September 1, 2023
Hi Radiant!
Happy Labor Day weekend.
The Riley family is gearing up for soccer season: the shin guards are fitted, cleats laced up, the right size soccer balls were found hiding in the planter bed.
Practices are underway and games begin next week.
If not coaching, parents’ role in all this is to mainly cheer on their kids. We will clap and holler (keep it positive!) on the sidelines. We’ll try not to go hoarse.
But cheering is actually no small thing.
Its fascinating — there have been studies showing that the cheers of the home crowd do make a difference in sports. This is called the home-field effect. Researchers have shown that is not just being comfortable in your home field or avoiding the rigors of travel — it is literally, the presence and noise of the home crowd that edges the home team towards a greater likelihood of victory.
So cheers make a difference.
And not only in sports. Having someone rooting for us is crucial to our success and well-being in as we grow and mature as human beings.
Studies have shown that having a committed mentor makes an incredible difference in educational environment.
Further, I am convinced we need people cheering us as we follow Christ.
Of course, I am not talking about a “rah, rah” cheerleader thing — but knowing that there is someone who believes in us and believes in God’s love and plan for us.
In fact, Jesus modeled this kind of cheering on for his disciples and we are to follow and echo his example.
So who’s cheering for you? And who are you cheering on?
Join us this this Sunday we are closing out our series on empowerment in the way of Jesus.
See you at 5 — cheers!
EVENTS CALENDAR (see below for details)
9/3 – Sunday Worship 5PM
9/6 – Guys Gathering (6-7AM at ELC)
9/7 – Radiant Middle School Gathering (6:30-8:30PM at ELC)
9/10 – Fall Kickoff Party 4PM: Lawn Games 5PM: Worship 6:30:d Dinner
9/17 – Baptism Service
Week of 9/17 – Home Churches begin!
9/26 – The Alpha Course Preview 6-8PM
9/29-10/1 – Women’s Conference at Mission Springs
FALL KICKOFF PARTY
MEN’S GATHERING 9/6
BAPTISM SERVICE 9/17
Baptism is a public declaration of your trust in Jesus Christ. If you haven’t been baptized and sense God leading you to this, or are just curious, please contact Zach – zach@radcov.org.
HOME CHURCHES ARE COMING…
Radiant Home Churches are communities of discipleship in the way of Jesus and are foundational to our life as a church. We plan to begin the week of 9/17. 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 as the groups take shape. The following three Sundays (9/3, 9/10, 9/17) we will have information on groups, leaders, and meeting times.
THE ALPHA COURSE – BEGINS TUES. SEPTEMBER 26 
The Alpha Course is returning!
What is Alpha? Alpha is a series of conversations about things we all question in life: Why do bad things happen to good people? What’s the purpose of life? What’s next?
It’s for those exploring Jesus, for those who are skeptical, for those who want to be refreshed. It is an 10 week course, but you are welcome to come to the first gathering to check it out, no commitment required. This is a great community to invite friends who are exploring faith — all questions welcomed If you’re looking for a judgment-free space to ask hard questions, share your own opinion, or even just observe, there’s a place for you. Sign up here.
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, and commit to pray for one another. Please join us! https://band.us/n/adaa739aX4Rca
GIVING
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in ministry! Here’s the online link for giving, tithes, and offerings.
Grace and Peace,
Zach
