Dear Radiant,
Easter was fun. We welcomed more people than ever before as we declared the resurrection of Jesus and the hope we have in Him.
And yet, even amid the joy of Easter, I found myself jarred this week by the harsh realities of our world.
War continues to rage (though I am praying the ceasefire will hold), and both near and far, things feel more volatile and uncertain.
The pace of technological and social change adds to the instability, creating a kind of ambient anxiety that we are all breathing in.
In a crazy time we are looking for refuge. We are disoriented and longing for home…like we are in exile.
The Bible was written in large part by and for people in exile, those longing for home.
The prophet Ezekiel was in a refugee camp when God gave him a startling and awe-filled vision of His nearness, even in Babylon, far from Israel.
His visions are surprising and piercing.
Ezekiel’s vision of God in an unexpected place is for us, too. We need a bigger vision, one that both startles and reassures. We need a God bigger and holier than the household and tribal idols we so easily create.
We need a God who lays His fearsome but tender hand upon us and shows us the way home in this difficult time.
Friends, I’m excited to dive into the book of Ezekiel together over the next six weeks. It is surely strange…and exactly what we need.
See you this Sunday at 10am.
Grace and peace,
-Zach
Radiant Events Calendar
4/12 – Radiant Youth Night 5:47PM @ ELC
4/15 – Women’s Gathering 6-7AM @ ELC4/19 – Park Day Potluck Picnic at Roosevelt Park
4/25 – Love Modesto Service Day
4/25 – Radiant Adoption into the PSWC
4/29 – Newcomer’s Pizza at Zach and Jill’s 6:30PM
5/2 – Women’s Tea (sign ups live now!)
5/3 – Youth Paintball Day
5/10 – Baptism Service
6/8 – Emotionally Healthy Relationships Course begins
Picnic in the Park – April 19
April 19 — join us after the service for food and games at Enslen Park – 501 Stoddard Ave. Softball anyone? This will be a potluck picnic — so bring some food to share. (Btw – there are some park grills available too if you want to bbq.
Love Modesto – April 25
Love Mo! Radiant is a sponsor of Love Modesto and encourages all to sign up to serve and demonstrate the love of Christ in a tangible way in this city wide service day! Sign up here
Newcomer Pizza – April 29
If you are newer or newish to Radiant and would like to learn more about our story, what we believe and how to get involved — 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 most excited to get to know you too. Kids welcome!
Join us from 6:30pm – 8pm on Wednesday April 29. Sign up here to let us know who’s coming and so we can get enough pizza.
Women’s Tea – May 2
You’re invited to the Radiant Women’s Tea…Come and enjoy light brunch fare, delicious tea (iced or hot), and conversations. Fill your cup with renewal. (There’s also a rumors of a DYI bouquet bar).
Saturday, May 2nd, 10AM-12PM, Emanuel Lutheran Church – 324 College Ave. Modesto, CA 95350
RadCov Kids
We are excited about the gift of children in our midst! If you are interested in getting involved with kid’s ministry, contact our Children’s director, Crystal Nicholson – 408.802.7061
Community Notes
RADIANT ADOPTION INTO THE COVENANT – This is an exciting moment for the church — Radiant is being adopted into the Evangelical Covenant Church this summer. It begins by Radiant being adopted into the Pacific Southwest Conference on Saturday the 25th of April at the Conference annual meeting in Davis, CA. In June, we will be adopted into the larger denomination on the 25th in Scottsdale, AZ. Anybody up for a roadtrip? We’d love to have anyone from Radiant join us — talk to Zach if interested.
SHARING TABLE – One fun way we practice the gospel sharing and generosity is through our simple “sharing table.” We place a folding table where people can place items that they would like to give away to others (not junk!). These items could be clothes, fresh garden vegetables, toys, books, etc. It’s free – take them if you want it, no questions asked or obligations. If your sharing items are not taken that week – please be sure to take them back with you as we will not be storing items.
BAND APP – One way to connect to the Radiant community 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!
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
