May 10, 2024
Dear Radiant,
Here’s a great quote from G.K. Chesterton to chew on:
“Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun; and every evening, “Do it again” to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.”
Surely, our culture tends to deny the reality of aging — we prize youth culture and don’t show much respect to the elderly.
But is there a way to maintain the “eternal appetite of infancy” as Chesterton calls it while embracing the reality of growing older?
This Sunday we are closing out our “Oikos” series with a meditation on aging. What does it mean to “age” well in the family of Jesus?
The hopeful posture of the apostle Paul points us in the right direction:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
So much more to say — see you on Sunday at 5PM!
EVENTS CALENDAR
5/12 – Guys Serve Dinner at Second Sunday Supper
5/15 – Women’s Morning Gathering 6-7 AM at ELC
5/16 – Rad YTH Night
5/17 – Line Dancing Social at Dying Breed
6/2 – Children’s Ministry Volunteers Meeting 3:30-4:30PM at ELC
6/4 – Home Church Leaders Think Tank 6:30-8:30PM at ELC
6/9 – Church at Enslen Park 3PM Baseball 5PM Worship 6:15PM Dinner
6/11 – Emotionally Healthy Relationships Course begins
MOTHER’S DAY SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER – 5/12
We are doing something a little special. In honor of Mom’s and ALL women we are gathering for dinner together — and the guys are in charge of putting it on! We’ll provide dinner (a small donation will be requested). Tristan is organizing. If you are able to help you can text him at 209.988.0091 
WOMEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY – 6-7AM ELC
A time where we create space for God and one another.
LINE DANCING AT DYING BREED – 5/17
Friday, May 17 at 6PM at Dying Breed Brewery in Oakdale! No experience necessary — come enjoy some community and try your hand (feet?) at some line dancing. Sign up here so we can plan accordingly. Questions? Contact Ellen Howell (209) 652-9332.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VOLUNTEER MEETING – 6/2
We are pulling together Children’s ministry volunteers and teachers on Sunday, 6/2 from 3 3:30-4:30 at ELC. This is an important meeting for safety, best practices, and encouragement. If you are interested in volunteering you are MOST WELCOME!!! to attend.
HOME CHURCH THINK TANK – 6/4 – 6:30-8:30PM ELC
This meeting is for Home Church leaders and prospective leaders as we move into our summer rhythm. All who are interested are welcome. This is a chance to share ideas, best practices, celebrations, and challenges as we seek to create a network of communities of formation and mission in the way of Jesus.
CHURCH AT ENSLEN PARK – 6/9
Mark your calendars! We’ll play some softball, have a worship service, and eat together — all at Enslen Park – 501 Stoddard Ave. Softball starts at 3pm. Church 5pm. Dinner 6:15pm
EMOTIONALLY HEALTH RELATIONSHIPS COURSE
TUESDAYS, 6:30-8:30PM JUNE 11 – JULY 28 (8 SESSIONS)
This powerful 8-week Course will equip you with practical tools to really love people in difficult situations and mature into an adult follower of Jesus.
The Emotionally Healthy (EH) Relationships Course has been developed over a 21-year period to directly address core biblical principles to guide you and others into an experience of discipleship that will deeply change your life. In the EH Relationships Course, everyone will learn 8 practical relationship skills to develop mature, loving relationships with others such as:
Stop Mind Reading and Clarify Expectations
Incarnational Listening
Climb the Ladder of Integrity
Clean Fighting
This is an incredibly helpful course — sign up 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
