March 29, 2024
Dear Radiant,
***Remember this Sunday we will boisterously celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at 11:30AM!***
I am ready for Easter! Ready for resurrection! Ready to celebrate the hope that triumphs over sin and death!
But today, Good Friday, comes before Easter Sunday.
In my scripture reading this morning, I was struck by a sort of awful reality.
That is, that Jesus, after he breathed his last breath and cried “it is finished,” likely remained on the cross for several hours before being taken down and buried.
“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus.”
John 20:38
Did scavenging birds circle overhead? Did the crowds dissipate? Did some linger, still waiting for a miracle only to be overcome by grief?
The image of Jesus’ battered and lifeless body suspended in the air on a cross, is haunting. I want to look away.
But we need to absorb this reality. Lingering in this place, helps us to understand the gravity of what happened on the cross.
Jesus’ death was not partial, but complete. His identification with humanity and our sin was total.
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Sometimes, understandably, we want to skip death and jump right to resurrection. But the path to our redemption has to travel through the death of Jesus.
We understand that resurrection wasn’t immediate — after Good Friday, was Holy Saturday — a whole day where Jesus lay dead in the tomb.
Holy Saturday teaches us that sometimes we have to wait.
But what a reversal awaited Sunday morning! It was precisely when all hope was lost that hope sprang anew.
What good news for us too! Hope springs forth for the very place that was a source of despair.
We can never really say, “all hope is lost.” The resurrection changes everything.
And so this Sunday morning, we’ll get loud, we’ll proclaim it, we’ll defiantly declare that “He is Risen.”
Risen. Indeed.
See you Sunday at 11:30AM at ELC.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Home Churches are now going! Jump in one!
3/31 – Easter Sunday Service 10:30AM Brunch 11:30AM service
4/3 – Women’s Gathering 6-7AM ELC
4/4 – Rad YTH Night 6:30-8:30PM at ELC
4/13 – Women’s Tea 10AM-12PM
4/19-21 – Men’s Conference
4/27 – Love Modesto Service Day
EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH AND SERVICE
Easter is Sunday! We will celebrate this resurrection of Jesus, the hinge-point of history, with joy and praise (and brunch). Our service will be at 11:30AM this year — spread invites wide and far. This service will be preceded by a shared brunch with Emanuel Lutheran Church at 10:30AM.
WOMEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY
Women — it’s happening. Women are gathering every other Wednesday starting this Wednesday from 6-7AM at ELC! Come for connection and prayer, as we seek Jesus together.
WOMEN’S TEA – SAT. 4/13
Join us as we sip on tea and listen to Laurie Short as she redirects us toward hope, perspective and a new way of seeing a world full of detours. May we begin seeing our stories with new hope. This is a great event to invite friends to. When: Saturday, April 13th 10am-12pm
Cost: $15
MEN’S CONFERENCE 4/19-21 at MISSION SPRINGS
**MAKE SURE TO SIGN-UP. Join us for a weekend of impact, challenge, and fun as we spend time in worship, fellowship, and growing in Christ. Sign up here.
HOME CHURCHES ARE GETTING AFTER IT!
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! Groups has just recently started, so it’s an optimal time to jump in. 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
