August 15, 2025
Dear Radiant,
God + you = the life you are meant to live.
That’s the simple math.
But we really struggle with this equation.
We often take God out of the formula. We become self-reliant, we hide from God, we put life upon our own shoulders. But with God missing, the equation (and our lives) can not resolve. Even with at TI whatever calculator, no matter how clever we are — the math won’t work.
Similarly, if we take ourselves out of the equation, something is missing as well. Maybe we are prone to forgetting this in religious circles. Perhaps we ignore our God-given emotions and desires, hiding not just from God but ourselves under the guise of religion. Specifically, we remove ourselves from the equation when we don’t do the thing God is asking us to do.
Here’s the simple truth: we were made for life with God. All of God’s life and all of our life. Together.
This is how the equation joyfully resolves. Always.
So put God back in the equation. Put yourself back in the equation. We’ll see that this is the solution. (For those who detest putting relational things in reductive math terms — I am with you — but let’s just let it slide this time).
The prophet Haggai spoke a similar, albeit less math-y, word to the remnant of God’s people. They had been neglecting God and they had been neglecting doing the things He told them to do.
And so the temple was in ruins and so were their lives.
But God was waiting for them to return. His presence with them would make all the difference. That was desire all along anyway — just to be with them.
This week we’ll dig into the dynamics of this return to the with-God life as we examine how the people of God’s holy discontent led to a surprising spiritual revival.
Friends, the math stays the same. This can be our story, too.
See you Sunday at 10am!
RADIANT EVENTS CALENDAR
Every Sunday – Pre-service prayer 9am at MJC
8/17 – Radiant Youth Group Meets on Sunday Night at 5:47PM at ELC
8/17 – Newcomer’s Pizza at Zach and Jill’s
8/20 – Women’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC
9/1-9/7 – Global Week of Prayer at Kingdom Coffee
9/14 – Roosevelt Park Post Church Picnic
Mid-September – Home Church Restart
9/19 – Trivia Night at Contentment
10/3-10/5 – Women’s Retreat at Mission Springs Registration Open!
NEWCOMER’S PIZZA – AUGUST 17
If you are newer or newish to Radiant and would like to learn more about our story, what we believe and how we practice it — Jill and Zach would love to have you over for some pizza. Not only are we excited to share about the church — but we’re actually more excited to get to know you. Kids most welcome! We’ll meet at the Riley’s house — 1128 Mills Ave at 12pm on Sunday, August 17. Sign up here to let us know who’s coming and so we can get enough pizza.
WOMEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY 6-7AM
Women gather this Wednesday from 6-7am at the ELC fellowship hall for scripture and prayer. All welcome.
24-7 PRAYER WEEK SEPTEMBER 1-7
Radiant is excited to be part of the Global Week of 24-7 Prayer happening September 1–7, 2025—a unique opportunity for Christians around the world to pray day and night in unity, declaring God’s greatness together. In a time of instability and division, a united Church is powerful.
We’ll be hosting a 24-7 Prayer Room at:
📍 Kingdom Coffee
2401 E Orangeburg Ave, Suite 100
Modesto, CA 95355
Come take a prayer hour and be part of an unbroken chain of prayer all week long. As we pray, we encounter God and discover His heart for our people, our city, and our nation.
Special Gatherings
📅 Launch Night of Prayer – Monday, September 1 at 6:30 PM
📅 Closing Potluck Celebration – Sunday, September 7 at 6:30 PM
Both gatherings will take place at Kingdom Coffee and are open to everyone—whether or not you’ve signed up for a prayer hour yet.
📅 Dates: September 1–7, 2025
🔗 Sign Up: Scan the QR code on the flyer below or click here
Please share this email and flyer with your congregation, friends, and community groups. Invite others to take part in this global movement of prayer. Every person who joins will be praying alongside others from around the world! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me: Ulisses Vasquez – Organizer
📞 (209) 541-8536
WOMEN’S RETREAT REGISTRATION
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.
PRAYER
Please join us for pre service every Sunday at 9am at MJC. We meet in the courtyard adjacent to our Children’s church classrooms.
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
