November 28, 2025
Dear Radiant,
Happy New Year!
I should clarify here: Happy New Church Year!
The church calendar begins in the season of Advent (You might even be wondering what even Advent is. Or that the church even has its own special calendar).
Christians, over the centuries, have ordered time around the story of the salvation. That is, there is an alternative way of keeping time that retells the story of Jesus and the people of God year after year.
Here is graphic of how it works if you’re sort of intrigued:
The idea is that we are formed, in part, by how we keep time and order our lives.
So we begin the new church year (this Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent) with Advent.
Advent means “coming.” It is a season that remembers and celebrates how Jesus came in the fulfillment of the scriptures and how he promised that he will come again to make all things new.
So Advent is a season of hope. This season is an invitation to recenter our hope in Jesus as we both celebrate his coming at Christmas and we wait with joyful expectation for his return.
In a time often bereft of hope: I am praying boldly that we would be people of defiant hope. That, through God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, people would catch a glimpse of the coming dawn in Jesus Christ.
Friends, ’tis the season of hope mongering.
See you this Sunday at 10AM.
RADIANT EVENTS CALENDAR
RADIANT YOUTH FOOD DRIVE – ONE LAST SUNDAY!
11/30 – First Sunday of Advent.
12/1 – Frontier Ranch Camp Registration Opens
12/3 – Men’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC (with breakfast!)
12/7 – Post service drinks and craft!
12/24 – Christmas Eve Service 2PM
12/28 – No Sunday Gathering – Church at Home!
RADIANT MEMBERSHIP TOWNHALL Q & A: FOLLOW UP
We are beginning the church membership journey at Radiant. This last Sunday we shared about the process and fielded questions — it was great to connect and discuss this. There are some resources on our linktree — take a look. Also, if you are interested in attending our first membership class (likely late January) or have any questions, you can indicate here.
MEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY 6-7AM
We’ll meet at ELC at 6AM — and we are going to be sharing breakfast: Some pancakes, eggs and bacon this Wednesday. Can’t miss this one!
ADVENT FUN!
During Advent we are going to be creating some space after service for folks to hang out enjoy some hot beverages. We’ll have some crafts and activities for all ages as well. Here’s what is coming up:
Dec 7 – Christmas swag or table deco and hot cocoa/cider
Dec 14 – Family crafts and card making
Dec 21 – Cookie decorating
RADIANT YOUTH – EXTENDED ONE MORE SUNDAY!
Sign up for Radiant Youth updates here.
RADCOV KIDS SCHEDULE
There are some opportunities to serve in children’s ministry in 2026. Please contact Crystal Nicholson if God is leading you to explore serving in this area: (408) 802-7061
COMMUNITY NOTES:
FOOD SHARING TABLE AT KINGDOM COFFEE
Kingdom Coffee (Oakdale and Orangeburg) and hosting a food sharing table. Feel free to help yourself to food or bring something to share.
SUPPORT FOR PEDRO GONZALEZ VISION TRIP TO NEPAL
Radiant’s Pedro Gonzalez will travel to Nepal in late January for a three-week vision trip focused on listening, learning, and spending time with mission workers who serve vulnerable communities. This trip also serves as a time of discernment as he seeks clarity on whether God is calling him to serve long-term abroad. Pedro is currently raising $3,500 for this trip; if you would like to support him, you can give at ajesusmission.org/pedrogonzalez or contact him at 209-495-1565 to learn more
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
Join us for preservice every Sunday at 9am at MJC near the children’s ministry rooms.
GIVING
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry!
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Here’s the link to online giving.
Grace and Peace!
Zach
[email protected]
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
