July 25, 2025
Dear Radiant,
Anybody else a sucker for productivity books, podcasts, or systems?
The promise of getting more done in less time — finding shortcuts — always appeals to me.
And there is some good stuff out there: I really like James Clear’s Atomic Habits, Ali Abdaal’s Feel Good Productivity cleverly challenges the paradigm, and Carey Nieuwhouf’s At Your Best is a wise guide.
But for all the reading I’ve done on productivity, I wonder how much of a difference they’ve made.
I still have the slightly anxious sense that I could be doing more and doing it better.
Of course, I am not alone in this…there’s a reason these sorts of books are always top sellers. Narratives that promise a way to navigate a culture of digital distraction, burnout, and a people aching for purpose, sell like cold water in the desert.
But what does the Bible say about productivity and how to manage our time well?
Much, in fact, including some great insights in the ancient wisdom of Proverbs.
Proverbs repeatedly warns against the consequences of laziness and being a “sluggard” (what a word!). Conversely, the Proverbs lauds the benefits diligence, that is the one who undertakes “careful and persistent work.”
So this Sunday we are going to explore the wisdom of Proverbs in cultivating the virtue of diligence.
It turns out, this is more about the heart than the right planner — more about focus than doing more. And while there are some technical tips, diligence is really about embracing fully the life God has given you.
Excited to diligently dig in at 10AM!
See you Sunday.
EVENTS CALENDAR
7/25 – Radiant Lake Day at Splash and Dash
7/31 – Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course 6:30-8PM at ELC (LAST CLASS)
8/3 – Domecqs and Tanumas Baby Showers 2-4PM at ELC
8/10 – Children’s Ministry Volunteer Meeting 6PM at ELC
8/10 – Radiant Youth Group Meets at 6PM at ELC
8/17 – Newcomer’s Pizza at Zach and Jill’s
9/19 – Trivia Night
10/3-10/5 – Women’s Retreat at Mission Springs Registration Open!
UPCOMING RADIANT YOUTH EVENTS
Sign up here to receive more information on our Radiant Youth gatherings.
LAKE DAY AT LAKE McCLURE SPLASH AND DASH – JULY 25
On Friday, July 25 — we are going to have some church summer fun. Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park is North America’s Largest Floating, Inflatable Waterpark that provides hours of high-energy FUN & ADVENTURE! It is at Lake McClure, about an hour drive away from Modesto. You will need to buy tickets online for access to the water park (there is a bunch of different options for kids of all ages). If you want to just come and hang you are more than welcome to as well. Bring food, drinks, towels, sunscreen AND WATER SOCKS or SHOES– we are hanging for the day, starting at 11AM. Invite friends! More information found here
BABY SHOWER(S)
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS MEETING AUGUST 10 at 6PM
I am not going to try and “sell” you on considering volunteering for Radiant’s children’s ministry. Sure, we could use some volunteers as we fill out the fall schedule and we are praying for this. At the same time, I don’t want you respond based on needs — rather from prompting by God. Friends, this an amazing privilege, to serve precious children in the name of Jesus. This verse is just an jaw dropping promise from Mark 9:37: “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.” So we are looking for volunteers who can serve once a month (even once every two months would be phenomenal). Indicate your interest here. There will be a volunteer/information meeting on 8/10 at 6PM at ELC.
NEWCOMER’S PIZZA – AUGUST 17
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 the Riley’s house — 1128 Mills Ave at 12pm on Sunday, August 17. Sign up here to let us know who’s coming and so we can get enough pizza.
EMOTIONALLY HEALTH SPIRITUALITY COURSE
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.
WOMEN’S RETREAT REGISTRATION
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.
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.
MID-YEAR GIVING UPDATE
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry! It is amazing to see how the God is providing this opening for ministry in Modesto.
Here’s a mid year giving update – January – June 2025
Radiant Giving January – June $111,661
Average Monthly Giving $18,610
Monthly Budget Giving $19,000
Here’s the link to online giving.
Grace and Peace!
Zach
[email protected]
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
