A Community of living relationships
We gather together as members of this Community, either in our local groups or in larger gatherings, to share the vitality of a living relationship with a God who is our Father, loving and personal to each one of us. We are connected to one another through the Holy Spirit alive within each one of us.
Jesus is our centre
God's son, Jesus, is the centre of our Community; He is the heart and the head of all that we are. Jesus says "my words are Spirit and they are life" (John 6:63) and that is our shared experience in this community. We are very different people with very different lives - we come from many different backgrounds and church traditions - but we experience true oneness when we meet together with Jesus at the centre.
Life & Hope in the midst of death & despair
Jesus says "I have come to bring life and life in all its fullness" (John 10:10) and this is our experience in the Maranatha. In a world which is preoccupied with death and dying, overshadowed by constant news of war, famine, disease and disaster, Jesus comes to bring life to those who follow Him. In a world which is broken in so many ways; broken relationships, broken families, broken hearts, broken lives; Jesus comes to bring restoration, healing and wholeness.
An open Community of Love
From the beginning of this Community, the Holy Spirit has continually drawn us together as one family. We are literally little brothers and sisters of Jesus. From the earliest days we have known the immensity of God's love. We share this love with one another and with anyone who wants to walk with us.
Alive and Moving!
Our relationships with one another are enlivened by our commitment to pray for one another every day. As we pray for the unity, renewal and healing of the whole Church God continually presents us with opportunities to demonstrate His love. This may be in situations of human need or in speaking out for truth and justice. As a Community we are constantly developing and moving as we allow God to have His way in us.
Jesus keeps on coming!
We pray with the whole Church, 'Come Lord Jesus!' as we prepare for His return. We pray also 'Come Lord Jesus - here, now' and have experienced Him with us in many diverse situations - walking the streets of Belfast at night, working with the poor in Kenya, praying at the bedside of someone dying, speaking on TV and radio. As we gather together in unity, from all our different traditions, we can proclaim, "He is alive! He is here!"