August 23, 2024
Dear Radiant,
Hey, that was fun!
It was a really sweet time gathering on Sunday at 10AM at MJC and at our normal 5PM time at ELC.
It was great seeing some new faces and I can attest that the tiger blood snow cones were on-point. When combining both services’ attendance it was the most attended Sunday we’ve ever had.
While it really a wonderful to welcome new people into our community — I have to admit that there are some questions gnawing at me.
I wonder:
“Is our community really a place where all different sorts of people genuinely encounter Jesus?”
“Do we make a difference for the good of Modesto and beyond?
And this one has really been pressing: “Are actual lives being transformed by the power of God?”
While it is important to celebrate great milestones like last Sunday, we must ruthlessly, persistently, and honestly ask these questions.
Because it’s one thing to draw a bit of a crowd on Sunday, it’s another to see the kingdom of God break into and heal broken lives.
By God’s kindness, we really have seen some of this happen. And more than anything we desire more of it.
We exist to join Jesus in his mission of making disciples in Modesto and beyond. We will be relentless about this — come what may.
So our journey continues this Sunday: we are digging into the mechanics of life change in the way of Jesus. We are dealing with the all-important “how” of life change.
While this process is often quiet and smalll life change is beautiful collision of God’s power with our willingness to surrender to it.
And while not ever formulaic, the scriptures provide a simple and practical picture of what it means to travel this journey of change.
Surely, it is a path of joy (that might or might not include snow cones).
We’ll see you at 5PM at ELC!
*We’ll be back for a second preview at MJC on September 8 at 10AM.
EVENTS CALENDAR
9/8 – Second Preview Service at Modesto Junior College Recital Hall – 10AM
9/15 – Home Church Gatherings Begin
9/15 – Second Sunday Supper
9/20 – Trivia Night
9/22 – Samantha and Sergio Wedding Shower
9/26 – The Alpha Course begins
10/4-10/6 – Women’s Retreat at Mission Springs *registration now open.
MEN’S GATHERING – THIS WEDNESDAY – 6-7AM
It’s the guy’s turn! This Wednesday at ELC fellowship hall 6-7AM.
PREVIEW SERVICE AT MJC – SEPTEMBER 8 – 10AM
We are taking a two week break, then our next 10AM preview service will be on 9/8 at at the MJC recital hall (1130 Stoddard Ave.). We are in a season of discerning service times and locations! If you are interested in providing feedback about this process — here is survey form. Radiant exists to be a place the unchurched and dechurched can encounter Jesus. Let’s see what God is up to by joining together on mission.
*Reminder — in addition, we’ll have our normal 5PM services at ELC.
RAD YTH NIGHTS – 2nd & 4th TUESDAYS – 6:30-8:30PM ELC
RadCov Youth is Back! The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. We can’t wait to see you and whoever you invite there! Grades 6th to 12th are welcome!
CHURCHES START MID-SEPTEMBER
Home churches are getting back starting in mid-September. 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
TRIVIA NIGHT – SEPTEMBER 20 – 6:45PM
Mark your calendars. Join us at Contentment Brewery for Trivia Night! This is chance to connect with others and test your knowledge. Proceeds will benefit World Relief Modesto. Sign up here
THE ALPHA COURSE – BEGINS 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 8 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. And more than that — dinner is included! Sign up here.
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE AT MISSION SPRINGS OCTOBER 4-6 2024
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
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry! Here’s the link to online giving.
Grace and Peace!
Zach
zach@radcov.org
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
