June 9, 2023
Dear Radiant,
We extend to others what we ourselves enjoy.
It’s that novel that you’ve given away three times and told 100 people about.
It’s that funny cat gif that you’ve been texting all day.
Or it’s the new Trader Joe’s Kombucha you can’t help but to explain to others. Or that Market Bowl from Foxwood that they have to try.
We experience a spark of joy and we want others to share in it.
We’re all evangelists. It’s what humans do.
This is what the early followers of Jesus were doing in the book of Acts.
They had experienced a new and vibrant life invading theirs — and couldn’t help but to proclaim and demonstrate it for others.
Even at great personal cost — flogging, imprisonment, and death.
It was imperative that the message and availability of the new life of Jesus get out to others.
But what about for us? We live in a strange time when it comes to sharing the gospel.
In our post-Christian culture, most have some familiarity with the Christian faith (even if misunderstood). It sometimes feels awkward or forced. There’s a lot of baggage there.
And for those who grew up in the church — there’s some baggage with the “E” word — evangelism. There were a lot of “shoulds” and (for me) not a lot of enthusiasm.
But it turns out the answer for effective witness is simple.
It’s about joy. Joy is the best fuel. Joy that is beyond us but somehow within us.
Contagious joy.
This was the root of the Jesus movement in Acts and it will be for us too.
More on this this Sunday at 5PM! *And Stay for the Second Sunday Supper (details below).
SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR (see below for details)
6/6 – The Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course Begins – Tuesdays 6:30-8:00PM
6/11 – Second Sunday Supper
6/14 – Men’s Gathering 6-7 at ELC
6/22 – Radiant Middle School Gathering
6/23-24 – 24 Hours of Prayer
7/1 – Women’s Hike at Table Mountain
7/22 – Dad, Kids, and Catapults
8/3 – Trivia Night (details TBA)
8/18-19 – The Missio Conference (a collaborative event with Covenant Grove and Modesto Covenant Church).
9/29-10/1 – Women’s Conference at Mission Springs
SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday is a the second Sunday — we are providing bbq chicken and you are bringing a favorite dish. This will follow worship this Sunday. And hey, check this out, we’ll have a bounce house which always elevates things a bit! Invite some friends and join us at the table this Sunday.
TUESDAYS JUNE 6 – AUG 1 – EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY COURSE
We are pumped to be hosting the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (EHS) course at Radiant! We will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 at Emanuel starting 6/6. This course will conclude on 8/1 (no class on 7/4). There will be childcare! Also, there will be a virtual option for those who are unable to meet in person each due to travel, etc. We had 35 people register — if you feel like you missed out and want to jump in — sign up here and we can get you caught up from last week’s session!
https://forms.gle/U1sgvED6GmPmpzVv7
MEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY – 6-7AM
Coffee, Donuts, Jesus — it’s a good combo. All guys are welcome to join us this Wednesday from 6-7AM at ELC.
24 HOURS OF PRAYER – 6/23-6/24 (WITH CORRECT LINK THIS TIME)
“Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit; where there is much of the Spirit, there will be ever-increasing prayer.” – Andrew Murray
We are back at it again. Prayer as been VITAL to our journey as a church. We are creating space for prayer — praying as a church for 24 hours straight. We’ll begin Friday at 6PM at ELC and end with worship on Saturday night from 5-6PM. All are welcome. Prayer is learned by praying and we are all still learners. Sign up for a prayer slot here.
WOMEN’S HIKE – JULY 1
From Gracie Crew: Hey all! We’ve solidified the Women’s Hike date for July 1st. We will still hike Table Mountain and are planning to go early to beat the heat, let’s plan to start hiking at 8am. Contact Gracie Crew is you are interested (209) 996-5161
DADS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE AT MISSION SPRINGS 9/29 – 10/1
Believe or not, registration for our conference’s Covenant Women’s Conference is now open. This conference will take place at the beautiful Mission Springs Conference in Scotts Valley, CA. This will also be a weekend of encouragement, fellowship, and rich memory-building, all with one goal in mind, that you leave Mission Springs knowing that you are loved by God and your purpose is to love others. Click here to learn more about speakers and worship and to register.
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 resources, and commit to pray for one another. Please join us! https://band.us/n/adaa739aX4Rca
GIVING
Here’s the online link for giving, tithes, and offerings. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in ministry.
Grace and Peace!
Zach
zach@radcov.org
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
