JULY 16, 2024 VOL.5 NO.27
EVENT VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
The coming 20th anniversary of Younger Generation Church needs AWESOME volunteers to make it a grand celebration. All ages are invited to roll up their sleeves with us to serve our church and community on this great occasion. Click the above icon to sign up for a volunteer team today! tinyurl.com/yg20volunteer
YOU ARE PERSONALLY INVITED TO #YG20 // AUG 3 ALL DAY // YG20.YGCHURCH.COM
All the details for YG’s 20th Anniversary are available here: bio.site/ygchurch
Join us for the entire day starting at 9AM and concluding with the Night of Worship, 7:20PM, to close the Sabbath. Make reservations for lunch, get your free concert tickets, but do so soon so you don’t miss out.
MARK MY WORDS: THE PARABLES // JUL 20, 10:15AM CENTRAL // YOUNGER GENERATION CHURCH
Never Lost, Who Else, Give Me Jesus, Gratitude #WorshipSet #Jul20 10:15AM CDT https://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream #ygchurch #GospelOfMark
"This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God…" --Mark 1:1
Join Younger Generation Church as we dive into the WORD to discover more about Jesus.
Saturdays, 10:15AM, in person or online.
4409 Pleasantview Dr., Arlington TX
https://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream
YG SPEAKER: CHAPLAIN KENT RUFO
Pastor Kent Rufo is the chaplain at Southwestern Adventist University. He is originally from northwest Ohio; He is a Cleveland-everything fan. Kent grew up going to public schools, but transferred to an Adventist university and gave his life to Jesus. He has served a couple years as an overseas missionary, been a lead pastor, pastored a church plant, been a youth pastor and been a chaplain at the academy and university level. Kent just completed his 20th year of pastoral ministry, seven of those years of ministry were spent at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church as youth pastor.
Chaplain Rufo is celebrating his 19th anniversary with his wife, Anna, this Wednesday. He has two kids: Madison (15) and Jadon (12), both attending Burton Adventist Academy.
UG STUDIES // SATURDAYS, 10:15AM // REVIVE COMMUNITY CARE CENTER
Attention all youth! UG Studies is a Bible study FOR high schoolers LED by high schoolers! Solely focusing on the Bible and what it can teach us, we have engaging discussions together as we journey through the Word of God. If you are a high school student who has been wanting a community your age that focuses on Scriptures and open discussions, then we invite you to make your way downstairs to the Revive Community Care Center at 10:15! Stay with us for just an hour and you won’t regret it! We hope to see you there! Click the above icon for all the details.
PYG CHAT GROUP // SATURDAYS, 11:30AM // ROOM 5
Right after Younger Generation Church [Post YG], join us in Room 5 for conversations around the sermon, the study into the Gospel of Mark, and related issues to identity/faith life. Enjoy community and open discussion. All are welcome.
CHEERS TO 20 YEARS
You are invited to the 20th Anniversary of Younger Generation Church, August 3, 2024. Join us for all three Sabbath services, each with a unique message, and our Night of Worship that evening. Make your RSVP for the luncheon and secure your tickets for the evening concert, both free but tickets are required. YG20.ygchurch.com
COMING EVENTS
SABBATH TO SUNDAE: ICE CREAM SOCIAL // JUL 20, 7:30PM // LEWISVILLE CAMPUS
Lewisville family! Join us as we end the Sabbath with a fun twist—Sabbath-to-Sundaes! We’ll provide the ice cream; you bring your favorite toppings to share. Come hang out, socialize, and enjoy a refreshing sundae with friends. Click the above icon for all the details.
SABBATH HOME VESPERS: MOVIE NIGHT // JULY 26 // RODRIGUEZ HOME
Jasmin Rodriguez and @ygchurch invite you to Friday night Bible studies focused on the book of Jonah. Held in the family home environment, enjoy this Summer study in a relaxed, casual space. Contact Jasmin for all the details.
Click the above icon for contest details.
BACK TO SCHOOL BARBEQUE BASH // AUG 8, 6:30PM // BURTON ADVENTIST ACADEMY
When: Thursday, August 8, 6:30-9:00 pm
Where: Burton Adventist Academy (on the blacktop, baseball field, & in Hayes Gym to escape the heat!)… with shuttling provided from the Arlington SDA Church once our parking areas are full
Who’s Invited: Burton Academy families, area church members, and friends of Burton (and those interested in checking out Burton of course!)
What to Bring: Your family’s favorite barbecue dish or side dish with a serving spoon/utensil
What to Expect: A festive potluck-style barbecue cookout, bounce houses, lawn games, and of course…. a whole lot of delicious food, fun and fellowship for all! Hot dogs, drinks, and ice pops provided.
PURSUE GOD
MARK MY WORDS: THE SABBATH // JUL 13, 10:15AM CENTRAL // YOUNGER GENERATION CHURCH
Bless God, Reign Above It All, Forever YHWH, Here Again #WorshipSet #Jul13 10:15AM CDT https://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream #ygchurch #GospelOfMark
"This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God…" --Mark 1:1
Join Younger Generation Church as we dive into the WORD to discover more about Jesus.Saturdays, 10:15AM, in person or online.
4409 Pleasantview Dr., Arlington TX
https://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream
Click the above icon for the online version of the quarterly.
MARK MY WORDS: THE GOSPEL // JUL 6, 10:15AM CENTRAL // YOUNGER GENERATION CHURCH
Freedom, Who Else, All Hail King Jesus, Holy Forever #WorshipSet #Jul6 10:15AM CDT https://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream #ygchurch #GospelOfMark
"This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God…" --Mark 1:1
Join Younger Generation Church as we dive into the WORD to discover more about Jesus.Saturdays, 10:15AM, in person or online. 4409 Pleasantview Dr., Arlington TX https://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream
MARK MY WORDS RECOMMENDED READING: JESUS THE KING
For YG’s current series, as a recommended augment to your study of the Book of Mark, check out Tim Keller’s Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God.
INVERSE: STORIES THAT TRANSFORM
inVerse is a Bible study guide for those aged 18–35+ including university students, young adults, working professionals, younger parents, and those young at heart. Two of the four quarters correlate with the same study topics as the Adult Bible Study Guide, while the two remaining topics specifically address other contemporary issues. Click the above icon for this quarter’s study focus.
WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY MEAN TO ‘SURRENDER OUR CARES’?
Our society tells us worrying is normal, but that’s not how God intended it to be.
Click the above icon for the Relevant Magazine full article.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: UNTANGLE YOUR EMOTIONS
In follow up of our YG series, “Somewhere Between Worry and Wonder,” let me recommend Jennie Allen’s book, “Untangle Your Emotions.” Great read on your own also well suited to be done with a group as a study or a book club. If you decide to use it with others in a LIFEgroup format, propose your plan to YG’s Shark Tank to receive funding support for group study resources and books. tiny.one/SharkTankPitch
YG MEDIA ARCHIVES: THOUSANDS OF SERMONS & SERVICES ON DEMAND
For inspiration and/or discipleship, on your own or with a group, take advantage of this vast collection of worship experiences and sermons from Younger Generation Church. Click the above icon to gain access to the YG Video Vault.
DEVOTIONAL RECOMMENDATION: UNTANGLE YOUR EMOTIONS
Have you ever had a disproportionate emotional response to a situation? In other words, freaked out? It’s hard to feel out of control like that. But God uses our feelings to point us to truths about our hearts and our stories. These devotions will help you see what God might be trying to tell you through the gift of your emotions.
Click the above icon to start the devotional on YouVersion.
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY
WANTED: ALL COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY AND TRADE SCHOOL STUDENTS
We want to connect with you, please click the above icon and register your contact info with @ygchurch.
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!
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!
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!
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
In addition to counseling referrals, click the above icon for more mental health resources.
MEAL TRAIN FOR COLVIN FAMILY
We want to show our continued love and support for the Colvin family as they mourn the passing of Ray. They are thankful for all the thoughts and prayers, but request no visitors at this time. They have some dietary restrictions, but love most restaurants, so please donate via the link below or send any restaurant or Walmart gift card you can to help them with this difficult time. Physical gift cards drop off to church office and E- gift cards send to mindy@arlingtonadventist.com
Click the above icon or here to participate in the Colvin Family Meal Train.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
A great way to get more involved with @ygchurch is to serve on one of our volunteer teams. Click the above icon or here to sign up.
YG VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: EMILIA ORTIZ
Emilia is a recent college grad with a passion for helping others and sharing God’s love through acts of kindness. She is serving @ygchurch as our volunteer coordinator, empowering our YGers in getting involved in ministry and finding sweet spots of service. Click here to sign up as a YG volunteer!
RESPONSES, REFLECTIONS, AND RESOURCES FROM “I SEE YOU” SABBATH
Responding to the need for proactive mental health awareness and community support for suicide prevention, Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to offer resources, referrals, and training to its members and surrounding faith communities. Click the above icon for an overview of the recent “I See You” Sabbath.
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY IDEAS? // PITCH IT TO YG SHARK TANK
@YGCHURCH is all about supporting your ideas to disciple and deepen the devotion of next generations to Jesus Christ. Propose your ideas via our Shark Tank proposal link, and we would love to help fund/promote your innovation! Got an idea for a social? An outreach? A LIFEgroup? Whatever it is, pitch it today! tiny.one/SharkTankPitch
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
CULTIVATE CONVENTION
What started seven years ago as Arlington Young Professionals was Barbara Quaye and Cece Cobb asking to cultivate community among post-collegiates at @arlingtonsda and in the greater DFW Metroplex. Shortly thereafter, Tim Kosaka joined Younger Generation Church and envisioned many more career-minded peers benefiting, and AYP grew.
Adventist Young Professionals was born out of this time and just in time. During the pandemic they utilized the digital landscape to encourage each other locally—and their young professional friends globally—with regular virtual gatherings, online Bible studies, and FaceTime meal meet ups. While the world was quarantined, AYP was growing and expanding, persevering in Christ to connect and bless one another.
Today, @yp.sda spans the globe with over 10K members; Lauding chapters all over, including: Alaska and Asia, London and New York, Miami and Seattle, Boston and Los Angeles, Dallas and Minneapolis, San Francisco and Chattanooga, and many places in between.
This weekend, @ygchurch will be taking over twenty young adults to the AYP Cultivate Convention, with over a dozen more of our ministry leaders and volunteers serving at the event. What started as just a modest convention attendance in Austin a few years ago has grown this year to over 500 registrants convening from all over the world including: Columbia and District of Columbia, Philippines and Fort Worth, Bahamas and Burleson, Cayman Islands and Calgary, London and Los Angeles, Sydney and San Antonio, Puerto Rico and Plano, Dubai and Dallas, and everywhere in between.
I’m truly amazed and grateful for visionary young adults, and inspired as I witness the ministry they planted and cultivated truly thrive.
Your prayers are coveted as we head towards the weekend. Exciting days ahead. May Christ Jesus cultivate His presence in us all.
ODDIE OLAZARAN, MDIV, ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR YOUTH MINISTRY
Congratulations to Pastor Oddie Olazaran in his new role as Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Youth Pastor, having previously served as campus pastor for Burton Adventist Academy. He received his Masters in Divinity from the Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary with a concentration in Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Throughout his ministry, Oddie has focused on working with, and mentoring the next generation. He and his wife, Madeline, have two beautiful dogs and enjoy outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, backpacking, and hiking.
“While Pastor Oddie and the entire team at Burton Academy have always been a part of our ministry team at Arlington, we are happy to officially welcome Pastor Oddie to this new role within our community and UG,” lauded Pastor Allison Casillas. “Pastor Oddie’s consistency, compassion, and understanding of our students, volunteers, and community make him an ideal person for the task of continuing to advance the ministry of UG.”
DEAR CHURCH: Voices of Adventist Young Adults
Dear Church is a new limited, 10-part series podcast by SECC Youth that shares the stories and voices of Adventist young adults. Episode 1 is now available to stream on all major podcasting platforms. New episodes are released each Monday.
"If you could say anything to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, what would you say?" This is the question Pastor Aren Rennacker had for young adults in the SDA community. The answers he began to receive led him to a deeper journey than he expected.
In their first episode of ten, listen as Pastor Aren speaks with various young adults, as well as one of the leading voices for young adult involvement in the Adventist Church. Listen to this first episode on Spotify.
WELCOME OUR CHURCH EVENTS COORDINATOR: ROCHELY Z. NAVARRO
Rochely is excited to step into her new role as our church events coordinator. Her hobbies include: music, travel, videography, photography, and coffee. Gilberto Mangual, our audio/visual producer, is her husband. She is grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to serve our community.
WELCOME OUR CHILDREN MINISTRIES DIRECTOR
”Hello, my name is Latonya Herman, I’m married to Reggie Herman and we have three kids. After moving to Texas from Chicago, I graduated from SWAU and have enjoyed being an educator ever since. I became a member of Arlington Church in 2005 and have enjoyed meeting new people and serving in a variety of groups.”
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