MARCH 8, 2022 VOL.3 NO.11
I AM ON THE WAY: THE GOSPEL OF MARK
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. In our “Pursue GOD” section find some recommendations for online Bible study guides.
There may be some of you that would like a study Bible, just let Pastor Allan know and we will be glad to provide you with one.
To help those who not only want to read the Word but have ample room to journal, illustrate, and annotate through the Gospel of Mark with us, YG would like to provide you a ESV Scripture Journal. If you intend to use it with YG for the entire series, be sure to connect with any of our YG leaders to acquire a copy.
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. Also stop by our YG Table in the church lobby.
AACP SUMMER CAMP STAFF VIRTUAL RECRUITMENT // MARCH 8-10
We are looking to hire students who are interested in making a difference in the lives of others. Adventist camps across North America want to meet you - our high school & collegiate students. That is why this year we have created an online virtual summer camp recruiting and hiring event.
Join us on March 8, 9 or 10, between 10am-5pm PST here on our online platform. Feel free to visit multiple camps - in fact we encourage it! There are various opportunities to serve at any of our many summer camps across North America. In the meantime, feel free to "visit" the different camp booths by clicking on the "Exhibitor" tab. Not all have finished setting up their booths, so come back often to see more camps and interact with camps and others who are interesting in working and serving at a summer camp. Click the above icon or here to register.
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
THERE IS NO WAY // YG CHURCH // SATURDAY // 10:15AM CDT
For many of your friends, the way to Jesus comes through you.
Jesus knew right away what they were thinking, and said, “Why are you so skeptical? Which is simpler: to say to the paraplegic, ‘I forgive your sins,’ or say, ‘Get up, take your stretcher, and start walking’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both . . .” (he looked now at the paraplegic), “Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home.” —Mark 2:8-11 [Message]
Join Younger Generation Church in their new series, “I Am On The Way,” Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, live.ygchurch.com #LoveGODpeople #ygchurch
COMING ATTRACTIONS
WE WANT TO FUND YOUR IDEAS FOR LOVING THE FORGOTTEN // GLOBAL YOUTH DAY // MARCH 19
ATTENTION: STUDENTS, YOUNG ADULTS, & FAMILIES! With Global Youth Day just around the corner, we want to help you bring your ideas of sharing Jesus and His love to life! Click the above icon or go to https://tiny.one/SharkTankPitch to receive support for your outreach plan/idea!
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.
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
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.
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.
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 and stay tuned as additional information is released! @YGCHURCH is obtaining a group bundle of tickets and providing them to YGers at a significantly disounted rate, contact Barbara Quaye for more information.
"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
SAVE THE DATE // PASSION CONFERENCE DFW // DECEMBER 28-30, 2022
If you have interest in going as part of Younger Generation Church, let Pastor Allan know! amartin@ygchurch.com
PURSUE GOD
I AM ON THE WAY: FOLLOW ME
Gospel According to Swoopes: Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all can be saved! “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” --Mark 1:15 [ESV]
YG SPEAKER: BUSTER SWOOPES
Pastor Buster Swoopes Jr. is an Assistant Professor of Religion at Southwestern Adventist University, where the student body recently named him faculty member of the year. He has over sixteen years of pastoral experience, and he strives to live out servant leadership in the pulpit and the classroom. Together with his lovely family, he yearns to lead as many people as possible into an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ.
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
DEEPER INTO SCRIPTURE: MARK
Deeper into Scripture is a methodology of scripture reading that instructs, encourages and equips people to read God’s Word daily and deeply. To accomplish this we have created a unique four-fold method of bible reading that directs the individual to read a short passage of scripture four times. Each reading is done with a different question, instruction or objective to be considered. This repetitive reading and instruction takes us deeply into the Word of God and draws us closer to Him. Click the above icon or here to begin this online study plan.
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.
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 IN CHRIST
Pastor Buster Swoopes, an assistant professor of religion, discuses how to choose to believe amid times of uncertainty. "One of the most significant issues I have come across on campus is that many students utilize their parents, denominational leaders, or peers' faith," he says. Pastor Swoopes goes on to share his experience when he first arrived at SWAU and how he dealt with his new-found freedoms—the ability to make his own decisions about classes, friendships, and religion. Pastor Swoopes leaves students with four practical ideas to help make their walk with Jesus feel natural. To read the full article about having faith in Christ, go to: https://swau.edu/faith-christ.
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY
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
ADVENTIST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP: ELEVATED MINDS // WEDS // 12:00PM CST
Elevated Minds is for everyone who is interested in Motivation, Boundaries and Recovery. The group will feature discussion with the goal of uplifting young people. To register for Elevated Minds, and meet others in the group, go to ayp.me/groups today!
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.
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
MENTORING YOUNG WOMEN
Do you want to better understand the challenges and needs of young women in order to provide effective ministry through mentorship? Join Erica Jones, assistant director of Women's Ministries for the North American Division, for this free online course from the Adventist Learning Community. By the end of this course you will be better equipped to mentor teen girls during a transitional time in their life and have tools to create a safe atmosphere in your church for youth. Click the above icon or here to register for the free online course.
WE NEED YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY NOW
Young adults in our churches and communities need us. And we need young adults. If you need new, reliable steps to take as you accompany young adults on their spiritual journeys, here are four realities about today’s young adults that start you in the right direction, right now—plus an exciting announcement about a brand-new book and training coming soon! —Dr. Steven Argue
Click the above icon or here for this latest blog from Fuller Youth Institute.
SEEKING OUT OUR CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES PASTOR
The Associate Pastor for Children’s Ministries facilitates the discipleship of the children of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church from birth through eighth grade. This is accomplished through the oversight and leadership of various ministry endeavors, programs and classes at the Arlington Church, and in collaboration with Burton Adventist Academy. Click the above icon or here for further 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
FOOD & FELLOWSHIP WITH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Adventist Young Professionals and Younger Generation Church Shark Tank collaborate for a great AYP Meet & Greet in the Arlington Adventist Church - Lewisville Campus area! Thanks AYP!
BOBA-WESOMENESS!
Thanks to @iamswau for a fantastic after party to close out @southwesternau Bridge Weekend! Great time!
UNBROKEN: NIGHT OF WORSHIP
Let's face it. We are broken people. But the power of Jesus makes us whole and restores us. In a way, it makes us unbroken. May our praises rise unbroken! Young adults from across the Metroplex gathered to lend their voices in praise and worship to GOD. Unbroken Night of Worship elevated our spirits and nourished our souls.
The evening featured songs from Hillsong, Elevation Worship, Maverick City Music, Phil Wickham, Leeland, with a spoken word by Pastor Keith Gray. Special thank you to Elevate Ministries for organizing the evening, and Southwestern Adventist University Admissions for hosting the post concert Boba Tea mixer! #BridgeWeekend #IAmSWAU #ygchurch
WORSHIP THROUGH SERVICE
What a joy to work with @southwesternau Worship and @iamswau Enrollment team. Most people don’t know what all it takes to provide a “Sabbath” experience for others; It’s a lot of work. So I deeply appreciate servant leaders who roll up their sleeves and jump into the fray. Mad props to @neekah81 and her team; @pstr_swoopes for the inspiring Word at @burtonadventistacademy @ygchurch @ugyouth ; @hansom2015 for mixers and kids’ story for @arlingtonsda ; @pho_niua for worship coordinating; @tim.kosaka for marketing ; Pastor @kaylargoodman ; and the rest of the team members! Gratitude to President @anamariapatt for such strong support and presence. What a great team effort and collaboration! #BeSWAU #BeYG #BridgeWeekend
INSPIRING CHAPELS
Thanks to Pastor Oddie Olazaran for his leadership, Pastor Buster Swoopes for the inspiration, and the students of SWAU for coming out bless and disciple our Burton Adventist Academy students and staff. You are a blessing!
IF:GATHERING 2022
@ygchurch delighted in partnering with @revivecommunitycare and @arlingtonwomensministry for this year’s IF:Gathering. Thanks to @kelseyguerrero @heidicjackson and @allitucker for their leadership and mentoring
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