Our Friend

AUGUST 16, 2022 VOL.3 NO.34


GET YG DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION!
YOUNG ADULT WEEKEND // AUG 18-21 // LAKE WHITNEY RANCH

If you're a college/career young adult that's needing to recharge and reignite your passion for God and His church with like-minded peers while exploring your identity, belonging and purpose in Christ - this weekend is for you. Pastor Don Keele Jr., the young adult director for Georgia-Cumberland Conference is our speaker for the weekend and we know that we'll be blessed by both his presence with us and his messages for us. Click the above icon to get YG discounted tickets from our Jasmin Rodriguez. For more information about the weekend go to tinyurl.com/yaweekend

YOUNG ADULT WEEKEND SPEAKER: DON KEELE, JR.
Pastor Don Keele Jr lives in Calhoun, GA where he serves as the Young Adult Ministries and Adventist Christian Fellowship Director for the Georgia-Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He has spent his career, spanning over four decades, pastoring children, teens and young adults and plugging them into active ministry in the church Through the years he has answered to many titles, but the one most of his friends and parishioners know him by is simply Pastor Don. He and his lovely wife of 41 years, Sandy, have two incredible adult children, Andrea and Donnie III, and one awesome daughter-in-law, Rachel.


foundation // launching 1pm aug 20 // fellowship hall
foundation is a brand new @ygchurch Bible study. we are so excited to spend time together studying the Word of God on Sabbath afternoons.

This name was inspired by the concept of Christ being our One True Sure Foundation. (​​Isaiah 28:16 “So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”)

Personally, this concept stands out to me because there are so many things that society tells young people to rely on: appearances, wealth, education, social media, etc. Even within the church, our focus can be on other things, which are important as well, but I believe it’s time we go back to weightier matters. 2 Peter 1:3 says “​​His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” There are so many young adults trying to live a Godly life without the right tools! Many of us think we have to invent our own or use what the world tells us. He has given them all to us. One prominent way He does this is through the word. --Dani

Click the icon for our IG. Oh and share with a friend who may be interested :)


TABLE TALKS: OUR FRIEND // SAT 10:15AM CST // @YGCHURCH
I Thank God, God So Loved, Peace Be Still, Make Room, Here Again #WorshipSet #Aug20 10:15AM CST fb.com/ygchurch #tableforyou #ygchurch

In a world filled with noise, Jesus invites you to His table. A table of abundance. Peace. Protection.

Join YG in their Back to School Series, “Table Talks: At the Table with Jesus,” Saturdays, 10:15AM Central; In person, 4409 Pleasantview Drive, or online, live.ygchurch.com

JESUS IS OUR FRIEND
From author, Louie Giglio:

It’s hard to believe that we are over halfway through our 66 day journey through At The Table with Jesus. I hope your eyes are being opened in a new and profound way as you deepen your understanding of Jesus and accept the invitation to sit at the table with Him. 

This week I am excited to dig into the staggering reality that Jesus is our friend

I want you to think for a moment about your closest friendship and the things you do together. You might do fun things like get coffee, take trips or go eat at fun restaurants. But I guarantee that, if it’s a close friend, you also enjoy the more ‘normal’ things of life with them, like riding in the car, talking on FaceTime, or sitting together in each other's company.

I want to let you in on something important: Jesus wants to be a friend like this.

Yes, have a quiet time.
Yes, carve out space to read out a devotional.
Yes, open God's word. 
Yes, meet with Him

But these things take only a fraction of your time.  

God never intended for us to spend 20-minutes in a quiet time and 23-hours-and-40-minutes doing life alone. He wants our every waking moment. 

Our friends are in the seams of life with us, even the mundane, and that’s exactly the relationship Jesus offers each of us. Jesus wants to be our friend. 

There doesn't always have to be a profound revelation from the word of God.
There doesn't always have to be some great theological concept getting broken down.

Our relationship with God can be as simple as inviting God into the everyday moments of life we experience. 

Over these next few days I challenge you to invite Him into your every hour. He wants you to sit with Him at the table in order to get up with Him from the table, in order to go with Him through life and every waking moment. 

Come sit at the table with your friend, Jesus. 

Take a look at the video above for more on how Jesus, among many other incredible things, is our Friend. I encourage you to join me on the journey to know more about Jesus and fortify your faith.


INTERESTED IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP OR BEING MENTORED?
@YGCHURCH is the leadership laboratory offering younger generations opportunities to learn and grow in servant leadership, ministry formation, and vocational discipleship. We are invested in your success not only in school or career, but also in life. If you have an interest in being mentored, click the above icon to contact Bo Livingston, our YG Elder [center in photo].


FULL LIFE CONFERENCES SHOWCASE
Jesus came in order that we may have life to the full. Sometimes, though, the challenges of life and the pressures of family and relationships make that difficult to experience. The Full LIFE Conference is designed to assist Christians in realizing how full life can be for followers of Christ.

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” —John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Click the above icon for our video vault of all our Full LIFE Conference episodes.


COMING ATTRACTIONS

REVIVE AUGUST HOURS
Due to our Texas-triple-digit-temperatures, our REVIVE Food Pantry will open its pantry doors from 9am - 12pm on Aug 24. This earlier opening is primarily to keep our volunteers and community members safe while under our HOT state's various heat advisories!


YG SABBATH SCHOOLS COMING SOON
This Fall we are excited to see small group discussions and gatherings happen right after the @ygchurch worship experience. If you want to participate in a YG Sabbath School, contact Dr. Lakicia Foster.


APPRECIATION LUNCHEON FOR UKRAINIAN SUPPORT // COMING SEPT 3
In appreciation of our church’s charitable support of our Ukrainian families, they would like to host a meal this September. If you would like to help or get involved, connect with Tanya Tchounkovskii.


SECRET SISTERS
Ladies - let's get ready to nurture! Secret Sisters is returning this fall, an opportunity for women to feel supported by and connected with other women in our church family! To sign up, click on the above icon or visit our Secret Sisters page on our website, or pick up a registration form in the foyer. Complete your registration by September 10 - our season kicks off October 1, so sign up today!


WORLD VISION’S CHOSEN ENCORE // RETURNING SEPTEMBER 10
@YGCHURCH will again support our sister village in Zambia and invite the entire church to be CHOSEN. If you would like to volunteer and help with this mission event, contact Kelsey Guerrero.


PASSION CONFERENCE RETURNS TO THE DFW // DEC 28-30, 2022
It’s going to be incredible! Don’t delay, let us know if you want to join us as we close out the year with Passion. Contact the Castillo family for all the deets.


YG HAS LIMITED DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO AYP CONVENTION!
We are excited to announce that the 2023 AYP Thrive Convention will be in Texas on July 28-30, 2023! Join us for this leadership convention focused on helping young professionals thrive toward the next level of their journey in Christ! YG has acquired tickets and is giving our YGers a great discount. CLICK THE ABOVE ICON to reserve your YG discounted registration. For general convention information, go to AYP.me/Convention for all the deets.

BRAVE HEARTS
What our @ygchurch @yp.sda had to say about the convention:

“It was really amazing to connect and network with people from all over the place. The speakers helped me to look inward and become more self-aware!” —Ashley Livingston, 25, professional organizer

“The convention truly helped me connect more with Adventist Young Professionals, learn about myself, and build my relationship with Christ. It was amazing.” —Gary Livingston 28, contractor


PURSUE GOD

JESUS IS LORD OF ALL
In the midst of your storm, who do you have in your boat?

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. –Philippians 2:9-11 [NLT]

TABLE TALKS: AT THE TABLE WITH JESUS // SAT 10:15AM CST // @YGCHURCH
In a world filled with noise, Jesus invites you to His table. A table of abundance. Peace. Protection.

Join YG in their Summer Series, “Table Talks: At the Table with Jesus,” Saturdays, 10:15AM Central;
In person: 4409 Pleasantview Drive, Arlington, TX 76017-1427; or
Online: fb.com/ygchurch
live.ygchurch.com
https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungerGenerationChurchTv


JESUS IS LORD OF ALL
From author, Louie Giglio:
I am thrilled about the journey we are experiencing through At The Table with Jesus. I pray God is speaking so much truth to your heart as you take time each day, acknowledging that the table Jesus has prepared is available in every moment and that Jesus, Who prepared the table for you, is with you in every moment.

Today, I couldn't be more excited to lean into the powerful truth that Jesus is Lord of all.

I love how Philippians 2:9-11 explains this: “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus is showing us that He has power and authority over everything.
Over every name.
Over every ruler.
Over every kingdom.
Over every institution.
Over the very laws of the universe.
He has all power and all authority.

So when we come to the table, I pray our eyes will be opened to realize that we are sitting with the Lord of all.

Now, I want to let you in on what to bring and what not to bring to the table with the Lord of all.

Do bring your questions. Jesus invites them. You do not have to hide your questions from Him, so come open and honest, and bring the confusion about what you don't understand to God. Ask Him for insight. He’s not offended or disappointed by your questions.

Don't bring your negotiations to table with the Lord of all. Don’t come to God trying to work out some sort of deal like, ‘If you do this then I’ll do that.’ When you sit at this table, you sit humbly, in surrender, because you understand that Jesus is Lord of all - Lord of your life, your opinions, and your wishes.

I want to invite you to sit at the table with the Lord of all. I also want to challenge you to get up from the table, knowing that He is with you and He is for you. His authority is on your side, so that you can walk into a broken world as a light that shines in the darkness for His glory.

For a deeper look into the stunning truth that Jesus is the Lord of all, watch the video above.


MEET HIM AT THE TABLE
Younger Generation Church
wants to support your faith habits and spiritual growth as you strive to #BeJesus #BeYG. To this end, we invite you to join us in the coming days journeying through the devotional, "At the Table with Jesus."

Maybe your journey with Christ has been sporadic, filled with momentary bursts and desert times. It's said it takes about 66 days to form a new habit, so this might be just the time to return to the table Jesus has set to meet up with you.

Our desire and mission is for you to experience a deeper devotion with Christ Jesus, through intimacy, community, and grace. May you take a seat at the table and enjoy some time with Jesus.

Click the above icon for resources to help you spend quality time with him.


EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY

foundation // launching 1pm aug 20 // fellowship hall
foundation is a brand new @ygchurch Bible study. we are so excited to spend time together studying the Word of God on Sabbath afternoons.

This name was inspired by the concept of Christ being our One True Sure Foundation. (​​Isaiah 28:16 “So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”)

Personally, this concept stands out to me because there are so many things that society tells young people to rely on: appearances, wealth, education, social media, etc. Even within the church, our focus can be on other things, which are important as well, but I believe it’s time we go back to weightier matters. 2 Peter 1:3 says “​​His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” There are so many young adults trying to live a Godly life without the right tools! Many of us think we have to invent our own or use what the world tells us. He has given them all to us. One prominent way He does this is through the word. --Dani

Click the icon for our IG. Oh and share with a friend who may be interested :)


COMMONS AREA SURVEY
The Commons Committee is conducting a survey to get the congregation’s opinion on how to plan the outdoor space on the south side of the church property. Please click the above icon to participate in the survey.


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.


A GREAT SUPPLEMENT TO OUR CURRENT SERIES: THE CHOSEN
Come and see what they saw. The Chosen is the first-ever multi-season series about the life of Christ. Click the above icon to see the free show tens of millions of people won't stop talking about.


YOU’RE INVITED!
Registration is now open for the Online Bible Study of Louie Giglio’s Don’t Give The Enemy A Seat At Your Table, in partnership with FaithGateway. Whether you’re stuck in an endless cycle of destructive thinking or desire to embrace your true purpose, you have the opportunity to cancel the lies of the Enemy and restore peace and rest in your life.

Over the course of six weeks, Louie will help guide you with foundational truths rooted in Psalm 23, and provide you with practical tools and discussion points. These weeks in community together have the opportunity to not only be life-giving but also life-shifting as God wants to move in a mighty way. The study begins on September 12th and when you register today, you’ll receive exclusive access to bonus content!

Click the above icon to sign up.


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

2022 FULL LIFE CONFERENCE: PANEL DISCUSSION
Flourishing in a Broken World is the theme of the 2022 Full LIFE Conference, Saturday, August 13, beginning at 9:00AM, CST, at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4409 Pleasantview Drive, Arlington, Texas. The community is invited to this free event featuring multiple general sessions, panel discussion with mental health professionals, and topical seminars all intended to equip families, especially parents and guardians, for mental wellness and emotional resilience during high-stress seasons of life. A complimentary lunch will be provided just before 1:00PM, prior to the beginning of the afternoon seminars.



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


DALLAS NON PROFIT AIMS TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS THAT DISABLED PEOPLE FACE
To Be Like Me helps schoolchildren develop empathy for those with differences. Click above icon for feature article include mention of our Gabbie Harris.


DOOR HOLDERS FOR PASSION CONFERENCE
We use the term "Door Holder" instead of the word "volunteer." The term is borrowed from Psalm 84:10, which speaks of being a doorkeeper in the house of God.

At Passion, all volunteers are considered Door Holders — not just those who literally hold physical doors! From those who are serving in the background to those serving from the stage, we all share the same heartbeat to open the door for others to experience Jesus.

There are numerous ways for you to serve the students at Passion 2023. If you’re over the age of 25 and are willing to serve throughout the entire conference, we invite you click the above icon to submit your Door Holder application today!


WANTED: PARENTS, MENTORS, SPONSORS & HOSTS
YG is ramping up for the Back to School season, and needing great adults to be involved in the lives of our students and young adults! If you are willing to be involved in YG, click the above icon to let Pastor Allan know of your interest.



SUCCESS CLOSET WARDROBE BOX IN CHURCH LOBBY
The Pathways to Success department at Southwestern Adventist University has this exciting program for the Fall semester called the Success Closet. We want to partner with our community to provide young professionals with professional attire. Many times, students at our university struggle financially and for this reason we created the Success Closet. Through the Success Closet our students will be able to receive professional clothing to rock their first interview or create a great first impression. Your donations to the wardrobe box in your church lobby will undoubtedly help students on their pathway to success.


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

APPRECIATION FOR SLAD
Thank you to SWAU Spiritual Life and Development for the invitation to discuss collaborations for the upcoming school year!


THANK YOU ARLINGTON LIFE TODAY!
Deep appreciation to all the volunteers that make Arlington LIFE Today possible! Our hosts, producers, guests, media specialists, and set designers! You all rock!

THANK YOU CLINICIANS!
Special thank you to all the mental health clinicians who participated in the Full LIFE Panel during @ygchurch!



THANK YOU BURTON ADVENTIST ACADEMY, PARENTS, AND EDUCATORS
So great to join with you in welcoming back students, and their families. We honor and appreciate all our educators and workers in our schools. And we are praying for all our student leaders as they lead on their respective campuses.


YG PREVIEW WAS SWEET!
Thanks to everyone who came out for pizza, @ygchurch preview, and jumped in to help us plan the upcoming season. We’re going to give you a sneak peak at what ahead, and if you want to help with any of the upcoming events, just hit the icon to be put in touch the leadership teams.


QUAYE SISTERS REFLECT ON BRAVE HEARTS CONVENTION
I had a great time at AYP Convention! I met a lot of people from around the country, and got to hear from a variety of experts about what it means to be a Christlike leader. I’m definitely going next year!
—Danielle Quaye, UTA Linguistics doctoral candidate

It was so touching to see and interact with hundreds of young Adventists, open to new relationships and following after Christ. The weekend’s theme was relevant and helped me realize that knowing myself will positively impact my community and allow God to actually use me. —Barbara Quaye, PharmD

AYP Convention was a great experience! My expectations were definitely exceeded as I had the opportunity to network with other amazing Adventist professionals. I made so many great connections and felt inspired to truly develop my character and leadership. I can’t wait for next year! —Beryl Otchere, DDS


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