DECEMBER 5, 2023 VOL.4 NO.43
PUT THE ADVENT BACK IN ADVENTIST
Advent is literally a season of waiting, but it is not a passive waiting. It is a time of preparation and anticipation for the arrival of our Savior. The Arlington Adventist Church pastoral staff has assembled an array of Advent inspirational resources you can use for your personal, family, or small group devotionals/Bible study. Click the above icon to enjoy these resources for Advent Season.
BAA ELEMENTARY CHRISTMAS PROGRAM // DEC 5, 6:00PM // ARLINGTON ADVENTIST CHURCH
Join us tonight for our Elementary Christmas Program at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church @ 6 pm! If you can't join us in person, a livestream on the Arlington Church's website and Facebook page will be available to enjoy. #tistheseason #JesusIsKing #borninamanger #diedforoursins #HeIsRisen #redeemed
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
SINGLENESS: MOVING MOUNTATIONS // DEC 6, 7:00PM CST // AYP RELATIONSHIPS VIRTUAL GROUP
Join us for our next gathering about Christ-centered relationships and make new connections with young professionals from across the world.
AYP’s Relationships: I’m Looking for Something Real group is a virtual community that helps you learn about components of a meaningful relationship or gain insight navigating your existing relationship. The group will help you gain deeper insight into the components of a meaningful relationship through experiences and challenges from Adventist couples of various backgrounds. RSVP by clicking the icon above and join our group’s WhatsApp to learn more!
ONLINE BIBLE STUDY: WAITING HERE FOR YOU
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! In December, 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!
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.
WORKING AS A WAITER // SATURDAY, 10:15AM CST // @YGCHURCH
This Is Amazing Grace, Holy Forever, Away in a Manger / Worthy Is Your Name, Waiting Here For You #WorshipSet #Dec9 10:15AM CST https://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream #ygchurch
As we celebrate 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 Christmas sermon series.
Worship Jesus with us.
Saturdays // 10:15AM // @ygchurch
in person // 4409 Pleasantview Dr // Arlington, TX 76017-1427
online // tinyurl.com/YGlivestream
CHRISTMAS FIESTA // DEC 9, 3:30PM // PECK FARM
What: Church Christmas Festival, including horse rides, hay rides, Ping Pong, Games, Ornament making craft, Christmas Cookie making, and more
When: Saturday, December 9, 3:30 to 9:00 pm
Where: 150 Hidden Oaks Trail, Bartonville, Texas
Wear: Closed-toe shoes, and long pants to ride a horse (before sunset)
Food Provided: chili (meat and vegetarian), chowder and soup, cornbread, hot apple cider, sodas
Food to Bring: yummy side dish or appetizer, dessert, or drink
Optional: Adult Ornament Exchange, so bring an ornament $20 or less
Optional: prizes for the best ugly Christmas sweater
Questions: Sherri Peck 214-529-7456 or Greg Peck 214-980-4298
CHRISTMAS WITH PHILIP W. J. STOPFORD // DEC 9, 3:30PM // ST. STEPHEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The University Singers host British composer & conductor, Philip W. J. Stopford, for an unforgettable concert featuring his own compositions. The Singers will be joined by the Southwestern Chamber Ensemble and choirs from Chisholm Trail Academy, Osceola Christian School & Keene Adventist Elementary School.
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.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
A great way to get more involved with @ygchurch is to serve on one of our volunteer teams. Click the above icon or here to sign up.
YG VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: EMILIA ORTIZ
Emilia is a recent college grad with a passion for helping others and sharing God’s love through acts of kindness. She is serving @ygchurch as our volunteer coordinator, empowering our YGers in getting involved in ministry and finding sweet spots of service. Click here to sign up as a YG volunteer!
COMING EVENTS
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!
THE KINGDOM AND THE KING // DEC 16, 9:00 & 11:30AM // ARLINGTON ADVENTIST CHURCH
Join us as we embark on a captivating journey to explore the story of God's love for humankind. "The King and the Kingdom,” our Christmas music program, invites you to witness the birth of a king, not born of earthly power, but of divine love and grace. It is an invitation to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus's birth and discover how this single act of love changed the course of history. Experience the program in both the Legacy and Mosaic services on Saturday, December 16.
REJOICE! // DEC 16, 11:30AM // LEWISVILLE CAMPUS
Rejoice! (A Praise and Worship Concert Service)
Arlington SDA Church, Lewisville Campus
POTLUCK AFTER CONCERT
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.
GOD IS NEAR // DEC 23, 11:30AM // ONE ALL-CHURCH CHRISTMAS SERVICE
This Christmas, experience the profound closeness of God in "Near," a unique program celebrating the incarnation of Jesus and his enduring presence in our lives. You are invited to draw closer to the One who is ever near. Find peace, joy, and hope in the presence of the King who forever changed the world. Join us for a special, single church service at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2023.
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.
NEW YEARS EVE TESTIMONY SERVICE // DEC 31, 4:00PM // LEWISVILLE CAMPUS
Welcome in 2024 by joining us for our TESTIMONY YEAR-END SERVICE
Date: Sunday, December 31, 2023
Place: Lewisville Campus - 1471 W Corporate Drive, Lewisville, TX, 75067
Time: 4.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Refreshments will be Served
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
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
THE WAITING IS THE HARDEST PART // DEC 02, 10:15AM CST // @YGCHURCH
Raise A Hallelujah, Jireh, Joy To The World / Joy Of The Lord, O Come All Ye Faithful #WorshipSet #Dec2 10:15AM CST, https://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream #ygchurch
As we celebrate 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 Christmas sermon series.
Worship Jesus with us. Saturdays // 10:15AM // @ygchurch in person // 4409 Pleasantview Dr // Arlington, TX 76017-1427online // tinyurl.com/YGlivestream
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
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.
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
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
DEVOTIONAL: THE ALREADY AND NOT YET OF ADVENT
“Advent (which means “coming” or “arrival”) is a season of anticipation – waiting, praying, and hoping for the coming of the Messiah.
Observing Advent provides us an opportunity to slow down and participate in a daily rhythm of prayer and scripture reading which prepares and points our hearts towards the Christ who is our greatest treasure, our greatest joy, and our greatest good.
Let the promises of Advent fuel your confidence that one day God will complete His work of mending the world and ushering in shalom. Until then we wait. We trust. We pray fervently. And we hope.” —Jason Haynes
Click the above icon for the full feature blog.
HE WHO IS TO COME // KRISTIAN STANFILL + CODY CARNES
As we move closer to Passion 2024, we want to lean into worship and prayer together. With that on our hearts, we’re so excited to announce that "He Who Is To Come" featuring Kristian Stanfill and Cody Carnes is out now!
This song was inspired by Revelation 21, serving as a reminder to all of us that we have a reigning King and a coming King! God is in control and He is coming again to make everything new.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” —Revelation 21:4-5
We are praying that God uses this song for His glory now, and as we gather together to sing at the BENZ for Passion 2024! Listen wherever you stream music today!
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
WELCOME TO THE WORLD DILLON!
So grateful for the arrival of Dillon Grace Livingston, 6 pounds 11 oz, 19.5 inches long. Born December 1st, at 5:59AM. Congratulations to Gary and Ashley Livingston!
TO THE BRIDE AND GROOM
Please join us in celebrating the wedding ceremony of Pastor Jazz and Mark Antonio, who will commemorate their marriage on December 12 in San Antonio with a formal double-wedding with the bride's brother! Pastor Jazz and Mark are so grateful for the love and support they've received from their church family - if you'd like to help them as they continue to establish their home, please consider making a selection from their gift list - click here or on the image above to view their wedding registry! Thank you for continuing to lift Jazz and Mark in prayer as they celebrate this joyous event!
THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING WITH US!
Gratitude to all those who came out to join the capacity crowd for our 60th anniversary celebration for the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was a glorious Sabbath of memories and reminders of our mission to engage the world and each other with forgiveness, acceptance, and love.
THANK YOU JASMIN AND ALL OUR TX YOUTH MISSIONARIES!
It's been an incredible journey in our mission trip to El Salvador, and we're bursting with gratitude and joy to share the lasting impact we made together.
This has been the largest txyouth mission trip. We had 80 world changers, including YG’s Jasmin Rodriguez, on a mission to heal, serve, preach the gospel, and build a church. Hundreds of lives were helped physically, emotionally, and spiritually, all thanks to the unwavering dedication and hard work of each Txyouth world changer. Your willingness to serve and make a difference is what made this mission an overwhelming success.
First and foremost, we lift our hearts in gratitude to God for guiding us with safe travels and showering us with blessings to fulfill our mission. Without His presence, none of this would have been possible.
A special shoutout and heartfelt thanks go to the Salvadoran government, represented by Consulado General de El Salvador en Houston, Texas, Consul General Alex Garcia, and Vice Minister Cindy Mariella Portal from the Department of Foreign Relations, Viceministerio de Diaspora y Movilidad Humana. Their invaluable contribution in arranging transportation and handling logistics on the ground played a crucial role in ensuring the success of our mission. We are deeply appreciative of their partnership and support.
Reflecting on this journey, we're reminded of the power of unity, compassion, and the impact we can create when we come together with a shared purpose. Thank you, each and every one of you Txyouth world changers, for being the hands and feet of Jesus and the driving force behind this life-changing experience.
Let's cherish the memories, hold onto the lessons learned, and continue to be a beacon of hope in the lives of those we served in El Salvador. Here's to more missions, more impact, and more love shared with the world!
THANK YOU FOR WEARING YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE
@ygchurch is all about “being” the Church. And we want to say a special thank you to those of you who:
• Volunteer regularly serving in any or many of the ministries of Younger Generation Church, and/or
• Automate your giving to YG making your financial support regular and consistent, and/or
• Contribute to Younger Generation Church as part of your year-end charitable giving.
• Are collegians, graduate students, in trade school, or in your senior year of high school.
After Younger Generation Church this Sabbath, stop by our booth space to pick up your shirt as an expression of our deepest appreciation for you. Thanks 4 GIVING!
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