November 4, 2022
Dear Friends,
I remember one Christmas (apologies for the way too early Christmas anecdote) thinking I had unwrapped all the gifts under the tree only to be surprised I had missed one. My Mom and Dad had to point it out to me — a little present, tucked away in the corner under some tinsel and wrapping paper!
How could I have missed it? Of course, I quickly unwrapped it, and it added to the Christmas joy. And now I always check a little more carefully under the tree for those stray gifts.
I wonder if there are gifts waiting for us from God that we have yet to discover or unwrap? Gifts we are perhaps unaware of or uninformed about?
It’s wild, right? That we could be missing out and not even realize it.
In chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians, Paul states that he doesn’t want the Corinthians to be uninformed about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. For this struggling church community, unwrapping, understanding, and using their gifts from God was of utmost importance.
Paul says that these different gifts are the work of the one and the same Spirit “for the common good.”
So we are going to consider this Sunday what it means for us as apprentices of Jesus to unwrap the gifts that are given by God to us for the common good.
These gifts are God’s grace and power for us and others. Each one of us in Christ, have gifts to share with one another. There is no more sitting on the sidelines, we all get to play. Yes, even you.
See you Sunday at 5pm!
CALENDAR (see below for details)
ongoing – Home Churches
ongoing – The Alpha Course
11/9 – Men’s Axe Throwing – 6:30PM
11/13 – Baby Dedications
11/13 – Second Sunday Supper — Chili Cook-off
11/23 – Thanksgiving Eve Service with Emanuel Lutheran – 7PM. Bring a pie for after the service.
11/27 – First Sunday in Advent
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: $15 (includes food). Let John Fowler know by 11/6 to help with planning (209-345-5854). You can also sign up at Welcome Table on Sundays.
RADIANT YOUTH
MIDDLE SCHOOL – 6th-8th graders gathering | Thursday, November 10th 7-8:30pm @ the WEAVE Building | 820 H Street.
HIGH SCHOOL – Gathering | Wednesday, November 9th 7pm
Contact Ulisses Vasquez for questions: 209-541-8536
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.
CHILI COOK-OFF 11/13
For our Second Sunday Supper on 11/13 we are going to do a chili cook-off. Sign up at Welcome Table to bring chili or cornbread or rolls. There will be a blind taste contest for those who wish to enter.
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
