March 8, 2023
Hey Radiant,
I’ve been pondering this: what a strange thing that Jesus was bound and arrested!
That God incarnate, the Word Made Flesh was held captive and dragged a mile back to Jerusalem by those with ill intentions.
Little did they know that Jesus’ captivity was the beginning God’s liberating work on the cross. Little did they know that brute force couldn’t win the day.
But I wonder how we might be tempted to hold Jesus captive in our lives today?
Like the authorities 2000 years ago, we still get nervous with uncertainty, and we are tempted to try and control things (even God) that are not really within our control.
Because when we (try to) hold Jesus captive, we really are the ones that are imprisoned.
Instead, the invitation is to be captivated by Christ and his beauty. Instead of control we choose trust — even when the future is uncertain.
It might be a little scary to trust God like this — but that’s how it works!
No other way leads to freedom.
The journey to cross continues this Sunday. See you at 5!
EVENTS CALENDAR
Home Churches are now going! Jump in one!
3/10 – Second Sunday Supper
3/13 – Guys’ Gathering 6-7AM (ELC)
3/17 – Radiant High School (during
3/31 – Easter Sunday Service 10:30AM Brunch 11:30AM service
4/13 – Women’s Tea 10AM-12PM
4/19-21 -Men’s Conference
4/27 – Love Modesto Service Day
SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER
It’s a potluck this Sunday — with the theme of “green.” Green enchiladas, green salad, green apples, green eggs and ham! Bring some food (doesn’t have to be green) and enjoy some time together. This will follow our 5pm service. Looking forward to it.
HOME CHURCHES ARE GETTING AFTER IT!
Radiant Home Churches are communities of discipleship in the way of Jesus and are foundational to our life as a church. If you are not currently in a home church, or would like to try a new Home Church, please fill out this interest form, and we’ll follow up with you! Groups has just recently started, so it’s an optimal time to jump in.
NEW CHILDREN’S CHURCH RHYTHM
4th and 5th grade will have children’s church every Sunday starting this Sunday. We are always looking for volunteers and teachers.
EASTER 2024
Easter is just a few weeks away. We will celebrate this resurrection of Jesus, the hinge-point of history, with joy and praise (and brunch). Our service will be at 11:30AM this year — spread invites wide and far. This service will be preceded by a shared brunch with Emanuel Lutheran Church at 10:30AM.
WOMEN’S TEA – SAT. 4/13
Join us as we sip on tea and listen to Laurie Short as she redirects us toward hope, perspective and a new way of seeing a world full of detours. May we begin seeing our stories with new hope. This is a great event to invite friends to. When: Saturday, April 13th 10am-12pm
Cost: $15
MEN’S CONFERENCE 4/19-21 at MISSION SPRINGS
Join us for a weekend of impact, challenge, and fun as we spend time in worship, fellowship, and growing in Christ. Our hope is that the men at the conference would feel empowered to rise up and seek out God despite feelings, circumstances, or situations. Register here. Also — the Fowlers have generously opened up their Mission Springs cabin and have room for ten. Let John know if you are interested. 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 opportunities.
GIVING
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry! Here’s the link to online giving.
Grace and Peace,
Zach
