October 25, 2024
Hey Radiant,
It’s the sign season.
The campaign/ political slogan signs are popping up like summer corn in neighbors front yards all over the country.
How does this make you feel? Does it cause judgment? Curiosity? Does it change the level of esteem you hold for your previously charming neighbor?
“Oh, they are one of those.” “They belong to that camp.” “Wow. How could they support _______?”
Perhaps a tinge of disgust laces our thoughts. A bit of trust has been lost.
The next time you see them out watering their plants without realizing it, you see them differently. Of course, we veil our contempt behind a friendly wave and smile.
All in all this creates distance — a wall has formed. Genuine encounter, interaction, dialogue becomes less likely.
We live in increasingly tribal times: people have deeply tied their identities to political preferences and ideologies. This is a form of idolatry.
What does it look like follow Jesus in these political tense times? How do we engage others with whom we disagree with politically?
This week I was going to write a sermon about civility which, by all accounts, is sorely lacking. But the more I thought about it — isn’t mere civility just the baseline starting point?
Jesus doesn’t say just to be nice and civil to each other, he command us to love: to love our friends, neighbors, and even enemies.
Learning how to love others all the while graciously holding our convictions is a challenge — but it’s the call.
That’s what we are up to this Sunday at 10AM at Modesto Jr. College and 5PM at Emanuel Lutheran.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Ongoing — Home Churches — plug in now!
Ongoing — The Alpha Course Thursdays 6PM at ELC
10/30 – Women’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC
11/3 – Chili Cook-off and Kids Crafts
11/12 – Rad YTH Night 6:30PM ELC
11/27 – Thanksgiving Eve Service w/ Emanuel Lutheran 7PM
WOMEN’S GATHERING – THIS WEDNESDAY – 6-7AM
6am, this Wednesday. At the ELC fellowship hall.
3rd ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF – 11/3
Start prepping the beans. Radiant’s 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff will be on November 3rd at ELC following the 5PM service. Bring the kids for some fun fall crafts. Let Laura know if you plan on bringing a Chili to compete! Sign up in at welcome table.
UPDATE ON CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
At the moment we are hosting full children’s ministry (nursery through 5th grade) at our 10AM service. At our 5PM we are offering nursery care through age 4. Kids of all ages are always welcomed to stay in service! Of course, we are always looking for more kids ministry volunteers — once a month at one of the services would be fantastic! Contact our children’s ministry director, Crystal Martinez at 408.802.7061
NEW RIPON HOME CHURCH – THURSDAY 6PM
*Phil and Elisa Kreuger are hosting a Ripon Home Church at their home on Thursdays from 6-8PM! They can be contacted at 209.681.3045
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. 
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
