October 4, 2024
Dear Radiant, Ben didn’t have grand notions about changing the world. He just knew he needed God.
His parents had some money so he went to a fancy school in the city to learn about God. But he was disappointed and disheartened at the shallowness he encountered.
Discouraged, he tried moving to the country — to get away from it all, not really sure where he was going or doing.
After some wandering, he met an older, wiser follower of Jesus. Something was compelling about this man’s life and Ben found a mentor.
Ben took residence in a mountainside cave of all places, pursuing the presence of God in prayer and study — longing for more of Jesus.
It was a weird situation, but Ben stayed there for three years, growing in prayer and character. He found what he was looking for.
And then somehow people began to be drawn to him — in a chaotic and dark world there was something about Ben’s life that was stable and radiant.
In fact things started to get really busy at the cave — so much so that Ben decided to establish communities in the surrounding communities where the spiritually hungry could pursue Jesus and his way for the good of the world.
Ben would teach these fellow searchers everything he knew.
These communities continued to multiply and flourish.
Ben (or Saint Benedict if we’re getting formal) wrote down his ideas for forming and establishing these communities into what became known as the “Rule of St. Benedict.”
Written in 530 A.D., it is hard to overstate how profound an impact Benedict’s rule had on Europe in a time of incredible instability. The Rule laid out principles for a common life together that is still used by monastic communities throughout the world. Benedict’s accidental movement, became a catalyst for mission, justice, and learning following the fall of the Roman Empire. In fact, 1500 years later, his rule is still the most widely used monastic rule in the world.
So, why bring our friend Ben? Should we follow his lead and move into a cave? Or adopt his 73 chapter rule at Radiant?
Of course not! (though some might give the cave some thought 😉
Rather, like Ben’s time, our time is unstable and dark. We long for the sort of beautiful stability in Jesus exemplified by Benedict.
The genius of Benedict is that for his time and place, his rule laid out a workable trellis or framework on which to allow his life and his community’s life with Jesus to flourish. (In fact, the word rule in latin is related to the word for trellis).
Benedict abided.
I wonder for us what a Jesus-centered rule or trellis would look like for us in our own culture and context? How might we learn to abide in Jesus again.
This Sunday as close our series about how God changes lives through is power and our cooperation, we’ll discuss developing our own rule of life. Our own trellis on which we flourish in Jesus.
We’ll consider what spiritual practices and patterns we might put in place in our lives, that we would, as Paul says not “conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
See you at 10am a MJCÂ or 5pm at ELC!Â
EVENTS CALENDAR
Ongoing — Home Churches — plug in now!
10/8 – Rad YTH Night – 6:30PM at ELC
10/9 – Guys Gathering – 6-7AM at ELC
10/10 – The Alpha Course – 6PM at ELC
10/13 – Baptism service at the 5PM.
10/13 – Second Sunday Supper – 6:15PM at ELC
10/18-10/20 – Middle School Rad YTH retreat at Mission Springs
10/20 – Newcomer’s Pizza at the Riley’s 6:30PM
11/3 – Chili Cookoff
HOME CHURCHES!
Home churches are just beginning this fall. Radiant Home Churches are communities of discipleship in the way of Jesus and are foundational to our life as a church. Here’s a list of home churches. Each leader would be glad to connect with you. 
THE ALPHA COURSE – BEGINS SEPTEMBER 26
***There is still one more week for you and friends to join! This is a really sweet opportunity for people to explore what faith in Jesus means. Sign up below.
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 8 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. And more than that — dinner is included! Sign up here.
MEN’S GATHERING – THIS WEDNESDAY – 6-7AM
Let’s go guys! 6am, this Wednesday. Hope to see you there!
BAPTISM SERVICE ON 10/13
Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ. We are planning a baptism service on October 13th at our 5PM service. I also mentioned the opportunity to re-affirm your faith in Christ through a public declaration before the church. If you sense God leading you to either of these — I’d love to connect with you. Text Zach — 209.497.3710
NEWCOMER’S PIZZA 10/20
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 I would love to have you over for some pizza. Not only are we excited to share about the church — but we’d like to get to know you too. RSVP here. Kiddos welcome too!
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
