June 16, 2023
Hey Radiant,
We are continuing our summer series in Acts with a look at the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
This is a crazy, phenomenal episode as the way of Jesus, empowered by the Spirit emanates out from Jerusalem.
On a desert road, the Holy Spirit orchestrates this beautiful and unlikely encounter between an outcast spiritual seeker and evangelist who knows how to practice curiosity.
For us, Philip’s a great example of the adventure of obedience.
When God says, “go!” to Philip, Philip goes. He doesn’t have the full set of instructions, but he is content with a piecemeal approach. He is content to set out on the road knowing God is at work.
Even in people very different from him.
His job is practice wonder and curiosity at the presence of God where he is called to go.
I think for Philip it’s the thrill of wondering “God, what are you going to do next?” that drives his joyful obedience.
This aspect of mission makes me think of a line from Jack Kerouac’s iconic 1957, novel On the Road: “we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”
Of course, Philip’s aims and ours are much different the character’s in Kerouac’s novel.
But I love the admonition to us to “lean forward.” So often instead of leaning forward we settle into a rut.
But when we “lean forward” a “crazy venture” with God awaits.
Leaning forward this Sunday at 5pm! See you then.
AND MAKE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR A PRAYER SLOT THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!
SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR (see below for details)
6/20 – The Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course – Tuesdays 6:30-8:00PM
6/22 – Radiant Middle School Gathering – 5-10PM
6/23-24 – 24 Hours of Prayer
7/1 – Women’s Hike at Table Mountain
7/22 – Dad, Kids, and Catapults
8/3 – Trivia Night (details TBA)
8/18-19 – The Missio Conference (a collaborative event with Covenant Grove and Modesto Covenant Church).
9/29-10/1 – Women’s Conference at Mission Springs
RADIANT MIDDLE SCHOOL GATHERING THIS THURSDAY, 6/22
WHEN: Join us Thursday, 6/22 from 5-10PM
RSVP: Text Ulisses at 209-541-8536
WHERE: 505 Chabot Avenue
24 HOURS OF PRAYER – 6/23-6/24
“Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit; where there is much of the Spirit, there will be ever-increasing prayer.” – Andrew Murray
We are back at it again. Prayer as been VITAL to our journey as a church. We are creating space for prayer — praying as a church for 24 hours straight. We’ll begin Friday at 6PM at ELC and end with worship on Saturday night from 5-6PM. All are welcome. Prayer is learned by praying and we are all still learners. Sign up for a prayer slot here.
WOMEN’S HIKE – JULY 1
From Gracie Crew: Hey all! We’ve solidified the Women’s Hike date for July 1st. We will still hike Table Mountain and are planning to go early to beat the heat, let’s plan to start hiking at 8am. Contact Gracie Crew is you are interested (209) 996-5161
DADS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE AT MISSION SPRINGS 9/29 – 10/1
Believe or not, registration for our conference’s Covenant Women’s Conference is now open. This conference will take place at the beautiful Mission Springs Conference in Scotts Valley, CA. This will also be a weekend of encouragement, fellowship, and rich memory-building, all with one goal in mind, that you leave Mission Springs knowing that you are loved by God and your purpose is to love others. Click here to learn more about speakers and worship and to register.
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, and commit to pray for one another. 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
zach@radcov.org
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
