January 5, 2023
Happy New Year!
I just got back from a winter road trip to visit family in the Pacific Northwest.
Even in the winter it is a beautiful part of the country — we drove through pine forests shrouded with fog, were awed by snow capped mountains, and drove alongside swiftly running rivers.
But my eyes seemed perpetually drawn to graffiti marking the walls and overpasses. I kept wondering — why would somebody go out of there way, to risk their safety and commit a criminal act to merely “tag” something with spray paint that only a few others will recognize as belonging to the tagger? Are they just really bored?
My suspicion is that it comes down to identity.
Human beings want to make a mark on the world, they want to be known (if only in alias). Our souls are so thirsty to be known as valuable, worthy, and impactful that we do this sort of stuff.
These acts scream: “I am here and I matter, you should pay attention!”
Even in our secular age, the soul and its needs will always surface.
So how’s your soul and what does it long to say? Is it screaming? It is hiding? Do you long o be seen? To matter?
This new year, we are starting a new series on the human soul and how to care for it.
Surely, we believe Jesus came to save our souls. Yet this is not merely some transaction. He came to bring our souls freedom and healing here and now.
So as we follow Jesus, he invites us on a journey of soul restoration. This isn’t an easy journey. In fact, it is usually really messy. But the good news is Jesus is with us and is full of grace and mercy as we join his work in us.
So friends we’ll begin this Sunday with the cornerstone of a flourishing soul — our identity in Christ.
And hey! We’re back at 5PM! Excited to see you all then!
EVENTS CALENDAR
1/7 – Sunday Worship – 5PM (back to our normal time)
1/14 – Second Sunday Supper — Pancakes for Dinner!
1/14 – Home Churches restart this week
1/17 – Guys’ Gathering 6-7AM
2/24 – Inner Healing Prayer Workshop
3/31 – Easter Sunday
4/13 – Women’s Tea
4/19-21 -Men’s Conference — registration opens 1/1/24
HOME CHURCHES RESTART WEEK OF 1/14
Radiant Home Churches are communities of discipleship in the way of Jesus and are foundational to our life as a church. 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! Groups are restarting the week of 1/14, so it’s an optimal time to jump in.
SECOND SUNDAY PANCAKE DINNER — 1/14
We are doing a pancake…dinner on 1/14 after our service. We’ll supply the food! Suggested donation $3 per person or $10 per family.
MEN’S CONFERENCE 4/19-21 at MISSION SPRINGS
Join us for a weekend of impact, challenge, and fun as we spend time in worship, fellowship, and growing in Christ. Our hope is that the men at the conference would feel empowered to rise up and seek out God despite feelings, circumstances, or situations. Register here, starting Jan. 1st. Also — the Fowlers have generously opened up their Mission Springs cabin and have room for ten. Let John know if you are interested. 209.345.5854
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! We met exceeded our budgeted giving amount.
To give in 2024 — here’s the link (this one works this time!)
Grace and Peace,
Zach
