August 1, 2025
Dear Radiant,
Our own Danny Melendez is stepping out from behind his guitar and into the pulpit this Sunday. We’re excited to have Danny wrap up our wisdom teaching series with a focus how Jesus ultimately shows us the path of living wisely here and now in God’s kingdom.
While you are reading….
I wanted to share a few “summer mode” snapshots of the Jesus life that is flowing in our community in our summer rhythms. We don’t share this stuff to brag or be self-congratulatory but to celebrate God’s grace in our midst:
- Last Tuesday, around 20 youth and youth volunteers gathered at Yogurt Mill to enjoy some fro-yo and study the Bible. The amazing part about this is that Ulisses was on vacation and it was led by his volunteer team. This is a sign of good and healthy leadership by Ulisses! Well done Uli!
- The Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course has been particularly powerful this summer. We wrapped up last night. Throughout the course, participants shared vulnerably and courage — moving boldly towards integrating emotional health in their discipleship to Jesus. I really loved how intergenerational this course has been — from early 20s to people in their 60s. How beautiful is that!
- I just learned of a Home Church on summer hiatus gathering their folks for a summer ice cream social. I love seeing community happen — whether in a summer social or friends gathered at local cafes. Btw — have you noticed how it is hard to visit a local Modesto cafe without seeing someone from Radiant?
- The Splash and Dash Lake Day last week was a hoot. It was just plain ol fun and I am still a little sore from the blob bounce.
- I think back to June and the abundance of diapers raised during the diaper drive to support families in need or in crisis. I am awed by generosity in this community of Jesus followers.
- Speak of which, I love the sharing table: I love how the little acts of sharing at our sharing table on Sundays has furthered a culture of generosity. I saw someone grabbing a sleeping bag to use on a camping trip! (Btw — we’ll permanently have the table outside until otherwise stated! Bring something to share (but take it back with you if no one wants it!)
- Crystal Nicholson, our children’s director, shared some sweet stories of our little ones enjoying Jesus and his love this summer. They are precious and growing up fast!
- This past week Kyle Tanuma helped host a youth group from Kelseyville for a mission trip in Modesto. They joined us for church. It was really refreshing meeting these kids and their leaders. What was even cooler was hearing about how Radiant folks were able to connect with them throughout the week at places of ministry in Modesto – World Relief (Danny), Medical Ambassadors (Victor), and the Food Initiative of Greater Stanislaus County (Anna).
- Of course, there’s so much more: our church isn’t just programmed activities, but the dispersed and organic movements of our day to day lives, where the love of God is manifested in our love for others. Holy Spirit, keep moving outward us in love!
As summer rhythms are replaced by back to school ones, I am excited about what God has ahead for us in the next season. Much more to come beginning August 10th (which is a Bike to Church Sunday!)
See you this Sunday at 10am!
RADIANT EVENTS CALENDAR
Every Sunday – Pre-service prayer 9am at MJC
8/3 – Domecqs and Tanumas Baby Showers 2-4PM at ELC
8/10 – Bikes and Donuts Sunday!
8/10 – Children’s Ministry Volunteer Meeting 6PM at ELC
8/10 – Radiant Youth Group Meets on Sunday Night at 6PM at ELC
8/17 – Newcomer’s Pizza at Zach and Jill’s
9/14 – Kickoff Sunday Roosevelt Park
Mid-September – Home Church Restart
9/19 – Trivia Night
10/3-10/5 – Women’s Retreat at Mission Springs Registration Open!
BABY SHOWER THIS SUNDAY @ 2PM – RSVP ASAP!
BACK TO SCHOOL DONUTS AND BIKES NEXT SUNDAY 
School is starting again! We are going to celebrate/lament/ mark the moment by encouraging folks to bike to church on August 10th. We’re also going to buy a bunch of donuts to enjoy as well. Safety first, wear a helmet and go for the raised glaze — we’ll take a photo at 9:50ish with all the bikers!
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS MEETING AUGUST 10 at 6PM
I am not going to try and “sell” you on considering volunteering for Radiant’s children’s ministry. Sure, we could use some volunteers as we fill out the fall schedule and we are praying for this. At the same time, I don’t want you respond based on needs — rather from prompting by God. Friends, this an amazing privilege, to serve precious children in the name of Jesus. This verse is just an jaw dropping promise from Mark 9:37: “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.” So we are looking for volunteers who can serve once a month (even once every two months would be phenomenal). Indicate your interest here. There will be a volunteer/information meeting on 8/10 at 6PM at ELC.
NEWCOMER’S PIZZA – AUGUST 17
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 the Riley’s house — 1128 Mills Ave at 12pm on Sunday, August 17. Sign up here to let us know who’s coming and so we can get enough pizza.
WOMEN’S RETREAT REGISTRATION
October 3-5 at Mission Springs Conference Center.
We spend our lives avoiding the wilderness. Yet it is often in the wilderness that we encounter the Lord’s provision, promises, and presence. We even read that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led in the wilderness. What can we learn from time spent in the wilderness? This special weekend is designed to be a transformative experience, offering countless opportunities to connect with other women and be refreshed.
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 AND PRAYER REQUEST
Please join us for pre service every Sunday at 9am at MJC. We meet in the courtyard adjacent to our Children’s church classrooms. *Also keep John Fowler in prayer this week as he heads to Alaska Christian College to help with construction projects at this school that serves at risk Alaskan young adults. Pray for a safe, productive, and God-centered time with staff, students, and other volunteers!
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
