April 4, 2025
Hey Radiant,
I know it’s out of the norm for the Radiant Weekly column but I want to share with you what I believe is some sage investing advice. Of course, this is timely, as the markets are currently in precipitous decline and investors are looking for safe bets. This also comes with the disclaimer that I am not a financial advisor and admittedly have trouble remembering what the acronym IRA stands for…
But this advice comes from Jesus. He says this in Luke 16:9:
“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”
In other words, use money to make friends. That’s Jesus’ investment advice.
Maybe it’s a little shocking, maybe it’s a little too on the nose to share at such a time as this. But for Jesus, relational capital is a higher form of capital than financial. Somewhat mysteriously, he hints that there is an eternal quality to friendship.
So basically Jesus says that we should “trade-up” from fading stock portfolios to enduring friendships.
Jesus’ perspective on wealth and how to use it is at probably odds with our self-seeking and financial security seeking natures. But in a topsy-turvy, uncertain time such as the one we live in — I find it helpful and refreshing.
We have an opportunity to rethink our capital altogether — that we might be truly shrewd investors.
There’s a whole lot more to be said about this — join us this Sunday at 10AM!
EVENTS CALENDAR
4/6 – Prayer and Worship Night at the Riley’s 6:30-8PM
4/8 – Radiant Youth Gathering 6-7AM
4/9 – Men’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC
4/12 – Women’s Tea 10AM-12PM
4/13 – Palm Sunday
4/20 – Easter Sunday 10AM
4/26 – Love Modesto Service Day
4/27 – Newcomer’s Pizza 12-1PM
5/2-4 – Men’s Conference at Mission Springs (registration now open)
RADIANT YOUTH NEW GATHERINGS AND LENT READINGS
MEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY
Men – you are up! This Wednesday from 6-7AM at ELC’s fellowship hall for a time of community and prayer.
PRAYER AND WORSHIP NIGHT AT THE RILEY’S – APRIL 6
We are going old-school Radiant style — back to packed out living rooms and back yards for worship and prayer. Sunday Night, 4/6 – 6:30-8PM at the Riley’s. 1128 Mills, 95350.
WOMEN’S TEA – APRIL 12
You’re Invited to the 4th Annual Radiant Women’s Tea…
Join us for a morning of connection as we gather over a cup of tea. Come and enjoy yummy treats, delicious tea, lively, conversations. Fill your cup with renewal. Sign up here.
EASTER SUNDAY – APRIL 20 
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 our 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
