JUNE 20, 2023 VOL.4 NO.22
SPECIAL YG YOUNG ADULT DISCOUNT // ARISE INTENSIVE // SEPT 8-10 // SWAU
ARISE Intensive with David Asscherick and Ty Gibson is coming to Texas--the only ARISE Intensive in the United States for 2023. This event, scheduled for September 8-10, 2023, in Southwestern Adventist University’s Leiske-Pultar Gymnasium in Keene, Texas, is specifically designed for youth and young adults ages 14-35.
Younger Generation Church will be offering a special young adult discount registration for this exciting event that is even less than the special Texas rate. If you are interested in YG’s special young adult discount rate, click the above or below icon to sign up with Dr. Barbara Quaye. Go to tinyurl.com/AriseYG
YOUNG ADULT LIFE TOUR: PRAXIS // JUNE 23-24 // LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY CHURCH
Meeting the call of local churches for training and guidance in developing young adult ministry, Young Adult LIFE Tour aims to equip and empower local churches across the North American Division.
The Young Adult LIFE Tour will be stopping in the Pacific Union, June 23-24, 2023, at Praxis Ministry, the young adult ministry of the Loma Linda University Church [LLUC], 11125 Campus St, Loma Linda, CA 92354. All are invited, especially young adults and ministry leaders, with the weekend beginning Friday evening, 7:30PM [Pacific Daylight Time]. Live online broadcast available beginning Friday night from https://www.lluc.org/live
For more details go to https://bit.ly/3PaOMZO
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. The tour is thrilled to be in the Southeastern California Conference, 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. https://bit.ly/3PaOMZO
June 23-24 offers an exciting array of gatherings, including Night Church and a big Afterglow party. Saturday morning features teaching, preaching, training, including a panel with unique young adult voices who will speak on the future of the church. Then the tour concludes at Thousand Steps Beach for a fun beach vespers. 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.
Pastors Kelly Lin and Filip Milosavljevic, as well as the Praxis leadership team, are thrilled to host the Young Adult LIFE Tour.
Pastor Kelly Lin is a young adult intern pastor at Loma Linda University Church. She loves working with young adults, especially women, and empowering them to live freely and creatively in God’s love. Kelly is newly married to the love of her life, Logan, and she enjoys cycling, good coffee, and spending time with friends and family.
Filip Milosavljevic is the young adult pastor at LLUC, as well as an adjunct professor at the Loma Linda University [LLU] School of Religion. He completed his doctoral dissertation entitled “Growing Young Adventists” at Fuller Seminary researching what creates thriving churches that young adults love. He completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the Theological Seminary at Andrews University. His wife is a radiology resident at LLU Medical Center and an avid gardener. They have three precious children (4, 2 and under 1). Filip loves spending time with his family, playing basketball, writing, speaking, and going on adventures.
Many young adult leaders, parents, and adult members are eager to discover ways to engage and empower young adults in ministry and create meaningful bonds with local church life. But, so often, they are at a loss as to where to start or how to begin building relationships. The Young Adult LIFE Tour intends to bring insights and relevant, doable steps toward building young adult ministry now. The tour affords an introduction to Young Adult LIFE, the NAD’s young adult discipleship framework giving focus to: Leadership Impact, Intergenerational Relationships, Faith Development, and Everyday Compassion.
Future Young Adult LIFE Tour stops include Southern Union Conference in the Fall as well as weekends in Mid-America Union Conference, North Pacific Union Conference, and the Adventist Church in Canada in 2024. https://bit.ly/3PaOMZO
Find us live streaming on YouTube, Saturdays, 10:15AM [Central].
HE GETS US: PASS OVER // SAT, JUNE 24, 10:15AM CDT // @YGCHURCH
He’s got you, covered.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! —John 1:29 [NIV]
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.
WE WANT TO GET TO KNOW YOU BETTER
Curious about @ygchurch? Got a question or two? Wanting to get more involved? Interested in joining the church or getting baptized? Meet up with Pastor Allan in Room 10, 11:30AM, following YG’s worship experience. He would love to get to know you better.
AYP DALLAS CHAPTER COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT // JUNE 24, 2:00PM // MISSION ARLINGTON
Join the AYP Dallas Chapter on June 24, 2023 for an afternoon service project in Arlington. We invite you to join our afternoon event at Mission Arlington beginning at 2:00 pm. We will be helping with a range of activities around their facility, servicing the community in the Arlington area. Click the above icon to sign up.
EXPERIENCING GOD // JUNE 24, 6PM // CANYON CREEK PROJECT
Join Canyon Creek Project Church and the Keene Worship Choir for an amazing evening of worship. Experiencing God is an inspiring musical filled with stirring arrangements of many well-loved worship songs interspersed with emotional narrations. Be inspired to go deeper in your devotional life as you spend time with the truth of scripture, insights of Dr. Blackaby (author of the book, Experiencing God), and an authentic experience with God through song. This musical is great for all ages & is sure to leave every listener encouraged and inspired. Click the above icon to reserve your free ticket.
BOBA SOCIAL // SAT, JUNE 24, 8:00PM CDT // DM @FOUNDATION.242
june 24th we’re having a boba social! learn how to make your own boba with us and meet new friends. DM @foundation.242 for the address
YG COLLEGIATE SOCIAL: PICKLEBALL // JUNE 24, 9:30PM CDT // CHICKEN N PICKLE GRAPEVINE
All young adults — from those just graduating high school through college/career twenty-somethings — are invited to come out for a fun Saturday night, June 24, 9:30PM, at Chicken N Pickle, 4600 Merlot Ave, Grapevine, TX 76051. No previous pickleball experience needed, but it may be helpful to click the above icon to learn the rules. <G> If you just want to watch, of course you are welcome to come out, plus there’s all kind of other activities on site as well as food. If you want more information or have questions contact Esteban.
AYP RELATIONSHIP: I’M LOOKING FOR SOMETHING REAL // JUNE 26, 7PM CDT // VIRTUAL EVENT
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!
AYP BOOK CLUB: STEPS TO CHRIST // JUNE 28, 7:00PM CDT // VIRTUAL EVENT
Are you looking to explore timeless wisdom that applies to our lives in the 21st century? Look no further! Come, Let Us Reason is AYP’s book club and we are reading Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White and discussing its valuable insights for daily living.
At Come, Let Us Reason, we dive into one chapter per week, providing ample time for reflection and thoughtful conversations. Whether you're an avid reader or someone passionate about sharing your perspectives, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
Don't miss out on the chance to be part of upcoming discussions. Sign up for our next gathering and join us for a discussion as we explore, learn, and grow as a community of AYPers. Together, we can find inspiration for our lives and suggest exciting topics for future discussions. See you there!
FIVE QUALITIES OF A TRANSFORMATIONAL SMALL GROUP // JUNE 29, 12PM CDT // ONLINE WEBINAR
Small groups. Life groups. Home groups. Whatever your church calls them, we can all agree groups are critical to a church’s discipleship strategy. Groups can even be transformational. But many of us feel like our small group approach is coming up short.
In this free, one-hour webinar, you’ll learn the five core components that can help your group create meaningful relationships, deeper faith, and changed lives. Presented by Robby Angle, president and CEO of Trueface and former adult ministry director at North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia, this webinar also provides practical ways to put the five qualities into action in your own small group and help your church’s discipleship strategy thrive. Click the above icon to register for free.
COMING EVENTS
GOT IDEAS FOR FUN, FELLOWSHIP, & FAITH BUILDING?
We would love to support your ideas for gathering and socializing! Click the above link to pitch your idea to YG Shark Tank!
LIFE’S BIG QUESTIONS // JULY 2, 3PM CDT // AYP VIRTUAL GROUP
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/lifes-big-questions-july-2-2023 and join our group’s WhatsApp to learn more and suggest upcoming discussion topics.
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.
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.
ARISE INTENSIVE // SEPT 8-10 // SWAU // TEXAS YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT DISCOUNT
ARISE in partnership with Texas Conference and Southwestern Adventist University is offering a special discount for this event. If you want to register for their special youth & young adult discount, click the above icon soon as there are only 100 spots.
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: GOOD SHEPHERD
Feed my sheep.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. —John 10:11-13 [NIV]
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 youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv
PRACICE THE ART OF GENTLENESS
Nothing is so strong as true gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as true strength. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Have you ever seen gentleness de-escalate a tense situation? If so, maybe you were the source of that gentleness.
The Bible tells us that a gentle answer can calm a person’s anger (Proverbs 15:1). Gentleness almost always contributes to contentment as well as peace. Throughout His life, Jesus showed us by His example the power of gentleness. See in Matthew 11:29 the way He described Himself:
Accept my teachings and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. — NCV
And consider His gentleness with a woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees and teachers of the law were ready to stone her in accordance with Jewish law. Then Jesus made this simple statement:
Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. — John 8:7
When no one did, when each one walked away, Jesus was alone with the woman. To her He said simply,
Go and sin no more. — John 8:11 NLT
Choose gentleness today. Refrain from judging others. Treat the people you encounter the way you would like them to treat you, the gentle way your Good Shepherd treats you.
Psalm 23 is perhaps the most beautiful expression of Jesus’ gentle ways with us:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
—Nathalie Ouederni
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?”
PUT DOWN EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE
If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. —John 8:36
On a trip to the High Sierra mountain range in California, something hit me: the pack animals that carried our gear had no way of freeing themselves from the burdens on their backs. Unable to reach their heavy loads, they depended on others to remove them.
This is also true of us when we bear the weight of our emotional baggage. We cannot lay it down on our own; nor does it disappear over time.
Rather, true freedom is possible only through Jesus. Why?
Because we cannot reach our burdens and often don’t understand how deep they go.
But Jesus does. And He knows the perfect way to heal us completely.
Friend, no person lives free of all problems, hurdles, or pain. However, the Lord will not only protect you from lasting harm but can use difficulties to equip, prepare, and strengthen you for the next stage in your life.
Therefore, ask Jesus to lead you and relieve your burdens. He will set you free to become all God wants You to be.
Lord, I cannot reach my emotional burdens, but You can. Thank You for liberating me from them and using them to make me whole, amen.
In His presence… release your burdens. —Charles Stanley
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!
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.
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
INFLUENCE WITH PURPOSE
The Adventist Young Professional community exists to cultivate experiences that welcome both people of our faith community as well as those who may not be familiar with Adventism. Our chapters and groups exist to help young professionals do life alongside their coworkers, neighbors, and friends. As you engage in these communities, as you perhaps even launch your own, or as you simply live your daily life, I encourage you to keep five simple principles in mind so your influence may be purposeful and centered on Jesus.
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].
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
ADVENTHEALTH LEADERSHIP INTERNS
So great to meet Brenden, Daniela, and Holly, Summer interns with AdventHealth Southwest Region. We’re honored to provide ministry shadowing experiences to these emerging young professionals, challenging them to consider how to integrate their talents and skills into local church life wherever they go.
SPEAKING FOR SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE CAMP MEETING
Grateful to the hospitality of President Benjamin Jones, Jr., and the whole team as I had opportunity to speak at the renown Oakwood University Church in Huntsville, Alabama.
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