June 13, 2025
Hey Radiant!
We are having a baptism service this Sunday. We are thrilled to celebrate the new life in Christ at work in our baptismal candidates. Please join us church fam to rejoice together!
It is also Father’s Day (and Trinity Sunday, for you liturgical types).
We’ve been in a series on life in the community as disciples of Jesus. In particular, we’ve been considering the importance of relational discipleship as an intentional practice in our “Simple Way.”
Jesus’ way was to make disciples who would go on to make disciples. It was deeply relational ministry. While content can be helpful (and we are immersed in it these days), we also need other disciples of Jesus, who know us and care for us to teach us the way of Jesus.
Which brings me to a Father’s Day metaphor.
Can you imagine a scenario where instead of the presence of father or father figure in your life, you were given a book and told, “here’s the best information and advice that any father could pass along to a son or daughter.”?
Would this book (or podcast, or lecture) replace an actual father or father figure? Of course not! There might be helpful information, sage advice, and some worthwhile wisdom, but there would be, I suppose, an ache in our hearts for the actual PRESENCE of a father or father figure. One who sees us, knows us, loves us, delights in us, and cares for us. We would long for a father who, in the context of interactive relationship, raises us.
Here’s the main thing: we thrive and flourish in the context of relationships. Life change and transformation is relational and communal more than informational and personal.
This week we’ll begin to take this a step further, considering what it means not just to be disciples who seek out mentors, but disciples who make disciples in the way of Jesus.
This is scary and daunting. But the world aches for those with the love and space and presence in their lives to come alongside learners captivated by Jesus’ way. Hungry people long to chat with another beggar who has found some really good bread.
See you at 10am at MJC!
EVENTS CALENDAR
5/11 – 6/15 – Diaper Drive for Modesto Pregnancy Center
6/18 – Men’s Gathering 6-7AM
6/12 – Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course begins 6:30-8PM at ELC
6/15 – Baptism Sunday (cupcakes and picnic afterwards)
6/21 – Rad Cov Kids Pool Party
7/25 – All church Lake Day at Lake McClure Splash and Dash
10/3-10/5 – Women’s Retreat at Mission Springs Registration Open!
CALIFORNIA EVANGELICAL STATEMENT ON REFUGEES AND IMMIGRATION
Friends, these continue to be fraught and challenging times in our state and nation for immigrants and refugees. As things are reaching a boiling point this week in L.A. and elsewhere, I was encouraged by this statement written by our friends at World Relief. I encourage you to read it. May it stir you to pray. I’ve personally signed it in support. Pray for our nation and community, that the God of both justice and mercy would be known and followed with humility. In times like these, may we remember, as followers of Christ our first allegiance is always to Jesus. Of course, we will often come to different conclusions about the best political action to take, but my prayer is that we would be formed more by the bible than voices on the left or the right. May Christ’s light be experienced through the church in a time such as this.
DIAPER DRIVE MOTHER’S DAY THROUGH FATHER’S DAY!
Thanks for all the diapers — this is the last Sunday for the drive.
Hey Radiant, we are partnering with the ministry Modesto Pregnancy Center this May and June to provide some diapers for new moms who are attending parenting support classes. This is from Erin Koolhass, the MPC executive director:
“We give diapers to all of our students who attend our parenting classes, where they learn valuable parenting tools, memorize scripture, and build community. We have roughly 60 parents who attend in person each week, and another 50+ who attend online, so we get to bless a lot of babies with diapers! We almost always have a need for size 4, size 5 and size 6 diapers.” MPC gives out over 1200 diapers each week! I really appreciate how MPC is supporting moms and their babies spiritually, relationally, and materially. Let’s bless this new moms and their children with some diapers. We’ll hold this drive May 11 (Mother’s Day) through June 15 (Father’s Day) bring a pack of size 3, 4, or 5 diapers to church and we’ll get them to MPC.
UPCOMING RADIANT YOUTH EVENTS
6/14 – Beach Day
6/17 – Service Night at Modesto Gospel Mission
6/24 – Youth NightSign up here to receive more information on our Radiant Youth gatherings.
MEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY
Men – you are up! This Wednesday from 6-7AM at ELC Fellowship Hall.
EMOTIONALLY HEALTH SPIRITUALITY – STARTED LAST NIGHT…
Peter Scazzero writes “emotional health and spiritual maturity are inseparable. It is not possible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.” Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is an invitation to flourish in Christ as we consider what is going on “under the surface” in our lives. This is a 8 week course that will meet on Thursdays beginning June 12 and end on July 31 at ELC. Sign up here to sign up. If you’ve completed the course — I’ve done it many times — consider taking it again: there are always new things to discover.
If you missed the first night, feel free to jump in next week.
UPCOMING BAPTISM SERVICE – THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 15
Are you ready to make a public declaration of your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord? If you believe God might be leading you to this, please reach out to Zach (reply to this email or text 209.497.3710) for more information. We are holding a service Sunday– THERE IS STILL TIME!
RADCOV KIDS POOL PARTY – JUNE 21
WOMEN’S RETREAT REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
October 3-5 at Mission Springs Conference Center.
We spend our lives avoiding the wilderness. Yet it is often in the wilderness that we encounter the Lord’s provision, promises, and presence. We even read that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led in the wilderness. What can we learn from time spent in the wilderness? This special weekend is designed to be a transformative experience, offering countless opportunities to connect with other women and be refreshed.
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT KINGDOM COFFEE!
Kingdom Coffee is now open! They are open Monday- Saturday 7am-3pm. Support this mission driven cafe. 2401 E Orangeburg Ave. (Century Center). And we will have 25% off coupons in the hall during church!
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
[email protected]
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
