June 27, 2025
Dear Radiant,
Human knowledge is growing at a dizzying, bewildering rate.
By some estimates, the collective amount of human knowledge is doubling every year. In some fields of study, the amount of knowledge is doubling every 12 hours!
This is crazy.
Before the year 1500, it would take about 1000 years for human knowledge to double.
We live in in era of a data and information explosion; A.I. promises to further accelerate this.
But does more information, more human knowledge mean that we are wiser or better?
The sad irony of our times is that while we have more information and easier access to it than ever before, markers of human flourishing indicate some real problems. For example, there has been a marked increase in anxiety, depression, and loneliness in young people (this seems to track with advent of the smart phone). Or while medical research and breakthroughs promise health and healing, American’s health outcomes are declining.
Think of your own life: does knowing about something, mean that you will better off? It certainly does not guarantee transformation or growth.
I wonder if the sea of information can paradoxically blind us from discovering wisdom. Wisdom, compared to information or knowledge, is about the practical application of knowledge to everyday living.
And biblically, true wisdom is found in and through a life lived with God.
This is the testimony of the book of Proverbs. Wisdom that comes from God is:
“more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.”
PROVERBS 3:14-18
So we continue the journey towards wisdom this Sunday. I have a feeling we can’t ChatGPT this one!
See you Sunday at 10AM!
EVENTS CALENDAR
6/29 – Pre-service Prayer. 9:30AM at MJC. All welcome.
7/3 – Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course 6:30-8PM at ELC
7/6 – Rad Youth Parents Meeting (after worship service at MJC)
7/25 – Radiant Lake Day at Splash and Dash
8/17 – Newcomer’s Pizza at Zach and Jill’s
10/3-10/5 – Women’s Retreat at Mission Springs Registration Open!
UPCOMING RADIANT YOUTH EVENTS
6/29 – Volleyball and Bible Study 7PM
7/1 – Radiant Youth Service Day at Gospel Mission
7/8 – Radiant Youth Summer Nights and Pool Party
Sign up here to receive more information on our Radiant Youth gatherings.
EMOTIONALLY HEALTH SPIRITUALITY COURSE
Peter Scazzero writes “emotional health and spiritual maturity are inseparable. It is not possible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.” Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is an invitation to flourish in Christ as we consider what is going on “under the surface” in our lives. This is a 8 week course that will meet on Thursdays beginning June 12 and end on July 31 at ELC. Sign up here to sign up. If you’ve completed the course — I’ve done it many times — consider taking it again: there are always new things to discover.
RAD YOUTH PARENTS MEETING – JULY 6
This is a meeting for parents of Rad Youth, especially parents with kids new to youth group (grades 6-12 grade). Ulisses will gather with you at MJC following the service to give a brief overview of Rad Youth, answer questions, and share about upcoming gatherings.
LAKE DAY AT LAKE McCLURE SPLASH AND DASH – JULY 25
On Friday, July 25 — we are going to have some church summer fun. Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park is North America’s Largest Floating, Inflatable Waterpark that provides hours of high-energy FUN & ADVENTURE! It is at Lake McClure, about an hour drive away from Modesto. You will need to buy tickets online for access to the water park (there is a bunch of different options for kids of all ages). If you want to just come and hang you are more than welcome to as well. Bring food, drinks, towels, sunscreen — we are hanging for the day, starting at 11AM. Invite friends!
Sign-up and More information found here
WOMEN’S RETREAT REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
October 3-5 at Mission Springs Conference Center.
We spend our lives avoiding the wilderness. Yet it is often in the wilderness that we encounter the Lord’s provision, promises, and presence. We even read that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led in the wilderness. What can we learn from time spent in the wilderness? This special weekend is designed to be a transformative experience, offering countless opportunities to connect with other women and be refreshed.
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
[email protected]
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
