How It All Started: A Gnome's Tale

Way back in April 2011, I embarked on a peculiar venture: the Kingdom of Gnome. A glorious Micronation! Imagine a pint-sized, self-declared nation, kind of like a mini-country minus the formal nod from the world's bigwigs (though I did reach out to the United Nations and NASA). This whole shebang was sparked by my, let's say, 'unique' gnome collection.

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During my college escapades, I was like a kid in a candy store with theology and religion classes. I soaked up the spiritual smorgasbord from around the globe, feeding my fascination with everything from the divine to the paranormal. It's been a rollercoaster ride through realms of spirituality, consciousness, and the unexplainable, shaping my worldview in the most extraordinary ways.

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A Whittle Here, A Whittle There

Fast forward to 2020, when a chance encounter with my late granddad's wood-whittling kit lit a fire under the dormant Kingdom of Gnome. Before I knew it, I was carving out a community, one little gnome at a time. I then got the Kingdom's social media channels active again and people were signing up to be citizens by the hundreds!

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Not Your Average Gnome Garden

Then came 2024, the year of the big idea: why not a Gnome-based religion?

In the beginning, the idea of a Gnome-based religion was nothing more than a joke—a thought without any serious intentions. The concept was simply to have a laugh, imagining a world where gnome hats and garden statues formed the basis of spiritual practice. However, as I delved into the idea, a spark of inspiration struck. I realized that I could start a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, and this realization shifted my perspective from humor to possibility.

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Motivated by the potential to fuse this light-hearted concept with meaningful action, I started to envision a community united not just by laughter but by shared values and goals. The Church of Gnome began to take shape, not as a space for gnome worship (unless you want to), but as a platform for unity with nature, curiosity, and a significant dose of weirdness, wrapped up in the motto 'Live Like Gnomes.'

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As I worked on the Gnomean Principles, I aimed to craft ideals that resonate universally, transcending the boundaries of existing religions or beliefs. The goal was to create a space that doesn’t push people away but instead gathers them together, setting aside differences to collaborate on common goods. Among our ambitions are community clean-ups and other initiatives beneficial to the world and those in need.

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And yes, amidst the serious planning and goal setting, I haven't lost sight of that original humor. I'm quickly pushing to make it legally acceptable to wear a gnome hat in driver's license photos, blending the initial fun with the church's broader, heartfelt aspirations.

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Green Thumbs and Giving Hearts

In my personal life, I'm a bit of an Earth advocate. Through my music project 'Inquire Within', I've helped plant over 13,000 trees in Africa. And now, the Church of Gnome is poised to spread its roots even further. We're not just here to hang out; we've got plans, big plans, for charitable endeavors that'll make a real difference.

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A Community Like No Other

So what's the Church of Gnome all about? It's about creating a community based on the Gnomean Principles – a set of values that guide us to be our best selves and serve our world. It's a place where diverse beliefs and backgrounds converge in a quest for growth, understanding, and yes, a little bit of gnome-like fun.

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Join the Gnomes, Shape the World

The Church of Gnome is more than just a weird idea; it's a living, breathing community with a mission. We're building something special here – a space where you can explore, connect, and be part of something bigger. Whether you're here for spiritual growth, community involvement, or just love the idea of living like a gnome, there's a place for you. Together, let's turn our gnome dreams into reality!

Mission Statement of the Church of Gnome

The Church of Gnome is committed to embodying and advancing charitable endeavors at the heart of its mission. Anchored in the Gnomean Principles, we strive to cultivate a vibrant community that champions personal growth, environmental stewardship, and a broad understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings. Through a harmonious integration of spiritual practices and a welcoming embrace of diverse world beliefs, we are dedicated to making a tangible, positive impact both within our community and across the globe.

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We are committed to:

Promoting Interconnectedness: Recognizing the fundamental interconnectedness of all life, we endeavor to cultivate environmental awareness and action, underscoring our role as stewards of our shared Earth.

Encouraging Diverse Spiritual Exploration: While grounded in our own Gnomean Principles, we welcome and honor the wisdom of various spiritual paths, celebrating the rich tapestry of global spiritual traditions as integral to our communal learning and growth.

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Advancing Personal and Collective Well-being: Through practices, teachings, and community initiatives, we aim to support the holistic well-being of our members, encompassing spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical dimensions.

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Building a Supportive and Compassionate Community: We strive to create a nurturing space where members can connect, share experiences, and grow together, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.

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Embracing Mystery and Wonder: Our journey is one of continual exploration and curiosity, embracing the mysteries of the universe and being open to new insights and perspectives.

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Active Societal Contribution: We are dedicated to making a tangible positive impact in the world, engaging in charitable works, environmental conservation, and community service, reflecting our commitment to societal betterment.

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Promoting Lifelong Learning and Adaptability: In our rapidly evolving world, we encourage continual learning and flexibility, integrating new knowledge and technologies into our spiritual and secular lives.

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As the Church of Gnome, we aim to be a vibrant, global community united in our quest to foster a better, more understanding, and compassionate world, inspired by the spirit and teachings of the Gnomean way.

For more info on Church of Gnome go to: https://www.churchofgnome.org/about

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchofgnome