Dear Radiant,
It seems paradoxical that God calls us to join his healing mission even as we are wounded and still healing ourselves.
We rightfully fear that our attempts to help others might hurt others given our brokenness. So we try and hide our wounds out of shame and fear.
Yet our wounds when placed in God’s compassionate and loving hands, can actually become a place of healing.
Henri Nouwen writes beautifully on this subject:
“The main question is not ‘How can we hide our wounds, so we don’t have to be embarrassed,’ but ‘How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?’”
I am struck that this sounds like the ministry of Jesus, “who was wounded for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5).
The wounded healer himself invites us to imitate his movement, to become wounded healers ourselves.
So as we begin this new series on the practice of healing, we do so as disciples who are still wounded and on the mend. Yet we do so knowing that part of healing is wrapped in sharing our stories and wounds with others.
See you Sunday at 10!
Grace and Peace,
Zach
Radiant Events Calendar
8/9, 16, 23 – Radiant Volunteer Draft Combine after church
8/26 – Men’s Group at ELC 6-7am
9/6-9/12 – Week of Global Prayer at Kingdom Coffee
9/27 – Home Church “Praxis” Groups Begin
10/2-4 – Women’s Conference at Mission Springs
Radiant Volunteer Draft Combine
Where 40 times and vertical jumps aren’t as an important as a humble desire to serve others. This is Radiant’s invitation to gather volunteers for the fall. More to come: Sundays August 9, 16, 23.
Global Week of Prayer: September 6-12
Come, Holy Spirit! This will be a week of 24-7 prayer hosted at Kingdom Coffee. We are creating space (a lot of it) for seeking God together. All welcome as we kick off prayer on 9/6 at 8pm at Kingdom Coffee. Sign up for a prayer slot or three here: https://pray.24-7prayer.com/signup/b4bd2d
Home Church Leaders Formation Group
Do you desire to grow as a disciple of Jesus who makes disciples of Jesus? This is what Jesus called us to do, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all people groups.” Zach and Jill are inviting those who are interested in making disciples of Jesus through the vehicle of leading a Home Church to join a three week training community (Aug 26, Sept 2, 9) to discern and perhaps prepare to lead a Home Church this fall. Reach out to Zach if interested (209) 497-3710.
Radiant Youth
Bring your friends! Youth Group 5:47PM at ELC. Grades 6-12 welcome.
Subscribe to Radiant’s Youtube Channel
Hey friends, we are trying to improve our livestream game a bit and think that streaming on Youtube will serve our congregation better. To enable this, we will need 50 subscribers (we need 8 more!). You can subscribe here.
Women’s Conference at Mission Springs October 2-4
This fall’s theme, “Teach Us to Pray”, is centered on the Lord’s Prayer. Together, we will slow down and reflect on each phrase Jesus taught, discovering what it means to trust our Father, seek His kingdom, depend on His provision, and walk in forgiveness and surrender. This theme calls us not just to learn about prayer, but to be transformed by it. Through worship, teaching, and community, we will be renewed in our desire to pray boldly and live rooted in His presence. Join us for a weekend that promises to refresh your spirit, deepen your faith, and strengthen your connections with fellow women.
Register here: https://www.missionsprings.com/camp-event/womens-conference/
Community Notes
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
