The Journey

JUNE 1, 2021 VOL.2 NO.22

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A MESSAGE FOR THE CLASS OF 2021
You’ve graduated! All of your efforts and persistence has led to a noteworthy achievement well worth celebrating. Now you are ready to begin your journey toward a successful life.

There’s nothing like a cap and gown to start a person thinking about the future. Despite the unknowns, what lies ahead for you is exciting — even if you wonder how you will navigate the waters as you consider the future, rest assured that you are not going it alone.

We know that because one name for Jesus is “Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.” Jesus is with you today and He promises to be with you tomorrow and every day after that. God is available to us through His Word. In the Bible, you will find God’s guidance for any situation that comes your way and all the decisions and trials you may face.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. — James 1:5

Most graduates do not know what their life’s career will be.

May I suggest you spend a good deal of time in prayer before you decide exactly what the next step will be for the rest of your life? With wisdom, prayer, and Jesus’ very presence, your life is never a solo journey.

Jesus is waiting for you to come to Him and seek His wisdom Jeremiah 29:11–12 says,

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

Therefore as you are making decisions for your future. You can call upon the Lord and He will listen. Whether you choose to go on for higher education or move into the work force, remember to keep God in the center of your life. The world has many attractions particularly if you are away from home. Just remember to walk close to God. —Jack Countryman

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CLASS OF 2021
We want to connect with you! Please click the above icon or here to complete the Texas Young Adult form.

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HOW TO BUILD THRIVING CHURCHES FOR ALL GENERATIONS // FRIDAY // 7:00PM CDT
According to Barna research, the rate at which young adults are leaving the church has risen to a staggering 64 percent. This statistic tells us that it is absolutely necessary to shift the way we connect to young adults and raise up new leaders. But how?

Join us for a live session this Friday evening, June 4, at 5pm PDT with our friend Ben Lundquist, current Young Adult Ministries Director for the Oregon Conference. Ben will share how to reach younger generations while building generational synergy in the church. The content is inspirational and highly practical. Now is the time to unite generations for mission. Hosted by Ty Gibson’s ARISE. Click the above icon or here to register for this free Zoom webinar.

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WE’RE OPEN! IN-PERSON & ONLINE WORSHIP OPTIONS AVAILABLE
Please join your worship with ours! Choose from an array of worship experience options, knowing that in-person @ygchurch worship no longer requires reservations. Click the above icon or here for the current community health guidelines. Our online options are on Facebook LIVE, YouTube, and our church online platform.

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THE JOURNEY // YGCHURCH // SATURDAY // 10:15AM CDT
Famous For, Stand In Your Love, Build My Life, Champion #WorshipSet #Jun5 10:15AM CDT https://linktr.ee/yglife #DeepDive #ygchurch

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DEEP DIVE
The deep calling of GOD is a life-long process with GOD and each other; It is a journey not a destination. It’s about a sacred space of transformation found in every day, listening to GOD’s voice and finding satisfaction in Him.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. –Jeremiah 29:13 [NIV]

Join Younger Generation Church for their Summer series, “Deep Dive,” Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #DeepDive #ygchurch

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YG LIFE // SATURDAY // 11:15AM CENTRAL
Immediately following YG’s worship experience, don’t miss out on the after party, YG LIFE. Always entertaining and informative with everything YG—concluding with a live prayer session with your requests and praises. Your host is DJ Henderson.

A graduate of Burton Adventist Academy and Union College, DJ is an aspiring medical student that has been growing as he’s been quarantined with God this year. This Summer he earned his Master’s in Health Science and marched at Meharry Medical College as well as marched at Union as the pandemic allowed. In the midst of it all, what he’s truly excited about is learning more about God.

Don’t miss YG LIFE, this Saturday, 11:15AM CDT! We’re open and you’re invited to join your worship with ours! Click link for all the deets, https://linktr.ee/yglife

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DEEP CONVERSATIONS LIFEGROUP // SATURDAYS // 3:00PM CENTRAL
All ages are invited to our Summer LIFEgroup, Deep Conversations, where we are enjoying deeper relationships with each other and with GOD! Meet up with us Saturday afternoons, 3:00PM [CDT]! Click the above icon or here for the Zoom Meeting info and more details.

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WOMEN OF VALOR LIFEGROUP // SUNDAYS // 6:00PM CENTRAL
Join Cecy, Leslie, and Kayla as their women’s small group journeys through Deep Calling this Summer. This Sunday they begin at 6:00PM CDT. Contact Cecy for details and meeting link.

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CONTENT CREATORS FOR THE CREATOR // SUNDAY // 7:00PM CDT
She grew up in a conservative Adventist home. Her brother became the Grammy-winning beatboxer of PENTATONIX. Surrounded by creatives, she felt a calling to become one too. Hear Candie Olusola's story this Sunday on AYP's Content Creators for the Creator small group. Click above icon or here to register for this free event.

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AYP GROUP: JAMES - A SERVANT OF GOD // SUNDAYS // 8:00PM CDT
James - A Servant of God is for young professionals who are interested in learning more from the book of James. The group will feature the study of scripture and group discussion with the goal of discovering real-life applications on how to be a servant of God in the modern world. Click above icon or here to join AYP Groups.

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AYP GROUP: CREATED FOR MORE // TUESDAYS // 7:00PM CENTRAL
Seize the life you were created for and push through barriers of self-imposed limits and inabilities. This group will help you recognize the power of thoughts and intention as well as their disempowering, debilitating tendency when not understood. Learn to prime yourself for success, connect better with others, and unfold your ministry, your life, and your God-imbued potential. Acquire practical life, relational, success, and motivational tools that are interwoven with Biblical truths and principles to pursue the life you were made for! This group meets weekly on Tuesday at 8:00pm, Eastern, USA. Click above icon or here to join AYP Groups.

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DEEP CHATS // WEDNESDAYS // 6:00PM CDT
Food, fellowship, and conversations on the Deep Calling Journey.
SWAU Student Center | Keene, TX | Wednesdays, 6:00 pm CT
Contact Pastor Michael at mgibson@swau.edu

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ATTN: ALL ARTISTS, CREATIVES, PRODUCTION, MEDIA & MUSIC VOLUNTEERS
LIFT: A Creative Collective is a time to gather together to learn, grow and be refreshed in your gifts with other creatives without the weight of leading others. These days will include Main Sessions with teaching and worship, as well as Breakouts ranging from leading worship to production to other creative themes and topics. For more details go to tiny.one/lift21

June 10-11, 2021 • Gayle Tucker Youth Annex • 4409 Pleasantview Drive, Arlington, TX
THURS 11:00AM — 8:00PM
FRI 9:00AM — 4:00PM

YG & UG Creatives and Volunteers — Free Registration
Creative Friends & Colleagues — $20

To register send email to info@ygchurch.com with the following:
• Name
• Cell Number
• Preferred Email
• Where you serve or would like to be involved in YG and/or UG
[If you serve at another church, put that here]

We plan to gather in person at our church to “watch party” the main sessions and have various rooms in the Gayle Tucker Youth Annex for the online break out sessions. Supper Thursday and lunch Friday will be provided. For more info go to tiny.one/lift21

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COMING ATTRACTIONS

ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS!
The Scratch and The Haystack are excited to announce a new Content Creators Search, empowering youth and young adult creators!

In partnership with Adventist Learning Community of The North American Division, we are equipping (new cameras, lighting, microphones, etc.) and empowering ($$) the next generation of Adventist content creators.

We would love your help of sharing this opportunity with the youth and young adults within your network. Please consider sharing this via your email lists, Facebook/Twitter/Instagram pages, newsletters, and bulletin inserts.

Winners will receive:
- $1,000 worth of new gear (or $1k of upgrades)
- $250 cash every month
- Free consultation sessions with Adventist experts in social media, marketing, content creation, and production to help them be a better creator
- An on-going, dedicated social media expert to advise them as they create content
- Exposure via The Haystack’s channels and paid promotions

To apply: Creators can visit www.thehaystack.org/creators or scan the QR code in the attached graphic.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us (or ask Adam Fenner with Adventist Learning Community)! We are so excited to be supporting youth and young adult Adventists with 21st century methods.

Sincerely,
The Scratch News/The Haystack teams
www.thescratchnews.com || www.thehaystack.org

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BAPTISM CELEBRATION SLATED NEXT FOR AUGUST 14
If you have interest in being baptized or wish to recommit your life to Jesus through re-baptism, we would love for you to join celebrations set for this Summer. Click the above icon or here to let us know and for more information.

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AYP RETREAT: ROOTED - CULTIVATING PURPOSE WHERE YOU ARE // AUGUST 19-22 // OREGON
Join AYPers from across America on 20 acres of beautiful property in northwestern Oregon! This Hillsboro, OR, property is a short drive from Portland. Bring your tents, your appetites, and your friends! During this event, you will fellowship through a truly unique experience that will offer dynamic guest speakers, inspirational worship music led by AYPers, and a wide-array of outdoor activities that will allow you to connect with old and new friends. Most importantly, this campout will leave you rooted in your identity in Christ as you return to the craziness that is being a young Adventist professional in our modern world. When we are rooted in Him and His call for our lives, anything is possible.

Come join us in Oregon to get refocused, refreshed, and recharged through fellowship with young professionals from across our West and Northwest regions facing the same challenges and questions. It is through community that we can water a vast system of roots to stay vibrant through these desert-like times.

Cost & Details
Registration for Rooted is limited and costs $150, however, if you register before July 1, your ticket cost is just $100. Registration includes:

1. Access to the campground
2. Meals for Thursday, Friday, Sabbath, and Sunday
3. Incredible programming & outdoor activities
4. Rooted gift bag with an array of AYP SWAG

Ready to return to in-person gatherings? Love campfires, food, and friends? Sign up before space runs out! Pre-registration is now open at AdventistYoungProfessionals.org/retreat! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to become Rooted!

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PURSUE GOD

Last week’s teaching by A Allan Martin & Esteban Deku, Deep Dive: A Call Into Daily Devotion

DEEP DIVE: A CALL TO DAILY DEVOTION
“Read not to master the text, but to be mastered by it.” –Dr. Allan Walshe

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” –Jeremiah 33:3 [NIV]

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DEEP DIVE
The deep calling of GOD is a life-long process with GOD and each other; It is a journey not a destination. It’s about a sacred space of transformation found in every day, listening to GOD’s voice and finding satisfaction in Him.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. –Jeremiah 29:13 [NIV]

Join Younger Generation Church for their Summer series, “Deep Dive,” Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #DeepDive #ygchurch

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DOWNLOAD FREE “THE EIGHT CALLS OF GOD” DEVOTIONAL
As a guide for our journey together, download free this devotional series by Dr. Tara J. VinCross.

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EXPERIENCING GOD
Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry T. Blackaby is a beneficial and easy to comprehend devotional guide affording the Christ-follower a Biblical template for the discipleship journey. Click the above icon or here for various resources associated with the book.

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THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
The Purpose Driven Life is a 40-day devotional guide that affords a basic template for the life of a disciple. It's YG Church's preferred discipleship primer for beginning the Christ-following journey. Click the above icon or here to review the variety of devotional resources available.

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THE GOD I USED TO KNOW
The older we become, the more crazy life seems to get. In fact, it quickly starts to feel like we're drowning. In an effort to stay afloat, we begin to rely on ourselves more and more, forgetting about the power of the God we grew up learning about.  

Our God does not operate in a box and He is not limited like we are. He is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine. There is simply nothing He cannot do. It just takes us to acknowledge that and lean into His promises. After all, it isn't Him who drifts, but us. 

We pray Adventist Young Professionals’ book, The God I Used To Know, touches your walk with God in a way you haven't experienced before. You are precious and you have a Father who sees yesterday, today and tomorrow. Trust He is still working for you. Click the above icon or here to order your copy today.

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EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY

LET’S DO LIFE TOGETHER
During these extraordinary times, we benefit from innovating ways to connect and build community amidst the challenges that surround us. At Younger Generation Church, we want to encourage you to seek out ways to do life together while we abide by community health guidelines. Click the above icon or here for great group options to consider.

“Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches.” —Hebrews 10:23-25 [Voice]

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THE DEEP CALL OF GOD
"Deep Calling: On Being and Growing Disciples" is a wholistic movement – discipleship and disciple-making – that emphasizes a life-long process, not a destination. It’s about making space for God in the every day, bearing witness to transformation in the ordinary. It’s about knowing truth and experiencing Truth. It’s about learning to listen to the voice of God. It’s about satisfying your longing with the only One who can satisfy your soul. All are invited. All are welcome to answer the deep call of God.

Discover more, taravincross.com/deepcalling

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FREE ACCESS TO RIGHTNOW MEDIA FOR ALL OUR MEMBERS!
Our digital ministry library, Rightnow Media, offers tens of thousands of video-based Bible studies at your finger tips. Contact Pastor Tom [tom@arlingtonadventist.com] to gain access to our RightNow digital Bible study library.

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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

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NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION COVID-19 SYMPOSIUM
There are many questions about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. This program will look at the religious connection between the Christian church and Science and the role that vaccines play. Medical experts will examine the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle and also discuss some of the myths about the COVID-19 vaccine. Click the above YouTube link for the whole symposium broadcast.

Healthcare professionals, communication experts, and church theologians will gather to help make sure church members are well informed when deciding whether to take the vaccine.

Organizers stated that the purpose of the symposium is to provide vaccine education and to address some of the major questions and hesitance regarding the COVID-19 vaccines among Seventh-day Adventists. "We are planning for the symposium to be pastoral in tone," said organizers. "The emphasis will be on discussion and dialogue — and respect for individual choice."

Presenters will include evangelist Mark Finley and church historian Merlin Burt; and they will discuss the theology and history of the church's relationship with science. Medical experts will include doctors Peter Landless and David Williams; they will discuss the research behind the vaccines. Media and communication experts will also participate, to share how to deliver accurate information about the vaccines.

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REVIVE MOBILE FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Due to the reconstruction in the church, Revive Community Care is partnering with Tarrant County Food Bank to mobilize an all-outdoor food pantry in the coming weeks and months. There will be multiple opportunities to serve as a volunteer, as we recover from the flooding that impacted our church.

Please click here to fill out this form if you would like to lend a hand and volunteer! Someone from our Revive Community Care team will contact you with further information!

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BARNA HIGHLIGHT: YOUNG ADULT SUPPORT OF MISSIONARIES
In this Barna Highlight, we’re sharing another bite-sized finding you can use to become a more informed leader.

Young adults express a lot of interest in innovative, out-of-the-box missions styles. If you want them to be more involved in supporting missionaries, try giving them opportunities to support the approaches they admire.

Compared to adults age 35 or older, 18-34 year-olds are more likely to express interest in supporting missionaries who are also:

• Business leaders (39% young adults vs. 24% older adults)
• Entrepreneurs (37% vs. 26%)
• Artists (37% vs. 23%)
• Church trainers (45% vs. 36%)

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NEEDED: DIAPERS & WIPES
Diapers of all sizes and baby wipes are donations that are needed and deeply appreciated. Many of the community families we serve have babies and small children. Please drop off your donations into the church foyer collection bins OR in the office during business hours. Click the above icon or here to find out more information from Heidi Jackson, our Revive Community Care director.

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NOT A STATISTIC: A GENERATION THAT IS INVOLVED AND ENGAGED
Southwestern Union Record features an interview with our Tim Kosaka. Click his photo for the article.

“We have a call to share God’s love with the whole world, but in order to stay grounded in our faith, we need to be active, not passive,” Kosaka says. “Active church engagement helps all of us be stronger in our faith. Jesus is coming soon, and we cannot be passive.”

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BE A VOLUNTEER! ALL AGES WELCOME!
A great way to serve our community is through volunteering! All ages. As a family. With your friends. In areas you love. In new ways. On stage. Off stage. — ALL are invited to volunteer at Younger Generation Church. It’s not only a wonderful way to serve in ministry, it’s also one of the best ways to foster relationships. Sign up today, volunteer.ygchurch.com

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TEXAS YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES
Especially for those young adults, post-high school through pre-parenthood, there is an array of great activities, ministries, resources and service opportunities. Ranging from campus ministry, to young professionals, and beyond, find a wealth of options and networks with Texas Young Adults. Click the above icon or here for their most recent eNewsletter and to subscribe. For more information contact Pastor Justin Yang.

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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.

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GRATITUDE

APPRECIATION FOR ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Lending your passion, artistry, elbow grease, and love for Jesus to @ygchurch is such a beautiful thing to witness and experience! Thank you so much for being Jesus, being YG!

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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

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