MAY 3, 2023 VOL.4 NO.15
CALLING ALL GRADUATES!
Congratulations! Whether your are graduating from high school, college, trade school, or graduate school, we celebrate your great accomplishments! Please sign our senior registry so we can stay connected with you and share with you a graduation gift! tinyurl.com/YGgrads
SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY 2023 GRADUATION
Click the above icon for all the SWAU Graduation details!
BROKEN TO BEAUTIFUL: WHOLE AGAIN // SAT, MAY 6, 10;15AM CDT // @YGCHURCH
A Thousand Hallelujahs, Honey In The Rock, Living Water, Defender #WorshipSet #May6 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #Broken2Beautiful #ygchurch
Being the founder of the blog, Broken to Beautiful You, Lisa Brandreth aspires to — through her own hardships — show others there is beauty that can be found in their brokenness. She believes we are all worthy of living whole lives, if we so choose. In her day to day, she works in the clean energy industry as a renewable credit analyst, and in the evenings you’ll find her catching those gainz in the gym. On her weekends, Lisa enjoys spending time with her people, leading @ygchurch worship, and speaking from to time. Find her on IG, @lisa_brandreth
Join Younger Generation Church, Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, as we discover the beauty in sacrifice, and the power of Love that can arise from suffering and pain.
AYP LUNCH AND GAMES // MAY 7, 12:00PM // DALLAS CHAPTER
Join the AYP Dallas Chapter on May 7th for an afternoon of food, fun and games in Dallas, TX. We invite you to join our event beginning at 12:00 pm CT. Invite a friend and register at AYP.me/event/dallas-lunch-game-may-23/ for the details and location!
AYP LIFE’S BIG QUESTIONS // MAY 7, 2PM CDT // AYP ZOOM
Join us for the next gathering of AYP’s Life’s Big Questions group. During our bi-weekly gatherings, we focus on helping young professionals create connections on life topics through a spiritual lens. Together, we discuss real and relevant topics that you face as a young adult.
Sign up for an upcoming gathering at AYP.me/event/big-life-questions-05-07-23 and join our group’s WhatsApp to learn more and suggest upcoming discussion topics.
SUMMER INTERNS WANTED @YGCHURCH
All students are invited to apply for internship with Younger Generation Church this Summer. Providing service hours for a non-profit charitable organization like a church is a great way to gain experience and learn community leadership skills as well as logistics management. Click the above icon to submit your resume and your indicate how many hours per week you are willing to provide.
THANKS FOR WEARING YG INSIDE AND OUT!
We have GREAT volunteers. Be one. If you want to get your YG shirt, fill out our volunteer form and then let Pastor Allan know what size you need [they run big].
CREATING CONNECTIONS WITH YOUNG ADULTS
Listening to ministry leaders, we often hear these questions:
• How can we attract more young adults to our church?
• And why can’t we get the ones already in our church to commit?
It’s easy to think about young adults and church as a problem to be solved. In today’s blog post, Andy Jung shows us how to reframe our thinking to see young adults as connections to be made. We’re with you as you help young adults find Jesus-centered answers to their questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. —Fuller Youth Institute
Click the above icon or here to read the full blog article.
COMING EVENTS
COACH MURRAY MEMORIAL // MAY 14, 10:00AM // ARLINGTON SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
Richard Dale Murray, 68, of Mansfield, Texas, peacefully passed away in his home on April 17, 2023. Rick was adopted from a German orphanage as a toddler by Billie J. Murray and LoLeita (Murray) Case. He was raised near multiple army bases across the country, but called the Seattle area home.
Rick graduated from Auburn Adventist Academy in 1973, and then from Walla Walla University with a BA in both Theology and Education.
He married Jane Taylor in 1982, and the young couple moved from Kansas to Takoma Park, Maryland in 1983. They lived in Maryland until 2004, when they moved their family to Mansfield, Texas.
Rick was Dean of Men at both Enterprise Academy, Enterprise, Kansas and Columbia Union College, Takoma Park, Maryland. He remembered every young man who was in his dorm, and enjoyed recounting stories of their shenanigans. While at Columbia Union College, he also became the Athletic Director, and was instrumental in developing a competitive athletic department. His passion for making sure Adventist youth had opportunities to play competitive sports continued throughout his life.
Rick’s basketball coaching spanned 40+ years. He coached at Enterprise Academy, Columbia Union College, Spencerville Adventist Academy, Burton Adventist Academy and Southwestern Adventist University. He ran summer basketball camps at Columbia Union College and coached at Morgan Wootten basketball camps.
He believed that many life lessons could be learned through basketball, and was dedicated to guiding his players toward a life where God remained #1.
Rick was devoted to Jane and their three nearly-perfect children. He told hilarious and touching stories about the birth of each child (declaring he was the one who was suffering during labor) and actually got to ‘catch’ their daughter when she was born. Rick had fun taking his family to Rehobeth Beach and Ocean City during long summer weekends, being a tour guide in DC for relatives, cheering at their children’s events (baseball, lacrosse, basketball, gymnastics) and singing along during whatever musical production each of them were in. He was so proud to watch each of his children get married, immediately loved the new son and daughters-in-law, and welcomed them as his own children.
Rick never knew a stranger, and could talk to anyone about anything. His loud booming coach voice and his tall 6’5” frame could be heard and seen from far away. He loved singing (loudly), reading, traveling, Rottweilers, blackberry pie, and the Seattle Seahawks. He was a fan of all music from the 60’s and 70’s (especially The Beach Boys), and could sing every word to most songs from that era. He loved Christmas, and spent many years dressing up as Santa for his kids, nieces and nephews. He insisted on watching all the classic and corny Christmas movies every year. Most of all, he adored his family and being “Papa” to his precious grandchildren.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Billie J. Murray and LoLeita Case, his step-father Wayne Case, his brother Joe Murray and sister Gladys Murray.
Rick is survived by his wife Jane, children Matthew and Taylor Murray, Megan and Jared Nichols, Zachary and Grace Murray, two grandchildren Jaxon and Isabella, step-mother Nancy Murray, brother Brian Murray, several nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces.
A memorial service is planned for Sunday May 14 at 10:00 am at the Arlington Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Rick Murray Athletic Scholarship Fund at Burton Adventist Academy.
WORSHIP & SPORTS WEEKEND // JULY 20-23 // KEENE, TEXAS
Worship and Sports Weekend is taking place in Keene, Texas, on July 20-23, 2023. You are invited to worship and play sports with us. We are excited to provide youth and young adults the opportunity to meet and compete in a Godly fashion. We know that many young people don’t have the opportunity to participate in sports due to honoring the Sabbath as part of their commitment to God. Leaders, parents, and pastors-- please invest your time and plan to bring your young people for a dynamic extended weekend of worship and sports. Click the above icon to register.
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.
HOTEL DISCOUNT FOR AYP CONVENTION
Hilton Garden Inn is pleased to offer special 33% discounts for attendees to the 2023 Adventist Young Professionals Thrive Convention!
When you use Group Code THRIVE, you will receive 33% off your room (while supplies last). Book your room at https://bit.ly/3L62Pxs and reserve your discounted convention tickets through Younger Generation Church.
PURSUE GOD
BROKEN TO BEAUTIFUL: STRANGELY DIM
We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. –Romans 6:6 [NLT]
YG SPEAKER: PASTOR KYLE BARROW
Kyle Barrow is a soon graduating senior theology major at Southwestern Adventist University. Born and raised in Maryland, he is the oldest of four siblings. Kyle enjoys sports, the gym, being active and sharing about his best friend Jesus. We have delighted to have Kyle serve as YG’s Pastor Intern, before he and his fiance, Megan Orvis, move to Washington Conference where he will serve as a youth and young adult pastor.
BROKEN TO BEAUTIFUL // PASSION SEASON 2023 // @YGCHURCH
We are cracked and chipped from our afflictions on all sides, but we are not crushed by them. We are bewildered at times, but we do not give in to despair. We are persecuted, but we have not been abandoned. We have been knocked down, but we are not destroyed. We always carry around in our bodies the reality of the brutal death and suffering of Jesus. As a result, His resurrection life rises and reveals its wondrous power in our bodies as well. —2Corinthians 4:8-10 [Voice]
But he was hurt because of us; he suffered so.
Our wrongdoing wounded and crushed him.
He endured the breaking that made us whole.
The injuries he suffered became our healing. —Isaiah 53:5 [Voice]
Join Younger Generation Church, Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, as we discover the beauty in sacrifice, and the power of Love that can arise from suffering and pain. https://www.youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv/streams
STORY ENCOUNTERS: THE CHOSEN // HOPE CHANNEL INTERNATIONAL
Hope Channel International, an Adventist global media network, has launched the premiere of its new interactive Bible discussion series, "Story Encounters: The Chosen." Hosted by Adventist Pastors Ty Gibson and David Asscherick, the series explores the Biblical themes and stories depicted in the hit series, "The Chosen." Click the above icon for more information.
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY
AYP RELATIONSHIPS: I’M LOOKING FOR SOMETHING REAL // MAY 15, 7:00PM CT // AYP ZOOM
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 at AYP.me/event/relationships-im-looking-for-something-real and join our group’s WhatsApp to learn more!
SUPPORTING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
When she was in high school, youth leader and FYI apprentice Laura Atwood remembers adults talking often about how tough adolescence was. But no one seemed to say much about the challenges that would come in young adulthood.
Let’s offer high school seniors support that can help them navigate the instability that lies ahead.
Read more from Laura and discover two ways to serve high school seniors in the transition to young adulthood.
We’re with you as you help young people find Jesus-centered answers to their questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. —Fuller Youth Institute
A FAITH COMMUNITY OF ADVENTIST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
A wonderful feature about the power of community in this grassroots network spanning the globe. Look for the article in the latest edition of the Southwestern Union Record.
BUILD COMMUNITY WITH EACH OTHER BY SERVING
REVIVE Homeless Ministry is a growing ministry that is committed to making an impact in our world, through various acts of kindness and compassion. REVIVE has partnered with local homeless shelters in the community to assist and serve the homeless population of Tarrant County. It is our hope be the hands and feet of Jesus by demonstrating His love and service. Click the above icon to volunteer.
BUILD COMMUNITY BY ENJOYING MEALS TOGETHER
Anytime is a great time to share meals with new acquaintances, family, and friends. Put what you’ve learned from our Young Adult LIFE Tour into practice, by launching an “Open Table,” this new quarter. Click the above icon for a “how to host guide booklet.” Pray and plan, and begin this Spring meeting with old friends and making new ones.
WHEREVER YOU ARE, GATHER TO WORSHIP TOGETHER
If you can’t be with YG in person, why not gather with friends and family to join your worship with ours. Anytime. Anywhere. Be blessed or blessed again. https://www.facebook.com/ygchurch/videos
Bingeworthy? Check out our YG Video Vault for events, worships, and media from the past 13 years. https://vimeo.com/channels/ygchurch
YG can also be found on YouTube,
https://www.youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv
#BeJesus #BeYG
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!
No doubt work consumes a lot of your focus and energies. Our hope is you will find at @ygchurch meaningful relationships, inspiration, and refreshment for your spirit. Our desire is for you to experience a sense of belonging with us; That you will find your purpose affirmed here; That you will discover more fully your identity in Christ. We think of you as family and hope you will discover in us a place you can call home.
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.
NEW AYP CHAPTERS IN TEXAS!
We’re excited to share that AYP now has chapters in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, and Austin - 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
SIGNING UP GREAT PEOPLE WITH A HEART FOR SERVICE
Younger Generation Church thrives on the passion and service of volunteers of all ages. Our young adult ministry has all kinds of roles where you can play an important part whether you are 9 or 90! Click the above icon to complete our volunteer form and stop by the welcome booth this Sabbath to pick up your YG volunteer team shirt. Join YG in Loving GOD and Loving People. tinyurl.com/YGvolunteer
GOT AN IDEA FOR SHARING JESUS AND HIS LOVE?
@ygchurch wants to support all the creative ways you may have in mind for outreach, evangelism, and sharing GOD’s love. Click the above icon and submit your idea to YG Shark Tank.
TEXAS YOUNG ADULTS
Young Texas Adventists provides great ministry support to young adults including young professionals. Pastor Justin Yang is available to speak, train, and resource you and your peers. He also publishes a regular newsletter filled with coming events and relevant resources.
Click the above icon for the Texas Young Adult website. Click the below icon for the newsletter link.
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
GRATEFUL FOR GAME NIGHT!
Thanks to everyone who came out for foundation.yg game night! Next social is Boba Night, so keep May 27th open! Click the above icon to stay in touch with all things @foundation.yg
CONGRATULATIONS
Pastor Allan & Deirdre Martin are thrilled to announce the engagement of their daughter, Alexandria, to Kevin Nye. Pray for their joy and every blessing in this new chapter of their lives together!
CONGRATULATIONS
So many blessings for the Rose family! Congratulations on the recent dedication of Grace and Theodore!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Gratitude to all who have been praying and offering support to the Demiar family. We’re praying for their peace and comfort in the coming days.
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