September 19, 2025
Dear Radiant,
Can religion get in the way of God? According to Jesus, it is actually one of the main obstacles.
Jesus warned against being confident in your own righteousness, in practicing your piety publicly, and missing the spirit of the law for the letter of it.
As religious types, we should reflect on this. It could be that for us, the danger isn’t irreligion, it’s thinking that our religion makes us right with God.
As Charles Spurgeon writes: “We must beware of being so religious that we are not Christian.”
As we continue our Beauty of Jesus series this Sunday, will explore Jesus’ bracing and beautiful encounter with a very religious and earnest man named Nicodemus.
It’s shocking encounter and full of grace and resonates down through the centuries to us.
I’m excited to dig in with you this Sunday.
See you at 10am (and hope to see you at Trivia Night tonight!)
RADIANT EVENTS CALENDAR
HOME CHURCH — JOIN ONE NOW!
9/19 – Trivia Night at Contentment
9/21 – Manny and Lana’s Wedding Shower
9/21 – 5:47PM Radiant Youth Gathering
9/24 – Men’s Gathering 6-7AM (at ELC)
10/2 – The Alpha Course (at ELC). *New start date.
10/3-10/5 – Women’s Retreat at Mission Springs
10/12 – Baptism and Brunch
TRIVIA NIGHT 9/19
Join us at Contentment Brewery for Trivia Night! This is chance to connect with others and test your knowledge! 6:45pm, Friday, September 19 at 208 Campus Way. Proceeds will benefit World Relief Modesto. Sign up here.
FIGHTING SHADOWS MEN’S BOOK STUDY – SUNDAYS @8:30AM
Guys are gathering on Sundays for the next eight weeks to dig into Jon Tyson’s book, Fighting Shadows (get it on Amazon or listen on Spotify). We will meet from 8:30-9:30AM in the MJC Courtyard just outside the auditorium. Questions – contact Joe Muratore 209.534.9455
MEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY 6-7AM
We’ll meet at ELC!
HOME CHURCHES START MID-SEPTEMBER
Home churches are getting back starting in mid-September. 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, or contact one of the leaders below and we’ll follow up with you!
THE ALPHA COURSE BEGINS OCTOBER 2
What is Alpha? Alpha is a series of conversations about things we all question in life: Why do bad things happen to good people? What’s the purpose of life? What’s next? It’s for those exploring Jesus, for those who are skeptical, for those who want to be refreshed. It is an 10 week course, but you are welcome to come to the first gathering to check it out, no commitment required. This is a great community to invite friends who are exploring faith — all questions welcomed! And more than that — dinner is included! Sign up here. The course will begin at 6PM at ELC on Thursday, 10/2* New start date.
BAPTISM SERVICE
Are you ready to make a public declaration of your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord? If you believe God might be leading you to this, please reach out to Zach (reply to this email or text 209.497.3710) for more information. Radiant is exploring holding a baptism service on 10/12.
RADCOV KIDS SCHEDULE:
COMMUNITY LIFE:MEAL TRAIN(S)
Welcome to world Asher Hideo Tanuma! Asher was born early this morning to Sarah and Kyle Tanuma. Congrats to them and big brother Levi. We will get a meal train up and chugging for them soon. In the meantime, Luke and Jenessa still have a few openings for meals!
Welcome to the world baby Margot Luke Domecq! She was born on 8/30! We are rejoicing with parents Jenessa and Luke. There is a meal train up and chugging along — sign up here.
WEDDING SHOWER 
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.
PRAYER
Join us for preservice every Sunday at 9am at MJC near the children’s ministry rooms.
GIVING
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry!
Here’s the link to online giving.
Grace and Peace!
Zach
[email protected]
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
