NOVEMBER 9, 2021 VOL.2 NO.45
THE TABLE BEFORE US // RECAP
We have an opportunity to let Jesus take charge of our life - that we can choose Him as our Shepherd.
We all too often find ourselves distracted by worldly things. The Enemy sneaks in and diverts our attention to the perceived arrows being shot at us – work stress, family tensions, strife. These day-to-day battles can become all-consuming and take our focus away from the One that matters most of all – the One who promises to lead us through troubled times and toward green pastures.
Be reminded, we have an opportunity here to do one of two things. We can either accept His invitation for intimacy and take our seat at the table. Or we can allow the Enemy to creep in and take a seat.
There are many things we can’t control in this life, but we can control whether we choose to have intimacy with the Almighty. Will you take your seat at the table?
NO SEAT AT THE TABLE: MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE
A great way to change your mind, thereby transforming your life, is committing Bible passages to memory. Click the above icon or here to download suggested Scriptures to memorize as part of our #NoSeat series.
NO SEAT AT THE TABLE: QUIET TIME IN PRAYER
Here is the PDF of 5 Steps Towards a Better Prayer Life, a new resource from I Am Second that walks through a simple plan to intentionally improve your prayer life.
PRAYER PEOPLE AND SPACES @YGCHURCH
Sabbath morning, know that we have special spaces where you are invited to join us in prayer:
• At the end of YG worship, our prayer people will be in front of the stage, most willing to pray for individuals or groups.
• For those online, please place your prayers in our social media comments section during the live broadast so we may include them during our Arlington LIFE Online broadcast.
• Room 6 has been curated into a prayer room where you can spend quiet time in prayer or be prayed over in a more private setting. It will be open before and after @ygchurch
• Scroll to the bottom of the front page of http://ygchurch.com/ to submit prayer requests online.
NO SEAT AT THE TABLE: JOURNALING
It is our desire to deepen our relationship with Jesus, so we are inviting everyone to join us in prayer, both learning more about it and practicing it. To aid in our journey, download the IA2 Prayer Journal by clicking the above icon or going to tiny.one/prayerjournal.
VETERAN'S DAY PRAYER
Lord,
We bow before You in humble thanksgiving for Your gifts of power and strength, fortitude and might! We claim the riches of Your glory and the fullness of Your grace that come through the indwelling of Your Spirit within us. We pray for our nation to remain firm and steadfast in the knowledge of Your truth and the promise of the victory that is ours through Christ, who loves us.
I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man… to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. — Ephesians 3:14-16, Ephesians 3:19
[I pray for fellow believers] that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. — Colossians 2:2-3
When we stand together as a nation united under God, willing to defend the rights that have been given to us, we will be blessed. Amen.
The freedom we so enjoy comes with the responsibility — of every citizen — to defend that freedom. God can also use His people in this land to share His love and offer encouragement to neighbors. May His Spirit be our Guide as we go forward as His people and as Americans who need to guard our land. --Jack Countryman
BURTON ACADEMY CHORALE PERFORMANCES // NOV 13 • 9:00AM & 11:30AM
Come enjoy the Burton Adventist Academy [BAA] Chorale during Legacy and Mosaic services this Sabbath at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. The BAA Chorale has been the premiere ensemble for many years. The Chorale has held a tradition of excellence and a mission to share the love of Jesus through the music they sing. This audition only ensemble is made of 29 high school students who are passionate about singing and love the Lord with all their heart.
Their director, Gage Rice, is a graduate from Southwestern Adventist University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He has been fortunate to have many private students, teach K-12 music at Burton, and conduct several community ensembles. This is Gage’s fourth year teaching at Burton Adventist Academy and his third year conducting the Chorale. He looks forward to the rest of the school year and getting to know these amazing singers!
YG MUSIC & MEDIA DEVOS // SATURDAYS • 9:30AM // ROOM 2
All YG musicians, artists, media, and production team members are invited to a devotional time Sabbath mornings at 9:30AM in Room 2. Especially if you are not “on duty” this is a time to connect with GOD and each other. For all the details contact YG’s associate music director for the weekend.
THE TACTICS OF THE ENEMY // YG CHURCH // SATURDAY 10:15AM CST
Egypt, Forever Reign, Resurrecting, See A Victory #WorshipSet #Nov13 10:15AM CST fb.com/ygchurch #NoSeat #ygchurch
The enemy is always on the prowl, seeking to fill our minds with destructive and harmful thoughts – fear, worry, insecurity, anxiety, and temptation to name a few. If you’ve ever thought – I’m not good enough, I’m not worthy enough, I’m not smart enough, then this series is for you.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. --Psalm 23
Join Younger Generation Church in their Winter series, “No Seat at the Table,” Saturdays, 10:15AM CST, live.ygchurch.com #noseat #ygchurch
PASTOR HEIDI CRUZ JACKSON
Heidi Cruz Jackson, RN, is the Community Outreach Pastor and Director of REVIVE Community Care at the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church in Arlington, Texas. She also serves as the Women’s Ministry Coordinator, and enjoys providing pastoral care to the community as well as to the women of her church.
Heidi started ministering to others through music before she could speak, when at the age of two, she hummed her first song at a local church. Originally from Puerto Rico, her family relocated to Texas when she was four years old, but she never stopped singing for Jesus. She has enjoyed a lifetime of leading others in worship through music and has been given the opportunity to record professionally with various artists.
Heidi is also a Registered Nurse and previously worked as a Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurse at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth Texas, before being called into pastoral ministry full time. She likes to say that she left the heart business for the business of the heart.
As a graduate of Southwestern Adventist University, Heidi met her future husband Jesse, when she joined a University music group of which he was also a part of. Together they have two boys, Jaylen and Jordan and enjoy singing together, meeting the needs of the community, and leading others to Christ, as a family.
LOOKING FOR LIFEGROUP FACILITATORS
Might you have interest in starting a LIFEgroup this holiday season? Or maybe your current group is looking for a new Bible study to begin. Whatever the case, we would love to equip you or your group to use “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table,” for your study. Click the above icon or email Pastor Allan for more information.
THANKSGIVING BASKETS : DONATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 16
Grab an extra basket at the store and fill it with food blessings for a family in need because it’s time for our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive! Pick up a flyer in the foyer! Then bring your donated items and place them in the Revive Grocery Carts located at the entrance of the foyer. (Please place gift card donations in a tithe envelope and place them in the offering plate or offering box). Drop off all donations by November 16! Let’s make this the best Thanksgiving ever for our community!
AYP CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER // NOVEMBER 18 // 7:30PM CST
The newest element of Adventist Young Professionals is our Career Development Center which will support AYPers in their professional journey through workshops/mentorship, groups, and a job board for our members. We invite you to their launch event where you'll have the opportunity to meet the team and fellow AYPers as you learn more about the center and share ideas you have for us! Space is limited. Learn more and register today!
An introduction to the center by AYP Founder Tim Kosaka:
Next Thursday, November 18 (8:30 PM ET USA), we will officially launch our Career Development Center through a virtual meetup and I wanted to invite you to join us!
Our Career Center will be a hub for professional mentorship, monthly interactive, industry connection groups, and a social job board. This launch event will be a time for you to meet others seeking professional development, hear from the team about upcoming plans, and share your input to help shape the direction of the center!
If this sounds interesting to you, register here before space fills! If you already signed up, feel free to learn more about the center here! As usual, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Hope to see you next Thursday!
COMING ATTRACTIONS
YG SHARK TANK COMING SOON!
Got an idea to #BeJesus #BeYG? Do you have a dream of reaching out to others for Christ? Is a creative, innovative, and relevant evangelistic project churning in your brain? Stay tuned because #YGSharkTank is coming soon! Click the above icon or here to get newly released details!
ATTENTION ALL COLLEGIANS!
We’re inviting you to join Younger Generation Church for the Engage Conference, November 19-21, where we will not only enjoy inspiration and fellowship, but we will also be spending the weekend in YG visioning sessions listening carefully to your hopes and dreams for our vibrant young adult ministry. If you are interested in leaning in with your input and ideas, we would love for you to join us. Contact Pastor Allan to let him know of your interest to join us for the full weekend.
A VERY YG FRIENDSMAS // DECEMBER 11, 7:00PM // UGYOUTH ROOM
All Younger Generation Church family and friends are invited to A Very YG Friendsmas (Ugly Sweater Party)! Come in your ugliest sweater, ready for some holiday fun, Saturday, December 11th, 7-10PM, in the UGYOUTH Room [2nd Floor, Gayle Tucker Youth Annex], 4409 Pleasantview Drive, Arlington, TX 76017-1427.
There will be hot cocoa and lots of games! We will be playing White Elephant!! If you’d like to participate, bring a gift worth $10 max. For more details click the above icon or contact the Guerrero sisters!
PURSUE GOD
Last week’s worship led by Deirdre Rivera-Martin, No Seat at the Table: The Table Before Us.
NO SEAT AT THE TABLE: THE TABLE BEFORE US
It’s a daily choice I need to make to keep my eyes fixed and focused on my Shepherd and spend time with Him at His table for two.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” —Psalm 23:5
Join Younger Generation Church in their Winter series, “No Seat at the Table,” Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #noseat #ygchurch
Our speaker is Deirdre Rivera-Martin:
For over 30 years, Deirdre Rivera-Martin, RN, BSN, has practiced as a neonatal intensive care nurse. She has served for over a decade at Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, one of the largest freestanding pediatric hospitals in the nation, and one of only ten hospitals worldwide to have received Magnet designation four consecutive times for nursing excellence.
Married for nearly three decades, Deirdre and Allan Martin have ministered and toured internationally, speaking about relationships, discipleship, as well as empowering next generations in Christian lifestyle and leadership. They have served the Seventh-day Adventist Church, touring the North American Division with the From This Day Forward Marriage Conferences, as well as writing as columnist for the Adventist Review. They reside in North Central Texas where Allan has served for over a decade as the teaching pastor for Younger Generation Church, the vibrant young adult ministry of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Deirdre is an avid tri-athlete, having completed several half-Ironmans, half-marathons, a century bike race and an array of other multi-discipline races. Allan has enjoyed serving as her Sherpa. Their daughter, Alexandria, is a registered nurse with Loma Linda University Medical Center.
DON’T GIVE THE ENEMY A SEAT AT YOUR TABLE // SAMPLE CHAPTER
Click the above icon or here for a sample chapter of the book by Pastor Louie Giglio.
AN INVITATION FROM AUTHOR LOUIE GIGLIO
I want to encourage you to walk through my devotional, Putting an "X" Through Anxiety.
Anxiety is a powerful giant that would like you to believe your life will never be normal again. But when we set our eyes on someone bigger and more powerful - Jesus, our giant slayer - we can find freedom.
If anxiety, worry, fear, or depression is the dread hanging over your life in these unprecedented days - I want to invite you to take a journey with me into the valley where these giants loom large - threatening, taunting, intimidating, incapacitating, and paralyzing us with threats of doom and demise.
I know this giant well, and have suffered from this valley in years past. Yet, I also know there is a way to overcome anxiety. I know firsthand that you can emerge on the other side of the depression and live to tell about someone who has already won the war.
If we're going to win, it is imperative for you and your circle to know that you are not standing helplessly alone in your valley. God Almighty is with us and He is fighting for us. In fact, He's already taken on every "goliath" and won!
Join me on this journey as we set our gaze on Jesus. We won't ignore that a behemoth called anxiety has its foot on our neck, but we will choose to lift our eyes and see someone bigger and more powerful - someone who loves us and plans to lead us back into the light. Click the above icon or here to join Louie’s devotional.
WINNING THE WAR ON WORRY // 7-DAY ONLINE DEVOTIONAL
Worry doesn’t have to be the defining narrative of your story. Through Jesus, you can win the war on worry and live free and at peace.
If you’re ready for that, begin a free 7-day journey that will help you understand why worry exists, and learn how to win the battle and wage war on worry.
Rooted in the truths of Pastor Louie Giglio’s newest book, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, these devotions will help cultivate a deep sense of peace and confidence in who God is and how He will continue leading you every step of the way. Click the above icon or here to sign up.
FIND SCRIPTURAL RELIEF FROM WORRY AND STRESS
One of my favorite inspirational authors, Max Lucado, is offering free an online Bible study based on his book, “Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World.” I’d highly recommend using this resource with your family, among your peers, or even as the start of a digital LIFEgroup.
We were having a great conversation with our YG leaders and I had to explain that the title “Anxious for Nothing” was not diminishing the real anxiety we are experiencing about real things, it was rather religious language derived from a Bible passage shared in the voice of the King James translation:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6-7 [NKJV]
What fascinating times we live in! Click here to sign up for the online Bible study or click the above icon.
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY
HOW TO START A SMALL GROUP? JUST DO IT!
It’s great when small groups work. It is awesome when people enjoy one another’s company in a friendly environment, when they find the discussion appealing, when they grow spiritually, and when the leader feels adept at knitting together the experience in genuinely edifying ways for everyone. But it’s not easy to achieve this kind of interaction. In this vodcast, host Jose Cortes Jr. enjoys a compelling conversation with guest Vanessa Hairston. How to start a small group? Just do it!
Vanessa Hairston is a seminary student at Andrews University with an undergraduate degree in education from Southern Adventist University.
Connect with Jose Cortes Jr. through our website nadministerial.com or social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) @josehcortesjr
Click the above icon o watch this episode on the Multiply Vodcast or click here .
FREE ACCESS TO RIGHTNOW MEDIA FOR ALL OUR MEMBERS!
Looking for resources to start your own Life Group? As part of our church community, you have unlimited access to RightNow Media—the world’s largest streaming library of video Bible study resources (it’s been called the “Netflix of video Bible studies”). This extensive library has more than 20,000 videos from leaders like Francis Chan, Jennie Allen, Matt Chandler, Dr. Tony Evans, and many more. These Bible study videos can be used as part of a group study or for personal devotions, and many series include free discussion guides and handouts.
We believe that RightNow Media is a tool that can help you live out your faith in every area of your life—at home, at work, and in your community. In addition to series on books of the Bible, RightNow Media has videos for everyone in your family on a variety of topics like marriage, parenting, personal finances, mental health, and more. There’s even a library just for kids with over 2,000 safe, entertaining videos. RightNow Media has a free app that’s available on all major streaming devices so you and your family can access content anywhere, anytime. Click the above icon or click here to gain access to our digital library!
INSPIRE HOPE // SHARE GRACE
REVIVE COMMUNITY CARE: WE ARE HERE TO HELP EACH OTHER
Inspire those around you with the hope of grace by volunteering with Revive Community Care! Participate and refer those in need, revivecommunitycare.com
THANKSGIVING BASKETS
Grab an extra basket at the store and fill it with food blessings for a family in need because it’s time for our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive! Pick up a flyer in the foyer! Then bring your donated items and place them in the Revive Grocery Carts located at the entrance of the foyer. (Please place gift card donations in a tithe envelope and place them in the offering plate or offering box). Drop off all donations by November 16! Let’s make this the best Thanksgiving ever for our community!
DONATE A TOY TO FULFILL A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS WISH
The holidays are a time of year that so many of us look forward to. However, they are also a time when many people struggle to make ends meet. REVIVE Christmas Wish is an opportunity for our church to bless children with a toy for Christmas and take a small load off of a parent's heart. Pick up an Ornament Wish from our REVIVE Christmas Tree in the Foyer. Each ornament will have the gender and age of a child in need. Bring a New, Unwrapped Toy for that child and drop it off in the foyer the office during business hours! Let's Bless our Children this Season!
DANI QUAYE’S TESTIMONY: GOD IS GOOD
We have passionate young adults #BeingJesus #BeingYG all over the world. Be inspired by South Korean missionary, Danielle Quaye, preaching in a local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Click the above icon or here to watch her testimony.
In our 17-year history, Younger Generation Church has seen God’s goodness poured out in the lives of young adults and their continued passion for Christ Jesus. Click here to glimpse a sample of that overflowing goodness.
TEXAS YOUNG ADULTS
Click the above icon or here for all the latest updates from Texas Young Adult Ministry!
YOUR GENEROSITY MAKES @YGCHURCH GROW, GLOW, & GO
We invite you to support @ygchurch financially. As you bless YG, our young adults overflow that blessing into our community and into the world. Your tax-deductible donation helps YG grow, glow, and go. Thank you. Click the above icon or here for ways to give.
How does your support overflow into the world? Click here for @ygchurch stories of overflow.
GRATITUDE
THANK YOU UNIVERSITY SINGERS
Gratitude to the Southwestern Adventist University Singers for blessing our church this past weekend! Special appreciation to professors Devon Howard and Jonathan Wall for their tremendous mentorship and artistry.
THANK YOU BURTON ADVENTIST ACADEMY THEATER DEPARTMENT
Appreciation to the students, sponsors, and supportive family for bringing this production to our church campus this past weekend! Special appreciation to director, Stephanie Wilczynski, and drama mom, Mindy Colvin for pouring into our young people!
WELCOME AMELIA CHARLOTTE
Congratulations to Jason and Kristina Busch on their new arrival!
Younger Generation Church is the vibrant young adult ministry of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.YG's mission is to deepen our devotion to Christ Jesus through:
• Pursuing INTIMACY with God
• Experiencing COMMUNITY with each other
• Inspiring those around us with the hope of GRACE