March 3, 2023
Dear Radiant,
I am one of those nerds drawn to books, podcasts, and techniques around time management and productivity.
I guess there is this allure that one of these time gurus is going to unlock the secret door to uber efficiency, where I have time to do everything I need and want to do.
Somehow the dream is that one day all of my to-dos will be checked off and I’ll have oodles of time to kick up my feet by near a fire with a cup of tea in hand. I’ll enjoy some classic novel in the peace and quiet of a sparkly house and a completed “honey-do” list.
Unfortunately, while I’ve found some good advice, I still haven’t found that silver bullet. I still haven’t “got everything done.” Will I ever?
I think I am asking the wrong question. Rather than “how can I get the most things done today?” What if we asked, “God, what we are doing today?”
This is how Jesus lived. Remember, there was tremendous need around him.
And while Jesus certainly embodied a compassionate response to those he encountered, I would argue that his life and schedule wasn’t driven by the needs of those around him.
He lived in a confidence that God had set a clear path before him to walk. A lot of people had thoughts about what Jesus should be doing and how he should be doing it. But for Jesus, God’s way was quite enough. He was content and relaxed in it. Present. Jesus had confidence that his daily bread would be provided.
He believed he had all the time he needed to do what the Father was asking him to do.
So friend — overworked or underworked. Jesus invites you into this different way. Amid the demands on our time and all the choices out there, he wants to walk with you.
This Lent, we are courageously accepting human limits and our deep need for God. We have hope because “he turns deserts into pools of water.” This Sunday we’ll stop trying to do everything and be everything, and consider instead the actual life God has set before us. To say yes to what God is calling us to, and no to things he is not. This is hard work.
We continue the journey this Sunday night at 5PM! See you then!
CALENDAR (see below for details)
Ongoing — Home Churches
3/4 – Newcomer Open House – 3-4PM at the Riley’s. Please RSVP.
3/5 – Casara and Glen Watson Baby shower (ladies only) – 2PM
3/8 – Men’s Gathering 6-7AM
3/9 – Radiant Middle School Gathering 7-8:30PM
3/12 – Second Sunday Supper Potluck – following 5PM worship.
3/25 – Women’s Tea 10AM – 12PM
4/9 – Easter Brunch 10:30 AM and Worship 11:30 AM
4/16 – Bike to Church Sunday
4/21-23 – Men’s Weekend at Mission Springs (Registration now open – early bird ends 2/15).
4/29 – Love Modesto Service Day
NEWCOMER’S OPEN HOUSE – 3/4 – 3-4PM
Hey, you’ve been hanging out with Radiant a bit (or a lot)! You might be a bit curious about our story, who we are, what we believe as consider making Radiant your church home. We get it, and we’d love to get to know you and your story too. Jill and I are hosting a Newcomer’s hang at our house – 1128 Mills Ave – on Saturday, March 4 from 3-4PM. This will be a space to ask questions and hear about what it means to journey with Radiant as we continue the adventure of church planting. Let Zach know – zach@radcov.org or 209-497-3710 — if you plan on attending.
CASARA AND GLEN WATSON BABY SHOWER – 3/5 – 2PM
Casara and Glen Watson are having a baby! Yahoo! There will be a ladies only baby shower at ELC on Sunday March 5th at 2PM. They are registered at Amazon and at Target.
MEN’S GATHERING – 3/8 – 6-7AM
A bunch of guys met this last Wednesday from 6-7AM at church. It was a great time — honest and simple. We all left with the conviction that we should be doing this regularly. We are going to experiment with an every other week rhythm. Invite some other guys and meet with us this Wednesday from 6-7AM on 3/8.
SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER – 3/12
Following worship next Sunday we will gather for food and fellowship. This time around we are doing a “family heritage” potluck. Bring a favorite family dish that represents your family/ culture. I am getting hungry already thinking about it….
SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER – 3/12
Following worship next Sunday we will gather for food and fellowship. This time around we are doing a “family heritage” potluck theme. Bring a favorite family dish that represents your family/ culture/ your story. I am getting hungry already thinking about it….
WOMEN’S TEA – 3/25 – 10AM – 12PM
Ladies, mark your calendars and tell your lady friends! Our Women’s Tea event is back — it will be on Saturday 3/25 at ELC from 10AM-12PM. Our own Jill Riley will be sharing as well as local speaker/ writer Kendra Fletcher. They will share about hope and renewal in this wilderness time.
Register for the event here. In lieu of registration costs we are receiving donations for Redwood Family Center who serve women who are in recovery.
HOME CHURCHES
Our Home Church groups are communities that meet during the week where we learn to practice the way of Jesus. No experience required, all are welcome. We usually share a meal, read scripture, and consider what God is up to in and through our lives. This is a great time to consider plugging into a home as we just restarted in mid-January. If you are interested in learning about available groups and what group might be a good fit for you contact Zach at zach@radcov.org
MEN’S WEEKEND (4/21-4/23) REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The Men’s Weekend at Mission Springs will soon be here, April 21st-23rd, 2023. We look forward to your joining us for a time of worship, fellowship and growing in your faith journey as we go ‘Back to Basics’. This is an event put on by our regional denominational conference. More information and registration can be found here.
Also — John Fowler has some spots at his private cabin in Mission Springs for those interested in going. This will reduce your registration costs. Contact John at (209) 345-5854.
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. 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
