November 17, 2023
Hey Radiant!
We all know it’s an anxious time. I feel it and I suspect you do too. People are worried and concerned. There is a tightness in the shoulders. Deep breaths are elusive.
It is hard to find peace in this storm.
Sorry, I’ve probably overshared statistics on depression and anxiety (currently about a third of all adults report symptoms of an anxiety or depression disorder). But this is our reality right now — it wasn’t just a pandemic thing and doesn’t seem to be going away.
So I wonder how Jesus’ words, “Do not worry about your life” strike us in this, our reality? We need his words and his resources like never before.
This Sunday we are back to our sermon series about Jesus’ sermon on the mount.
I’m excited, as one who has a long list of his own worries, to hear Jesus afresh. I want to learn how to have the sort of confidence that Jesus had in the Father — the One who “feeds the birds of the air” and “clothes the lilies of the field” and who knows what we need.
Disclaimer- this won’t be a quick fix (such approaches are a part of the problem) but it is a decidedly Simple Way. A way we get to travel together. See you Sunday at 5!
EVENTS CALENDAR (see below for details)
Home Churches are now in session!
Tuesdays – The Alpha Course 6-8PM
11/18 – ELC Campus Workday11/22 – Thanksgiving Eve Service with Emanuel Lutheran Church
11/26 – 12/24 – Refugee Supply Drive with World Relief
12/3 – 1st Sunday in Advent
12/24 – Christmas Eve Service – 2PM
ELC WORKDAY – TOMORROW – 11/18 – 9-11AM
Emanuel Lutheran is having a campus workday on Sat. 11/18 from 9-11AM — they will be hedging bushes and doing some other campus clean-up. Feel free to come for as little or long as you like. Bring your relevant garden tools if you have any.
MEN’S AXE THROWING
We had a blast throwing some axes last Wednesday night. Congrats to Manny and Jesus (the dudes holding the axes — on their win). And many thanks to John Fowler for organizing!
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 this Wednesday at 11/22 at 7pm for a time of worship and gratitude to God.
ADVENT DONATIONS FOR REFUGEES More to come on this in service….This Advent Radiant is partnering with World Relief Modesto to bless newly resettled refugees. Here are some furnishings and supplies that are currently needed:
– Couches
– Coffee Tables
– Towels
– Blankets
– Hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste, diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene items, soap/body wash, ect.)
– Cleaning Supplies
– Walmart/Amazon Gift Cards
We will be collecting these donations on Sunday evenings starting Nov. 26 through Christmas Eve from 4:30-7PM. The drop-off location will be in the foyer of the sanctuary at Emanuel Lutheran Church – 324 College Ave. If you need some help with larger donations or have any general questions — reach out to Zach 209.497.3710.
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.
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
