Dear Radiant,
Ezekiel brings a classic “I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news” message to God’s people.
The bad news comes first:
They cannot restore themselves. God’s people cannot, in their own strength, return to the land.
That same truth holds for us. No matter how much scrubbing or polishing we attempt, our efforts will fall short of true spiritual restoration. It’s like trying to fix a deep scratch on your car with soap and water. It just won’t work.
But here’s the good news Ezekiel brings:
God is the God of restoration. He longs to do for His people what they cannot do for themselves. He redeems the broken years and brings them back home.
And this is true for us as well. Restoration, in the deepest sense, is accessible and available. The essential thing is to embrace this reality:
“I can’t do it on my own, but God can, so I will let Him.”
But what does it actually look like to “let Him”? That’s what Ulisses Vasquez will help us explore this Sunday as he brings the good word from Ezekiel.
See you at 10 AM!
Zach
Radiant Events Calendar
5/2 – Women’s Tea 10am-12pm at ELC
5/3 – Radiant Youth Group 5:47PM
5/10 – Possible Baptism Service, Mother’s Day treats to follow
6/3 – Radiant Youth High School – Pinecrest Lake Day
6/8 – Emotionally Healthy Relationships Course begins
6/26 – Radiant Adoption into Evangelical Covenant Church in Scottsdale, AZ
Love Modesto – April 25
Thanks for those who joined the Love Modesto service. Here’s a little local news clip from the day….how many Radiant people can you spot (I see at least four)?
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
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED.
Emotionally Healthy Relationships – June 9
Tuesdays 6:30-8:00PM, begins June 9 concludes July 28.
The Emotionally Healthy (EH) Relationships Course has been developed over a 21-year period to directly address core biblical principles to guide you and others into an experience of discipleship that will deeply change your life. In the EH Relationships Course, everyone will learn 8 practical relationship skills to develop mature, loving relationships with others such as:
Stop Mind Reading and Clarify Expectations
Incarnational Listening
Climb the Ladder of Integrity
Clean Fighting
And since loving others and loving God cannot be separated, each person will also grow in their personal, first-hand relationship with Jesus by incorporating stillness, silence, and Scripture as daily life rhythms.
*if you plan on traveling this summer — there a video streaming options for independently completing sessions you miss.
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
Welcome Sebastian Oliver!
Samantha and Sergio Lara welcomed their baby, Sebastian Oliver Lara, into the the world on 4/16. Congratulations Lara’s! We’ve got a meal train up and chugging for the Lara’s. You can sign up here.
Baptism Service Interest
We are considering a Baptism service on 5/10. Are you ready to make a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ? If you believe God might be leading you to baptism, please reach out to Zach (reply to this email or text 209.497.3710) for more information.
Community Notes
RADIANT ADOPTION INTO THE COVENANT – It was sweet being welcomed in to the Pacific Southwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church last Saturday. We will continue on to “Nationals” as we pursue the final, formal step of adoption at the denomination’s national gathering in Scottsdale, AZ on June 26th.
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
