Dear Radiant,
Do you eat your words from God before you share them?
Ezekiel ate a scroll that was God’s word to his people.
Though words of mourning, lament, and distress were written on it, the prophet Ezekiel said it tasted like honey.
What is going on here? Why did God serve Ezekiel a scroll?
Ezekiel had to internalize, both literally and figuratively, God’s message before he dared to share it with others.
I wonder what it means for us to “consume” the words of God.
Rather than taking a knife and fork to the Bible, how do we take God’s words to heart, trusting that…
Even if the words are hard, they will nourish.
Even if the words are bitter, somehow they will be sweet.
And as we are nourished by God’s words, perhaps our own words will take on a new character and power.
Excited to explore this further on Sunday at 10 AM. (There will be no literal eating of scripture.)
Grace and peace,
Zach
P.S. Don’t forget about our potluck picnic to follow at Enslen Park. Bring a glove if you want!
Radiant Events Calendar
4/19 – Park Day Potluck Picnic at Enslen Park
4/22 – Men’s Gathering 6-7am at ELC
4/25 – Love Modesto Service Day
4/25 – Radiant Adoption into the PSWC
4/29 – Newcomer’s Pizza at Zach and Jill’s 6:30PM
5/2 – Women’s Tea (sign ups live now!)
5/3 – Youth Paintball Day
5/10 – Baptism Service
6/8 – Emotionally Healthy Relationships Course begins
Picnic in the Park – April 19
April 19 — join us after the service for food and games at Enslen Park – 501 Stoddard Ave. Softball anyone? This will be a potluck picnic — so bring some food to share. (Btw – there are some park grills available too if you want to bbq.). We will be located by the small baseball field.
Love Modesto – April 25
Love Mo! Radiant is a sponsor of Love Modesto and encourages all to sign up to serve and demonstrate the love of Christ in a tangible way in this city wide service day! Sign up here
Newcomer Pizza – April 29
If you are newer or newish to Radiant and would like to learn more about our story, what we believe and how to get involved — Jill and Zach would love to have you over for some pizza. Not only are we excited to share about the church — but we are most excited to get to know you too. Kids welcome!
Join us from 6:30pm – 8pm on Wednesday April 29. Sign up here to let us know who’s coming and so we can get enough pizza.
Women’s Tea – May 2
You’re invited to the Radiant Women’s Tea…Come and enjoy light brunch fare, delicious tea (iced or hot), and conversations. Fill your cup with renewal. (There’s also a rumors of a DYI bouquet bar).
Saturday, May 2nd, 10AM-12PM, Emanuel Lutheran Church – 324 College Ave. Modesto, CA 95350
RadCov Kids
We are excited about the gift of children in our midst! If you are interested in getting involved with kid’s ministry, contact our Children’s director, Crystal Nicholson – 408.802.7061
Community Notes
RADIANT ADOPTION INTO THE COVENANT – This is an exciting moment for the church — Radiant is being adopted into the Evangelical Covenant Church. It begins by Radiant being adopted into the Pacific Southwest Conference on Saturday the 25th of April at the Conference annual meeting in Davis, CA. We will meet up for a carpool at ELC on Saturday at 8am and head to Davis. We should be back around 2pm. Let Zach know if interested in joining 209.497.3710
SHARING TABLE – One fun way we practice the gospel sharing and generosity is through our simple “sharing table.” We place a folding table where people can place items that they would like to give away to others (not junk!). These items could be clothes, fresh garden vegetables, toys, books, etc. It’s free – take them if you want it, no questions asked or obligations. If your sharing items are not taken that week – please be sure to take them back with you as we will not be storing items.
BAND APP – One way to connect to the Radiant community 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!
“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
