April 11, 2025
Hey Radiant,
What kind of king comes riding in on a donkey?
Jesus does!
On his triumphant Palm Sunday entry, Jesus’ little foal treads upon the cloaks and palm branches of the enamored and excited crowds.
Everyone in the crowd knows this is significant: this was prophesied about long ago by prophet Zechariah. It signals a long awaited golden age and actually makes some people really nervous.
But don’t miss this part: Jesus’ choice of transportation is suggestive of his heart.
Why not the confident warhorse? Isn’t that more fitting for kings? The Romans would have done it that way.
But not Jesus. He is “gentle and humble of heart.” Matthew 11:29
As Dane Ortlund writes: “Look to Christ. He deals gently with you. It’s the only way he knows how to be.”
This revelation of Jesus’s gentle entry was thrilling and confusing for the crowds and even for Jesus’ disciples.
Their understanding of Jesus (like ours can do) got twisted up in self-interest and personal preference. They were there at the entry, but the lowly cross didn’t make sense.
Palm Sunday is an important day for coming to grips with the surprise of the God who emptied himself out for us in Christ.
May his gentleness and lowliness start a revolution in our own hearts — may we been drawn to extoll him once again.
Join us this Palm Sunday at 10AM!
EVENTS CALENDAR
4/12 – Women’s Tea 10AM-12PM
4/13 – Palm Sunday Worship Service 10AM
4/16 – Women’s Gathering 6-7AM * different location today!
4/18 – Good Friday Service with Redeemer Church 6PM
4/20 – Easter Sunday 10AM followed by brunch
4/26 – Love Modesto Service Day
4/27 – Newcomer’s Pizza 12-1PM
4/27 – Radiant High School Dos Rios hike
5/2-4 – Men’s Conference at Mission Springs
5/13 – Youth Modesto Nut’s Game
WOMEN’S TEA – APRIL 12
Tomorrow at 10AM at ELC. Registration is closed! Pray for a great event!
***FYI This event going to be held outside in ELC courtyard to enjoy the beautiful weather and accommodate the large gathering.
RADIANT YOUTH GATHERINGS 
WOMEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY
Women – you are up! This Wednesday from 6-7AM at (new location) Laura Fowler’s home — 925 Brady Ave.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE WITH REDEEMER – NEXT FRIDAY, 6PM
Next Friday at 6PM we are excited to be joining Redeemer Church for a joint Good Friday service as contemplate Christ’s crucifixion. We will meet at 1614 H St, Modesto, CA (Central Seventh Day Adventist Church building). Children most welcome too!
EASTER SUNDAY! – APRIL 20 
EASTER AT RADIANT!
Let’s declare it together — “He is Risen Indeed!” Invite your friends and family to join us at 10AM at MJC. EASTER BRUNCH DETAILS – We are going to be joining Emanuel Lutheran for an Easter Brunch following services. They bring fruit and pastries and Radiant is responsible for bringing breakfast casseroles and juice. We need at least 10 breakfast casseroles. If you are willing to bring a special breakfast casserole or a bottle of juice that morning, please text Laura Fowler at (209) 606-4640. They will need to be dropped off at ELC before our morning service.
LOVE MODESTO SERVICE DAY – APRIL 26
It’s that time of year again! All are invited to jump in to serve our city on 4/26 as we Love Modesto. For this city wide service day — volunteer sign ups are now open. You can sign up here.
NEWCOMER PIZZA – APRIL 27
If you are newer or newish to Radiant and would like to learn more about our story, what we believe and how we practice it — Jill and Zach would love to have you over for some pizza. Not only are we excited to share about the church — but we are excited to get to know you too. Kids most welcome! We’ll meet at the Riley’s house — 1128 Mills Ave at 12pm on Sunday, April 27. Sign up here to let us know who’s coming and so we can get enough pizza.
MEN’S CONFERENCE 5/2-5/4
Join us for a weekend of impact, challenge, and fun as we worship, fellowship, and grow in our faith journey in beautiful Mission Springs. It is guaranteed to bless your soul. Our hope is that the men at the conference will feel empowered to rise up as husbands, fathers, and men of faith. Despite their feelings, circumstances, or situations, they will seek out God. Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deed. REGISTER HERE STARTING FEB. 1st.
NEW? GETTING PLUGGED IN…HOME CHURCH – Is where the really good stuff happens as we grow as disciples of Jesus. You can fill out the form here if interested.
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
