January 26, 2023
Dear Radiant,
Legendary 18th century poet and literary critic, Alexander Pope wrote, “to err is human, to forgive, divine.”
Pope rightly suggests that we reflect and participate in God’s own character when we decide to forgive those who have sinned against us.
But often we neglect this command. It is difficult.
Miroslav Volf, a Croatian theologian who experienced great hardship in Soviet-era Yugoslavia, expands on this concept, noting how we conveniently forget this:
“We embrace the conviction that God is an infinitely generous source of all good, but conveniently forget that we were created in God’s image to be in some significant sense like God – not like God in God’s divinity, for we are human and not divine, but like God “in true righteous ness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24), like God in loving enemies (Matthew 5:44). To live well as a human being is to live in sync with who God is and how God acts.”
So how do we actually love our enemies and forgive those who have sinned against us?
How do we become “like God” and continue His revolution of forgiveness?
I am convinced that learning to forgive others is not only commanded by Jesus, but essential for our own soul-flourishing. Resentment, bitterness, and a lack of forgiveness is toxic to our closest relationships and can even lead to serious health problems.
The way of Jesus points to a different path — one where we give and receive forgiveness from the unending well of God’s grace. This way frees others and blesses others.
But we must choose this way. It won’t happen automatically.
This Sunday, we’ll consider where in our life we need to give God access to our resentment, and ask that he release in us and through us, his own love and forgiveness.
See you Sunday at 5pm!
EVENTS CALENDAR
Home Churches are now going! Jump in one!
2/4 – Rad YTH Park Day 3:30-4:45
2/4 – Children’s Ministry Parent Meeting (with childcare) 3:30 – 4:30 PM at ELC
2/11 – Nacho Normal Sunday (Superbowl Sunday) – 1PM Worship Service
2/24 – Inner Healing Prayer Workshop 9AM-4PM
3/31 – Easter Sunday Service
4/13 – Women’s Tea
4/19-21 -Men’s Conference — registration opens 1/1/24
YOUTH PARK DAY
Calling all 6-12th graders to join us for a fun time at Roosevelt park February 4th, 2024! We will have 9-square, a volleyball net, gaga ball, football, soccer with pizza provided. We would love to get some help from our church family for donated snacks and drinks. Feel free to bring others to this event, a great opportunity to invite others. 2:30-4:45pm. Come join us for a great time to hang out and be together! Let me know if you have any questions or want to donate some items. Contact Youth Director- Ulisses Vasquez at 209-541-8536. Please let me know if you know your youth is going!
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY PARENT MEETING – 2/4
Radiant has been blessed with a ton of kids! We love this and want to steward this crucial ministry well. We are holding a parent meeting for those with kiddos in our ministry. We want to hear from you how we can support you and your families in this season of our church plant, and dream a bit together about what the next chapters hold for Radiant kids. We get some tea heated and will meet from 3:30-4:30 on Sunday, February 4 in the ELC fellowship hall. Naturally, childcare is included.
NACHO NORMAL SUNDAY
Hey, the SuperBowl is on 2/11 at 3:30. Like last year, we have decided not to compete with it. From a missional and communal perspective, we think its important that people are with family and friends on this bizarrely important cultural event. So we are having a Nacho Bar and church at 1pm. See you then (and hopefully the 49ers in the Superbowl).
HOME CHURCHES ARE GETTING AFTER IT!
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! Groups has just recently started, so it’s an optimal time to jump in.
YOUTH GROUP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Be a part of pouring into the next generation! Our youth group is need of volunteers and we’d love to chat with those interested. Contact Ulisses Vasquez 209.541.8536 for more information.
INNER HEALING PRAYER WORKSHOP — SATURDAY, 2/24
Jesus is with us always bringing us into healing and freedom. Inner Healing prayer is a means for inviting Jesus into the pain, trauma, and anxiety that we carry. On Saturday, February 24th from 9-4pm we will host a prayer ministry training workshop for those interested in learning how to invite the healing presence of Jesus into their own lives and the lives of others. We will have a guest facilitator, Laura Thiel. Laura has led prayer workshops across the world as a staff member with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Mark your calendar — this will be a transformational time. Suggested donation is $15 (we’ll include lunch). You can sign up here.
MEN’S CONFERENCE 4/19-21 at MISSION SPRINGS
Join us for a weekend of impact, challenge, and fun as we spend time in worship, fellowship, and growing in Christ. Our hope is that the men at the conference would feel empowered to rise up and seek out God despite feelings, circumstances, or situations. Register here, starting Jan. 1st. Also — the Fowlers have generously opened up their Mission Springs cabin and have room for ten. Let John know if you are interested. 209.345.5854
FRONTIER RANCH
The Covenant Church operates a phenomenal summer camp in the Santa Cruz mountains. There are week long options for 4-6th graders and 7-9the graders. Registration opened on 12/1. Spots will fill quickly. Scholarships available from the website. Register here.
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 link to online giving.
Grace and Peace,
Zach
