October 21, 2022
He was proud of this little church plant. In just 18 months he had see this church take off and grow — a diverse group of new believers placing confidence in Jesus as the Messiah and figuring out life together.
Located in a hip and prosperous urban context on the coast, the church was managing to survive and grow in a culture that never had no real church presence.
But there were some real challenges.
Our intrepid planter had caught word from some friends that the new congregation was struggling. There were some rivalries, worship wars, lawsuits, and even a sex scandal.
They should be progressing, not regressing, right? How could have things gone so wrong when it seemed like it was going so right? How could Jesus be alive in them if they were doing such un-Jesus-y stuff?
This is a familiar kind of story, and it’s also an old one.
In fact, this is the story of the church in Corinth, a church the apostle Paul planted almost 2000 years ago.
In a strange way, I find some solace that the church has always been kind of a mess, that our modern day struggles aren’t really new ones.
But we shouldn’t be fatalistic or resigned to this. Paul’s response to the Corinthian church in the midst of these challenges is as instructive to us as it was to them.
In fact, in our era of deconstruction, when so many are questioning the integrity of the church and value of being a part of it, it’s important we remember the church’s foundation. The foundation is also the pathway to our renewal.
This is what 1 Corinthians is relentless about.
As Paul says, “No one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11
For Paul (and for us) the solution isn’t better PR, trying harder, or giving up. It’s always and only Christ crucified.
To be sure, there are things and ways that need to be deconstructed and renovated. The good news about all the deconstruction in the air is the opportunity to rediscover the foundation of Jesus Christ and to rebuild again from that solid ground.
So taking some cues from Paul, we’re kicking off a series about renewing the church in a time desperate for it. See you at 5pm!
CALENDAR (see below for details)
ongoing – Home Churches
ongoing – The Alpha Course
10/23 – Oktoberfest – 12:30-4PM
10/25 – Fall Festival Challenge youth group night.
10/26 – High School group 7PM
11/9 – Men’s Axe Throwing – 630PM
11/13 – Baby Dedications
11/23 – Thanksgiving Eve Service with Emanuel Lutheran
11/27 – First Sunday in Advent
OKTOBERFEST – SUNDAY 10/23 – 12:00-4PM
ELC has invited us to there Oktoberfest gathering next Sunday, 10/23, from 12:00-4PM. There will be kids crafts, music, food and drinks.
RADIANT YOUTH GROUPS
Modesto Covenant, Radiant Covenant, and Covenant Grove have invited all youth on the 25th for a night of competition! We will be going head to head in games, relay races, and tests of skill. There will also be a costume party, so come dressed to impress. Prizes will abound, followed by the crowning of the 2022 Festival Champions. Cost is FREE.
If you think your Junior high/High school student plans on attending, let Ulisses know (209-541-8536) for a head count, feel free to let me know by Friday.
*Note/ Our Rad Junior High group meet event October 27 will be canceled next week.
BABY DEDICATIONS
This is very exciting — our first ever batch of Radiant baby dedications on November 13th. Let Zach (zach@radcov.org) know if you are interested in having your baby/young child dedicated.
Baby dedications are a special prayer time when parents bring their children before God and the church. During the service both parents and the church state their commitment to raising and nurturing their children in Christ.
MEN’S AXE THROWING EVENT
Sharpen your ax blades as we seek to sharpen one another. Grab a friend and join us at 6:30PM at the Smart Axe on Wednesday, November 9th. Cost: $10.
THE ALPHA COURSE
What is the Alpha Course? Alpha is a series of conversations about things we all question in life: What’s the purpose of life? Why do bad things happen to good people? Is there a God?
We are meeting on Thursdays from 6-8PM. Dinner Included! We’ll meet at Emanuel Lutheran’s fellowship hall.
Go here for more information and to register!
HOME CHURCHES ARE NOW HOME CHURCHING
Home Churches are just getting going! Our Home Church groups are smaller communities that meet during the week where we learn to practice the simple way of Jesus. No experience required, all are welcome. We usually share meal, read scripture, and consider what God is up to in and through our lives.
Currently, we have five different home groups meeting at various times and locations. If you are interested in learning about available groups and what group might be a good fit for you contact Zach at zach@radcov.org
BAND APP
One way to connect at Radiant is to join our BAND APP group. Think of this as a sort of Radiant message board — our own little Facebook/ Craigslist space. People can extend invites, share about needs and resources. Please join us! https://band.us/n/adaa739aX4Rca
Grace and peace!
Zach
zach@radcov.org
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
