MAY 31, 2023 VOL.4 NO.19
EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION ENDS JUNE 2!
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 WILLING TO SPONSOR YOUR VOLLEYBALL TEAM
@ygchurch is willing to sponsor a team you put together for the @southwesternadventist volleyball tournament!
Get all the deets from https://www.southwesternadventist.org/youth gather your team, and DM Pastor Allan when you’re set to sign up.
HE GETS US: DID JESUS HAVE FUN?
Writings from He Gets Us: From the beginning, we’ve wanted to share the real Jesus. At some point along the way, we realized that despite our best efforts to show a true and complete picture of Him, that image became a bit unbalanced. Not incorrect but incomplete. We spent so much time reflecting on heavier topics that when we stepped back to look at the whole mosaic, we couldn’t help but notice we were showing a picture of Jesus that was distinctly lacking joy.
The below video is a response to that — a sort of rebalancing. As it turns out, Jesus was no stranger to joy. He went to weddings. He shared lively meals with His friends. He drank with them. He had so much fun and acted so freely around the dinner table, the uptight religious leaders called Him a glutton and a drunkard (Matthew 11:19). He didn’t worry about what would happen to His reputation when He hung out with people who others thought were shady, and he was always uninhibited in His pursuit of compassion and joy for others. Jesus let His hair down too.
Click the above icon to enjoy a devotional by Max Lucado base on John chapter 2, “Did Jesus Have Fun?”
HE GETS US: PERSONAL ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS // SAT, JUNE 3, 10:15AM CDT // @YGCHURCH
Won't Stop Now, Holy Forever, Where You Are, Nothing Else #WorshipSet #Jun3 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #HeGetsUs #ygchurch
The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish. —John 1:14 [Message]
Join Younger Generation Church, Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, as we dive into the Gospel of John and discover Love incarnate.
YG GUESTS: LAKE WHITNEY RANCH SUMMER CAMP STAFF
Summer camp is just around the corner and we are elated to have the young adults who are serving our campers at Lake Whitney Ranch join us for worship. Gregg, Lonnie, and Miguel are among the vibrant administrative staffers who will be sharing their encounters with Jesus.
FOUNDATION BIBLE STUDY NEW LOCATION // JUNE 3, 1PM POTLUCK, 2PM STUDY // JUNIOR HIGH FORM ROOM
Look for @foundation.yg to resume this Saturday in their new location on the second floor of the youth annex in the Form Room. Click the above icon to get all the deets on Instagram.
SUMMER FUN WITH SHARK TANK
You do know your ideas for socials, outings, and fun are great ways to connect and are eligible for shark tank funding?
@ygchurch wants to support all the creative ways you may have in mind for outreach, evangelism, and sharing GOD’s love; Including Summer fun! Click https://tiny.one/SharkTankPitch and submit your idea to YG Shark Tank.
COMING EVENTS
NEXT STOP: PRAXIS MINISTRY
The Young Adult LIFE Tour plans to make its next stop in Southern California at Praxis Ministry, the young adult ministry of Loma Linda University Church. June 23-24 offers an exciting array of gatherings, including Night Church and big Afterglow party, with unique young adult voices who will speak on the future of the church. Saturday morning features teaching and training at Praxis Sabbath School, Anthem, and LLUC Worship; Then we’ll be at Thousand Steps Beach for a fun beach vespers! We hope you join us. praxisministry.org/yalifetour
Wanting to be more than a training event, the Young Adult LIFE Tour intends to be experiential and interactive, seeking to hold tour stops in local Adventist churches across the division where vibrant young adult ministry is thriving and bringing vitality to the whole congregation. We’re thrilled to be in the Pacific Union at Praxis, where worshiping Jesus, growing in biblical truth, and holding to authenticity, community, and sacrifice are key values for discipleship. As young adults collectively fulfilling the great commission of Jesus, Praxis aims to learn and know the deep love of Jesus and put it into practice.
Across the Pacific Union and beyond, ministry leaders passionate about young adult ministry and young adults themselves are especially invited to the Young Adult LIFE Tour. praxisministry.org/yalifetour
To learn more about the tour check out, https://www.nadadventist.org/news/young-adult-life-tour-dallas-fort-worth-equips-and-empowers-local-church
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.
LOVE IN CHAOS // BOB GOFF // JULY 25 // RIGHTNOW MEDIA
Coming July 25, 2023 Good News for a Divided Culture
We don’t have to look far to see division in our world. And in many ways, we are confused, angry, and disillusioned by all the chaos we’re experiencing. How should Christians respond to the chaos? What does it look like to live faithfully in these strange and challenging times? Join bestselling author Bob Goff in this six-session series as he helps us answer these questions. Learn what it looks like to follow Jesus and obey his commands even in a time of chaos. Click the above icon for details and link.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Click the above icon for all the event details and registration!
PRE THRIVE OUTREACH // JULY 28, FRI // DFW METROPLEX
Join us on Friday, July 28, for the AYP Thrive Pre-Convention Outreach Project hosted by AYP Dallas in partnership with ADRA International and Reach the World Next Door.
During this half day of service, we will serve the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex through three exciting projects:
1) Reaching The World Next Door alongside Dallas-Fort Worth Fil-Am SDA Church will host a Great Choice Expo to support the resettlement of refugees.
2) ADRA International will partner with Tarrant County Samaritan Housing Inc to assist in cooking and serving the residents in this facility.
3) ADRA International will partner Arlington SDA Church’s Revive Community Care will to hand out food, drinks, and toiletries in the community.
Registration is required and additional project details are available at AYP.me/Convention/Outreach. Invite a friend and sign up today!
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: JOIN US FOR THRIVE CONVENTION!
Join us in Texas for our annual 3-day leadership convention infused with inspiring stories, rich and practical ideas, and engagement with leadership experts. Don’t delay in inviting a friend and signing up today!
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.
SAVE THE DATE
Younger Generation Church will be offering a group registration for this exciting Bible Conference. More details to come.
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.
PURSUE GOD
HE GETS US: TRANSFORMATION
Make room for Jesus, in the Church and in your heart.
13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” –John 2:13-17 [ESV]
Our GOD is not remote, distant, or detached. He dwells with us.
The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.
—John 1:14 [Message]
Join Younger Generation Church, Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, as we dive into the Gospel of John and discover Love incarnate. #HeGetsUs #ygchurch
www.youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv
DEVOTIONAL: THE WORD BECAME FLESH
What we believe impacts every aspect of our lives. When God entered human history and the Word became flesh, the power of Heaven was unleashed on the earth. God became a man. People could see and believe in Him in a whole new way. It is the time to ask the question, “What do I really believe about Jesus, and how should this shape my daily life?”
Our lives will be shaped and dramatically impacted by what we believe and where we put our trust. Jesus offers a rock-solid foundation for life. Sadly, many people look to the things of this world and hope they will provide the security and stability their souls long for. Too often the results are tragic.
Countless people have lost their life’s savings by getting sucked into an investment scam or Ponzi scheme. They put all the money they have saved into an opportunity that seems too good to be true — because it is! When the truth finally comes out, their retirement savings are gone and there is often nothing they can do to recover their resources.
Many young people have a sense of invincibility. They place their trust in their own strength, abilities, and creativity. Over time the weight of life becomes too much and something has to give. Their blind confidence becomes flooded by uncertainty.
Your soulmate is out there! Just find the right one! So many people spend their lives looking for the perfect person who will “complete them” and make life wonderful. Many never find that elusive prize. Those who do, with time, tend to discover one of two things. That person is not as perfect as they imagined (and sometimes they start looking again). Or the weight and expectations they heap on that one “flawless person” is too much and it crushes them.
If we place our ultimate belief and trust in finances, health, people, or anything else, in time we will end up disappointed, and the sheer weight of life will bring things crumbling down. In the beginning of John’s Gospel, we are offered a place to put out trust, belief, hope, and life. Well, it’s not really a place; it’s a person. He is the Word of God. The Light. The Messiah. Jesus. —Kyle Idleman
Click above icon for more devotional resources for the study of the Gospel of John.
PASSION CONFERENCE SERMON: YES LORD!
During the early days of the Passion Movement, God connected our story to the confession found in Isaiah 26:8:
Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your truth, we wait eagerly for you; for your name and your renown are the desire of our souls. —Isaiah 26:8
At Passion 2023, Louie Giglio reminded us of the power of saying, "Yes, LORD." Instead of living for ourselves, we are challenged to make Jesus' name and fame heard on our campuses, in our workplaces, and in all of our spheres.
I’VE WITNESSED IT DEVOTIONAL
The I’ve Witnessed It 7-Day Devotional is available now on YouVersion! Each day is based on a song that we sang together at Passion 2023. Click above to start the plan today!
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY
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.
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!
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
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].
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
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PENNY JOHNSON
Penny Johnson, President/CEO for Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South and AdventHealth’s Southwest Region, has been named the 2023 Tarrant County Woman of Impact Award Winner. Penny was one of 8 local women who worked to advance heart health and fund the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association’s through Go Red for Women’s® annual Woman of Impact initiative. Click the above icon for the feature article.
NEW ESL CLASSES TAUGHT BY DANI
Our new ESL Classes are under way! With so many interested, we had to open up two classes! A huge thank you to our wonderful teacher Danielle Quaye and various assistants who helped make this possible!!
PASTOR KAYLA BEING YG IN AFRICA
Pastor @kaylargoodman just completed an evangelistic trip to Africa with @awr.360 and @sdathelogicalseminary where she, her classmates and professors preached and held outreach meetings. Over a thousand people in Zambia were baptized as a result!
PRODUCERS OF ARLINGTON LIFE TODAY
Congratulations to Anaiah and Jenia who just graduated from eighth grade at @burtonadventistacademy
Among the many ways they lead and influence, they serve our media team at @arlingtonsda as producers for “Arlington LIFE Today.”
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