November 3, 2023
Hey Radiant!
Pete Greig in his helpful book “How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People” wisely asserts:
“The universal impulse to pray permeates and pulsates through human anthropology and archaeology, sociology and psychology. It is no exaggeration to say that be human is to pray. The question, therefore, is not so much why we prayer, but rather, how and to whom.”
This week we come to the Lord’s Prayer — the world’s most famous prayer — as we continue our “The Simple Way” series about the world’s most famous sermon.
In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus provides answers to those key questions about prayer, both the how and the to whom.
His answers are simple, profound, and compelling.
Unfortunately, I fear our familiarity with Jesus’ prayer can dull us to the majestic contours of his framework for prayer. We miss out on a richly interactive life with God. A life where we discover that we are not alone. A life where we can know a God who is involved, engaged, and present in the tumult of the world.
So the invitation for us is to approach this prayer afresh. Friends, let’s dust off the Lord’s prayer and let Jesus teach us about prayer, once again.
See you Sunday at 5!
EVENTS CALENDAR (see below for details)
Home Churches are now in session!
Tuesdays – The Alpha Course 6-8PM
11/12 – Chili Cook-off
11/15 – Men’s Axe Throwing Event 11/22 – Thanksgiving Eve Service with Emanuel Lutheran Church
12/3 – 1st Sunday in Advent
12/24 – Christmas Eve Service – 2PM
THE CHILI COOK-OFF IS COMING BACK!
On 11/12 we’re doing a chili cook off contest. We’re pumped. If you would like to bring chili – please let Laura Fowler know – fowlercsr@gmail.com
MEN’S AXE THROWING
Hey brothers! Tis the season for….axe throwing. We are going to meet at the Smart Axe, 3020 Floyd Ave on Wednesday night, 11/15 at 6pm. We’ll provide pizza. This should be a great time to connect together and hone a crucial survival skill. Cost is $20. Text John Fowler, 209-345-5854, by 11/12 so we can plan ahead.
PRAYER WALK
We will be hosting prayer walks on the first and third Thursdays of the month during youth group at 6:30PM. This is a time to pray for the community and surrounding neighborhoods and local businesses and schools. Please attend if you are able. We will meet at the Radiant Parking lot and walk the Virginia Corridor. RSVP on the Band App.
THANKSGIVING EVE JOINT SERVICE WITH ELC We are grateful to have been invited again to share a joint Thanksgiving Eve service with Emanuel Lutheran Church. Join us at 11/22 at 7pm for a time of worship and gratitude to God.
THE ALPHA COURSE – TUESDAYS 6-8PM
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 If you’re looking for a judgment-free space to ask hard questions, share your own opinion, or even just observe, there’s a place for you. Sign up here.
HOME CHURCHES ARE NOW IN SESSION
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, and we’ll follow up with you as the groups take shape. You can also directly reach out to the leaders listed below and they will get you connected. 
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 online link for giving, tithes, and offerings.
Grace and Peace,
Zach
