Illumination Would you like to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit to help you make some important decisions today? If so, Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians church in Ephe-sians 1:17-19 is an important scripture for us to apply to our life. Ephesians 1:17-19 (NIV)

17 I keep asking

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

18 I pray also that

the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious in-heritance in the saints,

19 and his incom-

parably great power for us who believe. I read a story recently that I believe will help us understand this “revelation and enlightenment” that Paul speaks of. Tho-mas Hemphill writes:

The adventure all began when, one day our youth leaders had a bright idea. We would all climb Mt Beerwah, in the Glasshouse Mountains (Australia). He told us the sunrise from the top was spectacular, so we needed to climb up in the early hours of the morning, before it got light. Then wed get there in time for the sunrise, and wed climb back down in daylight. So we set off very early in the morning for Mt Beerwah and started climbing. Mt Beerway, is not a gently undulating

mountain. It is more vertical than horizontal! It is 1820 ft. high so it is a decent height, at least for this part of the

world. Again we were climbing at night. That meant we couldn’t see how high we were as we were climbing. All I could see as I climbed was the few feet in front of me that my flashlight illumi-nated. As far as I was concerned, all that mattered was the few feet of path or at times rock face that I could see in front of me.

It was only when we came down dur-ing the daylight that we realized what was there as we had been climbing up. I still remember going down the same path I had come up during the night and getting vertigo from the sud-den drop to the side of the path! The view was amazing but that drop was amazing too! But during the night, although the view was there, the drop was there too, even though I didn’t see it. Because I didn’t see it, I didn’t know it was there. And because I did-n’t know it was there, I didn’t get ver-tigo. And I realized why the youth leader had got us to climb it at night. There is no way I would have climbed that thing if I had been able to see the drop next to the path! Coming down we had a realization of what was really there. We saw what at night was unseen. During the night, only the track straight in front was visi-ble. But that track was only a tiny part

of the picture. The bigger picture - though unseen - was there.

I believe Paul makes an appeal that our Christian life is often like that of this story – because we don’t see it. In v. 17 Paul says, I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Fa-ther, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Paul’s prayer is for Illumina-tion in your walk with God.

The word “wisdom” in this verse is an old Greek word that was used to de-scribe insight or wisdom not naturally attained. In other words, this is not a natural human wisdom-this is distinct insight. The word for “revelations” re-fers to something that has been veiled or hidden for a long time and then sud-denly, almost instantaneously, has be-come clear and visible to the mind or eye.

The point is the truth you now grasp was there all along. But it was veiled; it was hidden to you, just like the cover of darkness hid all the wonders on the mountain path. Once the veil is re-moved, your mind can instantly

see and understand it. When this oc-curs, you have illumination! There are some things that remain hid-den until God chooses to reveal them to us. This is why Paul prayed for God to give the Ephesians church a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Because the church needed wisdom beyond their own human understanding, Paul asked God to give then what they need: dis-tinct insight, not naturally attained. Then Paul clarified what he meant by adding the word “revelation.” One ex-positor has said the verse could be better translated to give unto you a spirit of wisdom, even revelation! God had all the answers the Ephesian believers needed, but by themselves they would never be smart enough to figure it all out. So Paul implored God to impart to them the wisdom they needed, the wisdom that only God can give. As we begin a new year in the Lord, together we will face many things that we need the wisdom of the Lord. Some of those will be trials and some will be great opportunities we need to embrace. We will need illumination to see fully what God has prepared for us. I am asking that the Lord will give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation this year! God has all the answers we need, and they are not as far from us as you may think. In one moment, He can remove the veil, the sun can come up, to help you see clearly the things we will need to understand. All you have to do is ASK!

1 Corinthians 2:8-9 (NIV)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has con-

ceived what God has prepared for those who love him”—but God has re-vealed it to us by his Spirit. May we walk in the wisdom and revelation of the Lord in 2013—Lord help us to SEE! Blessings, Jeff Wiedenmeyer

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PASTORAL STAFF

Mary Ann Adams Children’s Pastor

Jeff Wiedenmeyer Lead Pastor

Kenneth Curtis Youth Pastor

Deacon Meeting Thurs. Jan. 17, 2013 7 pm at the church

Communion Sun. Jan. 6, 2013

Jamestown First Assembly Small Groups

September 2012-May 2013 Gary & Jill Riffe at Gerry Hofmann’s, 1502 14th Ave SW,

Jamestown, Monday’s at 7:00 pm. ph. 320-3539 (Gary) Mark & Julie Olson at Olson’s, 3031 83 1./2 Ave SE,

Jamestown, Tuesday’s at 7:00 pm. ph. 320-6303 (Mark) or

ph. 320-9585 (Julie) Joe & LeAnn Beckstrand at Gordy & Marva Entzminger’s

1116 Western Park Village, Jamestown, Wednesday’s at 6:30 pm ph. 269-9662(Joe) or 269-2856(LeAnn.

Mike & Bethany Hillesland at Andy & Melissa Noreen’s, 1725 7th Ave NE, Jamestown, Thursday’s at 7:00 pm

ph. 658-0247 (Bethany) Curt & Loree Hill at Hill’s, 315 4th Ave NE, Valley City, Thursday’s at 7:00 pm. ph. 845-4584

New Year’s Day Tues. Jan. 1, 2013

Church Office closed!

No evening activities at the church

Wed. Jan. 2, 2013.

Men’s Bible Study – Small Group:

Meets Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM downstairs fellowship hall.

BE ALERT: Book of Jude

The book of Jude describes apostates, people who fall away from Jesus. While the end of the age will be characterized by a general, world-wide departure from the faith, apostasy can afflict any nation, so-ciety, age, culture or person. It is always a threat. Jude, the half brother of Jesus, teaches us the impor-tance of persevering in our faith by walking closely with God and understanding the tenants of our faith.

2013 Week of prayer Jan. 6-12

Special prayer services nightly at 6:30 pm.

S.S. Morning Service Toddlers Evening Service

6 Loree H. Jean Jasmann Jordan S. Carol H.

Selah Jasmann

13 Vivian W. Kelly Spanier Lynn K. Erica H.

Anna Woodward

20 Bonnie D. Bethany Hillesland Kandy E. Vivian W.

Makayla Delair

27 Pattie C. Terri Marshall Pam H. Jill Riffe

Becca Tompson

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JBQ Practice Sunday Nights @ 6:00 p.m.

JBQ Meet First Assembly Jamestown Sat. January 19 @ 10:00 a.m.

In need of officials and volunteers! Please contact pastor Mary Ann if you are willing to help!

3-5 Registration Due Sunday ,March 10 Registration Forms available in the children’s church room or just ask Pastor Mary Ann for one.

$50.00

We Are Stronger Together.

Do you ever feel alone or no one cares about what you are going through? We may greet each other in church, but are we really experiencing all that our body of believers has to offer? We enjoy the Sunday morning message and song service, but these times seldom let us get to know each other on a deeper level. Small group offers a solution, where as a body of believers, we are stronger together than apart. A small group becomes a place for learning and understanding God’s Word deeper, life applica-tion discussions to be made, deeper relationships to be formed and facilitates accountability.

Small groups facilitate asking questions as we study and learn God’s word together. It allows for

growth in knowledge and understanding of the living word, which can be implemented into our daily lives. For example, we completed a course on “Christianity, Cults and Religions” by Paul Carden. This gave a great background, beliefs and comparison on groups such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mor-monism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and other groups. We had great discussions as we covered the various groups. By studying these groups, we gained an understanding on how to reach out to them with a mes-sage of hope. Many people in these groups do not have assurance or satisfaction they desire. They must follow a set of rules and are afraid they may break them. Only having a relationship with Jesus, can satisfy them in this life, give them peace and provide the assurance that they can enter heaven.

Here is what one of our group members stated about the power of community and fellowship: “I

like having something midweek. Being single, I like the fellowship with other Chris-tians. It’s nice to learn from other people. It helps you grow. Getting different per-spectives helps us stretch our thinking. As the body of Christ we need each other. There is power in praying together.” Each individual has a life experience and some form of knowledge that can be a blessing to other members of the group. If you have ever experienced a small group, you have most likely experienced the knowledge shared from the various members and gained a better understanding as a result.

I believe that as we seek a deeper walk with God, other Christians become the hands and feet of

Christ in that walk. Small group ministry is one place where you can come and connect with God’s peo-ple on a personal level. It is a place where you can get to know them more intimately. We pray together, share our sorrows together and rejoice in the victories together. For example, each meeting we take time to pray for any needs that have come up during the week. The following week we can see how God has answered those prayers.

As relationships develop within the small groups, we have a safe place to share our struggles. We can choose to allow people into our lives and provide us with accountability in the areas we are weak. In Proverbs 27:17 it says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Accountability helps us as we strive to obey God. Sharing our deep held secrets with a trusted brother or sister, releases the power of that sin over us. I am not saying that all our innermost secrets should be shared in the entire group setting. What I am saying is that the small group can facilitate in finding a trusted brother or sister that you can share every deep secret with and allow them to hold you accountable. We want to live our lives worthy of the One who gave everything for us.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A chord of three strands is not quickly broken.” As Ecclesiastes implies, two Christians linked arm in arm can de-fend themselves against our common enemy the Devil, better than one, because we are stronger to-gether.

Mark Olson, Small Group Facilitator

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WOMEN’S MINISTRY

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14. As Woman, we choose what we reflect on each day. We also have great opportunities each day to influ-ence those around us and also create an atmosphere in our homes or maybe even our place of work. May the Lord strengthen you each day to be the Influencer for Him. Let us have the aroma of Christ in all we do and say.

We know that the women of today live fast paced lives and their schedules fill quickly. But, we also know that every woman needs a BREAK! This is the idea behind “Morning Break – Tuesdays at 9 am, and Eve-ning Break – Wednesdays at 6:30 pm” (including nursery-elementary age ministry). Every woman should be ministered too, find friendship with other women and at the same time learn the truths of God’s word. Come join us for the last sessions of “Me, Myself and Lies”, the week of January 8th and 15th. This is an inner look at our thought closet of our inner soul and readjusting our thoughts to be Christ centered. You will enjoy Jennifer Rothschild, a young-blind woman, whom God speaks through. Also, be looking forward to our new 12 week Bible Study series, “The Twelve Woman of the Bible”, by

Lysa Terkeurst, beginning Tuesday, January 22nd- 9:30 am, and Wednesday January 23rd-6:30 pm. You will receive insights for your life from woman who lived thousands of years ago. Six in the Old Testament and 6 in the New testament, whose struggles to live with faith and courage are not unlike your own. There will be no book required.

Woman’s ministries has been working hard behind the scenes. Here is a little update as to our team and what they do for our church body. Tamra Wiedenmeyer- WM team leader, Gerry Hofmann- Missionary Adoption and The Dimes Project, Jill Riffe – Operation Night Light Blanket Project, Rachel Liechty and Julie Olson- “Gourmet Grace” a ministry to provide meals to people in our church body that have just come out of the hospital or are ill. Vivian Welsh – Prayer, Leann Beckstrand – “Ladies Night Out” and Patty Fisher- Publication. I am grateful for their work and service to our body. Ladies, be looking forward to “Ladies Night our” with a Chanda Pierce, Movie Night and Popcorn on Friday, January 25th at 7 pm. Contact LeAnn Beckstrand for more information. Every woman has special gifts and talents given to her. Come share them with us as we journey together! Blessings, Tamra Wiedenmeyer

PAGE 6

Breach Youth Church

Pursuing the moments,

Kenneth Curtis

As I sit here looking back on this year I could not be more excited about what God has done and the students I see him building. Breach Youth Church ended 2012 with our first Christmas program. It went extremely well, and I already have students asking about Fine Arts in the spring. We are all excited about what 2013 has for us !

We are kicking off 2013 with a Ski Trip! The trip will be the 25th-26th of Janu-ary at Andes Tower Hills in Alexandria Minnesota. The cost is $85.00 per student.

Ski/Snowboard Trip

When: January 25th-26th

Cost: $85.00 (food not included)

Where: Andes Tower Hills Alexandria MN

Hotel: Best Western Alexandria MN

Must have $40.00 given to pastor Kenneth by January 16th to save

your spot.

Non-refundable.

PAGE 7

JANUARY 2013

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 New Years Day

Church Office closed!

2 No evening activities at the Church Jmst Public School starts

3 4 5 7 pm Prayer time @ church

6 am Pastor Jeff communion pm Pastor Jeff

7

8 9 am Ladies Morning Break

9 7 am Deacon

Prayer 6:30 pm Ladies Evening Break 6:30 pm Men’s 318 Club 6:30 pm Kidz Club 6:30 pm Youth Church

10

11

12

13 am Pastor Jeff pm Pastor Jeff

14

15 9 am Morning Break

16 7 am Deacon

Prayer 6:30 pm Kidz Club 6:30 pm Ladies Evening Break 6:30 Men’s 318 Club 6:30 pm Youth Church

17 7 pm Deacon mtg

18

19 10:00 am-3 pm JBQ meet at James-town 7 pm Prayer time @ church

20 am Pastor Jeff pm Pastor Jeff

21 22 9 am Ladies Morning Break

23 7 am Deacon

Prayer 6;30 pm Evening Break Bible Study 6:30 pm Kidz Club 6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study 6:30 pm Youth Church

24 25 Ladies Night Out Movie night & popcorn

26 7 pm Prayer time @ church

27 am Pastor Jeff BGMC pm Pastor Jeff

28

29 9 am Ladies Morning Break

30 7 am Deacon

Prayer 6;30 pm Evening Break Bible Study 6:30 pm Kidz Club 6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study 6:30 pm Youth Church

31

Phone: 701-252-4092

Fax: 701-952-1575

E-mail: assembly@daktel.com

First Assembly of God 1720 8th Ave SW Jamestown, ND 58401

Information

for the newsletter

needs to be into the office by the 15th of

the month. Thank you!

~ Sunday ~ 8:30 am

Connection time in the fellowship halll 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Morning Worship & Children’s & Toddler’s Church

6:00 p.m. Evening Worship Service

~ Monday ~ 7:00 p.m.

Small Groups meeting at various locations For more info contact: 252-4092

~ Tuesday ~ 9:00 a.m.

Ladies Morning Break Bible Study 7 :00 p.m.

Small Groups meeting at various locations For more info contact 252-4092

~Wednesday~ 7 am Deacon Prayer at the church

6:30 p.m. Ladies Evening Break Bible Study

Men’s Bible Study Kidz Club

Youth Church at Slater Center Small Groups meeting at various locations

For more info contact 252-4092

~Thursday~ 7:00 p.m.

Small Groups meeting at various locations For more information contact 252-4092

~ Saturday ~ 7:00 p.m.

Prayer Time

Wee

kly

Sch

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le

Week of prayer Jan 6th thru Jan. 12

Youth snowboarding & ski trip

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Jamestown, N.D.

58401 Permit No. 66

SUNDAY

Sunday School (for all ages)

9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Children’s & Toddler’s Church (ages 3-10)

10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6:00 p.m.

First Assembly of God 1720 8th Ave SW Jamestown, ND 58401

Phone: 252-4092 E-mail: assembly@daktel.com www.ourheartispeople.com www.facebook.com/jamestownfirst

Return Service Requested “...stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together …

Hebrews 10:24-25

OUR FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE

Opportunities for worship, learning, fellowship and service.

Jan 2013 Tue 1 New Year’s Day- Church office closed Wed 2 No evening activities at the church Sun 6 communion Week of prayer thru the 12th Thu 17 Deacon meeting Sat 19 JBQ meet at Jamestown Fri 25 Youth ski trip thru the 26th Ladies Night Out-movie night & popcorn

Feb 2013 Sun 3 Communion Thu 7 Deacon Mtg Sun 10 STL Valentine Banquet Thur 14 Valentine’s Day Sun 17 Ignite-Youth Winter Confer-ence thru the 18th Mon 18 President’s Day-no school Fri 22 Men’s Conference thru the 23rd Sun 24 WM’s Day pm-Missionary Chuck Ness