

We look forward to hearing from you!