December 15, 2023
Hey Radiant,
Advent is cooking along! We’re in the third Sunday already.
This Sunday, we’ll explore how Jesus, the Son of God reveals God as “Everlasting Father.” As so much of the miracle of Christmas, I find this notion both mysterious and beautiful.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a profound and passionate German pastor/theologian, writes movingly about this:
“Born within time, he brings eternity with him to earth; as the Son of God he brings to us all the love of the Father in heaven. Go there, seek and find the heavenly Father in the manger, the one who here has become even your own dear father.”
It’s worth noting that Bonhoeffer wrote those words from prison. Tragically, we was arrested and later executed because of his opposition to Hitler and the Nazi’s. Surely Bonhoeffer’s experiences gave him a unique vantage point to behold and reflect upon the reality of Jesus — the God who enters earth with eternity with him.
I wonder what it looks like for you, wherever you are — prison or otherwise — to go and seek the Everlasting Father in the manger? How might you find eternity, the presence of God, in the very circumstances of your life?
Whether mundane, majestic, or miserable, Christmas boldly declares that this is possible. God longs to be with us — in the very places we would least expect.
See you this Sunday at 5!
EVENTS CALENDAR (see below for details)
12/17 – 3rd Sunday in Advent – hot drinks, treats, and kids crafts following the service
12/24 – 4th Sunday in Advent/ Christmas Eve Service – 2PM
12/31 – New Year’s Eve Service – 2PM ADVENT 2023!
1/7 – Sunday Worship Gathering — 5PM
POST WORSHIP HANG!
We are creating some hospitality space for the Radiant community and visitors after each Advent service. We’ll have hot drinks, treats, and a kids craft station immediately following our advent services. Stick around and get to know some folks.
ADVENT REFUGEE DONATIONS
Radiant is partnering with World Relief Modesto to bless newly resettled refugees. Here are some furnishings and supplies that are currently needed:
– Couches
– Coffee Tables
– Towels
– Blankets
– Hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste, diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene items, soap/body wash, ect.)
– Cleaning Supplies
– Walmart/Amazon Gift Cards
We will be collecting these donations on Sunday evenings starting Nov. 26 through Christmas Eve from 4:30-7PM. The drop-off location will be in the foyer of the sanctuary at Emanuel Lutheran Church – 324 College Ave. If you need some help with larger donations or have any general questions — reach out to Zach 209.497.3710.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHRISTMAS GIFT…
Our friends from he Mozambique Covenant church passed along this Advent Conspiracy gift giving idea to us. If you would like to consider a different kind of Christmas gift this year that blesses and empowers the global poor — take a look.
FRONTIER RANCH
The Covenant Church operates a phenomenal summer camp in the Santa Cruz mountains. There are week long options for 4-6th graders and 7-9the graders. Registration opened on 12/1. Spots will fill quickly. Scholarships available from the website. Register here.
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 opportunities.
GIVING
You all are awesome. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry over 2023.
Currently we are at 97% of our giving goal for the year.
Here’s the online link for giving, tithes, and offerings.
Grace and Peace,
Zach
