JUNE 27, 2023 VOL.4 NO.23
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.
PRICES GO UP JULY 1ST!
College graduates, young professionals, & young adult entrepreneurs: The AYP Convention is a must for this Summer! Register by June 30 to save $20! Click the above icon to register today! ayp.me/convention/
Find us live streaming on YouTube, Saturdays, 10:15AM [Central].
HE GETS US: DANGER AHEAD // SAT, JULY 1, 10:15AM CDT // @YGCHURCH
Do you want retribution or restoration?
“My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you.” —John 12:35
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 SPEAKER: PASTOR APRIL SNYDER
April Snyder is the Pastor for Discipleship at the Keene Church. She is completing graduate studies with Andrews University in Public Health and Masters of Divinity/Chaplaincy. April loves serving people at breakfast every week. When she’s not doing ministry, you can find her hanging out with her husband, Blake Snyder, her friends, and her two kittens, or going for a boba tea run.
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.
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.
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
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.
COMING EVENTS
CARTER BLOODCARE // JULY 15, 9:30AM-12:30PM // REVIVE COMMUNITY CARE
It's that time again! Time to save lives with your precious blood donation! Texas hospitals need your help in making sure that there is a supply of life-saving blood for emergencies! Carter BloodCare will be in the REVIVE Community Center on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm! As a way to say thank you, every donor that gives blood will receive a Beach Towel!
If you are able, please make an appointment so that we know that you are coming! If you are unable to make an appointment, please know that walk-ins are also welcome! Click the above icon or here to make an appointment.
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.
FREE SABBATH LUNCH @ SPORTS WEEKEND
For those who will not be competing in the Southwestern Sports Weekend, and will be there primarily for Sabbath worship events, you can sign up for a free Sabbath lunch. Click the icon above to register today. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-fit-for-the-kingdom-tickets-611322822017
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!
GSD CREATE CONFERENCE // JULY 26-28 // DALLAS, TEXAS
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to reach the pinnacle of your leadership potential, breaking through boundaries, fears, and the ordinary? If so, we have an opportunity you won't want to miss.
The CREATE Conference, happening July 26-28 in Dallas, TX, is an exclusive event designed to connect ambitious minds, deliver life-transforming strategies, and bring out your leadership genius.
We believe everyone has untapped potential just waiting to be discovered. This is your chance to immerse yourself in an environment engineered for leadership transformation and success. We hope you'll join us in embracing this remarkable journey.
To register, simply click here. Seats are limited, so be sure to secure yours quickly. If the cost of registration is a concern, please know that we have sponsorship opportunities available. For more information, feel free to reach out to Seth Yelorda at seth.yelorda@gmail.com.
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!
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.
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!
PURSUE GOD
HE GETS US: PASS OVER
He's got you. . . covered.
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! –John 1:29 [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 youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv
PRACTICE 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
PAST MOMENTS FROM PASSION 2022
Throughout the years, we have seen God move in incredible ways at Passion. Check out some of our favorite moments from Passion 2022 to get a glimpse of a generation gathered for the name and fame of Jesus inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium!
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.
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
TOUR TALKS
Enjoy selected presentations so far from the Young Adult LIFE Tour. tinyurl.com/YALTtalks
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.
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.
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!
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.
HOST A YOUNG ADULT MEAL
Anytime is a great time to share meals with young adults. Launch an “Open Table,” this Summer. Click here for a “how to host guide booklet.” Once you have a plan in place, pitch your plan to YG Shark Tank, and YG can help defray the cost. tiny.one/SharkTankPitch
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
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
PICKLEBALL WAS FUN!
Thanks to Esteban and Brandon we had a great time this weekend at Chicken N Pickle! If you have an idea for a Summer social event for college students and/or YG young adults, pitch it to YG Shark Tank so we can help fund your ideas. By the way, don't be fooled by Esteban, he's a killer at pickleball. <G> Click the above icon to pitch your social idea! tiny.one/SharkTankPitch
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.
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