Hey Radiant – Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
Check out these Christ-immersive lines from Saint Patrick’s prayer:
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me…
Written in 433 AD, the story goes that Patrick prayed these words before setting out to share the gospel with the Irish King Leoghaire. I love how the prayer speaks of God’s all encompassing care for us in Christ.
For Patrick, his life was to be lived “in Christ.” Christ was his external and internal atmosphere – his safety and his solace.
He was not alone — but with Jesus Christ. That’s the amazing invitation for us too.
Last week at Radiant, we considered the reality of human loneliness in our culture and how Jesus invites into life with him and life in community with other disciples.
But there’s more to consider about community. As we consider Jesus’ life and HOW he lived in community, there are some powerful patterns to observe in his way:
– Interestingly, while Jesus did speak to the crowds there really weren’t the focus of his ministry (this might be a word of challenge to the church).
– He gave his time and the bulk of his teaching to a relatively small group of 12.
– Beyond that — there was an even smaller inner circle of 3 that he gave unique attention to.
It strikes me, that as we seek to nurture a flourishing relational ecosystem, that these smaller sized groups are incredibly vital.
So this Sunday we are considering just that! How, in the way of Jesus, might we nurture an our own rich web of relationships that form us in the way of Jesus — the one who is always with us.
Join us at 5pm!
Btw — the early Irish Christians understood the value of smaller community too. Here’s some reading on their concept of Anam Cara – “Soul Friends.”
CALENDAR (see below for details)
ONGOING – Home Church
3/22 – Men’s Gathering 6-7 AM (at ELC)
3/23 – Radiant Middle School 7-8:30 PM (at ELC)
3/25 – Women’s Tea 10AM – 12PM
3/26 – Radiant High School “Open Gym” Gathering 12-2 PM
4/9 – Easter Brunch 10:30 AM and Worship 11:30 AM
4/16 – Bike to Church Sunday
4/21-23 – Men’s Weekend at Mission Springs
4/29 – Love Modesto Service Day
SIGN-UP TODAY! WOMEN’S TEA – 3/25 – 10AM – 12PM
What’s the state of your soul?
Perhaps it’s exhausted because it’s lost its focus, it’s running in circles, you can’t seem to catch a break, you’re constantly transitioning from one thing to the next. Perhaps it’s longing for comfort, embrace, or love and grieving in ways you never imagined. Perhaps it’s drowning in subtle-shame because you can never seem to do enough or be enough. Perhaps it’s in a place of freedom and joy – whatever the state…friends…we invite you to come. Come and enjoy time together, time away from all the “to-dos” of life vying for our attention. A moment away from all the subtle-silent things that are weighing down our souls that we may not even be aware of. You are invited March 25th from 10-12pm to make space in your life to remember that you are seen and you are safe and you are secure by the God who created you.
Register for the event here. In lieu of registration costs we are receiving donations for Redwood Family Center who serve women who are in recovery.
MEN’S GATHERING – WED. 3/22 6-7AM
Join some other guys from Radiant for donuts, coffee, and prayer. This has been an refreshing time of community and encouragement as we follow Jesus together. No better way to start your Wednesday. We meet at the ELC fellowship hall.
RADIANT MIDDLE SCHOOL – THURS. 3/23 7PM
There is a great community forming in this group! Be there this Thursday from 7-8:30PM at ELC!
HIGH SCHOOL OPEN GYM – 12-2PM
This is exciting! Radiant High Schoolers are gathering. We are hosting an Open Gym for High Schoolers at Modesto High School, Sunday March 26 from 12-2PM!
NEW TIMES FOR EASTER BRUNCH AND WORSHIP – 4/9
10:30AM BRUNCH – 11:30 AM WORSHIP
He is Risen Indeed! Spread the word and invites: we will meet at 11:30AM (at Emanuel Lutheran) to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter. Additionally, we’ll have an Easter brunch before worship at 10:30AM with ELC. For the brunch, it’s our job to some variety of breakfast casseroles. Please text Laura Fowler at if you can bring one – 209.606.4640
HOME CHURCHES
Our Home Church groups are communities that meet during the week where we learn to practice the way of Jesus. No experience required, all are welcome. We usually share a meal, read scripture, and consider what God is up to in and through our lives. This is a great time to consider plugging into a home as we just restarted in mid-January. 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
LOVE MODESTO 4/29
Love Modesto is coming! We encourage you to plug in on a project that is meaningful to you. As a church, we’d like to highlight two opportunities with local ministries we have partnered with. World Relief is hosting a supply drive for newly arrived refugees. Youth for Christ is doing some training for those interested in volunteers in the Juvenile Detention center.
MEN’S WEEKEND (4/21-4/23)
The Men’s Weekend at Mission Springs will soon be here, April 21st-23rd, 2023. We look forward to your joining us for a time of worship, fellowship and growing in your faith journey as we go ‘Back to Basics’. This is an event put on by our regional denominational conference. More information and registration can be found here.
Also — John Fowler has some spots at his private cabin in Mission Springs for those interested in going. This will reduce your registration costs. Contact John at (209) 345-5854.
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 social media space. People can extend invites, share about needs and resources. Please join us! https://band.us/n/adaa739aX4Rca
GIVING
Here’s the online link for giving, tithes, and offerings. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in ministry.
Grace and peace!
Zach
zach@radcov.org
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
