BATTER, BATTER. . . SWING!
When life sends you a curve ball, how will you adjust to the change? How do you handle the swift change up that is happening in our world today. What are skills needed to pivot into any pitch delivered by circumstances and crises?
QUESTIONS: HANDLING CHANGE UPS IN LIFE
Life can throw you a curve ball, and changes seem to be coming faster than ever in today’s society. How might we be better equipped and more resilient as Christ-followers for the unexpected, and at times unwanted, changes?
Licensed Professional Counselor, Michal Anne Whitcomb, MA, and Dr. A Allan Martin, would love your questions as they explore handling changes from Biblical and clinical perspectives. Click here or the icon above to send in your question/s.
Join Younger Generation Church this weekend, online or in-person* to be part of this practical and challenging conversation.
*Reservations are free and available online.
My Testimony, Yes I Will, Miracles, Reckless Love #WorshipSet #Jun20 10:00AM CDT, ygchurch.com #PivotYG #ygchurch
PIVOT: PITCH
Life can throw you a curve ball, and changes seem to be coming faster than ever in today’s society. How might we be better equipped and more resilient as Christ-followers for the unexpected, and at times unwanted, changes?
“Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” –Genesis 41:37 [NIV]
PIVOT
Let GOD transform you. . . into a new person.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. --Romans 12:2 [NLT]
Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. --2Corinthians 5:16-20 [Message]
SAT 10:00AM CDT // FB.COM/YGCHURCH #PivotYG #ygchurch
LIVE IN-PERSON WORSHIP AT YG CHURCH NOW AVAILABLE!
New time for YG is 10:00AM CDT, Saturdays, and free reservations to join us live in person are now available! Sign up online!
ADVENTIST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS DEVOTIONALS
Weeknights, 7:00PM CDT
We are excited to welcome new members to the AYP Devotionals family and hope you will join us for inspiration and great conversations! Register and learn more at AdventistYoungProfessionals.org/devotionals.
• Mondays - Eric Herve Jean-Baptiste
• Tuesdays - April Snyder
• Wednesdays - Kathryn Schwartzkopf
• Thursdays - Olivia Rotaru
• Fridays - Samson Sembeba
AS THE WORLD CLAMORS FOR CHANGE
At YG we have been looking at the Biblical imperative for change to begin with us. Pastor Allan has been using Romans 12 and 2Corinthians 5 to lay the foundation of how we might pivot into the new creation we are intended to become In Christ Jesus.
PIVOT SERIES SUPPLEMENTAL: LOVE DOES
To augment our current sermon series, YG recommends the media series “Love Does,” by Bob Goff for your use in personal devotions or as part of a LIFEgroup.
In Love Does, a five-session video-based small group study, you will discover the whimsy of New York Times best-selling author Bob Goff through a sometimes humorous, thought-provoking, meaningful lesson that makes faith in God simple and real.
You will discover the paradigm shifts, musings, and stories from one of the world’s most delightfully engaging and winsome people. What fuels his impact? Love. But it's not the kind of love that stops at thoughts and feelings. Bob's love takes action, just like Jesus did. Bob believes Love Does. This study guide will lead you and your group deeper into content with video notes, group discussion questions, and between session personal reflections and actions to enhance the group experience.
When Love Does, life gets interesting. Light and fun, unique and profound, the lessons drawn from Bob's life and attitude just might inspire you to be secretly incredible too. Click here or the above icon to access* this online-based media series.
*All our YGers can have free access to our RightNow Media Library, containing tens of thousands of Bible resources, studies, and ministry helps. Contact Pastor Martin to receive your access code today.
RightNow Media in their desire to support reconciliatory change and healing has collected a handful of resources* that might be helpful during this time where we are seeking change. They pray that these resources do two things. First, that they challenge us to call racism, misuse of force by those in power, and systemic oppression a sin. Second, that these resources would point us to the hope and unity we have in Jesus Christ.
*All our YGers can have free access to our RightNow Media Library, containing tens of thousands of Bible resources, studies, and ministry helps. Contact Pastor Martin to receive your access code today.
THIS HURTS
If you haven’t yet absorbed the teachings offered by Senior Pastor Kevin Wells at the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, we would highly recommend your giving consideration to these compelling and inspiring sermons.
DON'T BE A BYSTANDER
These several weeks, the systemic injustice and violence experienced by my Black sisters and brothers has once again shown its face. The conversations can feel circular. It seems like every few months, my feet go from navigating the streets of my neighborhood for leisure to walking them in prayer and protest.
But at Fuller Youth Institute [FYI], we want to look at the work of equality and justice from a place of abundance. Rooted in a deep belief that the Spirit of God is at work, we know that we each have a part to play. And we’re committed to walking that path together.
As you have culture-changing conversations with young people in your church and community, here’s a list of resources to help you no matter where you are on the journey. Let’s continue to lean into this work with generosity and a spirit of abundance. --Jennifer Guerra Aldana, FYI Multicultural Initiatives
Ever wondered how the church pioneers engaged with the social issues of their day? Join us this Wednesday, June 17, at 7PM CDT for a conversation with Jeffrey Rosario, Douglas Morgan, Benjamin Baker, and Kevin Burton about how the early Adventists navigated the call to preach the gospel and also address the social ills of society. Save your spot here: https://lightbearers.org/live
WHY IS EMPATHY SO IMPORTANT NOW?
Join us Thursday, June 18th, 2:00PM CDT, for an excellent live webinar, hosted by the Growing Young Cohort, with Jake Mulder from the Fuller Youth Institute and a few special guests. Jake will be teaching on "Why Empathy is so Important Right Now". You won't want to miss this excellent learning/growth opportunity for all churches and leaders. Make sure to share with your network. Click here or the above icon for free registration.
A NIGHT OF WORSHIP & MENTORSHIP
This Friday at 6 pm (CDT) - Texas Young Adults is holding a special night of worship & mentorship ESPECIALLY FOR OUR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES (with college students/graduates & Adventist Young Professionals) to help them connect with their mentors and a special spiritual community before they head out to campuses this fall.
Our speaker will be Kaleb Eisele, the founder of Humans of Adventism. Worship will be led by Infinite Worship, directed by Eric Pena.
In our breakout session - representatives from SWAU and our ACF Chapters will be on to connect and engage the graduates - as well as Adventist Young Professionals for the college students and graduates as well. You can click here or the above icon to register for this event.
CHAPLAIN APRIL SNYDER: AYP DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY HOST
Adventist Young Professionals devotionals are held weeknights, 7:00PM CDT. We are excited to welcome new members to the AYP Devotionals family and hope you will join us for inspiration and great conversations! Register and learn more at AdventistYoungProfessionals.org/devotionals.
Get to know April—
Question:
What is a summer memory that you will never forget? How can the good memories such as this, inspire us despite all that is happening in our world?
Answer:
It was the last year before the summer camp I had called my beloved home for so many years was to become a luxury housing neighborhood. Summer camp is a truly amazing miracle happening place. And I had felt blessed to spent 8 years working there. But that year was very special since it would be our last.
You see, it was the at that place that I found out that one of my close friends had died in a car accident; it was there where I prayed with so many campers who wept on my shoulder about their life and their issues; it was there where I saw a young 12-year-old decide to follow Jesus even though his parents not only threatened to disown him but also sent him back to his home country with no one to look after him - That boy walked bravely into the light and had no regrets. That last summer, at my favorite beloved camp, was an incredibly blessed one.
When I return to the area and see the beautiful multimillion dollar homes over what one was our camp, I smile as I see our camp sign still in the pond. These past memories remind me that even though we live in an ugly world, God can create such beautiful lingering moments for us to remember he is still available for us today.
PIVOT // SAT 10:00AM CDT // FB.COM/YGCHURCH
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. --Romans 12:2 [NLT]
Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. --2Corinthians 5:16-20 [Message]
![Whatever life throws our way, may we find we have the divine dexterity to meet it head on with grace, compassion, and love. Time for a change up. [Photo Credit: Levi Ventura, Photographer; Macey McWilliam, Student Athlete]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc9b01b3db2bd051138ccd/1592330642120-T384SSSMS4V3GZKDXMLR/17239893_10212341095427541_3099605485994462622_o.jpg)
Whatever life throws our way, may we find we have the divine dexterity to meet it head on with grace, compassion, and love. Time for a change up.
[Photo Credit: Levi Ventura, Photographer; Macey McWilliam, Student Athlete]