March 6, 2025
Dear Radiant,
I was a bit nervous as I walked onto the JC campus with my forehead marked with ash and a sign that said, “Ash Wednesday — You are dust…”
This would be my second year doing this and, like last year, wondered who would be so bold as to have their foreheads publicly marked with an ashen cross. I was encouraged by having Isabella Andrews from Intervarsity Christian Fellowship join me.
After finding the most public spot possible on campus and after a slow start, students (and some Radiant peeps) began to come up to us for ashes. Then, as classes let out, an influx of students came up.
Some of their friends who didn’t want to be marked, asked what it meant — it was a great opportunity for spiritual conversation.
I was struck, like last year, what an amazing thing it is for people to be marked so visibly and awkwardly for Jesus.
I’ve come to really appreciate the sort of witness Ash Wednesday provides. It is not the sort of witness where outspoken Christians says – “I am holy and you are not, so get your life in order.”
Ash Wednesday does not suggest superiority or pride. Rather, it signifies need, limits, sin, and humanity. “We are dust and to dust we shall return.”
What a sobering reminder and what an incredible way to bear witness to the hope that Jesus brings us through suffering, cross, and resurrection.
Ash Wednesday begins the 40 day journey of Lent, a season of journeying with Jesus towards Easter reality. We invite you to journey with Jesus and with us this season!
May God gather us close to his heart as we journey together — as dust that is loved.
See you Sunday at 10AM!
EVENTS CALENDAR
3/9 – Second Sunday Brunch at ELC
3/11 – Rad YTH Night 6:30-8:30 at ELC
3/12 – Men’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC
4/12 – Women’s Tea 10AM-12PM
4/20 – Easter Sunday 10AM
5/2-4 – Men’s Conference at Mission Springs (registration now open)
SECOND SUNDAY POTLUCK BRUNCH – THIS SUNDAY 3/9
Join us for brunch immediately following the service next Sunday. This is a potluck — so please bring something to share. We’ll meander over to Emanuel Lutheran across the street and and do brunch together in their fellowship hall. This is always a great time to connect.
MEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY
Men! You are up! This Wednesday from 6-7AM at ELC’s fellowship hall for a time of community and prayer.
WOMEN’S TEA – APRIL 12
You’re Invited to the 4th Annual Radiant Women’s Tea…
Join us for a morning of connection as we gather over a cup of tea. Come and enjoy yummy treats, delicious tea, lively, conversations. Fill your cup with renewal. Sign up here.
MEN’S CONFERENCE 5/2-5/4 (REGISTRATION OPENS THIS SATURDAY)
Join us for a weekend of impact, challenge, and fun as we worship, fellowship, and grow in our faith journey in beautiful Mission Springs. It is guaranteed to bless your soul. Our hope is that the men at the conference will feel empowered to rise up as husbands, fathers, and men of faith. Despite their feelings, circumstances, or situations, they will seek out God. Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deed. REGISTER HERE STARTING FEB. 1st.NEW? GETTING PLUGGED IN…
HOME CHURCH – Is where the really good stuff happens as we grow as disciples of Jesus. You can fill out the form here if interested.
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
zach@radcov.org
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
