Dear Radiant,
Dear Radiant,
This week we are taking a moment to celebrate a significant marker in the life of our community: formally joining the Evangelical Covenant Church denomination as a member church.
This is more than an organizational footnote. This is one of those vistas at which we need to pause, ponder, and thank God.
I am full of gratitude for all the ways we’ve been a place where people have encountered Jesus, found community, and discovered a purpose bigger than themselves. Images flash before my eyes:
– Incredible potluck meals shared over much laughter.
-Late night spiritual discussions.
-Tear-filled worship.
-Messy kid’s crafts.
-Desperate prayers.
-Youth group shenanigans.
-Sunday morning set-up.
-Baptisms, weddings, and babies.
God has been and will be faithful. God has been and will be good to us.
While we are still just getting started as a church, friends, this is a holy moment. We are standing on holy ground. This is not because of our efforts or virtue, but because of the gracious presence of God, here with us in Jesus Christ. As we look back and look forward, the best news of all is that God is with us.
Join the Celebration This Sunday
Morning Worship: 10:00 AM at MJC
Evening Celebration: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at ELC (see details below)
All are welcome!
Grace and Peace,
Zach
Radiant Events Calendar
8/19 – Women’s Group at ELC 6-7am
8/9, 16, 23 – Radiant Volunteer Draft Combine after church
8/16 – Church “It’s Official” Party at ELC,*New time 5-7PM
9/6-9/13 – Week of Global Prayer at Kingdom Coffee
9/27 – Home Church “Praxis” Groups Begin
10/2-4 – Women’s Conference at Mission Springs
Radiant Volunteer Draft Combine is Coming…
Where 40 times and vertical jumps aren’t as an important as a humble desire to serve others. This is Radiant’s invitation to gather volunteers for the fall. More to come: Sundays August 9, 16, 23.
“It’s Official” Party – Radiant joins the ECC
*New Time! 5-7PM on Sunday Night. This is a congregational meeting. We are celebrating this major milestone as a church on August 16. We’ll share stories about God’s wild faithfulness and what this next means as we prepare for our congregational annual meeting where we’ll elect leaders, approve budgets meeting in December. Here, we will also share about membership for those considering membership at Radiant. All welcome! We are providing BBQ chicken — please bring a side to share.
Global Week of Prayer: September 6-13
Come, Holy Spirit! This will be a week of 24-7 prayer hosted at Kingdom Coffee. We are creating space (a lot of it) for seeking God together. More details and sign-ups to come soon.
Home Church Leaders Formation Group
Do you desire to grow as a disciple of Jesus who makes disciples of Jesus? This is what Jesus called us to do, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all people groups.” Zach and Jill are inviting those who are interested in making disciples of Jesus through the vehicle of leading a Home Church to join a three week training community (Aug 26, Sept 2, 9) to discern and perhaps prepare to lead a Home Church this fall. Reach out to Zach if interested (209) 497-3710.
Radiant Youth
No youth group this Sunday, but come hang at the “It’s Official Party” from 5-7PM at ELC!
Subscribe to Radiant’s Youtube Channel
Hey friends, we are trying to improve our livestream game a bit and think that streaming on Youtube will serve our congregation better. To enable this, we will need 50 subscribers (we need 8 more!). You can subscribe here.
Women’s Conference at Mission Springs October 2-4
This fall’s theme, “Teach Us to Pray”, is centered on the Lord’s Prayer. Together, we will slow down and reflect on each phrase Jesus taught, discovering what it means to trust our Father, seek His kingdom, depend on His provision, and walk in forgiveness and surrender. This theme calls us not just to learn about prayer, but to be transformed by it. Through worship, teaching, and community, we will be renewed in our desire to pray boldly and live rooted in His presence. Join us for a weekend that promises to refresh your spirit, deepen your faith, and strengthen your connections with fellow women.
Register here: https://www.missionsprings.com/camp-event/womens-conference/
Community Notes
RADIANT ADOPTION INTO THE COVENANT – Radiant has been formally adopted into the Evangelical Covenant Denomination. This happened on Friday, June 26 at the 141st Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. We’ll party later this summer as a congregation.
SHARING TABLE – One fun way we practice the gospel sharing and generosity is through our simple “sharing table.” We place a folding table where people can place items that they would like to give away to others (not junk!). These items could be clothes, fresh garden vegetables, toys, books, etc. It’s free – take them if you want it, no questions asked or obligations. If your sharing items are not taken that week – please be sure to take them back with you as we will not be storing items.
BAND APP – One way to connect to the Radiant community 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!
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
