September 12, 2025
Dear Radiant,
This has been a jarring week for our nation. With political violence rearing its ugly head again, I find myself sad, discouraged, and struggling to find the right words to share with my confused children.
Perhaps it is all the more challenging because of the really sweet week of prayer last week. It is like whiplash.
I’ve been encouraged by a quote a friend recently shared from the writer Fyodor Dostoevsky: “The world will be saved by beauty.”
Dostoevsky himself was captivated by the beauty of Christ (and certainly this is the beauty of which he wrote) in a era of intense political upheaval. He saw the beauty of Jesus as the answer to a world full of nihilistic violence, revenge, and contempt.
We need Jesus and his beauty desperately (as always). More than that, the world needs to be able to see the beauty of Christ manifested in his disciples today — in those willing to love their enemies and seek the good of those who would seek to harm them, in those who would embody his peace in dark time.
As we begin this new teaching series, it is my prayer that each of us has a fresh encounter with the beauty of Jesus and that through us the world (in our neighborhoods and homes) could get a little glimpse of a better way.
Series: The Beauty of Jesus: Encounters with Jesus in the Gospel of John.
Dates: 9/14 –
See you this Sunday at 10am.
(and join us for a time of hanging in the park after church this).
RADIANT EVENTS CALENDAR
9/14 – Roosevelt Park Potluck Picnic
Week of 9/14 – Home Church Restart
9/19 – Trivia Night at Contentment
9/21 – Manny and Lana’s Wedding Shower
9/25 – The Alpha Course (at ELC).
10/3-10/5 – Women’s Retreat at Mission Springs Registration Open!
SEPTEMBER 14 POTUCK PICNIC AT ROOSEVELT PARK
FIGHTING SHADOWS MEN’S BOOK STUDY – SUNDAYS @8:30AMGuys 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
WOMEN’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 SEPTEMBER 25
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, 9/25.
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.
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
Please join us for pre service every Sunday at 9am at MJC.
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
