December 12, 2025
Dear Radiant,
Kyle Tanuma here! This week I have the joy of writing a short blurb for the Radiant Weekly and sharing a teaching with you all this Sunday.
Christmas is a season centered on hope for followers of Jesus, and on Sunday I want to explore what it is we’re actually hoping for.
In preparation, I’d love for us to spend some intentional time with this question: “What do I actually hope for?”
Over the next couple of days, set aside moments in prayer and reflect on the times in your life when this question became real — when hope wasn’t something abstract, but something you had to wrestle with.
As Zach has reminded us so well these past couple of weeks, authentic hope is often intertwined with deep pain and longing. Remembering moments like these can help us see what we truly desire.
Maybe it was revealed through a really tough season in your life.
Maybe you have a pain point that stems from a deep desire.
Maybe you honestly don’t know — and that’s okay! Self-reflection can be hard and even a little scary.
Let’s do our best to reflect, examine, and pray so we can honestly see where we start when it comes to hope. My prayer is that as a church, we step out of this Advent season with a refined, resilient hope. One that’s ready to weather whatever troubles may come.
See you Sunday.
— Kyle (:
RADIANT EVENTS CALENDAR
12/14 – Post service drinks and crafts!
12/17 – Men’s Gathering 6-7AM @ ELC
12/21 – Post service drinks and craft!
12/21 – Radiant Youth Christmas Pary
12/24 – Christmas Eve Service 2PM @ELC
12/28 – No Sunday Gathering – Church at Home!
ADVENT FUN!
During Advent we are going to be creating some space after service for folks to hang out enjoy some hot beverages. We’ll have some crafts and activities for all ages as well. Here’s what is coming up:
Dec 7 – Christmas swag or table deco and hot cocoa/cider
Dec 14 – Family crafts and card making
Dec 21 – Cookie decorating
RADIANT YOUTH UPDATE
No Youth Group this Sunday! But we’re excited about Christmas Party next Sunday night! Sign up for updates here.
RADIANT MEMBERSHIP TOWNHALL Q & A: FOLLOW UP
We are beginning the church membership journey at Radiant. Recently we shared about the process and fielded questions. There are some resources on our linktree — take a look. Also, if you are interested in attending our first membership class (likely late January) or have any questions, you can indicate here.
MEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY 6-7AM
We’ll meet at ELC at 6AM!
RADCOV KIDS SCHEDULE
There are some opportunities to serve in children’s ministry in 2026. Please contact Crystal Nicholson if God is leading you to explore serving in this area: (408) 802-7061
COMMUNITY NOTES:
KINGDOM COFFEE JOY DRIVE
d
Stop by for delicious beverages at Kingdom Coffee (Oakdale and Orangeburg) this Advent and consider participating in their “joy drive” gift drive for children connected to Franklin Elementary Healthy Start.
SUPPORT FOR PEDRO GONZALEZ VISION TRIP TO NEPAL
Radiant’s Pedro Gonzalez will travel to Nepal in late January for a three-week vision trip focused on listening, learning, and spending time with mission workers who serve vulnerable communities. This trip also serves as a time of discernment as he seeks clarity on whether God is calling him to serve long-term abroad. Pedro is currently raising $3,500 for this trip; if you would like to support him, you can give at ajesusmission.org/pedrogonzalez or contact him at 209-495-1565 to learn more.
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
Join us for preservice every Sunday at 9am at MJC near the children’s ministry rooms.
GIVING
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry! I email a giving a year end giving update here if you’d like to take a look.
“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
Here’s the link to online giving.
Grace and Peace!
Zach
[email protected]
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
