March 28, 2025
Dear Radiant,
Instead of more words I wanted to share a painting and a quote.
This is Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal. (1669). Inspired by Luke 15:11-32. Do you see the elder brother in the shadows?
Moved by this painting, Henri Nouwen writes some words worthy of our reflection:
“Here the mystery of my life is unveiled. I am loved so much that I am left free to leave home. The blessing is there from the beginning. I have left it and keep on leaving it. But the Father is always looking for me with outstretched arms to receive me back and whisper again in my ear: ‘You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests.’ ”
Join us this Sunday as we continue our Lenten journey through the gospel of Luke — as we hear Jesus’ (most famous?) parable about a couple of lost sons and the relentless love of their Father.
May we hear God’s whisper of love over us. May we come home.
See you Sunday at 10AM!
EVENTS CALENDAR
3/29 – Ellie and Colton’s Wedding! 4:30PM at ELC
3/30 – Ukraine Sharing following the service
4/2 – Women’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC
4/6 – Prayer and Worship Night at the Riley’s 6:30-8PM
4/12 – Women’s Tea 10AM-12PM
4/20 – Easter Sunday 10AM
4/26 – Love Modesto Service Day
4/27 – Newcomer’s Pizza 12-1PM
5/2-4 – Men’s Conference at Mission Springs (registration now open)
COLTON AND ELLIE ARE GETTING MARRIED! – THIS SATURDAY.
To represent the body of Christ coming together in unity, Ellie Gundlach and Colton Reed would be honored to have their church family attend their wedding ceremony. Scheduled for March 29th at 4:30, anyone is invited to witness their vows and take part in communion. They hope to see you there!
RADIANT YOUTH NEW GATHERINGS AND LENT READINGS
WOMEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY
Ladies – you are up! This Wednesday from 6-7AM at ELC’s fellowship hall for a time of community and prayer.
UKRAINE MISSION SHARING FOLLOWING THE SERVICE
You are invited this coming Sunday to stay after the service to hear a special sharing from Sam Carson, a missionary with A Jesus Mission, who has been serving people caught in the front lines in Ukraine. Stationed near Zaporizhzhia, just 20 miles from active conflict, Sam and his team have endured risk to evacuate civilians, deliver clean water to war-torn villages, and provide life-saving medical training – all while sharing the hope of the gospel. Despite the uncertainty of the war’s duration, Sam is desiring to stay longer-term in Ukraine, continuing to serve and bring the love of Jesus to those in need. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this complex conflict and to hear how people are bringing light and compassion into the darkest places.
PRAYER AND WORSHIP NIGHT AT THE RILEY’S – APRIL 6
We are going old-school Radiant style — back to packed out living rooms and back yards for worship and prayer. Sunday Night, 4/6 – 6:30-8PM at the Riley’s. 1128 Mills, 95350.
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.
EASTER SUNDAY – APRIL 20 
EASTER BRUNCH DETAILS – We are going to be joining Emanuel Lutheran for an Easter Brunch following services. They bring fruit and pastries and Radiant is responsible for bringing breakfast casseroles and juice. We need at least 10 breakfast casseroles. If you are willing to bring a special breakfast casserole or a bottle of juice that morning, please text Laura Fowler at (209) 606-4640. They will need to be dropped off at ELC before our morning service.
LOVE MODESTO SERVICE DAY – APRIL 26
It’s that time of year again! All are invited to jump in to serve our city on 4/26 as we Love Modesto. For this city wide service day — volunteer sign ups are now open. You can sign up here.
NEWCOMER PIZZA – APRIL 27
If you are newer or newish to Radiant and would like to learn more about our story, what we believe and how we practice it — Jill and Zach would love to have you over for some pizza. Not only are we excited to share about the church — but we are excited to get to know you too. Kids most welcome!
We’ll meet at our house — 1128 Mills Ave at 12pm on Sunday, April 27. Sign up here to let us know who’s coming and so we can get enough pizza.
MEN’S CONFERENCE 5/2-5/4
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
