September 30, 2022
Happy Friday,
It has been a sweet, relaxing stroll with the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23 these past three weeks. We’ve learned…
-In the Shepherd’s presence we have everything we need,
-We’ve lied down down in green pastures, been led besides quiet waters, our souls refreshed.
-We’ve have been guided along right paths.
But 0f course, life is not always this pleasant and smooth.
Inevitably, we will come upon ominous clouds and dark valleys.
Psalm 23:4 speaks of this: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The good news is we don’t go into the darkness alone. The LORD is there with us.
Still present, still at work, even when we can’t see it or feel it.
Mysteriously, it seems the Good Shepherd is doing even deeper work in the depths of the valley:
I love what C.S. Lewis says about these valley or “trough” experiences:
“Now, it may surprise you to learn that in His efforts to get permanent possession of a soul, [God] relies on the troughs even more than on the peaks; some of His special favorites have gone through longer and deeper troughs than anyone else… It is during such trough periods, much more than during the peak periods, that it is growing into the sort of creature He wants it to be… He wants them to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles.”
So we’re heading into the valley this Sunday.
Whether you feel you are in a valley right now or knowing that these are part of this life, we’ll hear the good news that the Lord is with us there — and this makes all the difference in the world.
See you at 5!
THE ALPHA COURSE
The Alpha Course is off to a great start! About 20 people have gathered each Thursday to discuss life, God, questions. There is still room for you to join. Go here for more information and to register!
What is Alpha? Alpha is a series of conversations about things we all question in life: What’s the purpose of life? Why do bad things happen to good people? Is there a God?
We are meeting on Thursdays from 6-8PM. Dinner Included! We’ll meet at Emanuel Lutheran’s fellowship hall.
RADIANT MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUP MEETS THIS THURSDAY
Ulisses Vasquez, our new youth director, is gathering middle schoolers this Thursday, 10/6 from 7-8:30PM at 1128 Mills Ave. The Riley House! From there they will walk over to Yogurt Mills and hang. Bring a few bucks for Yogurt Mill. Ulisses can be reached at 209-541-8536.
HOME CHURCHES ARE NOW HOME CHURCHING
Home Churches are just getting going! Our Home Church groups are smaller communities that meet during the week where we learn to practice the simple way of Jesus. No experience required, all are welcome. We usually share meal, read scripture, and consider what God is up to in and through our lives.
Currently, we have five different home groups. If you are interested in learning about available groups and what group might be a good fit for you please contact Zach at zach@radcov.org
SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER – 10/9
Put it on your calendar. We’re doing a potluck dinner together after church on October 9th. Everyone bring a casserole (ish) dish or salad to share. We’ll gather after the worship service in the fellowship hall and feast. We’ll also have an area set aside for those who would like to learn more about Radiant vision, values, and beliefs.
CLEAN-UP WORK DAY AT ELC – Sat. 10/15
We’ve been blown away by Emanuel Lutheran’s hospitality to our church. And we want to be gracious guests on their campus. They are hosting a campus clean morning on. Bring a mug of coffee and show up anytime from 9AM – 12PM on Saturday, October 15th to do some yard work.
WE LOVE (AND NEED) VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
We have been blown away by the large number of children coming to Radiant. What an opportunity and responsibility to nourish their faith in Christ!
While we have an amazing team of volunteers, we do have a felt need for more volunteers in all age groups as we schedule out the fall. Would you be open to helping in this ministry once or twice a month? We’ll train you and always pair you up with another teacher. It is alway two adults per class. Text Jill Riley at 209 497-3720 if you are interested in learning more.
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 Facebook/ Craigslist space. People can extend invites, share about needs and resources. Please join us! https://band.us/n/adaa739aX4Rca
Grace and peace!
Zach
