DECEMBER 15, 2021 VOL.2 NO.50
ARLINGTON CHURCH FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Our senior pastor, Kevin Wells, shares the exciting events coming up for the holiday season at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.
THE GIFT IS HOPE // DECEMBER 18 // 9AM & 11:30AM
Plan to join us on Sabbath, December 18 for the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Christmas program for this season! As we look forward to a new beginning, we want to take some time to reflect on the One Source of all healing and restoration. Invite your family and friends - join us for this special program, presented at Legacy Service at 9:00am or Mosaic Service at 11:30am.
4409 Pleasantview Drive, Arlington, TX 76017-1427
YG SHARK TANK SHOWCASE // SATURDAY, 10:15AM CST
YG Shark Tank is a creative evangelism project where students and young adults create, pitch, and execute innovative outreach ideas for sharing Jesus Christ and His love. This Sabbath we’re delighted to debut some of the projects being submitted and invite you to consider pitching an idea of your own! Join us this Sabbath, 10:15AM CST for this new initiative of Younger Generation Church!
GYM NIGHT // DEC 18, 7:00PM // BAA HAYES GYM
Admission, $5/person. Enjoy this fundraising event for the Tamaraw Pathfinders intent on going to the International Pathfinder Camporee in 2024. Basketball, volleyball, table games, and feel free to bring your favorite games too. Food and drinks will also be for sale, all to raise funds for our youth. Click the above icon or here for more information about the Tamaraw Pathfinder club.
ARE YOU A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL? ARE YOU AN ADVENTIST?
If the answer is yes and yes, we would love for you to join Adventist Young Professionals! Membership is free.
LEADERSHIP BEGINS WITH LISTENING
Preaching at Younger Generation Church [YG] and Burton Adventist Academy, Elder Tony Anobile, Southwestern Union of Seventh-day Adventists Vice President, took time on Sabbath to participate in the soft launch of "Lean In Luncheon" a new initiative to build intergenerational leadership and nurture vocational discipleship.
Partnering with Adventist Young Professionals and Southwestern Adventist University's Pathways to Success, YG hosted a listening session where young adults shared their hopes, dreams, and concerns about church life.
Pastor Tony was empathic and inspired by the conversation, sharing his commitment to continue to build bridges for relevant change partnered with young adults ready to engage cultural transformation both inside and outside of the denomination. The meal and conversation concluded with an anointing prayer over Elder Anobile.
"What a profound moment for me, to have young adults pray over me," reflected Pastor Anobile. "Thank you so very much."
The next "Lean In Luncheon" featuring guest, Penny Johnson, CEO, Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South, will be January 12, 2022, 12:00PM at Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 777 South Burleson Boulevard, Burleson, TX 76028. Young adult and student leaders are especially invited. For more information go to https://tiny.one/LeanInLuncheon
PENNY JOHNSON
Penny Johnson serves as the president/CEO for Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South and AdventHealth’s Southwest Region, which also includes hospital campuses in Killeen, Lampasas and San Marcos, Texas as well as a new health care campus in Mansfield, Texas.
“Penny is a dynamic leader whose passion for our mission is evident. Her rich experience in previously serving this region in a leadership role and working closely with our valued joint venture and community partners will serve her well as she leads Texas Health Huguley and the Southwest Region into a new decade of providing whole-person care,” said Randy Haffner, president/CEO of the Multi-State Division of AdventHealth.
Johnson joined AdventHealth in 2002 and since then has served in financial leadership at several AdventHealth facilities, as well as its corporate headquarters. She previously served the organization as assistant vice president and controller for AdventHealth Shawnee Mission in Kansas, chief financial officer for AdventHealth Central Texas and chief financial officer for Texas Health Huguley and the Southwest Region.
Johnson earned her Bachelor of Business Administration and Accounting from Union College, and her Master of Business Administration from Baker University. She and her husband Jeff have a young adult children. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
WHEN YOU GIVE, YG GLOWS
We're deeply grateful for your generosity, especially as you think of Younger Generation Church in your year-end giving plans. Your heart for others shines brightly and blesses our young adults across the nation and around the world. Thank you.
Click the above icon or here for various ways to give to Younger Generation Church.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
CHRISTMAS DAY SCHEDULE CHANGES // DECEMBER 25
As a gift to our volunteers, we will be operating on an abbreviated schedule for Christmas Day on Sabbath, December 25. Please note: there will be no Legacy or YG Service, no Sabbath schools, and no UG Talks! Bring your family and plan to join us for either of two options on Christmas morning:
• 10:00am - Outdoor Service
• 11:30am - Family Christmas Service
We look forward to spending Christmas morning with you!
NEW YEAR’S DAY COMMUNION // JANUARY 1 // 9:00 & 11:30AM
Join us on New Year's Day - Sabbath, January 1 - for Communion during Legacy and Mosaic Services! As we begin a new year, let's resolve together to seek God's guidance for our church and our families, recalling the sacrifice He made to demonstrate His love for us!
YG BAPTISM CELEBRATION // JANUARY 1, 2022 // 10:15AM CST
Join in a the festivities as we hold our baptisms on New Year’s Day! If you are interested in being baptized, please click the above icon or here to let Pastor Allan know.
IN LOVING MEMORY: REMEMBRANCE SERVICE // JANUARY 1 // 5:00PM
The past two years have seen unprecedented losses within our church family, too many of which have been left unresolved. At the start of the new year, we want to come together to remember and honor those we have laid to rest, and to share in the burden of each other's grief. For more information, go to arlingtonadventist.com/remembrance
BRIDGE WEEKEND WITH ENGAGE WORSHIP // JANUARY 7 & 8, 2022
We are thrilled to have Southern Adventist University’s Engage Worship returning in 2022! Stay tuned for further details. Save the dates!
PURSUE GOD
Last week’s worship led by Pastor Tony Anobile, No Seat at the Table: In the Presence of Our Enemies
NO SEAT AT THE TABLE: IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR ENEMIES
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 CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #noseat #ygchurch
ELDER TONY ANOBILE
Pastor Tony Anobile serves as a Vice President of the Southwestern Union Conference. Prior to that, he was a Vice president of the North American Division. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of the Pacific Union Conference, and prior to that, the President of the Arizona Conference. As a Conference Youth and Young Adult Director it was his passion to bring every young person into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. As a Church Pastor, it was his desire to have every member involved in active ministry and as an administrator it has been his mission to have every entity of the Division/Union/Conference involved in 3 specific areas, bring people in through evangelism, keep people in through Christian nurture and keep people healthy and active through involvement in church and school.
Fully bilingual Tony graduated from Montemorelos University in Mexico with a BA in Theology and completed an MA in Religion from Loma Linda University. He also believes passionately in evangelism having conducted series in many countries as well as at home in North America.
He is married to Lisa (Bramlett) Anobile, a Principal/Teacher with an MA in Special Education from Loma Linda University and they have three children. Their oldest son Tony (Shaina) is a pastor in the Texas Conference. Their daughter Aurianna is a Speech Pathologist, and their youngest son Andrew (Ashley) is a pastor in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. They have also added two boys to the family, Jordan and Ethan.
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.
SWN: SO WHAT NOW?
If you are inspired by a song, a scripture, or a sermon in YG, we want to encourage you to take it to the next step.
James 1:22 shares, “Put the word into action. If you think hearing is what matters most, you are going to find you have been deceived.”
The Voice paraphrase includes this commentary about this passage in James:
”God the Father is the giver of all things and is looking for every opportunity to bless us. But many people have difficulty trusting and receiving good things, even when those things come from God. The problem is that we not only have trouble trusting God’s work in our lives, but we also don’t always respond to God’s voice. People often hear the Scriptures but don’t really listen. People store truths in their brains but never put them to use. For James, the only good religion is religion lived out every day.”
To support your next steps in acting on the Word of GOD, YG’s linktree features an array of take home and take action resources. Click the above icon or here to access YG’s linktree.
FAITH HABITS: 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.
FAITH HABITS: 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.
FAITH HABITS: 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.
LIVE FREE FROM ANXIETY
Feeling anxious? You are not alone. Access on demand Jennie Allen and Sadie Robertson Huff in a free one-hour program as they each get vulnerable about their own struggles and share how God’s Word helps them find peace and true confidence. Click the above icon or here for access.
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY
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
YG SHARK TANK IS LOOKING FOR YOUR IDEAS!
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? Act now to see your idea become reality! #YGSharkTank is OPEN! Click the above icon or here for all the deets! Click below to sign up today!
BRINGING YG POTLUCKS BACK!
We love to share food and fellowship, if you have interest in helping coordinate YG potlucks, contact us! info@ygchurch.com
WANTED: MENTORS & KIND HOSTS
Every generation benefits from mentors. Our vibrant young adult ministry, @ygchurch, is looking for Christ-following adults willing to pour into our collegians, young professionals, and young marrieds. If you have interest click the above icon or here and send us your contact information.
Here are more specifics of how awesome adults can impact the lives of our young adults:
• Roaming Hosts: Regularly roam the church sanctuary before and after YG to meet new faces and engage in warm, welcoming and short conversations.
• Single parenting Moms & Dads could use a 2-3 hour break from time to time. Maybe even a manicure or pedicure, while compassionate someones take care of their kids.
• Make a call to a young adult on behalf of YG just to say we're thinking of them, and if permitted pray for them.
• Multiple new parents would benefit from "Grandparents on Demand," https://www.npr.org/2021/10/24/1048790487/an-indiana-town-is-wooing-new-residents-with-on-demand-grandparents
• Host a meal or two for young adults and others new to YG, https://arlingtonadventist.com/new-blog/2019/12/6/miyaygsummary
• Several of our young adults will be away from their family this holiday. An invitation to a holiday meal would be such a blessing.
• Many of our young adults have mental health needs, to which a compassionate adult would be so welcomed.
This list is comprised of specific young aduls who would benefit from your saying, "Yes," to acting on their need. If you have interest click the above icon or here and send us your contact information.
CREATIVE STORY TELLERS FOR MOSAIC WORSHIP
Do you have the ability to share inspiring stories with children? If yes, we are looking for you to share the children’s story during our Mosaic worship service. Contact Pastor Allan to let him know of your interest.
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
ANCHORED: 2022 ATLANTIC UNION GOD ENCOUNTERS // FEBRUARY 11-13, 2022
The Atlantic Union GODencounters is a young adult life-changing experience. Young Adults (age 18-35) across Atlantic Union, and beyond, as well as, those who support Young Adult Ministries are invited to join us for an intimate experience with God. Join the fellowship under the theme, 'ANCHORED'.
Click the above icon or here to make your registration and lodging arrangements.
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
YG VISION: OVERFLOW JESUS
In 2014, YG set out this holy ambition in our vision statement:
In this new decade of Younger Generation Church,
we aspire to overflow Jesus Christ beyond our four walls
—blessing our community, transforming our world.
This was a mere five years into our church's internet media ministry, when "online broadcasting" was still thought to be a novelty. Our "big hairy audacious goal" was to overflow with Jesus beyond our church's physical location. Back then [2014], we had no idea of the pivotal role digital ministry would play in the 21st century and the lives that would be impacted.
Jorge & Evelyn Torres and their family were stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, when their collegiate daughter came across YG. As Chaplain Jorge shares the story:
"Our daughter was at Southern at the time and was leading in worship. On one of her school breaks she spoke of YG and we tuned in and our kids resonated with the style and messages being presented. Being in the military it has been difficult to find churches that are intentional about ministering to our young adults."
So over the past several years, the Torres family have been among our "online YGers," attending worship services from wherever the family was stationed and the children were attending college.
Recently stationed as 1st Cavalry Division Chaplain, at Fort Hood near Kileen, Texas, Chaplain Torres and his family drove two and a half hours to join us in person for worship for the first time. Completely unannounced, their in-person, pop-up visit was a wonderful surprise and it was our delight to give them a tour of the church they have been virtually attending for years. We thrilled to introduce them and their boys to UGYOUTH as well as Revive Community Care and the other physical expressions of our vision and dreams here at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.
On their way back home, their sons, unsolicited, shared about their experience:
Emanuel said, “It’s the best church we have ever attended.” Joshua mentioned, “This is what a church should be.”
“We are tremendously blessed to finally find a place that seeks to empower our youth to live out God’s Kingdom in the community they exist in,” reflected Jorge and Evelyn.
So when YG in faith claims to minister "beyond our four walls," GOD is honoring that faith in touching young lives across the nation and around the world.
"YG’s mission and vision has done just that for our family from afar," enthusiastically shared Chaplain Jorge regarding empowering and engaging next generations,"and now we were blessed to be able to worship in person."
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS AND YG LEADERS!
This last weekend was a blast! Thanks to all those who helped with potluck and our Lean In Luncheon. Appreciation to all who helped make our guests, the DFW Fil-Am Chorale and Orchestra, feel welcome. Thanks to the Guerrero sisters who led our Very YG Friendsmas! You all are truly being Jesus to our community! #BeJesus #BeYG
DR. TOM GROVE APPOINTED TEXAS CONFERENCE ASSOCIATE MINISTERIAL DIRECTOR
Congratulations to Pastor Tom in his new capacity in our conference as Associate Ministerial Director! He shares these sentiments on his behalf and the family:
“I am excited to share that I will begin a new chapter of ministry on January 1, 2022. After serving 10 ½ years at the Arlington Adventist Church, I am transitioning to work at the Texas Conference as Associate Director of Ministry & Evangelism. I will support pastors and facilitating creative evangelism throughout the Texas Conference. For me, it is an exciting new opportunity and I look forward to working with Nathan L Krause and Sheri Denny, as well as the rest of the Texas Conference team.
The beauty of this transition is that Deborah, the kids and I will not have to move, the kids will stay at Burton and we will still be a part of the Arlington Church, which I will attend when my schedule permits.
I firmly believe that God has been preparing me for this new opportunity and am excited for what the future holds.”
We’re praying for your every success and thankful for your pastoral ministry to our church!
THE OTHER WISEMEN
Thank you Gilberto and Rochely for leaning into the Gateway Church production of The Other Wisemen! What a blessing you are to our community! We’re deeply grateful for your artistic creativity and talents!
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