February 20, 2024 VOL.5 NO.08
YOUR PERSPECTIVE IS SO VALUABLE!
For those of you regularly involved with our church, we need your perspective; It is important and helps us shape our trajectory. Would you take 5-10 minutes to complete an all-church survey we are conducting? Thank you in advance for providing your viewpoint, it is vital! tinyurl.com/ASDACsurvey
REDISCOVERING OUR FAITH // FEB 20, 7:00PM CST // AYP REFRESH VIRTUAL GROUP
Join us for the next gathering of AYP’s Refresh: Rediscovering Our Faith. We delve into a chapter of Ty Gibson’s, Refresh!, each week and dig deeper into understanding why we are who we are as Seventh-day Adventist Christians. Get ready to explore questions like “Is it really the truth? Do we have a defense to give for the hope that is in us?” Be part of a discussion with the goal of a better understanding of the reasons for our faith. Sign up for the next meeting and join our group’s WhatsApp to learn more.
YG BIBLE BREAKFAST // SAT, 9:00AM CST // GREEN ROOM
Young adults are invited to a new Bible study meeting over light continental breakfast fare Sabbath mornings, 9:00AM, in the Green Room. Bring your Bible and your friends, and enjoy casual conversation over the Scripture passages related to Deep Calling. Contact Pastor Eden for more information.
DEEP DIVE: CALL TO PRAYER // FEB 24, 10:15AM CST // YOUNGER GENERATION CHURCH
Battle Belongs, Stand In Your Love, Who Else, Same God #WorshipSet #Feb24 10:15AM CST http://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream #ygchurch #LovingGOD #LovingPeople #DeepDive
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. —John 10:14-16 [NIV]
DEEP DIVE: On Being & Growing Disciples
What might we discover beneath the surface if we dive deep into the calling of GOD?
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
–Psalm 42:7-8 [NIV]
Join Younger Generation Church in our GODencounters series, Deep Dive, Saturdays at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. #GODencounters #LovingGOD #LovingPeople
YG SPEAKER: PASTOR EDEN SAMANIEGO
Eden Samaniego is a triple major in Theology, English, and History at Southwestern Adventist University. He is serving this year as our pastoral intern. He is passionate about explaining how the Bible invites us to join into the story of Jesus. In his free time he enjoys coffee, tennis, and sunsets.
YG YOUNG ADULTS: COME BY AND PICK UP YOUR SHIRT
Stop by the Green Room Sabbath at Bible Breakfast or 10-Minute Party and get your @ygchurch long sleeve shirt!
10 MINUTE PARTY RETURNS // SATURDAYS, 11:20AM // GREEN ROOM
After @ygchurch, roll by the Green Room for light refreshments and socializing. Meet old friends and make new ones. We’re in the Green Room located behind the stage.
LIFE’S BIG QUESTIONS // FEB 25, 2:00PM CST // AYP VIRTUAL GROUP
Join us for our 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 and join our group’s WhatsApp to learn more and suggest upcoming discussion topics.
WELCOME PASTOR GABRIEL HERNANDEZ
Pastor Gabriel Hernandez [Age: 21], is serving as our next Pastoral Intern from SWAU. Having previously served as lay youth director for the greater San Antonio area, he has been working in youth ministry since 2019 with the conference supporting pathfinder ministries, camporees, and other youth ministry events throughout the territory. Gabriel has just returned from a student missionary term in Guam. Currently, he is a Junior at Southwestern Adventist University pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Theology. God willing, Gabriel aims to become a future pastor and reach those who have been left behind.
SMALL GROUP TRAINING TO LAUNCH DEEP CALLING
Many of you picked up a Deep Calling Kit so you can facilitate and/or host a small group. Super excited about your interest and initaitive. Below is the tutorial video as you prepare to launch.
GODENCOUNTERS 2024: YOUR FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED
It takes just a couple of minutes, would love to have your feedback on this year's GODencounters Conference.
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.
COMING EVENTS
IF:LOCAL // FEB 23-24, 2024 // REVIVE COMMUNITY CARE
Ladies, join us for a special time of worship in the Revive Community Center of the Arlington Adventist Church. We're excited to be a remote site again for the IF:Gathering Conference! Sessions will be held on Friday, February 23, from 6-10pm and Saturday, February 24, from 9am-4pm. We look forward to learning, discussion, and fellowship with other women! Snacks and coffee will be provided for all sessions! Lunch will be provided for the Saturday sessions. To register, click here or on the icon above!
HYVE CREATORS // FEB 29-MAR 3 // SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY, TN
Join hundreds of Seventh-day Adventist business owners, entrepreneurs, founders and investors who are all excited and passionate about forwarding God’s cause!
- Network with other like-minded business owners
- Get powerful resources on how to scale your business
- Listen to inspiring workshops, stories and keynotes
- Pitch your business at The Lion’s Den! Adventism’s premiere pitch competition!
This will be the best investment of the year for YOUR business and the customers you want to reach. No other event will give you so much content, so many networking opportunities and this amazing chance to win $5,000! Click the above icon to register.
AWAKEN CONFERENCE // MAR 1-3 // NOSOCA PINES RANCH
Awaken is a 3-day conference in Liberty Hill SC at NOSOCA Pines Ranch, designed to equip young adults for the next step in their journey to spiritual revival. Through a connection with a community of others searching for more. At Awaken you can expect to leave with the tools to be fully devoted, fully connected, and alive in Christ. Awaken is an enriching learning, and worship experience with speakers that will challenge and lead you to live to your full potential.
Our theme, "The Power of Love," draws inspiration from John 15:13, emphasizing the extraordinary depth of love that led to the ultimate sacrifice.
Awaken is more than just a conference; it's a journey toward spiritual revival. Through dynamic speakers, engaging breakout sessions in both Spanish and English, and uplifting worship experiences, Awaken seeks to equip young adults for the next step in their spiritual walk. Our goal is to amplify what God can awaken within each participant.
Click the above icon for all the details and to register. www.awakennc.com
WE’VE GOT EVIDENCE // MAR 2, 11:00AM CST // INSPIRING BODY OF CHRIST CHURCH
You are invited to the live taping for this special broadcast on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Inspiring Body of Christ Church, 7701 S. Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75237. Admission to this event is FREE and requires no ticket. Doors will open at 10 AM. The event features an Easter special by Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, president of Southwest Region Conference, Grammy Award-Winning Musical Guests Tamela Mann and Myron Butler, as well as special appearances by World Renowned Violinist Jaime Jorge, and the Southwestern Adventist University Choir and Orchestra. The program will air on ABC Television affiliates throughout the United States on Sunday, March 31, 2024. For broadcast cities and times, please visit We've Got Evidence.com.
MORE COMPASSION: TULSA // MAR 6-9 // FIRST SDA CHURCH OF TULSA
On March 6 – 9, 2024, join us in Tulsa, OK, for our “Living With More Compassion” mission trip. We have identified several service projects in the area and a number of individuals have already committed to serving with us. We know that not all of us are able to leave the United States to go to other countries to participate in mission projects, which is why we are so excited to be able to go to Tulsa to share the love of God.
Projects will include:
· Food Bank
· Tree trimming and limb removal
· Tulsa Day Center
· Emergency Infant Services
· Denver House
· Northpoint (flower bedding)
· Tulsa Community Service Center (sorting clothing)
If you have other project ideas for us to consider, please let us know by emailing Melisa Mauk at mmauk@swuc.org.
If you would like to participate, please register HERE
ILLUMINATE CONFERENCE // APR 4-5 // SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY
Paintings, poetry, music, and other creative mediums hold strong potential to do just that—to indirectly communicate powerful truths, many of which have eternal consequences. Are we open to what they're telling us? Will we utilize these tools to share important stories (including The Story) with others?
REGISTER NOW AND JOIN US APRIL 4-5 for education + inspiration!
We can't wait to explore the intersections of art and faith together with you through presentations, performances, workshops, and conversations over meals.
We've got a fantastic initial lineup of confirmed session leaders and performers for the conference (see sample list below). Check out Illuminate's schedule for the exciting collection of inspiring topics on tap.
SONSCREEN FILM FESTIVAL // APR 4-6 // LOMA LINDA, CA
The Sonscreen Film Festival is the annual gathering for young creatives with a passion for creating timely and relevant film productions. Film submission deadline is March 13th. Click the above icon to register.
ADVENTIST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MISSION TRIP PRE-REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
We recently shared that our next AYP mission trip is headed to Miami, Florida, on May 22-27, 2024. We are pleased to announce that pre-registration is now open! Visit AYP.me/MissionTrip to learn more and pre-register. We already have more pre-registrations than spots on the trip. Once formal registration opens, all who pre-register will be provided the opportunity to register prior to registration being opened to the general public.
@YGCHURCH AGAIN PROVIDING DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION TO AYP CONVENTION
This year’s convention was incredible and the coming 2024 AYP Convention is sure to be just as inspiring! YG is delighted to offer discounted registration for all our church members who have interest. Contact Dr. Barbara Quaye with any quesitons you may have, but act now, as our discounted tickets are limited. Click the above icon to register for YG’s tickets!
PURSUE GOD
DEEP DIVE: CALL TO HEALING // FEB 17, 10:15AM CST // YOUNGER GENERATION CHURCH
Graves Into Gardens, Believe For It, Jesus Is My Healer, House Of Miracles #WorshipSet #Feb17 10:15AM CST http://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream #ygchurch #lovingGOD #lovingPeople
He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed. —1Peter 2:24 [NLT]
DEEP DIVE: On Being & Growing Disciples
What might we discover beneath the surface if we dive deep into the calling of GOD?
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life. –Psalm 42:7-8 [NIV]
Join Younger Generation Church in our GODencounters series, Deep Dive, Saturdays at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. #GODencounters #LovingGOD #LovingPeople
YG SPEAKER: CHAPLAIN REBECCA DAVIS
Pastor Rebecca Davis currently serves as a chaplain at Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth. She is a sought after speaker, and has innovated young adult ministry community across the nation for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. However, Rebecca considers her greatest life accomplishments to be her son Justin, 14, and daughter Olivia, 9.
DEEP DIVE: CALL TO COMMUNITY // FEB 10, 10:15AM CST // YOUNGER GENERATION CHURCH
I Thank God, Good Grace, Jesus I Need You, Build My Life #WorshipSet #Feb10 10:15AM CST, http://tinyurl.com/YGlivestream #DeepDive #GODencounters #LovingGOD #LovingPeople #ygchurch
46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. —Acts 2:46-47 [NIV]
DEEP DIVE: On Being & Growing Disciples
What might we discover beneath the surface if we dive deep into the calling of GOD?
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
–Psalm 42:7-8 [NIV]
Join Younger Generation Church in our GODencounters series, Deep Dive, Saturdays at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. #GODencounters #LovingGOD #LovingPeople
LETTING GOD FIGHT FOR YOU
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. — Exodus 14:14
Recently, Sadie and I got into a minor tiff because, evidently, I had had a bad tone all day long. We’d been running errands and catching a movie, and when we got in the car afterward, I asked her a simple logistical question and got a sassy comment in reply. I mentioned the sassiness, and she lit up — and not in the good way. We’re talking dangerous sparks.
“You’ve got a problem with my tone now?” she said. “What about the tone you’ve had all day long?”
Well, now we had a thing.
In the book of Ephesians, Paul told us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (4:32). This is the concluding verse in the chapter, and it is also the last verse under the subheading “The New Life” in my ESV Bible. This is profound to me because before I knew Jesus, I was not walking in this “newness of life” that the Bible so often talks about.
Without Jesus, I am not naturally kind or tenderhearted or even quick to forgive others, but because He has imparted all of these attributes to me, I can embrace them.
When Sadie was rude to me that day, my initial reaction and instinct was not to be kind or extend tenderness. It was to be rude and get defensive. It can be hard to change old habits and instinctive reactions.
Sadie and I talk a lot about what makes a marriage work — or what makes any intimate relationship work, for that matter. One theme we keep coming back to is this: while we may argue from time to time, in the end
We need to fight for each other, not against each other.
And when that’s hard for us to do, we find that if we are willing to ask for God’s help and be silent before Him, He will go before us, soften our hearts, and fight the battles with us.
We’re committed to seeing each other through to becoming the people God wants us to be.
Hours after our little “tone discussion,” Sadie and I put Honey to bed and then sat down on the couch to talk. God helped us each own our part of the day:
“I was tired all day and took it out on you,” I said.
“I was fed up with your mood and just snapped,” she said.
“I’m sorry.
Will you forgive me?
We are better than this.”
There’s something a lot like Jesus going on in us when we fight for, not against, each other. Even when I’m in a bad mood, when I am hurtful to Him, He is committed to loving me and quick to forgive. He is always on my side. He is always for me. And He fights for both me and my relationships.
It’s easy to get mad. But life is so much sweeter when we let God do our fighting. Today, when we get mad, let’s take a deep breath and say a prayer before we respond.
How to Put Love First
Who is the person in your life you are most likely to take a “tone” with? Do something extra sweet and kind for that person today. If you’re currently having a moment, apologize for your part and offer better understanding as to where your tone is coming from. If not, give a hug, a text, a coffee — something — that says, I see you, I love you, and you matter to me. —Christian Huff
GODencounters Conference 2024
GODencounters is a 24/7 reckless pursuit of Christ Jesus, living for His renown. This year's conference we're expending the whole Sabbath in fostering faith habits intended to deepen our love for each other and GOD.
Deep Calling: On Being & Making Disciples
Our focus this year is Deep Calling. The Deep Calling is about making space for God in the every day, bearing witness to transformation in the ordinary. It’s about knowing truth and experiencing Truth. It’s about learning to listen to the voice of God. It’s about satisfying your longing with the only One who can satisfy your soul. All are invited. All are welcome to answer the deep call of God.
Conference Presenter: Pastor Tara J. VinCross, DMin
She serves as the Senior Pastor of Azure Hills Church in Grand Terrace, California where she lives with her husband, Caleb, and their kids Josiah and Ava. Pastor VinCross was raised in the Seattle, WA area, and for over 20 years has served churches in Washington, Pennsylvania, and California. She is passionate about helping people create space in their lives to become deeply rooted in the love of God and serve the world from their passion and giftedness. She is the author of the Deep Calling Discipleship Series and children’s books titled, God Loves Me and All My Feelings and Who Is God? She and her family enjoy traveling, serving, outdoor adventuring, and trying new vegan restaurants. We're so glad to have her whole family with us for GODencounters.
START YOUR JOURNEY
We believe for our faith to flourish, we need to engage with God each and every day through the Truth of His Word. Jesus said, “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” Join us at Passionequip.com as we create daily rhythms for walking with Jesus. Click the above icon to sign up or get the app. passionequip.com/
HOLY, HOLY, ARE YOU LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!
During the last session of Passion 2024, Jesus met us as our voices joined as one singing "Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty. Worthy is the Lamb, Worthy is the Lamb." This small glimpse of Heaven left a lasting impact on everyone who witnessed this Holy moment. We never want to forget what God did in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. You can now find the full "Agnus Dei" video on the Passion Music YouTube channel. As you watch this moment and while you worship Him, we pray that Jesus would meet you where you are at and that you would be filled with awe and wonder at His presence.
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY
SIGN UP TO BE A SMALL GROUP HOST OR FACILITATOR
We are looking for great people like you, willing to foster community in our church. If you are willing or wanting to be a small group host or facilitator, please click the icon above and let Pastor Jazz know. Different from the teaching a Sabbath School or leading a Bible Study, we are looking for personable folks who love to gather, share, and spark conversations. You can do this, we can help. Contact Pastor Jazz today.
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!
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
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!
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
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
CONVERGE WEEKEND
Collegiate students from across @southwesternadventist convene at @southwesternau for inspiration, fellowship, and to bring glory to Christ Jesus. Special thank you to Pastor Helvis, Pastor Olga, and Chaplain Kent for organizing this gathering.
LOTS OF WINNERS AT CHILI COOKOFF
It was a great night of fun and food and hot entries! Thanks to everyone who came out for the Chili Cookoff!
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