Everyone….you don’t want to miss this great night.  There’ll be dynamic worship, fellowship and a great encouraging word from the DYD of South Dakota…Mark Etzminger.  Our very own DYD Mark Zweifel will be there also to continue on the challenge of giving from the Heart to Speed the Light. 

Be in the Youth Chapel at 7:00pm on Wednesday, Nov. 11th!

What an amazing Conference. Katinas….WOW!  Sean Smith….WOW WOW WOW!!  This event is what some might call EPIC!  If you went, you know what I’m talking about.  Come this Wednesday and ride another amazing wave of the God’s presence as Pastor Mark continues on the challenge.  It shouldn’t just happen at conference.  Enjoy these pix and if you have any others, let me know.  I’d love to put them on the blog. 

P.M. worshipping with the youth of AK

The foyer of AKYC

Write down your experience at this conference…I want to know what God did in your life. 

Katinas Rocking the place

Of course we all have been or are under pressure.  Last night at the VIBE we talked about 3 young teenagers who were under so much pressure that they were planning on being murdered that same moment if they didn’t succumb to the demands of their current situation.  3 GOOD LOOKING and INTELLECTUAL guys.  They were actually voted “The sexiest men alive” on PEOPLE magazine.  That’s how good looking they were.  Actually the bible is very clear they were good looking; “without blemish” to be exact.  Shadrach, Mishach, and Abednego. How did they do it? 

When a young person (or adult) is faced with a HUGE temptation or situation, it’s pretty simple to take ” the easy way out.”  THoughts like, no one’s watching”, or “this will be my last time”, here’s a favorite, “I’ll ask for fogiveness later.”  The bible is clear these young men were in the HOT SEAT.  THey were brought before the KING and questioned.  And they’re answers were done with such eloquence and respect…but to the point.  “We’re not going to bow.”  In today’s society (in your schools, colleges, workplave) it could be ; “I’m not gonna give you my body”, “I’m not going to smoke, snort, inject, pop down, or drink that,” “I’m not going to yell at my parents,”  “I’m not going to let my eyes and thoughts go there,” “I’m not going to think I’m a loser, fat, inadequate, incompetent!”  “I’m NOT, I’m NOT, I’m NOT!  That’s exactly what they did with the utmost respect for the king, yet with a stern power from God.  (Daniel 3:16-18)

If the God that was in them then, lives in us NOW…..why can’t we learn from this story.  There are ways to CONQUER whether it’s peers or finances, relationships.  It is diffucult.  That’s why it’s called PRESSURE.  THings that are pressured sometimes BREAK or BURST.  Learn from these 3 young men and how they beat pressure upside the head:

1. They were surrounded by great friends.  Friends that had the same beliefs.  It was the old 3 Musketeer saying, “all for one and one for all!”  They had eachother’s backs.  True great and Godly friends will help you when you’re in the fire.  (or pressured)  Do you ahve some of these friends>

2.  They just did what was RIGHT.  For every sin I’ve ever done, I’ve KNOWN it’s WRONG.  But I did it anyway.  These young men were “surrounded” by good friends (one another) and they stuck to what was right.  One of them wasn’t cowarding down even though it meant that very moment they would be murdered.  They made a desision and they were sticking to it.

3.  Trust in God always!  When I’m in need of clothes, shoes, a new TV or Ipod, food, etc…I go to the one place that has it all:  Yup you guessed it!  TARGET.  Target is where I do my ONE PLACE shopping.  GOd is similar to a target.  You can find and trust him in EVERYTHING.  These young men did that.  And God was faithful. 

Does it always look sugar coated when you do these 3 things?  No!  If you recall, they still attempted to execte the murder.  They were still thrown in the fire.  I wonder if they thought about cowarding down when they actually bound them up?  NO…there was no wavering with these guys.  They had eachother and they had God.

God doesn’t promise to get you out of the FIRE.  But he always promises to be in it with you.

See ya there!

For those who don’t know what the VIBE is…let me fill you in so you’re in the KNOW! 

VIBE – Anchorage 1st A/G Student Ministries

TIME:  7pm-8:30 (every Wednesday night)

WHERE: Youth room (AKA Chapel)

WHAT’s THERE?:  Cool peeps, Cafe, Free give-a-ways, Great worship, fun and safe activities, Dating service (Just kidding)!!!

Last night at the VIBE 3 lucky people walked away with $20.  3 people!  Of course, they had  to do some dumb stuff…but it was worth it.  Next week you’re gonna want to come and hear a great speaker.  Bring a friend or two and don’t miss out. 

There’s also some activities going on.  Be sure to come and GET INVOLVED!

 SEE YOU AT THE POLE: 

Meet in front of your flag pole (or if you don’t go to school, pick one in your neighborhood) and pray for these things:

Administration of the school

your teachers

Your friends

Gangs to cease

Drugs and substance abuse to cease

depression to cease

suicides to cease

low self esteem to cease

sexual immorality to cease (Pray for purity)

YMCA LATE NIGHTER: 

When:  Friday, 9/25

9-12 midnight

Must provide your own Transportation

Cost:  $5

Basketball, swimming, wii, etc.. 

Wear modest Swim suits and bring towel!  Pick up a PERMISSION SLIP!

Ok…So it’s been quite a while since I’ve blogged about anything.  PLEASE FORGIVE ME!  Been a little busy with ….uh…..Having a BABY!

Paityn Rae Zweifel

was born on August 20th – 9:29pm – 9lbs 9oz – 21 inches.

She is amazing and is finally apart of the VIBE Student Ministry at 1st Assembly (in Anchorage)

Here are some events that have happended in the last several weeks:

- Italian Night - all you can eat

- Espresso Night - FREE

- Banana Splits – FREE (Pastor Ben Rose from Juneau spoke at the VIBE Student Ministries

Here are a few more events that’ll be taking place:

- $200 give-a-way Sept 9th : This Wednesday, $100 to a male and $100 to a female

– See You At the Pole Sept. 23rd: Even if you’re the only one…..pray outside your flag pole before school.

- YMCA Late nighter Sept. 25th – $10 (With local Youth ministries invited) (Must find your own transportation to and from the YMCA – Pick up a Parental Permission Form)

- S.O.F.A. meeting Sept. 30th – 6:00pm at 1st Assembly

If you’re reading this for the first time please feel free to visit us at “1540 C Street”.  We’re a fun and passionate group of students.  Hope to see you at the VIBE!

Pastor Heidi

Next time, don’t forget to bring a comfy chair….you know?  The kind you use at games (fold up …potable cloth ones).  Those work great. 

A BIG THANKS TO SOME WONDERFUL ADULT LEADERS:

Tasha and Eddie – Bringing the movie and kettle corn!  YUM!  You guys rock!

Christa and Matt – Making FRESH kettle corn and buying me a soda.  Such a thoughtful  and FUN couple!

Jennifer and boys – for making the AMAZING SWEET TEA!  You totally beat Mcdonald’s!  You guys are amazing!

Remember this Sunday is our first S.O.F.A meeting at my house.  Be sure to pick up a map at WEEKEND EDITION on Sunday AM.  Be ready for a time of vision casting and idea brain storming.

Love ya’ll – Pastor Heidi and Mark

It’s funny how Mark spoke about “Identity Crisis” seeing that I just spoke last week about “THE KNOWING.”  They both were about knowing who you are in Christ.  Rehaboem (Solomon’s son, David’s grandson) must have felt like th biggest loser in all of Jerusalem.  Have you ever felt like that?  Let’s be real….we all have. 

You’re going to want to come back in 2 weeks to hear the rest of this series.  Remember next week the youth are in charge of service while Joe Jackson (played in the NFL with Joe Nammath) will be our guest speaker.  Bring a friend that night!

Also, bring a friend this Friday pm 8:30 in the chapel.  Mystery movie night.  I’M PICKING THE MOVIE and you better not grumble about it!  Bring your $2 for nachos, popcorn, and sweet tea.  Oh, and a cushy pillow to sit on…  See you there!

Pastor Heidi and Mark

I pray you’re in THE KNOW today!  All of you, wherever life takes you today…be in the KNOW.  Walk in confindence.  Know for SURE who you are…..you’re a son or daughter. 

I love you, God loves you, and there’s nothing you can do about it! ~ P. Heidi