AUGUST 2, 2023 VOL.4 NO.28

**THIRD ADVENTIST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CONVENTION EMPOWERS YOUNG ADULTS FOR MISSIONAL DISCIPLESHIP**
Adventist Young Professionals (AYP) successfully concluded their third annual convention, “Thrive: The Next Level,” held from July 28-30, 2023. The 3-day leadership intensive weekend brought together nearly 400 attendees from North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa united in their desire to connect with young adults, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and embrace their purpose and calling as disciples for Christ.

Full story, https://ayp.me/blog/thrive/

**BAA BACK TO SCHOOL BBQ BASH // AUG 3, 6:30PM // BURTON ADVENTIST ACADEMY**
All are invited to a Back to School BBQ Bash on August 3, 6:30-9:00pm on the campus of Burton Academy! Join us as we ring in the new school year in style! Be sure to bring your favorite dish to this potluck style event where there will be a bounce house, lawn games, a potato salad and brisket cookout contest, and fun for the whole family! Click here or on the icon above to get all the details - don’t miss out!

This month 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.

Find us live streaming on YouTube, Saturdays, 10:15AM [Central].

**WILD HOSPITALITY: THE GOOD SAMARITAN // SAT, AUG 5, 10:15AM CDT // @YGCHURCH**
The Father's House, God I Look To You, Son Of Suffering, Reckless Love #WorshipSet #Aug5 10:15AM CDT fb.com/ygchurch #WildHospitality #ygchurch
We are loved by a lavish, hospitable GOD. There is room in the Father’s house for you. The Father is throwing a homecoming party. He cares for your every need and knows you by name.
*“We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.” —2Corinthians 5:20 [Message]*
Join Younger Generation Church, Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, as we are enveloped by GOD’s unreasonable embrace.

**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. Find their registry here.

**AYP BOOK CLUB: STEPS TO CHRIST // AUG 9, 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 at https://ayp.me/event/book-club-study-of-steps-to-christ-august-9-2023/ and join us for an interactive 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!

COMING EVENTS

**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

HE GETS US: BLIND FAITH
"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)]

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!

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

**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!”

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

**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*.

**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!
Dallas/Fort Worth
Houston
San Antonio
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

**BEING JESUS, BEING YG AT AYP**
Much appreciation to the dozens of @ygchurch young adults who volunteered and supported the Adventist Young Professional Convention last weekend. It was a delight to see generations of our YGers at this event, many of whom have launched young adult ministries in the places their careers and lives have landed them. Thank you for inspiring those around you with the hope of grace by serving so generously!

**PACIFIC UNION YOUNG ADULT LIFE TOUR RECAP**
The North American Division continues to prioritize young adults as evidenced by the Young Adult LIFE Tour that made its way to Loma Linda, California, this Summer. The tour showcased Praxis, the young adult ministry of the Loma Linda University Church (LLUC), during the weekend of June 23-24. Full story click above icon or here.

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