March 30, 2023
Dear Radiant,
This Sunday is Palm Sunday — the day Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem greeted by shouts of “Hosanna!” or “O Save!”
For me, Palm Sunday is always a bit of a conflicted celebration — for the same crowds that shouted “Hosanna” waving Palm branches would, in less than a week, be crying “Crucify!”
It’s a reminder to be on guard against for the fickleness of “the crowd.” Perhaps more so – the fickleness of our own hearts.
THIS SUNDAY
We’re grateful that we’ll be joined by Wade Patton, who will bringing the Word, preaching about Jesus’ triumphal entry and what it means that God’s desire is for his creation to be close to Him. 
A bit about Wade:
Wade is a native of Modesto, CA, a product of Modesto City Schools and Biola University. He comes from a family of ministers who’ve devoted there lives to helping people hear the voice of God thru scripture, prayer and worship. He attends The Believer’s Walk Ministries, a home based ministry on the Westside of Modesto. Hobbies include rollerblading, hiking biking and collecting “Aqua man”Comics. He also plays the piano and loves worship music. Wade has been teaching and preaching God’s Word for over twenty years.
I’m pumped to hear and learn from Wade. Join us at 5pm!
CALENDAR (see below for details)
ONGOING – Home Churches
4/5 – Men’s Gathering 6-7 AM
4/6 – Radiant Middle School Gathering 7-8:30 PM
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
4/29 – Love Modesto Service Day
5/2 – Family Discipleship Workshop with Sarah Cowan Johnson
NEW TIMES FOR EASTER BRUNCH AND WORSHIP – 4/9
10:30AM BRUNCH – 11:30 AM WORSHIP
He is Risen Indeed! Spread the word and invites: we will meet at 11:30AM (at Emanuel Lutheran) to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter. Additionally, we’ll have an Easter brunch before worship at 10:30AM with ELC. For the brunch, it’s our job to some varieties of breakfast casseroles. Please text Laura Fowler at if you can bring one – 209.606.4640
MEN’S GATHERING, THIS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 6-7 AM
Coffee, Donuts, Jesus — it’s a good combo. All guys are welcome to join us this Wednesday from 6-7AM at ELC.
RADIANT MIDDLE SCHOOL GATHERING
Radiant Middle School (6-8th grades) will gather on April 6, at ELC from 7-8:30PM! It will be a sweet and fun time of connecting with God and each other!
BIKE TO CHURCH SUNDAY – 4/16
Why not! Hopefully the sun will be out!
NEWCOMER’S TEA – 4/22
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, April 22 from 3-4PM. This will be a space to havre a cup of tea, 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.
LOVE MODESTO 4/29
Love Modesto is coming! We encourage you to plug in on a project that is meaningful to you. As a church, we’d like to highlight two opportunities with local ministries we have partnered with. World Relief is hosting a supply drive for newly arrived refugees. Youth for Christ is doing some training for those interested in volunteers in the Juvenile Detention center.
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.
FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP WORKSHOP – 5/2
Mark your calendars. We are really excited to host a family discipleship workshop led by Sarah Cowan Johnson, author of Teach Your Children Well. Sarah is a Covenant pastor, trainer, and writer from Providence, R.I. This will be an online workshop designed for our Radiant Covenant Community on Tuesday, May 2nd from 5:30-7PM. There is no cost to this event. More details to follow.
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
