Dear Guy,
What a messed up world we are living in!!!!! Sorry to start off with such uplifting words, but it does seem to be such a messy place right now. Suicide Bombers, terrorist attacks daily, the Hurricane (cyclone) in Myanmar/Burma and now Earth Quakes in China killing thousands. What a sad week and I haven't even mentioned what's going on in our country. But if you want to have some Good News, Hurricane Season in South Florida doesn't begin for two more weeks!!!!!! Enjoy Paradise!!!!!
It is for all the reasons above our Church is named Oasis Church. We really do want to be a "Refreshing Place" in a desert of troubles and problems. We all have troubles, we are going through Cyclones of our own. No doubt, that's the human condition. But I want our church to be that one place people can come in from the storm and experience some peace, albeit it for just an hour or two. That is why we offer 13 services, 3 campuses, that include 7 Nights of Worship each and every week. People literally come to church every night, just looking for some peace from the Tsunami they are experiencing. I meet them almost every night I attend. Sometimes I attend a night just because I have had a bad day and just want to worship with some other believers and hear from God. Have you ever come on a night just for that? That is why we offer our Kona Cafe. Soon we will have free WiFi in Kona. We want folks to come and be able to just hang out. Maybe with someone, or maybe just by yourself, with a book, a computer, iPod, or just to sit and have some coffee or a snack.
I want our Church to be that "Third Place" you hear so many talk about. For many it's Starbucks. That's fine, but what's better than to have a Third place that has spiritual food, a hug, and some love???? At this point only our Pines campus has the 7 nights and Kona, but my vision is for all campuses to have an "Oasis"; a third place feel every night/day of the week. I can't wait until our Hollywood campus can open an Oasis in the middle of downtown Hollywood; my hope is on the Boulevard itself. My prayer is that Oasis church can be that "Spring of Living Water" that the bible speaks about. Water to the thirsty traveler, the weary Mom and the still water to those who need it. Have you invited anyone lately to the "Oasis"? Why not this weekend or next week on one of the Nights of Worship?
A few things to remember this week. We are looking for some folks who are willing to step up and help our church continue to be an Oasis to those who come by leading or hosting a Community group. Pastor Pat Roberts is hosting an Orientation Meeting next week for those who are willing to just listen and consider.
Our Women's Ministry is hosting a Mentoring Coffee this Sunday for those ladies who are interested in taking your Spiritual Life to the next level. This mentoring ministry is new but has had great first session results. If you are interested in attending the Orientation for this check out the article on our website.
The Classics Continue this Weekend and 7NOW. We conclude this series with the Classic "Terminator" story!!! Samson, the Samsonator!! If you want to prepare yourself for the message, I suggest you click on BIBLE GATEWAY and read some of the passages we will be looking at in Judges 14-16.
Next Week Begins our GOING GREEN SERIES, which leads me to some things I really want you to check out on my blog, this week.
Most Important Request Yet!!! Go to my blog home page and sign up just under my picture to have my blog posts emailed to you when they're updated. That way you don't have to wonder if I have anything new and waste your time looking it up. I would love to have you on my blog email!! Thanks to Kevin McCord for fixing me up with this. Kevin is the smartest person I have ever known!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Politics, Hmm!!! Not Pleasant!!! Please read our Church's policy on this, with the Political season heating up!!!! - Wow!!!! So much to share, along with Myanmar Disaster update, our Surge Prom Alternative, Text Messages of why we love our Moms and Mission to Haiti.
After writing this I'm tired and also excited...can you be both at one time? I love serving Jesus. It is an exciting adventure. Every day is a new day, full of opportunities to make a difference!!!! Are you making a difference today, or just existing?! Lets go out and make a difference. I love you guys. I love serving with you.
God bless and I cannot wait to see you this weekend or next week at 7NOW.
Guy Melton, Pastor
Oasis Church
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