October 20, 2023
Hey Radiant! “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Just when you thought the sermon on the mount couldn’t get more challenging, Jesus admonishes his disciples to love their enemies and to not resist an evil person.
At this point, we are tempted to throw up our hands with vexation and say, “impossible.”
Certainly, Christians in our day aren’t exactly known as “enemy lovers.” More often than not, we follow the way of the world in loving those who love us and hating those who hate us. Of course, we may do so in coded Christian-y language, but we usually default to the way of retribution.
When I search my own heart — I confess it is not often inclined to love and bless those who cross my will or threaten my well-being.
I resonate with the words of songwriter John Mark MacMillan in his song Borderlands:
Aren’t we all animals
sharpening our teeth and claws
Stocking up on cannon balls
Living like nobody knows they can’t hold on
To love and live by the law, law of the jungle
Can we really love our enemies, go the extra mile, turn the other cheek? Hold on to love instead of the law of the jungle?
We have to seriously ask if Jesus was serious about this. Is this way of life possible for us?
Yes: I believe he was and I believe it is. Simple but not easy.
So this Sunday we are ascending together to the ethical pinnacle of the way of Jesus — enemy love.
Friends, enemies….we’ll see you on the mountaintop on Sunday at 5pm.
EVENTS CALENDAR (see below for details)
Home Churches are now in session!
Tuesdays – The Alpha Course 6-8PM
10/21 – Campus clean up at Emanuel Lutheran Church
10/27 – Women’s Christian yoga gathering
10/29 – Newcomer’s Pizza
11/3-11/5 – Fall Middle School Retreat (contact Ulisses to sign up.)
11/8 – Men’s Ax Throwing Event
11/12 – Second Sunday Chili Cook-off
CAMPUS CLEAN UP DAY – THIS SATURDAY, TOMORROW – 10/21
We are really grateful for Emanuel Lutheran Church and their hospitality to us as a church. They are having a campus clean up morning tomorrow at 9am and invited us to help. We’ll be doing some yard work and general landscape clean-up. Come for as long or as little as you like!
WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN YOGA – 10/27
Ladies, you are invited to join us for a night of peaceful Christian yoga. Stretch and slow down with us on a Friday night at 7pm as we explore meditating on God’s word and worshipping him through movement. We are planning on socializing afterwards. Bring a yoga mat or a large towel, water bottle and a treat to share. Looking forward to a night of connection!
NEWCOMER PIZZA – 10/29
Hey, let’s grab some pizza together! If you are new or newish to Radiant it would be great to get to know you a bit. We’ll enjoy some pizza and answer any questions you have about Radiant — our vision, our beliefs, and how to get involved. Jill and I are planning for a post church pizza connect at our house on 10/29. RSVP to Zach – 209.497.3710 so we can plan accordingly.
THE ALPHA COURSE – TUESDAYS 6-8PM
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.
HOME CHURCHES ARE NOW IN SESSION
Radiant Home Churches are communities of discipleship in the way of Jesus and are foundational to our life as a church. 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. You can also directly reach out to the leaders listed below and they will get you connected. 
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL RETREAT
Nov. 3-5 2023 at Mission Springs Conference Center, Scotts Valley, CA
These weekends are known for being wonderful places of connection for our students, a space to encounter God, and include ridiculously fun activities like 9 square, crafts/ board games, and even a zipline! Contact Ulisses Vasquez (209.541.8536) for more information and more details.
RE-VISION TRIP TO INDIA
Though we are young church plant, we believe God has called to global partnership and relationship with Jesus movements around the world — particularly among the global poor. As part of the discernment process, we have sent Ellie Gundlach to India to join other Covenanters on a revision trip from 10/16-10/27. Please pray for Ellie. She will be posting to our band app a few updates while traveling as well as share in service after her return. If you would like to financially support the trip you can do so here (select the “India Re-vision Trip for the drop down menu”).
THE CHILI COOK-OFF IS COMING BACK!
On 11/12 we’re doing a chili cook off contest. We’re pumped. If you would like to bring chili – please let Laura Fowler know – fowlercsr@gmail.com
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 UPDATE
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry. Here’s the online link for giving, tithes, and offerings.
Grace and Peace,
Zach
