April 12, 2024
Dear Radiant,
We are in a teaching series about rediscovering community as we follow Jesus together in this beautiful mosaic of people in Christ we call the church.
But it’s helpful get a little more specific, a bit more granular about this community. Sometimes we need pick out and look at the individual mosaic tiles. That’s what we are doing this series.
We tend to talk generally about discipleship to Jesus. But following Jesus always takes place in a context. In America, in California, in Modesto, in my neighborhood, in my family.
And in different life situations. What does it mean to follow Jesus as a married person? Or as a Single person? A Parent? As a teenager or Grandparent?
This Sunday we are considering what it means to follow Jesus as a married person. How does marriage relate to becoming like Jesus and practicing his way?
You may be thinking — irrelevant, I’m not married (I understand this sentiment as it seems the American church has really stressed the married couple and nuclear family at the expense of others).
Nevertheless, having a biblical vision of marriage it is relevant for single persons. Because, well, who knows, you might be married in the future! This does happen.
Moreover, as an aspect of belonging to the mosaic community, it is vital that you consider the experiences and challenges of your brothers and sisters who are married so that you might support and encourage them.
I will say the same thing to married folks next week as we consider Singleness. (Granted, this aspect really needs to be stressed as a corrective to the overemphasis on married people).
The beauty of the mosaic is that we together create a beautiful picture of God’s kingdom as embrace our unique situations.
See you Sunday at 5PM at ELC.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Home Churches are now going! Jump in one!
4/10 – Guys Gathering ELC 6-7AM
4/13 – Women’s Tea 10AM-12PM
4/17 – Women’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC
4/19-21 – Men’s Conference
4/27 – Love Modesto Service Day
4/28 – Bike to Church Sunday
5/12 – Guys Serve Dinner at Second Sunday Supper
5/17 – Line Dancing Social at Dying Breed
WOMEN’S TEA – SAT. 4/13
Join us as we sip on tea and listen to Laurie Short as she redirects us toward hope, perspective and a new way of seeing a world full of detours. May we begin seeing our stories with new hope. This is a great event to invite friends to. When: Saturday, April 13th 10am-12pm
Cost: $15 REGISTRATION CLOSED.
WOMEN’S MORNING GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY – 6-7AM at ELC
Join us for coffee, connection, prayer at ELC!
LOVE MODESTO SERVICE DAY – 4/27 Let’s love our city and our neighbors by participating in Love Modesto on 4/27. Some of us are going to join in on the Youth for Christ project in South Modesto. You can sign up for that project here or find a list of projects here.
BIKE TO CHURCH SUNDAY – 4/28
Time to bust out the bicycles and cruise over to church on 4/28. Rumor has it we will have Paletas for Pedalers (and everyone else). Some might meet at the Virginia corridor at O’Brien’s at 4:30 and cruise over from there.
BAPTISM OR RE-AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM
Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ. We are planning a baptism service in early May. I also mentioned the opportunity to re-affirm your faith in Christ through a public declaration before the church. If you sense God leading you to either of these — I’d love to connect with you. You can fill out this form in response.
MOTHER’S DAY SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER – 5/12
Just a heads up — no second Sunday Supper this month because of the Women’s Tea but next month, we are doing something a little special. In honor of Mom’s and ALL women we are gathering for dinner together — and the guys are going to be in charge of putting it on!
LINE DANCING AT DYING BREED – 5/17
Friday, May 17 at 6PM at Dying Breed Brewery in Oakdale! No experience necessary — come enjoy some community and try your hand (feet?) at some line dancing. Sign up here so we can plan accordingly. Questions? Contact Ellen Howell (209) 652-9332.
HOME CHURCHES ARE GETTING AFTER IT!
Radiant Home Churches are communities of discipleship in the way of Jesus and are foundational to our life as a church. If you are not currently in a home church, or would like to try a new Home Church, please fill out this interest form, and we’ll follow up with you! Groups has just recently started, so it’s an optimal time to jump in.
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!
GIVING UPDATE:
January 2024 through March 2024 giving total: $48,627.44
January 2024 through March 2024 giving goal: $47,700.00
Here’s the link to online giving.
Grace and Peace,
Zach
