March 10, 2023
Dear Radiant,
It is no secret that an epidemic of loneliness is underway. It is more subtle and unseen than COVID, but its consequences are just as profound.
The National Institutes of Health “has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death.”
Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon general has said that chronic loneliness is the health equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
It is tragic to me that such avoidable human misery is wreaking havoc.
Bizarrely, even as we advance technologically, we can’t seem to figure out how to arrange our lives around meaningful relationships and friendships.
But what if something new is emerge in this present relational wilderness?
As we practice the way of Jesus — we believe the church is called to be an oasis of healing community.
We are call to be a community where people are seen and known and loved. A place where there is always an open seat at the table for the newcomer, for the lonely ones.
This is what we’re fighting and praying for at Radiant. And it won’t be easy. There are sure to be to some wrong turns during the journey.
But we are following Jesus to create an ecosystem of formation — where human flourishing under God’s guidance is possible.
Where deserts are made into refreshing pools of water.
We continue the journey this Sunday night at 5PM! See you then!
Btw – we are having a potluck after for those who’d like to join. See details below.
CALENDAR (see below for details)
ONGOING – Home Church
3/12 – Second Sunday Supper Potluck – following 5PM worship.
3/25 – Women’s Tea 10AM – 12PM
3/26 – Radiant High School Gathering
4/9 – Easter Brunch 10:30 AM and Worship 11:30 AM
4/16 – Bike to Church Sunday
4/21-23 – Men’s Weekend at Mission Springs
4/29 – Love Modesto Service Day
SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER – 3/12
Following worship next Sunday we will gather for food and fellowship. This is a potluck! Bring a favorite family dish I am getting hungry already thinking about it. Come hang with us — there is a seat at the table for you.
WOMEN’S TEA – 3/25 – 10AM – 12PM
What’s the state of your soul?
Perhaps it’s exhausted because it’s lost its focus, it’s running in circles, you can’t seem to catch a break, you’re constantly transitioning from one thing to the next. Perhaps it’s longing for comfort, embrace, or love and grieving in ways you never imagined. Perhaps it’s drowning in subtle-shame because you can never seem to do enough or be enough. Perhaps it’s in a place of freedom and joy – whatever the state…friends…we invite you to come. Come and enjoy time together, time away from all the “to-dos” of life vying for our attention. A moment away from all the subtle-silent things that are weighing down our souls that we may not even be aware of. You are invited March 25th from 10-12pm to make space in your life to remember that you are seen and you are safe and you are secure by the God who created you.
Register for the event here. In lieu of registration costs we are receiving donations for Redwood Family Center who serve women who are in recovery.
HOME CHURCHES
Our Home Church groups are communities that meet during the week where we learn to practice the way of Jesus. No experience required, all are welcome. We usually share a meal, read scripture, and consider what God is up to in and through our lives. This is a great time to consider plugging into a home as we just restarted in mid-January. If you are interested in learning about available groups and what group might be a good fit for you contact Zach at zach@radcov.org
LOVE MODESTO 4/29
Love Modesto is coming! We encourage you to plug in on a project that is meaningful to you. As a church, we’d like to highlight two opportunities with local ministries we have partnered with. World Relief is hosting a supply drive for newly arrived refugees. Youth for Christ is doing some training for those interested in volunteers in the Juvenile Detention center.
MEN’S WEEKEND (4/21-4/23) REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The Men’s Weekend at Mission Springs will soon be here, April 21st-23rd, 2023. We look forward to your joining us for a time of worship, fellowship and growing in your faith journey as we go ‘Back to Basics’. This is an event put on by our regional denominational conference. More information and registration can be found here.
Also — John Fowler has some spots at his private cabin in Mission Springs for those interested in going. This will reduce your registration costs. Contact John at (209) 345-5854.
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 resources. Please join us! https://band.us/n/adaa739aX4Rca
GIVING
Here’s the online link for giving, tithes, and offerings. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in ministry.
Grace and peace!
Zach
