July 28, 2023
Dear Radiant,
*Before my little blurb for the Radiant Weekly — I wanted to put in a special plug for Trivia Night, next Thursday! This is going to be a blast – and we’ll raise some money for World Relief who are doing great things with refugees locally. Register here.*
Like the last drops of our summer vacation, we are coming to the end of our time in Acts.
As I’ve said nearly every week, I really dig this book. I am captivated by the work of the God’s Spirit in crossing cultural barriers as the way of Jesus ripples outward from Jerusalem.
Full of surprises, full of grace, full of hardship.
We can identify with Acts.
A major part of this story is the unfolding of the life and ministry of Paul (formerly known as Saul, a persecutor of the Way). In Acts 20 — Paul says goodbye to a group of dear friends and leaders in the church. It’s not the end of the book, but kind of feels like it.
We are given a little glimpse into what motivates this world traveling, perpetually-in-trouble-with-the-law, church planting, gospel vagabond.
Paul’s speech is beautiful, motivating, and a little startling.
Stunningly, Paul says, “I consider my life worth nothing to me.”
His says to them what is made clear by his lifestyle: his only motivation is to run the race God has marked out for him — testifying to the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Do you view your life like this — as deeply purposeful? and as being about more than just you? Being about the grace of Jesus Christ?
I often forget this.
We live in a culture (even in religious practice) that is radically individualistic.
Our stories are as small as our ephemeral desires.
And by all measures we are incredibly anxious, depressed and lonely. Perhaps there is a connection?
We reflect the words of atheistic philosopher Albert Camus “everything is possible and nothing has any importance.”
But the way of Jesus speaks a different truth — everything has importance — and the story we are in is a profoundly meaningful.
Our lives, rather than drifting in pursuit of elusive pleasure, have an epic design.
A unique race marked out for you. A path God is trying to show you.
A purpose. A calling.
But bigger than just you. And not easy.
Join us this Sunday at 5pm. I’m pretty sure we’ll unlock the meaning of life.
SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR (see below for details)
8/1 – Emotionally Healthy Spirituality — our last one! 6:30-8PM
8/2 – Men’s Morning Gathering 6-7AM
8/3 – Trivia Night (in support of World Relief)
8/6 – Child Dedications during Sunday worship — let Zach know if you are interested.
8/10 – Home Church Leader’s Meeting 6:30-8PM
8/18-19 – The Missio Conference (a collaborative event with Covenant Grove and Modesto Covenant Church).
9/29-10/1 – Women’s Conference at Mission Springs
TRIVIA NIGHT – 8/3 – 7PM
Sign up now! Invite your friends! Tuesday, August 3rd at Contentment Brewing Company. Test your knowledge, win prizes, raise money for local refugees as we raise money for World Relief Modesto. Register here.
THE MISSIO CONFERENCE – 8/18-8/19
This is exciting. We are joining forces with our Covenant brothers and sisters at Modesto Covenant Church and Covenant Grove to go deeper in Christ and further in mission together. This will be a Friday and Saturday in-town conference shared across our three sites. This is all about creating space for the Holy Spirit to encourage, empower, and equip us for participating in God’s mission in Modesto and beyond. Click here to learn more about schedule, speakers, and to register.
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE AT MISSION SPRINGS 9/29 – 10/1
Registration for our conference’s Covenant Women’s Conference is now open. This conference will take place at the beautiful Mission Springs Conference in Scotts Valley, CA. This will also be a weekend of encouragement, fellowship, and rich memory-building, all with one goal in mind, that you leave Mission Springs knowing that you are loved by God and your purpose is to love others. Click here to learn more about speakers and worship and to register.
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, and commit to pray for one another. 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
