Light Has Come

DECEMBER 17, 2024 VOL.5 NO.47


CHRISTMAS DINNER & MOVIE NIGHT // DEC 20, 7PM // SELECT FAMILY HOMES
Join us for the Fall edition of Bible Study & Sabbath Vespers! This time, we will be diving into the powerful story of the Book of Ruth. Join us for every Friday evening listed above for a refreshing time of food, fun, fellowship, and deep meaningful conversations about God’s Word. This is a great opportunity to connect with others, grow spiritually, and build community. Want to know more?  Please contact Jasmin Rodriguez at 682-521-0590 for details, information and location.  We can’t wait to see you there!

Click the above icon to email Jasmin for more information.


LIGHT HAS COME // DEC 21, 9:00 & 11:30AM // ARLINGTON SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
All are invited to the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Christmas program, “Light Has Come.” Bring family and friends to celebrate Sabbath this holiday. [There will be no PYG or Young Women’s LIFEgroup December 21st as we support the Christmas program.


ABOVE & BEYOND: FINALE // DEC 21, 10:15AM CT // @YGCHURCH
The Joy / Joy to the World, Holy Forever, Away in a Manger / Worthy Is Your Name, O Come All Ye Faithful #WorshipSet #Dec21 10:15AM CT, tinyurl.com/yglivestream #ygchurch #Above #Beyond

God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever. –Ephesians 3:20-21 [NIrV]

Let’s not “settle.” In a season that is typically marked with getting gifts, consuming food, and buying stuff, let’s go above and beyond the holiday baseline. Above & Beyond is a great opportunity to give above what we normally give so that we can go beyond where we normally go. We have an opportunity to bask in God’s generosity by accepting His invitation to take part in the things that will have an eternal impact. Let’s take a posture of gratitude that gives Him glory for ever and ever.

Join Younger Generation Church in our holiday series, "Above & Beyond," Saturdays, 10:15AM Central,
Online: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv
In Person: Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4409 Pleasantview Dr, Arlington, TX 76017-1427


RECEPTION // DEC 21, 11:15AM // GREEN ROOM
Join Younger Generation Church for a brief reception in the Green Room following the YG worship experience. Enjoy refreshments and the latest remaking of the classic YG socializing space.


FOCUS MISSIONARY: LAURYN SINCLAIR
I’m involved with a ministry called FOCUS (Fellowship of Christian University Students). It was started by college students with the goal of mobilizing students to reach out as disciples and form community through God and with their peers. 

It is on 14 different campuses in DFW already, but we're hoping to spread to more college campuses so we can plant more Jesus-loving communities and create spaces where people can grow in their relationship with God and people.

I have been very blessed to be in this ministry since I started at UTD this past semester, especially since I wasn't expecting anything like this to happen to me. But it has been wonderful expanding my knowledge of the Bible on a more mature/college based level with my peers around me. We have worship every Friday night and it's very comforting especially because it reminds me of the vespers and worships I would have from being at our church or at Burton. I truly believe I've grown so much in my relationship with God. Not just because I personally put time aside in my day to spend time alone with Him, but because I am able to read/analyze His word, worship, and do outreach in my area, all within a God centered community. 

Aside from the worship on Friday night (the Grove), we have small groups that meet every week called Core. Mine takes place on Tuesdays from 4:30-6, and it is our weekly Bible study group where we tackle different topics and relate them back to the Bible. Every group's Core is different because individuals can choose to talk about specific topics related to them and the other students in their small group, which definitely makes the studies more personal. For the past quarter, my Core has been discussing the question, "What does Jesus look like when He shares His life with His friends?". I even got asked to lead one of the talks the week before Thanksgiving break and I spoke about the aspect of dependability and what it looks like in our relationship with God, Jesus' relationship with His friends, and through our immediate friendships. 

Overall I've really loved this ministry and all the family like friends God has brought to me through this ministry. The people I've met are very in love with the Lord which makes it so easy to talk to and hang out with them. FOCUS has also helped me be even more mature in my daily life because of how much my relationship with God has grown. 

With that, there is a link I’ve provide below for places to give to this ministry so that we can keep FOCUS growing. I would appreciate it a lot and anything helps! —Lauryn Sinclair

Click the above icon or here to Keep Focus Growing.


2024 REFLECTIONS
@ygchurch teaching pastor, A Allan Martin, shares gratitude for this past year and the blessing of being part of our church. Click the above icon for his most recent pastor's blog entry.


FINAL SABBATH OF THE YEAR // DEC 28, 11:30AM // ONE ALL-CHURCH SERVICE
Just before the end of 2024, we will have one worship service, Sabbath, December 28th for all of Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. There will be no YG Worship service, PYG, or Young Women’s LIFEgroup as we endeavor to all join in the 11:30AM all-family worship experience that Sabbath.


COMING EVENTS


I SHALL NOT WANT // 2025 LAUNCH SERIES // @YGCHURCH
This January, join Younger Generation Church in their new series, “I Shall Not Want,” giving focus to Psalm 23 from a shepherd’s perspective. Click the above icon to obtain the corresponding book, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.”


REMEMBRANCE SERVICE // JAN 4, 2025, 5PM // ARLINGTON ADVENTIST CHURCH The Arlington Adventist Church invites you to join us for a Remembrance Service to honor the memory and legacy of our loved ones. Whether your loss is recent or if you are grieving a loss from another period of life, it is our hope that this service is a meaningful way for you to reflect on the significance your loved one had to you.

Part of our service will include a “reading of the names."

If you would like for your loved one’s or loved ones’ name(s) to be included in the public reading, we would invite you to submit their name and a picture if you so desire. www.arlingtonadventist.com/remembrance


QUESTIONS AND CONVERSATIONS // BEGINS JAN 18, 4:00PM // UGYOUTH ROOM
Open all youth and young adults, ages 13-29, join the Underground, every third Sabbath for an open forum to address the questions you have about . . . anything. Contact Pastor Oddie for more details.



FAITH & FAMILY NIGHTS: MAVERICKS VS. KINGS // MON, FEB 10, 7:30PM // AMERICAN AIRLINE CENTER
YG discounted tickets now available! Limited quantity so sign up now! For more details and/or to help with more of the type of church group social outings contact Elder Gary Livingston.





BEHOLD: AYP CONVENTION // JUL 17-20, 2025 // HOUSTON, TX
Join us in Houston for our 5th annual leadership convention infused with inspiring stories, rich and practical ideas, and engagement with leadership experts. YG has acquired a significant group discount rate, so feel free to click the above icon for all the event details, but contact Elder Jennifer Robles to acquire our subsidized group discount.


PURSUE GOD

ABOVE & BEYOND: GIVE HIM GLORY // DEC 14, 10:15AM CT // @YGCHURCH
Famous For, Champion, King Of Kings, Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child #WorshipSet #Dec14 10:15AM CT, tinyurl.com/yglivestream #ygchurch #Above #Beyond

God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever. –Ephesians 3:20-21 [NIrV]

Let’s not “settle.” In a season that is typically marked with getting gifts, consuming food, and buying stuff, let’s go above and beyond the holiday baseline. Above & Beyond is a great opportunity to give above what we normally give so that we can go beyond where we normally go. We have an opportunity to bask in God’s generosity by accepting His invitation to take part in the things that will have an eternal impact. Let’s take a posture of gratitude that gives Him glory for ever and ever.

Join Younger Generation Church in our holiday series, "Above & Beyond," Saturdays, 10:15AM Central,
Online: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv
In Person: Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4409 Pleasantview Dr, Arlington, TX 76017-1427


ABOVE & BEYOND: WORKING IN US // DEC 07, 10:15AM CT // @YGCHURCH
Joy To The World, Trust In God, King Of Kings, O Come All Ye Faithful #WorshipSet #Dec7 10:15AM CT, tinyurl.com/yglivestream #ygchurch #Above #Beyond

God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever. –Ephesians 3:20-21 [NIrV]

Let’s not “settle.” In a season that is typically marked with getting gifts, consuming food, and buying stuff, let’s go above and beyond the holiday baseline. Above & Beyond is a great opportunity to give above what we normally give so that we can go beyond where we normally go. We have an opportunity to bask in God’s generosity by accepting His invitation to take part in the things that will have an eternal impact. Let’s take a posture of gratitude that gives Him glory for ever and ever.

Join Younger Generation Church in our holiday series, "Above & Beyond," Saturdays, 10:15AM Central,
Online: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv
In Person: Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4409 Pleasantview Dr, Arlington, TX 76017-1427

YG SPEAKER: PASTOR KHADIM ALYASIRI
My name is Khadim Alyasiri, and I am a junior Theology major at Southwestern Adventist University. My calling is rooted in a deep passion for missions, a dedication to teaching theology with depth and excellence, and a heart for guiding young adults in their spiritual journeys. I believe in serving the marginalized and uplifting poorer communities, reflecting the love of Christ through action and compassion. Every step of this journey is a testament to God’s purpose in my life, and I am humbled to walk in the plans He has prepared for me.


ABOVE & BEYOND: GOD IS ABLE // NOV 30, 10:15AM CT // @YGCHURCH
Great I Am, Goodness Of God, Same God #WorshipSet #Nov30 10:15AM CT, tinyurl.com/yglivestream #ygchurch #Above #Beyond

God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever. –Ephesians 3:20-21 [NIrV]

Let’s not “settle.” In a season that is typically marked with getting gifts, consuming food, and buying stuff, let’s go above and beyond the holiday baseline. Above & Beyond is a great opportunity to give above what we normally give so that we can go beyond where we normally go. We have an opportunity to bask in God’s generosity by accepting His invitation to take part in the things that will have an eternal impact. Let’s take a posture of gratitude that gives Him glory for ever and ever.

Join Younger Generation Church in our holiday series, "Above & Beyond," Saturdays, 10:15AM Central,
Online: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv
In Person: Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4409 Pleasantview Dr, Arlington, TX 76017-1427

YG SPEAKER: PASTOR LUYANDO CHIFWEPA
My name is Luyando Chifwepa. I’m currently a junior theology major at Southwestern Adventist University. I’m also the current programming student chaplain. I love working with youth and young adult ministries and can’t wait to see where God takes me in this journey of ministry.


ABOVE & BEYOND: FAR MORE // NOV 23, 10:15AM CT // @YGCHURCH
My Testimony, Gratitude, Made For More, More Than Able #WorshipSet #Nov23 10:15AM CT, tinyurl.com/yglivestream #ygchurch #Above #Beyond

God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever. –Ephesians 3:20-21 [NIrV]

Let’s not “settle.” In a season that is typically marked with getting gifts, consuming food, and buying stuff, let’s go above and beyond the holiday baseline. Above & Beyond is a great opportunity to give above what we normally give so that we can go beyond where we normally go. We have an opportunity to bask in God’s generosity by accepting His invitation to take part in the things that will have an eternal impact. Let’s take a posture of gratitude that gives Him glory for ever and ever.

Join Younger Generation Church in our holiday series, "Above & Beyond," Saturdays, 10:15AM Central,
Online: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv
In Person: Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4409 Pleasantview Dr, Arlington, TX 76017-1427


ABOVE & BEYOND: BLESSING // NOV 16, 10:15AM CT // @YGCHURCH
I Thank God, Holy Forever, Worthy Of It All, Trust In God #WorshipSet #Nov16 10:15AM CT, tinyurl.com/yglivestream #ygchurch #Above #Beyond

God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever. –Ephesians 3:20-21 [NIrV]

Let’s not “settle.” In a season that is typically marked with getting gifts, consuming food, and buying stuff, let’s go above and beyond the holiday baseline. Above & Beyond is a great opportunity to give above what we normally give so that we can go beyond where we normally go. We have an opportunity to bask in God’s generosity by accepting His invitation to take part in the things that will have an eternal impact. Let’s take a posture of gratitude that gives Him glory for ever and ever.

Join Younger Generation Church in our holiday series, "Above & Beyond," Saturdays, 10:15AM Central.
Online: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungerGenerationChurchTv
In Person: Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4409 Pleasantview Dr, Arlington, TX 76017-1427


I SHALL NOT WANT // 2025 LAUNCH SERIES // @YGCHURCH
This January, join Younger Generation Church in their new series, “I Shall Not Want,” giving focus to Psalm 23 from a shepherd’s perspective. Click the above icon to obtain the corresponding book, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.”


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.


EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY

QUESTIONS AND CONVERSATIONS // BEGINS JAN 18, 4:00PM // UGYOUTH ROOM
Open all youth and young adults, ages 13-29, join the Underground, every third Sabbath for an open forum to address the questions you have about . . . anything. Contact Pastor Oddie for more details.


Text “join” to 817-754-4474 to connect with @ygchurch


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!


INSPIRE HOPE // SHARE GRACE

CHI ALPHA MISSIONARY: EMMA CARRILLO
This spring break, from March 15–21, I have the incredible opportunity to join Chi Alpha (XA) on a mission trip to El Salvador. We’ll partner with King’s Castle, a ministry that has been sharing Christ’s love in El Salvador for nearly 20 years. Together, we’ll serve through discipleship and outreach, bringing hope to communities in need.

When I moved to Fort Worth last year, I was searching for purpose and community. I found both through Chi Alpha, a campus ministry at TCU, and Kimber, a mentor who encouraged me with home-cooked meals, prayer, and guidance in my faith journey. Through her, I joined Discipleship Training, an eight-week course that taught me how to live out my faith and help other students do the same. Now, I lead a weekly life group where girls gather to pray, study the Bible, and support one another.

I love working with kids, and after serving this summer at Lake Whitney Ranch as summer camp staff, this is an exciting opportunity to serve the Lord abroad in a new way. To make this trip possible, I’m raising $2,500 and am currently 25% funded. Your support, whether through prayer or a financial gift, would mean so much! —Emma Carrillo

Thank you for considering being part of this journey with me. To learn more or support this mission, please visit: tcuxa.com/missions.


WE GIVE AS THE WAY WE LIVE
In community, our generosity is based on GOD’s abundance. He gave in love to us, so we have more than we could ever ask for. This season, you are invited to live above and beyond the fray. As you plan your gifts, including your year-end giving, we appreciate your consideration of Younger Generation Church. Discover convenient means to give, including automated contributing, at waystogive.ygchurch.com


YWAM MISSIONARY: ZUZU MASINA
I’m excited to share that next year, I’ll have the opportunity to serve as a missionary with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Mazatlán, Mexico, for five months. The heart of YWAM is for young people to know Christ and make Him known. This five-month missions program includes three months of biblical training and two months of outreach. During my outreach, I will have the chance to embark on a ship called the M/V Amazing Grace and reach isolated and unreached communities on the Pacific Rim and coastlands of Mexico. I will have the chance to reach people who have never heard of the name of Jesus! R.W. Lewis writes, "roughly 30 times as many missionaries go to reached people groups to work with Christians, as go to unreached people groups. Far less go to the frontier people groups, where there are as yet no believers." My heart burns to answer the Great Commission on the front lines and reach those who have not been reached with the gospel. We will also be able to address their physical needs just like Jesus through mobile medical and dental units with a focus on addressing immediate health needs. I’m extra excited to be a part of this as my long term goal is to serve the world with the love of God through oral healthcare as a dentist!

I’d like to ask if you would prayerfully consider partnering with me financially on what God has laid on my heart. The total cost for the 5 months is around $8,950 covering the lecture and outreach expenses, room and board, and travel. As of today, I am about 50% funded. Any contribution no matter the size is appreciated and if you can’t give now, your prayers are just as valuable. —Zuzu Masina

Here is a link with more information: https://zuzuywam.carrd.co/


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


@YGCHURCH FEATURED IN ADVENTIST REVIEW
The denomination's flagship periodical made kind mention of YG's internship program, sharing that the "initiative is part of leadership development at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church in Texas, United States."

Click the above icon or here for the full feature story.



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

FINDLEY FAMILY IS GROWING
What a delight to join with Burton Adventist Academy to celebrate the newest addition coming to Pastor Christopher and Karen Findley this January! The baby shower was a great way to culminate the BAA staff holiday party and bring joy to the Findleys. Click the above or below icon to see their baby registry.


FAASDA 2024 CONVOCATION: FINISHING STRONG
What a delight to worship with the Filipino American Association of Seventh-day Adventists as they gathered hundreds of chapter members from across Florida to worship. So inspiring to personally experience their enthusiasm to pass the torch of ministry to next generations. Find the worship services on the Orlando Filipino SDA Church YouTube channel.


DEAR CHURCH: VOICES OF ADVENTIST YOUNG ADULTS
Every day, young adults are deciding whether or not to leave the Church. Rather than simply asking, "Why?" we wanted to ask another question: "Can you tell us your story?" Dear Church is a ten-part series that narratively tells the stories of young adults in the Seventh-day Adventist community. Each episode concludes with the guest sharing a personal letter they’ve written to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

"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 Seventh-day Adventist community. The answers he began to receive led him to a deeper journey than he expected.

In this 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. Click the above icon to listen to this limited podcast.


THROWBACK THANK YOU!
Click the above icon for all the feels from our 20th anniversary. If you are considering giving a special birthday offering for @ygchurch you can do so at give.ygchurch.com


STAY ROOTED: ENCOURAGEMENT WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE LEAVING THE CHURCH
“If you’re considering stepping away, I encourage you to reach out for support and remain open to new ways of engaging with your faith. Whether you’re burned out, doubting, or just too busy, you’re not alone. Together, we can stay grounded and grow, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.” —Pastor Kayla Goodman & Tim Kosaka

SHARING THE @YGCHURCH STORY
Pastor Allan had the honor of chatting with Pastor Marcos Torres of The Story Church Podcast, talking about @ygchurch and @churchesgrowingtogether! Click the above icon to listen on SoundCloud or find the episode on YouTube.


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