September 15, 2023
Dear Friends, I have good news and some bad news.
The bad first:
The church has a credibility problem. A Gallup survey from 2022 showed that only 31% of Americans have confidence in the church. This is an all time low from when tracking began in 1975 (in 1975 it was 68%!).
There are a lot of reasons for this decline and this trend follows feelings about institutions in the U.S. in general.
But suffice it to say, the church is not seen as a shining light, a city on the hill. Quite the opposite.
This probably isn’t new news to you. Scandals abound and make headlines to point of cliche.
On the micro level, If we look at our own lives with honesty, we often feel a dissonance between the life of love that Jesus calls us to and our actual lives.
What do we do with this?
Now the good news:
I believe Jesus still says to you, “you are the light of the world. The salt of the earth.”
Jesus’ sermon on the mount still speaks to the chasm that can develop between professed religious adherence and heart reality.
The solution is not to chase credibility. That’s not our job and will likely get us into trouble.
Rather, Jesus invites us to rethink our tired religious endeavors and to find our life and light again in him and his words.
Light, as always, is its own testimony.
See you this Sunday at 5pm as we revisit his words and continue our series on the sermon on the mount: “The Simple Way: Jesus’ guide to the good life in an anxious world.”
Grace and Peace!
EVENTS CALENDAR (see below for details)
Week of 9/17 – Home Churches begin!
9/20 – Guys Gathering – 6-7AM
9/21 – Radiant Middle School Gathering 6:30-8:30PM (at ELC)
9/26 – The Alpha Course Preview 6-8PM (at ELC)
9/29-10/1 – Women’s Conference at Mission Springs
11/3-11/5 – Middle School Retreat
GUYS GATHERING
HOME CHURCHES ARE GETTING READY…
Radiant Home Churches are communities of discipleship in the way of Jesus and are foundational to our life as a church. We plan to begin this next week, 9/17. If you are not currently in a home church, or would like to try a new Home Church, please fill out this interest form, and we’ll follow up with you as the groups take shape. You can also directly reach out to the leaders listed below and they will get you connected. 
THE ALPHA COURSE – BEGINS TUES. SEPTEMBER 26 
The Alpha Course is returning!
What is Alpha? Alpha is a series of conversations about things we all question in life: Why do bad things happen to good people? What’s the purpose of life? What’s next?
It’s for those exploring Jesus, for those who are skeptical, for those who want to be refreshed. It is an 10 week course, but you are welcome to come to the first gathering to check it out, no commitment required. This is a great community to invite friends who are exploring faith — all questions welcomed If you’re looking for a judgment-free space to ask hard questions, share your own opinion, or even just observe, there’s a place for you. Sign up here.
MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL RETREAT
Nov. 3-5 2023 at Mission Springs Conference Center, Scotts Valley, CA
These weekends are known for being wonderful places of connection for our students, a space to encounter God, and include ridiculously fun activities like 9 square, crafts/ board games, and even a zipline! Contact Ulisses Vasquez (209.541.8536) for more information and more details.
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 UPDATE
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in ministry. Here’s the online link for giving, tithes, and offerings.
Grace and Peace,
Zach
