MARCH 29, 2022 VOL.3 NO.14
VOYAGELA RISING STAR: GABRIELLE HARRIS
Recently our Gabby Harris was interviewed by VoyageLA Magazine. Click icon above for the full feature article.
OPTIMIZE YOUR WELLNESS: 7 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
I want to share something that I've been working on. Some you may know that I've had a rough couple of years. With my mom dying in 2019 and me having emergency surgery in 2021; My physical, mental, and emotional health was detrimentally impacted to say the least.
As I was recovering from surgery, I had a lot of time on my hands to think and reflect. During that time, God spoke into my spirit and said that I needed to share my testimony with others who may be in need. As a result, I have written my first e-book, Optimize Your Wellness. This is my testimony, my way of using what I went through—combined with my professional work as a mental health counselor—to make a difference in the lives of those who may be struggling with taking care of their mental health as well as their overall wellness.
I've shared the link to access my book where anyone can read an excerpt and purchase the complete version if they so desire. [click the icon above] Also, if you know of anyone that could benefit from this information please feel free to share the link. In addition to your support I'd like to ask for your prayers that "Optimize Your Wellness” would reach the right people so that it may make a positive difference in their lives. Love to all of you and thanks again for your support! —Jameson Francis
ENGINEER YOUR VISION // MAR 27-31 // 7:00PM CST
When building anything great, the engineering process is key prior to and during construction. Your purpose and vision has to be engineered to guarantee ultimate success! Come join Lionel as he shows you how to engineer your vision and allow your seedling idea to grow into full blossom. Click the above icon to register, or go to members.adventistyoungprofessionals.org/career
THE GOSPEL OF MARK: WEEK FOUR
As we ramp towards Passion Week and Easter, we invite you to participate in personal devotionals and/or group study of the Gospel of Mark. For many of you, you rely on your study bible or your electronic device for the study of Scripture, and we encourage you to use what is familiar or convenient for you.
This week we’re diving into Mark chapters 5 and 6. Here’s a suggested way to go through the chapters:
ENTER
As you read this passage of Scripture for the first time you are simply "entering in" or familiarizing yourself with what God is saying here. Notice the circumstances, people, places, context, culture, etc. “GOD introduce me to Your Word.”
IMPRESSIONS
As you read the same passage of Scripture for the second time, notice what word, phrase, sentence or verse makes an "impression" upon you. What catches your attention? Draws further curiosity. “GOD, where do You want my specific attention to go in this passage?”
PRAY/MEDITATE
As you read this passage of Scripture for the third time through, begin by spending a few moments in prayer thanking and praising God for His Holy Word. As you read, be prayerfully interacting with God about the text. “GOD, what are You communicating to me through this passage?”
LIVE IT OUT
In this final reading of the passage ask God to show you how He wants you to live based on this Scripture. Is there something He would have you start doing, stop doing or continue doing? “GOD, let me live in a way that reflects Your Word.”
AYP GROUP: COME, LET US REASON // BEGINS MAR 30 // 7:00PM CST
Come, Let Us Reason, a virtual group focused on discussing and evaluating faith-based concepts within books. Hosted by Alondra and Clarissa, the group meets weekly on Wednesdays, at 7 P.M. CT USA, 8pm Eastern USA, starting on March 30, 2022. Click the above icon or here to join.
SWAU HOMECOMING GOLF CLASSIC // APRIL 1ST
The 24th Annual Homecoming Golf Classic will be April 1, 2022, at The Retreat in Cleburne, Texas. Each year during Homecoming weekend this tournament benefits the First-in-Family Scholarship given to students who are the first members of their families to attend a college or university. These scholarships give students not only the opportunity to advance their education but also to continue their walk with God at Southwestern Adventist University. Registration for the event is open now. Visit swau.edu/golf for more information and to register.
AYP VESPERS: CHRISTOLOGY 101 // FRI, APRIL 1 // 7:30PM CST
Christology deals with the nature and work of Jesus, including his Incarnation, Resurrection, and his human and divine natures and their relationship. Join us!
See A Victory, Good Grace, Revelation Song, Living Hope #WorshipSet #Apr2 10:15AM CST fb.com/ygchurch #GospelOfMark #ygchurch
I AM ON THE WAY
Study Jesus’ ways, learn His way of life, and remember He is on the way back for us.
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” —Mark 1:1-3 [NIV]
Join Younger Generation Church in their Spring series, “I Am On The Way,” Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #TheGospelOfMark #ygchurch
FAMILY FUN COLOR RUN! // APRIL 3, 8:00AM // SWAU
You're invited to the most fun cross-country 5k in Johnson County! The Cross-Country Color Run is a unique event that celebrates health and happiness - a family event that you don’t want to miss!
During this fun run, participants are doused from head to toe in different colored powder throughout the route. After the run, join us to visit the booths of small businesses and student entrepreneurs. To register, click on the image above or visit swau.edu/enactus.
The Cross-Country Color Run is a non-profit event organized by SWAU students. Sponsorships and donations are welcome.
TO BE LIKE ME COMMUNITY DAY // APRIL 3, 2:00PM // TOLLESON CENTER
The next Community Day is Sunday, April 3 from 2-4pm at the Tolleson Family Activity Center in Dallas! Join us to learn about different disabilities from people that live with them every day. This interactive event is perfect for families, special groups like scouts or volunteer organizations. There are a limited number of tickets available, so click the above icon or here to reserve yours today!
#ToBeLikeMe #DisabilityAwareness #Inclusion #BreakingBarriers #UnderstandingDifferences #Compassion #Kindness #Empathy #MakingADifference
UNION COLLEGE BRIDGE WEEKEND // APRIL 8 & 9
We are thrilled to have another Bridge Weekend coming up featuring “The Well” and our own Zuzu Masina from Union College. It’s great opportunity to invite your student friends from high school and college to enjoy fellowship and inspiration at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church! The weekend will culminate with a Night of Worship, Saturday, 7:00PM, at the Underground! Make plans to join us!
SUMMER PLANS?
Does this describe you? You like the outdoors. Your friends say you’re good with kids. You’re upbeat, enjoy the company of friends, and love Jesus.
If you relate to this, then there’s a place waiting to work with you: Kulaqua’s Summer Camp. Imagine a job where almost anything is possible, in just four weeks:
-Go on adventures
-Be outdoors
-Earn $$ alongside friends
-Become a child’s hero
-Learn leadership skills
-Share who Jesus is to youth
Give God four weeks of your summer. #givehimfour
Camp is looking for you.
*Move your application to the top of the list by listing Younger Generation Church as the referral to camp (viewed on your application)*
Contact the Summer Camp Director, Theresa Stride with questions and inquiries, and apply online at https://www.campkulaqua.com/kulaqua-s-summer-camp/
Follow on Insta @Camp_Kulaqua
Contact Theresa Stride, (386) 454-1351 xt 7959 / theresas@campkulaqua.com
COMING ATTRACTIONS
FILM PREMIER: RETURN TO PALAU // APRIL 8, 7:30PM // KEENE CHURCH
A film screening of Return to Palau is happening at the Keene Church on April 8 at 7:30. This premiere will include a Q/A session with Melissa, the film makers, and producers, immediately following the screening.
A young family moves to the idyllic island nation of Palau and suffers unspeakable tragedy. Through recently uncovered archival footage and first-person accounts, Return to Palau tells an incredible true story of survival, faith, and forgiveness.
GIVE FOR TEXANS!
Carter BloodCare will be on our campus on Saturday, April 9 from 10a-2p! The need for blood is constant - you can make a huge difference in as little as 15 minutes! This month, when you donate blood, you also get a free stainless steel water bottle while supplies last! To schedule your donation appointment, click on the image above or click here!
DARKNESS: THE LAST WORDS OF JESUS // APRIL 15, 7:00PM CST // FELLOWSHIP HALL
In commemoration of Passion Week, join us Friday evening, April 15 at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church for the experiential service, "Darkness: The Last Words of Jesus," an agape feast and communion program that walks through Jesus' final moments on the cross. This program is free and open to the community.
RISEN: EASTER SABBATH // APRIL 16, 9:00 & 11:30AM // ARLINGTON ADVENTIST CHURCH
The community is invited to join us for "Risen," a celebration of our resurrected Lord! Bring friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy music and the spoken word at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church as we remember the sacrifice and victory of Christ Jesus.
ELEVATE & YG & SLAD & SWAU SA // FORT WORTH ZOO // APRIL 23, 2PM
We’re collaborating with other DFW young adults for a Sabbath afternoon outing to the Fort Worth Zoo. If you are interested, click the above icon to complete the registration form. For more information contact Kyle Barrow at 301-395-1751.
ACF INSTITUTE // JULY 28-30, 2022
The ACF Institute (Adventist Christian Fellowship Institute) & PCM Conference (Public Campus Ministers Conference) will happen simultaneously at the same location from July 26-30, 2022. This is a virtual gathering for Adventist Christian Fellowship Student Leaders and Public Campus Ministers for networking and leader-training from an on-campus student perspective. All ACF student-leaders, campus chaplains and pastors, conference and union youth & young adult ministries directors, and any leaders desiring to learn about ministry with and for college students on public campuses. Click above icon for more information.
DISCOUNTED AYP CONVENTION TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE TO YG
"Besides the amazing icebreakers, breakout sessions, dynamic speaker, and praise music, one of my favorite moments during the convention was dissecting a passage from Scripture Sabbath morning and allowing God to speak to me in a new way. There were several memorable moments as we got a chance to get our portraits taken professionally, sing karaoke, have an opportunity to network professionally, and make new friends! I am forever grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with God and others and look forward to seeing what God has in store for AYP." --Janina Irving
ADVENTIST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CONVENTION // JULY 29-31, 2022 // DFW METROPLEX
The 2022 AYP Convention is coming to the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex July 29 – 31, 2022. Reserve your spot today! @YGCHURCH has obtained a group bundle of tickets and it providing them to YGers at a significantly disounted rate, contact Barbara Quaye for more information.
PURSUE GOD
I AM ON THE WAY: THERE IS NO WAY
Sometimes the way to Jesus is through you.
3 some people brought a paralyzed man to see him. He was being carried by four of them. 4 But they could not get the man inside to Jesus because the house was so full of people. So they went to the roof above Jesus and made a hole in it. Then they lowered the mat with the paralyzed man on it. –Mark 2:3-4 [ERV]
I AM ON THE WAY
Study Jesus’ ways, learn His way of life, and remember He is on the way back for us.
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” —Mark 1:1-3 [NIV]
Join Younger Generation Church in their Spring series, “I Am On The Way,” Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #TheGospelOfMark #ygchurch
WHO ARE YOUR FANTASTIC FOUR?
In Pastor Allan’s sermon reflecting on Mark 2:1-12, he emphasized the need to have people in your life that support your spiritual life and your emotional well being. If the pandemic has taught us anything, we have learned that we are not wired to do life alone.
What is the role of friendship in discipleship community? Christians see friendships as foundational to healthy discipleship. Disciplemaking involves actively helping someone else grow closer to Christ, requiring those involved to look outside themselves.
This article shares recent data from Barna Group’s Growing Together to explore what percentage of U.S. Christian young adults view their spiritual lives as entirely private and how friendships with other Christians can support discipleship. Click the above icon or here to read the full Barna Group article.
THRU THE BIBLE: THE GOSPEL OF MARK
What makes Mark’s Gospel unique from the others? The difference is in the details. Mark, telling the disciple Peter’s story, gives a private glimpse of how Jesus served. He’s constantly acting on others’ behalf. He lays aside a king’s royal robes (like we saw in Matthew) and girds Himself with the towel of service. These 9 lessons from Dr. J. Vernon McGee will stir your heart to serve like Jesus. Click the above icon or here to begin this online study plan.
PASSION 2022 ON DEMAND
We are still in awe of all that God did at Passion 2022. The Benz was filled with thousands of 18-25 year olds all lifting the name of Jesus together and proclaiming that he is King.
We are excited to announce that select talks from Passion 2022 are now available on YouTube. These talks point a generation towards Jesus and challenge us to leverage our lives to live for what matters most—the name and renown of Jesus. We're praying that they will do the same for you wherever you're watching these talks. Watch these talks on the Passion Conferences YouTube Channel today!
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY
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.
AYP RELATIONSHIPS // THURS // 6:30PM CST
Relationships: I’m Looking for Something Real is for young professionals who are interested in getting into a meaningful relationship or navigating an existing relationship. The group will feature with the goal to discuss some tips for a successful relationship. We will share our own experience/challenge that led us to each other. To register for Relationships: I’m Looking for Something Real and meet others in the group, AYP.me/groups
RIGHTNOW MEDIA VIRTUAL LIBRARY
As a YGer you have access to RightNow Media—the world’s largest streaming library of video Bible study resources. 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.
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. Click the above icon or click here to gain access to our digital library!
INSPIRE HOPE // SHARE GRACE
UKRAINE SUPPORT: BUILD AND RESTORE INTERNATIONAL
Build and Restore International is providing urgent humanitarian aid to the vulnerable during the Ukraine crises. Prayers are needed for the people of Ukraine, as well as for our volunteers who are serving. Click the above icon to find out how you might help.
BURTON ACADEMY SENIOR CLASS PROJECT
Some of our Burton Academy Seniors are participating in a global fundraiser as part of a Senior Project, and they're asking for your support! Nearly 844 million people around the world don't have access to clean and safe drinking water - your contribution can help change that in less than 90 seconds! To support this cause, scan the QR code above to make a donation!
ADRA CALLS FOR PEACE, MOBILIZES RELIEF IN UKRAINE
Adventist Development and Relief Agency [ADRA] calls for peace and mobilizes relief for millions of people impacted by the war in Ukraine. Click here for the full feature story. Click the above icon for ways to support through ADRA, tinyurl.com/adradonate
BECOME A VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER!
As our online congregation continues to grow, so does the need for volunteers to serve as chat hosts during worship services! This is a volunteer job that can be done remotely on Sabbath mornings - you don't even have to be in Texas! Chat hosts provide a welcome to our online congregation and help to monitor things like requests for prayer or more information. If this sounds like a job you'd be interested in, contact Mindy Colvin in the church office for more details!
SANCTUARY RENEWAL PROJECT
We’ve been in the middle of a construction zone at church for months now. Although it’s hard to tell at times, we’ve actually made quite a bit of progress! Thank you so much for your patience, but most of all, thank you for your support as we work our way through the details and the frustrations of the construction world.
Over the next several weeks as we finish out the project our goal is to post periodic updates so that you have a better idea of what has already happened, what you can expect from week to week, and how you can support the project to its completion. We’ll post progress pics and the occasional video walk-through with Mindy. So stay tuned! There’s more to come...and it’s going to be great when it’s all finished!
To read the updates, click here or on the picture above. You can support by giving to “Building Fund.”
SERVE WITH OTHER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PASSIONATE ABOUT JESUS!
Adventist Young Professionals wants to reach out and let you know that we have a few roles on the AYP team that we are prayerfully looking to fill! We’re wanted to ask if you might be interested in joining the team or if you might be able to suggestion someone whom I could reach out to regarding one of these roles? Click the above icon or here to check out all the opportunities to serve!
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
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
#BEJESUS #BEYG — ANDREW TYRE
Meet this year's SWAU senior class vice president, Andrew Tyre!
Andrew is a senior business major here at SWAU. He worked as a RA in the men's residence halls for three years and has been a part of several clubs and groups. One of his favorite memories during his time here is winning volleyball intramurals a few years ago. He had just developed a love for the sport and was fortunate to have joined the right team!
After graduation Andrew plans to continue developing his business experience and his savings so that he can get married. He also plans to go back to school and become a physical therapist so that he can open his own clinic one day.
As a senior officer, Andrew is working with the class president to create an unforgettable experience for the graduates. Their goal is to form new traditions that will hopefully outlive them. He reminds his classmates that May 1 is not the finish line, it's only the starting block. "We have our whole lives ahead of us, and this piece of paper is our head start. Fight the good fight, run the race, and let’s pay off these student loans!"
Congratulations to Brandon & Redna!
Congratulations to Nick & Morgann!
Congratulations Amber & Peter!
OUTDOOR CHURCH WAS GREAT FUN
Thanks to everyone who came out the past two weekends for Outdoor Church! What a great time of inspiration and fellowship for our whole church family!
THANKS FOR MAKING YG BREAKFAST BAR FUN
To all our YGers who helped out, Thank You So Much! It was a great hit with everyone and we so appreciate your service, warmth, and hospitality!
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