September 16, 2022
Dear Friends,
Some photos from last Sunday’s Grand Opening! What a great moment and what a fun party.
We are grateful to God. What a ride it has been! What new adventures await us!
In an odd way, I can’t stop thinking about the last words of John Wesley. As he lay dying, John, the world famous Oxford educated, transatlantic church planter, revivalist, and abolitionist voiced these words:
“The best of all is, God is with us.”
He then raised his hand, and with all the strength he could muster he said again:
“The best of all is, God is with us.”
Then he died.
To be sure, that’s best we’ll ever be able to say: God is with us.
Not because we are special. Not because we are clever or smart. Not because we’ve “figured” out how to do church.
It is simply undeserved grace: that in Jesus Christ, God comes to dwell among us, to be with us. May Radiant, however long or wherever this journey takes us be able to say, “best of all, God has been and will be with us.”
THIS SUNDAY at 5PM:
PSALM 23 – THE RESTORED SOUL
We are continuing our sweet, slow, stroll through Psalm 23 — this time in verse 2 and 3a:
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul.”
That sound delightful, doesn’t it?
Stress. Exhaustion. Numbness. This stuff was all at epidemic levels before the pandemic — I think after two years of high stress levels, polarization, changing regulations, this barrenness of soul has only grown.
But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, wants to guide us to a place of refreshment and deep soul rest.
This Sunday we’ll consider what it means to CHOOSE to live and work from a place of soul rest in Jesus.
Admittedly, this is countercultural. This isn’t the way I am used to living. It’s usually work until I am exhausted, until the tank is empty, the fill up again (though it never feels quite full).
And with a busy season, I’ve been pretty wiped out lately! I am ready for some green pastures and quiet waters.
Jesus invites us to a different way than our burnout culture. Hear this invitation:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
What if we believed this invitation and took it seriously…
THE ALPHA COURSE
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 11 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.
We are meeting on Thursdays, starting September 22nd from 6-8PM. Dinner Included! We’ll meet at 324 College Ave. Go here for more information and to register!
HOME CHURCHES
We’re kicking off our Home Churches starting the week of September 18. Our Home Church groups are smaller communities that meet during the week where we learn to practice the simple way of Jesus together. No experience required, all are welcome. We usually share meal, read scripture, and consider what God is up in and through our lives. If you are interested in learning about available groups and what group might be a good fit for you please contact Zach at zach@radcov.org
WE LOVE (AND NEED) VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
We have been blown away by the large number of children coming to Radiant. What an opportunity and responsibility to nourish their faith in Christ!
While we have an amazing team of volunteers, we do have a felt need for more volunteers in all age groups as we schedule out the fall. Would you be open to helping in this ministry once or twice a month?
We’ll train you and always pair you up with another teacher. It is alway two adults per class. Text Jill Riley at 209 497-3720 if you are interested in learning more.
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 Facebook/ Craigslist space. People can extend invites, share about needs and resources. Please join us! https://band.us/n/adaa739aX4Rca
Grace and peace!
Zach
zach@radcov.org
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
