Lightwave is about shining God's light in Suffolk. We are a Christian community, meeting in small groups, especially in rural areas. The name comes from the idea of light waves being the way in which light spreads into dark places. Lightwave is committed to shining the light of Jesus through Christian witness and practical service: Our groups are especially involved in combatting isolation and poverty, engage in youth work, care for creation and agricultural chaplaincy.
The foundation of our social engagement is discovering Jesus as the Light of the World. We believe that Jesus calls all people to follow him and is concerned with our everyday lives. We aim to be church for people who don't normally "do church" and our groups may meet in homes, pubs, offices, schools as well as churches. So what is our ABC?
“The most important commandment,” said Jesus, "is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Mark 12.29-31
These commandments reflect Jesus’ values - what was important to him: - a high view of God, a high view of others, a high view of ourselves, and sacrificial love. We believe that these values can be used to set a life-giving framework in which people can grow, and help others to do the same. In Lightwave, they are reflected in the Lightwave ABC practices for small groups:
All Involved
All Involved - Everyone is included and valued, whoever they are. Everyone has a role to play.
Becoming Disciples
Becoming Disciples - The purpose of the group is to encourage us to love and live more like Jesus.
Creating Community
Creating Community - We will “be real” with each other - honest about the things we go through ourselves and to respond in a loving way to each other. Caring for each other enables us to care for our wider community too.
Doing Evangelism
Doing Evangelism - Being as well as telling good news together. Giving other people the opportunity to learn about Jesus (Not everybody likes the word ”evangelism” but really it is just about being the very best of good news for people in what we do and say - so we think it is important to understand this word)
Encountering God
Encountering God - Meeting with God It is God who helps us and changes us.
