JULY 25, 2023 VOL.4 NO.27
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.
ACF INSTITUTE // JULY 25-29 2023 // UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA
ACF Institute is a gathering for North American Division Adventist Christian Fellowship Leaders and Public Campus Ministers for networking and leader-training that is not available at union or conference leadership conventions.
All ACF student-leaders, campus chaplains and pastors, conference and union youth and young adult ministries directors, and any leaders desiring to learn about ministry with and for students on public campuses from an on-campus student perspective. Our very own Bosco Rusine, ACF/UTA President, and Jean Paul Niyonshuti, ACF/UTA Vice President will be in attendance.
In conjunction with ACF Institute, a Public Campus Ministers Conference will coincide with ACF Institute the same week. The PCM Conference is a gathering of chaplains Public Campus Minister coordinators for the purpose of networking and leader-training. 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!
THRIVE CONVENTION KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BEN LUNDQUIST
Benjamin Lundquist, host of Rise & Lead, will headline 2023 AYP Convention.
Benjamin Lundquist is a top motivational speaker and one the leading voices for leadership development and empowerment. He is passionate about helping students and professionals see their worth and value, see themselves as a leader, and see their potential to change the world. The message he shares is motivating, relatable, and highly practical. Audiences are challenged to take extreme ownership of the unique gifts and opportunities they have. He is an international speaker and host of Rise and Lead Podcast which has been downloaded in over 110 countries providing aspiring and experienced leaders of all ages with world-class content and conversation. He frequently speaks at corporate and faith events, universities, and high schools.
Our good friend @benjaminlundquist will be there, you need to be there too! Register today ayp.me/convention
Find us live streaming on YouTube, Saturdays, 10:15AM [Central].
HE GETS US: BLIND FAITH // SAT, JULY 29, 10:15AM CDT // @YGCHURCH
”Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” —John 20:30 - 31 [CSB)]
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 HEIDI JACKSON
Pastor Heidi Jackson is the Community Outreach Pastor and Director of REVIVE Community Care at the Arlington Adventist Church in Arlington, Texas. Heidi started ministering to others through music before she could speak, when at the age of two, she hummed her first song at a local church. Originally from Puerto Rico, her family relocated to Texas when she was four years old, but she never stopped singing for Jesus and passionately sharing the gospel wherever she was called to do so. She has enjoyed a lifetime of leading others in worship through music and was even given the opportunity to record professionally with various artists along the way.
Heidi is a Registered Nurse and previously worked as a Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurse at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth Texas, until one morning, when she was called into pastoral ministry full time. Heidi has a heart the size of Texas and is happiest when she is with her family or serving the community. Together with her husband Jesse, she is a blessed parent of two awesome sons, Jaylen and Jordan! She is also the proud auntie of five girls, Bella, Liliana, Lía, Lucia and Olivia; as well as an auntie in Christ to many more!
MOVIE SCREENING: THE HOPEFUL // SUN, JULY 30, 12PM CDT // AMC EASTCHASE 9, FORT WORTH
Aboard a steamship sailing across the Atlantic Ocean in 1874, widower John Andrews delights the restless minds of his two children with a tale of courage, hope, war, and true love that begins with the end of the world.
Set in the 1800's in the New England region of the United States and inspired by real events, The Hopeful tells a sweeping story of a family anticipating a brighter future, a farmer following his heart, a young woman speaking up in a man's world, and a sea captain risking it all for the hope of the world to come.
The Hopeful is a story about anticipation, because we all live in anticipation of something. Charles and Mary Andrews are anticipating a story; John Andrews is anticipating the new life they’re steaming towards; William Miller is anticipating the arrival of his friend; Ellen Harmon is anticipating a better life of health and healing; Joshua V. Himes is anticipating the majesty of it all; Joseph Bates is anticipating the mission; And James White is anticipating a life with Ellen.
With a full orchestral original score by Blake Robinson (Marvel, Disney, EA) and Emmy award winner Michael Price (BBC, Sherlock), and featuring two original songs by Grammy and Dove award winning singer/songwriter, Jonas Myrin.
Directed by Emmy award winner Kyle Portbury. Presented by Hope Studios.
Click above icon for free tickets. For exclusive updates on the film subscribe at www.thehopefulmovie.com
LIFE’S BIG QUESTIONS // JULY 30, 2:00PM CDT // AYP VIRTUAL EVENT
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-30-2023/ and join our group’s WhatsApp to learn more and suggest upcoming discussion topics.
WHAT DOES JESUS SAY WHEN NOTHING SEEMS TO BE WORKING // DEVOTIONAL BY KYLE IDLEMAN
“How’s that working for ya?” is the question I ask people who need to make a change. My therapist asked it more gently and a little less passive-aggressively than I would have, but I’ve asked the question enough to know it’s a rhetorical question. The answer was so obvious that it didn’t need to be said out loud. We both knew my way wasn’t working.
Click the above icon or here for a devotional from Kyle Idleman’s book When Your Way Isn’t Working.
COMING EVENTS
In August we begin our new @ygchurch series, “Wild Hospitality.” To prepare for this awesome experience, you’re invited to watch and listen to Will Guidara’s Ted Talk.
WEDDING OF KYLE & MEGHAN // AUG 6, 1:00PM // ARLINGTON SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
Pastor Kyle Barrow and Meghan Orvis would be delighted to have @ygchurch attend the ceremony portion of their wedding this August. They are so grateful for all the support and prayers.
AYP MISSION TRIP: LOS ANGELES // AUG 31 - SEP 4
Experience the stunning beauty of Los Angeles while making a difference during our upcoming AYP Mission Trip happening August 31-September 4! Let the beauty of SoCal inspire us to share love and grace as we prepare for the mission trip. Together, let's make a lasting impact and bring hope to those in need.
Save the date and sign up at AYP.me/MissionTrip.
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
PURSUE GOD
JOURNALING THE GOSPEL OF JOHN WITH PASTOR KAYLA
During our Summer series, “He Gets Us,” we’ve been encouraging you to dive into the Gospel of John, and for some this includes journaling. Merely to support, or even to be a journaling buddy, Pastor Kayla Goodman offer’s reflections on her entries to encourage you on the journey. Click the above icon to enjoy these brief video reflections.
HE GETS US: CAMEO APPEARANCES
Jesus couldn't resist an encore.
He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. –Acts 1:3 [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
HE GETS US: LOVE IS ON THE WAY
You and your sacred story are loved by the GOD who has made a way; Who is the Way.
YG SPEAKER: PASTOR JAZZ ANTONIO
Jazz Antonio is the children and family pastor at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. Throughout the last decade, she has focused on the discipleship and mentorship of youth, young adults, and women in both profession and ministry. Jazz is passionate about creating spaces where people can experience authentic community and connection, grow in the freedom and grace of God’s love, and live out their unique calling and purpose.
Jazz is newly married to her best friend, Mark, who works as a surgical nurse. Together, they can be found enjoying a warm cup of tea or coffee, out exploring both nature and city, or immersed in a good book or podcast.
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
HE GETS US: THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Jesus' superpower is prayer. You are always in His thoughts and prayers
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. –John 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
HE GETS US: DANGER AHEAD
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
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.
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
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
JULES’ JEWELS BLOG: IN THE BEGINNING
Julie Bragg Cassell sharing a page she created in collaboration with the YG Church in Arlington, Texas:
”They’ve been preaching and studying through the Gospel of John in a series called “He Gets Us.” They sent me the John Scripture Journal, and asked me to creatively respond to something in that series. I chose something from the very first sermon, The Incarnate Word, because it was just so good!”
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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, 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
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
MINISTRY SHADOWING: THANK YOU DR. DEMORAES
What a delight to spend time with Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South's Leadership Interns. Younger Generation Church partnered with AdventHealth to offer these aspiring young adults opportunities to grow and build relationships with local church leaders and ministry.
As an added bonus, we were delighted to spend time with Dr. Elton DeMoraes, President of Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, affording the interns insights in to executive leadership and administration within the Seventh-day Adventist Church organization.
BOBA BUCK NIGHT AT ROCKETBELLY
@ygchurch had a great game night and boba at @therocketbelly! Eleven-year-old owner, Olivia Huynh gave us the royal treatment at her restaurant with self serve bubble tea, small bites, and a classic dance off. Thanks to the YG college crowd for coming out! We’ll definitely be coming back!
CONGRATULATIONS MR. & MRS. ANTONIO
From the social platform of Pastor Jazz Antonio:
what a whirlwind of a year this has been, two sojourning souls called out from the separate comforts of what we have called home and familiar and into foreign and uncharted territory:
- new city
- new jobs
- new community
- new home
- and new life together
and with all the emergency health situations of our families that have thrown our lives out of loop and put some things on hold the last several months, it has been a hard season to navigate through.
how does one adjust to sailing in a new ocean and navigation through the rocking of new waves?
I don’t think one adjusts, but rather learns to trusts. trusts in the One who made the ocean and its waves. for were it not for the waves, we wouldn’t be immersed in God’s deep deep love for us.
so, here we are. putting our hearts in the gentle palms of our loving Father, the WayMaker who nestles His way into our beating hearts and whispers: “I’ve got you, beloved. trust me. Trust the Way of the Father.”
here's to us, bound in an unconventional way, and yet wrapped in God’s endless and boundless grace.
and there’s no other place we’d want to be.
“yes, Lord. your [servants are] listening.” - 1 Sam 3:10b
XoXo
Jazz & Mark Antonio
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION
When young people are provided with supportive church environments and opportunities to lead, it can positively affect both the individual and the church. Read as six young adults share their stories, approaches to ministry and perspectives on the importance of young adults in the church. Click the above icon for the full cover story.
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