NOVEMBER 21, 2023 VOL.4 NO.41
FIFTY THINGS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR RIGHT NOW
Comparison is like a moving airport sidewalk you wander onto… it whisks you 50 yards away to a bad place before you’ve even taken a step. And it always seems to be right there—just one tiny thought or scroll away—ready to dump you into a state of discontentment. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” And if that’s true, comparison equally steals contentment, too.
Contentment, simply speaking, is choosing to be happy with what you’ve got. It’s learning to live in a state of gratitude even for the small things. Because more often than not, it’s the small things that fill our days with meaning.
Spending just a few seconds each day thinking about the things you’re grateful for can radically shift your mindset. If you’re having trouble finding something to be grateful for, we have a list for you (and a free, printable family challenge at the end of this list!) All 50 things may not apply to your current circumstances, but there’s probably more to be grateful for than you might think. —Parent Cue
Click here for the full feature blog.
Click the above icon for the Gratitude Family Challenge.
CONGRATULATIONS ELDER CANO!
Our very own Pastor Danny was ordained as a minister of the gospel during a service presented by the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists at the Keene Adventist Church. Pastor Danny and Vanessa are grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the youth of the Arlington Adventist Church, and we're proud of Pastor Danny for this recognition!
ONLINE BIBLE STUDY: WAITING HERE FOR YOU // BEGINS DEC 4
You're invited to join us for our free Christmas Online Bible Study: Waiting Here for You: An Advent Journey of Hope by Louie Giglio! Starting December 4th, we'll journey through the Advent season week by week and discover as we wait with anticipation for Christmas day, we are also waiting on the promise of hope and love found in Jesus Christ. . . the greatest gift of all
Advent is literally a season of waiting, but it is not a passive waiting. It is a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of our Savior. Let's prepare our hearts to receive this great gift with a fresh perspective by spending time in the Word every day this December. We can't wait!
2023 @YGCHURCH HIGHLIGHTS
This year provided Younger Generation Church many memorable moments and significant accomplishments. Here are just a few 2023 highlights to emphasize YG’s mission and values. tinyurl.com/YG23review
MR. IRRELEVANT // NOV 25, 10:15AM CST // @YGCHURCH
God So Loved, A Thousand Hallelujahs, Trust In God, Goodness Of God #WorshipSet #Nov25 10:15AM CST https://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream #ygchurch
As we enter the holiday season, let us remember that GOD is sovereign over all. All of time, including the seasons of our lives, are orchestrated by His good and perfect will. Join @ygchurch Saturdays, 10:15AM [Central], for our timely sermon series.
Worship Jesus with us.
Saturdays // 10:15AM // @ygchurch
in person // 4409 Pleasantview Dr // Arlington, TX 76017-1427
online // tinyurl.com/YGlivestream
THE SEASON OF ADVENT
For years, my heart longed for something more during the holidays. No matter how hard I tried, the season always seemed to fly by too quickly, leaving me unfulfilled. That changed when I began practicing Advent. Slowing down, reflecting deeply on the Nativity story, I finally found the peace that had been missing.
Now, every Advent season, I get the chance to share that gift with you. Starting December 1st, you'll receive a new Advent reading in your inbox each day through Christmas. These readings aim to reconnect us with the heart of the Christmas story. To recapture the awe and inspiration of that holy night when heaven came down to earth.
If you're looking for meaning amid the bustle of the season, I'd be honored to be your guide this Advent. Just click the icon above for signup link. Let's reclaim the wonder together this Christmas ✨ —Hannah Brencher
ACT NOW! LIMITED DISCOUNT TICKETS! // FAMILY & FAITH NIGHT: MAVS VS. TIMBERWOLVES
Family & Faith Night featuring the Dallas Maverick versus the Minnesota Timberwolves is slated for January 7, 6:30PM, at the American Airlines Center.
Join us for a great night of sports and church family fellowship! All ages are welcome and this is a great outing to invite friends to! Thanks to sponsorship by Younger Generation Church these tickets come at a reduced price, but be prepared to be in the nose-bleed upper seating. <G> Limited discount tickets so sign up now! tiny.one/mavsgame
CONNECTING WITH STUDENTS OVER BREAK
Parents all over the country are anticipating their young adult kids coming home for the holiday break.
For some, it’s the first time they’ve been home since they sent them off and set them up for the college school year. Home will feel like home again.
If you’re one of those parents, your college-aged child has been away for almost four months.
They’ve tasted life on their own, made their own decisions, set their own hours, navigated their own dilemmas, encountered their own relationships, and resourced their own challenges.
The child you said goodbye to in the fall isn’t the same one who’s coming home this holiday season. In addition to the bag of laundry they might be carrying when they arrive, they’re bringing home other things that you need to consider… —Dr. Steve Argue
Click the above icon or here for the full feature blog.
COMING EVENTS
REVIVE CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
This year over 300 children have registered for REVIVE'S Christmas Toy Giveaway! So, we are asking for families to Donate a NEW, unwrapped toy for a child in need! Pick up a NEED from the REVIVE Christmas Tree in the foyer. Then drop off your donations by December 2! Every toy you donate will go to a child that is hoping to unwrap a toy this Christmas!
CELEBRATING SIXTY YEARS OF MINISTRY!
Mark your calendars for Sabbath, December 2, and join us in celebration of 60 years of ministry as the Arlington Adventist Church!
Have pictures from some of the "olden" days?! We'd love to have copies of them for this event! Email Mindy at the church office to find out how to get them sent to us!
WORSHIP THE KING: A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL // DEC 9, 9AM & 11:30AM // ARLINGTON ADVENTIST CHURCH
A wonderful showcase of holiday music with the DFW FilAm Youth Choir. The community is welcome to attend.
BURTON ACADEMY JUNIOR HIGH DRAMA PERFORMANCE
All are welcome to join us Wednesday, December 13 at 6pm for "NativiTV," a Christmas skit presented by the Junior High Drama Class! This clever imagination of the Nativity story is sure to entertain all ages, so bring your whole family and enjoy this holiday celebration!
BURTON ACADEMY THEATER DEPARTMENT PRODUCTION
Saturday night, December 9, plan to join us for a Christmas comedy presented by the Burton Academy Theater Department! It's Christmas Eve at the Chestnut Inn, and the emotions are piling up as deep as the snowbanks outside! Come laugh with us and enjoy this special holiday presentation of "Snowed Inn," written by Devin Anavitarte, and directed by Mindy Colvin and Student Director Alex Pollock! Admission is free; a love offering will be taken to help support the Theater Department at Burton Academy.
ARLINGTON ADVENTIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS PROGRAM // SAVE THE DATE, DEC 16
We look forward to the annual Christmas program during worship for Legacy, 9:00AM; and Mosaic, 11:30AM on December 16. Save the date and keep posted as details will arrive soon.
CULTURAL CHRISTMAS SHOW // DEC 16, 7:00PM // BAA HAYES GYMNASIUM // $10 ADMISSION
Come and support your friends in the DFW Fil-Am Tamaraw Pathfinders as they raise funds for the coming International Pathfinder Camporee 2024. The night will showcase cultural performances featuring the countries of Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Brazil, India, Mexico, and the Philippines; All while eating delicious Filipino cuisine.
ALL-CHURCH WORSHIP // DEC 23, 11:30AM // NO SEPARATE @YGCHURCH SERVICE
Plan to join us for a special all-church worship service, December 23 at 11:30AM. Although Sabbath Schools will be held as usual, there will be no separate Legacy or @YGChurch worship services. We look forward to worshiping all together as a church family.
FAMILY & FAITH NIGHT: MAVS VS. TIMBERWOLVES // JAN 7, 6:30PM // AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER
Join us for a great night of sports and church family fellowship! All ages are welcome and this is a great outing to invite friends to! Thanks to sponsorship by Younger Generation Church these tickets come at a reduced price, but be prepared to be in the nose-bleed upper seating. <G> Limited discount tickets so sign up now! tiny.one/mavsgame
GODENCOUNTERS: THE DEEP CALLING // SAVE THE DATE: FEB 2-3, 2023 // @YGCHURCH
Journey with God in trust…
Discover more of who you are…
Imagine what is not-yet for @ygchurch…
The Deep Calling is 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. Coming February 2024.
@YGCHURCH AGAIN PROVIDING DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION TO AYP CONVENTION
This year’s convention was incredible and the coming 2024 AYP Convention is sure to be just as inspiring! YG is delighted to offer discounted registration for all our church members who have interest. Contact Dr. Barbara Quaye with any quesitons you may have, but act now, as our discounted tickets are limited. Click the above icon to register for YG’s tickets!
PURSUE GOD
S.N.O.W. // NOV 18, 10:15AM CST // @YGCHURCH
My Testimony, LION, Jesus, We Love You, Praise #WorshipSet #Nov18 10:15AM CST https://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream #ygchurch #BaptismCelebration
As we enter the holiday season, let us remember that GOD is sovereign over all. All of time, including the seasons of our lives, are orchestrated by His good and perfect will.
Join @ygchurch Saturdays, 10:15AM [Central], for our timely sermon series.
YG SPEAKER: ELLE LONDON
Elle London Parks is a sophomore communications and psychology major at University of North Texas. Her mission is to facilitate the potential of those around her even amidst challenges and obstacles. She volunteers as a worship leader at Younger Generation Church. Elle enjoys music, comedy/humor, and creating compelling video narratives.
Worship Jesus with us.
Saturdays // 10:15AM // @ygchurch
in person // 4409 Pleasantview Dr // Arlington, TX 76017-1427
online // tinyurl.com/YGlivestream
THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD
We want to invite you to join us in this journey to remind ourselves of who God is. For 14 days, we’ll be reminded of an attribute of God each day and reflect on it. Text DAILY to 33864 and we will send you a text each morning with an attribute of God, where we see it in Scripture, and a short prompt for us to write out our praise. —Passion Movement
FOUR ADVENT ACTIVITIES YOU CAN USE WITH YOUR FAMILY
The Advent season can be a great opportunity to orient your family around practices that cultivate character and long-lasting faith in the young people in your home. Here are four Advent activities to nurture faith in the lives of your family members. Click the above icon for the full feature blog.
PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE // NOV 11, 10:15AM CST // @YGCHURCH
Not Done Yet, Peace Be Still, Is He Worthy, Gratitude #WorshipSet #Nov11 10:15AM CST, fb.com/ygchurch #ygchurch
As we enter the holiday season, let us remember that GOD is sovereign over all. All of time, including the seasons of our lives, are orchestrated by His good and perfect will. Join @ygchurch Saturdays, 10:15AM [Central], for our timely sermon series.
Worship Jesus with us.
Saturdays // 10:15AM // @ygchurch
in person // 4409 Pleasantview Dr // Arlington, TX 76017-1427
online // tinyurl.com/YGlivestream
AYP DEVOTIONAL: CULTIVATING RIGHTEOUSNESS
Society often encourages impulsive reactions, hasty words, and anger; it is essential for us, as young adults, to embrace a different way of living. By following the wisdom found in God's Word, we can learn to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, thus cultivating a life of righteousness.
Click the above icon for the complete devotional.
A TIME TO HEAL // NOV 4, 10:15AM CDT // @YGCHURCH
Believe For It, Forever Reign, Endless Praise, Forever YHWH #WorshipSet #Nov4 10:15am CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #ygchurch #InItsTime
As we enter the holiday season, let us remember that GOD is sovereign over all. All of time, including the seasons of our lives, are orchestrated by His good and perfect will. Join @ygchurch Saturdays, 10:15AM [Central], for our seasonal sermon series.
YG SPEAKER: JOSUE NUNEZ
Our Pastoral Resident, Josh Nuñez is a senior Theology major at Southwestern Adventist University. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and his family heritage is from the Dominican Republic. Josh likes to play piano, enjoys the outdoors, and is a sports enthusiast.
Worship Jesus with us.
Saturdays // 10:15AM // @ygchurch
in person // 4409 Pleasantview Dr // Arlington, TX 76017-1427
online // fb.com/ygchurch
EMBRACING THE PARADOX OF LIFE // OCT 28, 10:15AM CDT // @YGCHURCH
As we enter the holiday season, let us remember that GOD is sovereign over all. All of time, including the seasons of our lives, are orchestrated by His good and perfect will. Join @ygchurch Saturdays, 10:15AM [Central], for our new sermon series. Click above icon for full sermon.
Worship Jesus with us.
Saturdays // 10:15AM // @ygchurch
in person // 4409 Pleasantview Dr // Arlington, TX 76017-1427
online // fb.com/ygchurch
YG SPEAKER: PASTOR EDEN SAMANIEGO
Pastor Eden Samaniego is a triple major in Theology, English, and History at Southwestern Adventist University. This academic year Eden is serving as the Pastoral Intern for Younger Generation Church. He is passionate about explaining how the Bible invites us to join into the story of Jesus. In his free time he enjoys coffee, tennis, and sunsets.
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY
Looking to put some spring in your step and your conversations? When you join an AYP Group, you can connect with other young professionals and have meaningful discussions that are sure to encourage you. Check out AYP.me/Groups to learn more and join a group today!
COLLEGIANS ON PUBLIC CAMPUSES
If you are attending a non-Adventist college or university in the Greater DFW area, we invite you to join an Adventist Christian Fellowship [ACF] chapter affiliated with your school. For more information on ACF contact Bosco Rusine, ACF/UTA President.
AYP CHAPTERS IN TEXAS!
We’re excited to share that AYP now has chapters in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, making a local AYP presence accessible to many young professional Texans!
I invite you to join the WhatsApp chat for the chapter nearest you and ask that you help us spread the word with your friends across Texas!
If you are interested in volunteering with one of these chapters by either planning events/gatherings, helping with communications, or supporting in another way, please email Mechee.Cherine@AYP.me or visit AYP.me/apply!
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
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
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY IDEAS? // PITCH IT TO YG SHARK TANK
@YGCHURCH is all about your support your ideas to disciple and deepen the devotion of next generations to Jesus Christ. Propose your ideas via our Shark Tank proposal link, and we would love to help fund/promote your innovation! Got an idea for a social? An outreach? A LIFEgroup? Whatever it is, pitch it today! tiny.one/SharkTankPitch
YOUR SUPPORT CHANGES LIVES
I'd like to introduce you to Madeline. At a public university and as one of the few young adults at a small church, Madeline craved spiritual connections and friendships with peers during the isolating period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This desire led her to Adventist Young Professionals’ [AYP] virtual groups. Fast forward to today, Madeline not only thrives in her local Adventist church but also plays a pivotal role in AYP's global team, leading our chapter in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and actively contributing to our convention planning team.
Such transformations have been possible thanks to your unwavering support and prayers. With God's grace, AYP has impacted the lives of more than 7,500 young professionals like Madeline in the past year. Your invaluable contributions have empowered us to launch our first mission trip and expand our communities' reach to welcome and engage non-Adventist young professionals.
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
CONGRATULATIONS REHEMA & RIZIKI
What an inspiration to have the Naftal sister together proclaim their love for Jesus through baptism. Praying for their continued growth in Him and to shine ever so brightly!
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:18-20 MSG
FABULOUS FRIENDSGIVING
Thanks to Kellany, Michael, Melody and team for putting together a wonderful evening of food and fun for all of us! There are hopes of making this an annual gathering! Gratitude to all who came out!
THANK YOU SWEET SUSY’S SNACK BAR
Our first Re-Birthday Reception was loads of fun with Costco cake and collaboration with Susy Arellano of Sweet Susy’s Snack Bar! The ice cream bar was a hit. We will have to do this again!
GRATEFUL FOR YOU
As I look over this past year, I can’t help in this season but feel deep appreciation for you all, our Younger Generation Church family. As an authentic expression of the body of Christ Jesus, you have been the epitome of what He meant for the Church. My love runs deep for you, and my hope is for all His best blessings to land in your life. Thank you for Being Jesus, Being YG to me and my family. Peace and Love… —Pastor Allan
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