December 1, 2022
Happy December Everyone!
This second week in Advent we are exploring what it means to live simply in the way of Jesus.
We live in a time that’s anything but simple. Ours is a complex, busy, hurried culture. Focus is elusive.
The mantra is more, more, more. Especially during the Christmas season. We BUY more and we DO more.
But more doesn’t mean better.
All the MORE tends to suffocate our souls.
Deep down, don’t we long for the simple? To be unhurried, present?
Don’t we long to be content with what we have and thankful to the God who has so richly provided for us?
More than that, don’t we feel most alive when we are most generous to those in need?
I believe what we really long for is Jesus and his simple way that brings real peace.
So this week we are taking a deep breath in, dusting off the ancient practice of Christian simplicity, and considering what it could mean to simplify our lives in this busy season (and beyond!).
John Mark Comer wisely remarks:
“The solution to an overbusy life is not more time. It’s to slow down and simplify our lives around what really matters.”
What a challenge!
See you this Sunday at 5pm as we continue to “Unwrap Presence” this advent!
CALENDAR (see below for details)
12/2-3 – 24 Hours of Prayer
12/4 – Winterfest volunteer meeting 3:30PM (at ELC)
12/8- Radiant Youth Christmas Party 7PM (at WEAVE)
12/18 – The Second Annual Winterfest!
12/24 – Christmas Eve Worship 4PM
12/25 – No Christmas Day Services
24 HOURS OF PRAYER
We’re almost there! We are creating unhurried space for prayer through our 24 hours of prayer event.
We’ll start tomorrow at 2pm and end Saturday at 2pm. Come enjoy God and bring your needs to him. There are still some slots open! You can certainly join others as well.
Once you sign up you be texted tomorrow with the logistical details. Sign up for a hour or two here.
ADVENT GENEROSITY
We practicing the generosity of Jesus in a special way this season by partnering with two amazing ministries. Locally we’re sponsoring a pizza party for incarcerated youth with Youth for Christ.
Globally, we’re helping our brothers and sisters in the Mozambique Covenant Church build a church. Our goal is to raise $2000 for these ministries. We got this! Click here to give
2nd ANNUAL WINTERFEST – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18th.
Mark your calendars! On December 18th we will host our 2nd annual Winterfest following Sunday worship. Bonfires, Carols, Food/Drink, Kids crafts and more. This is a chance for us to slow down and celebrate Christmas with the Radiant community and to invite others to join us.
**There will be a volunteer meeting at on Sunday, December 4th at 3:30PM for those interested in helping throw the party. We’ll meet at Emanuel Lutheran.
RADIANT YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY
December 8th at 7PM. This is a party for middle schoolers and high schoolers! We will meet at The Weave – 820 H Street. We are excited to be joined this time by another local youth group from El Nuevo Pacto Church. Bring a friend! and See you then!
HOME CHURCHES ARE NOW HOME CHURCHING
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 meeting at various times and locations. 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
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
