November 21, 2025
Dear Radiant,
Every epic adventure follows a familiar narrative structure: a ramshackle group of unlikely people band together for an impossible adventure. Sharing their unique gifts and pouring out their lives, they endure incredible hardship, weather relational storms, and somehow come out as victors and friends on the other side.
Think: Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Avengers.
What if these stories resonate because this very narrative IS the archetypal pattern of all of God’s creation? That is, maybe this really is the story we are all in.
Before you label me as an idealistic romantic (caught red handed), think of the story of Israel, Jesus, and the church. Doesn’t the very story of scripture itself follow this same pattern?
God calls unlikely candidates, a little nation Israel to pursue his epic, good, and loving purposes in the world.
Jesus called a group of disciples. They were kind of a mess, yet each had a part to play in the story of God’s unfolding redemption in Jesus Christ.
So too with the church: we are called together as Christ’s disciples not just to love him and love one another but to join him on epic adventure, sharing our gifts and weathering storms together, “overcoming evil with good.”
In other words, commitment to Christ is bigger than just you and Jesus. It is bigger than being called into community. Commitment to Christ means you been called to join in God’s healing, redemptive mission. You have a part to play in this “love story in the midst of war.” (as John Eldredge put it).
Deep down, I think we really do crave to join an adventure with a group of friends.
More than sitting on dusty pews and being bored as a pastor lectures — this is a wild journey with God that we call the church.
Let’s go — together!
See you this Sunday at 10AM.
RADIANT EVENTS CALENDAR
RADIANT YOUTH FOOD DRIVE – 11/9, 11/16, 11/23
11/23 – Church Membership Q & A Town hall after worship
11/26 – Women’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC
11/26 – Thanksgiving Eve Service with ELC followed by pie social
11/30 – First Sunday of Advent.
12/1 – Frontier Ranch Camp Registration Opens
12/24 – Christmas Eve Service 2PM
12/28 – No Sunday Gathering – Church at Home!
RADIANT MEMBERSHIP TOWNHALL Q & A – 11/23 THIS SUNDAY
We are beginning the church membership journey at Radiant. This is an exciting time but sure to generate questions. We want to create some space to get this conversation started. We are going to meet following this Sunday’s service for questions and answers and share a bit more of the vision behind membership at Radiant. We’ve posted some resources on our linktree — take a look.
WOMEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY 6-7AM
We’ll meet at ELC!
RADIANT YOUTH
Sign up for updates here.
RADCOV KIDS SCHEDULE
We are looking to fill some gaps in our children’s ministry volunteer schedule for 2026. Please contact Crystal Nicholson if God is leading you in this area: (408) 802-7061
SHARED THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE WITH EMANUEL LUTHERAN – 11/26 7PM
Radiant and ELC will continue the tradition of a shared service of Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 26th at 7PM at ELC. Bring a pie to share as well for a fellowship time following the service.
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
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.
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
