GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

No Starbucks, Krispy Kreme or Dandee Donuts!!!!! What do you mean?

Watch this video  shown this week at all Oasis Church Services, to find out why???

Oasis Weekly Newsletter/July 4, 2008

For those who are not on our Email list at Oasis, I am posting this so our Extended Oasis Family from around the Globe will know what is happening at Oasis Church, South Florida. I hope for those of you who reside outside South Florida have a wonderful July 4th . (The links on the Original email, do not work on this, but you can always go to our Visitoasis.org website or my blog site to find them.  (Unfortunately when I place my Email on the blog, it cuts a few words off the end of the sentence. Sorry) 

Pastor's Email
Dear Guy,   Are you experiencing the Dog Days of Summer yet?  The doldrums?  I hope not. But if you are, I want to share some exciting things happening at Oasis Church. We don't have time to experience the doldrums…too much work to do!!!! If you’re going on vacation or having some extra days off during the 4th of July Weekend, that is awesome!  I hope you will celebrate, relax and be safe. Please remember our soldiers who are stationed around the world, and especially in the war zones, during this Holiday Weekend. Just last night Tonia found out her nephew, Phil Gilmore arrived safely home from Iraq this week after his 3rd tour of duty there in 4 years. His two little girls had this big banner celebrating his return. I pray for the men and women who are there, that they will experience the same honor as they defend the Freedom of America and continue to protect our Independence that we will celebrate this weekend.   I want to share some exciting things with you about our church. Did you know?   Our long-awaited Baptistry Fountainis being gunited (blown concrete) as you read this.  If you are on the Pines Campus tonight or this weekend, you will see the new Baptistry with the roughed out concrete form!  PTL!  Pray for an August completion.  I hope we can baptize more on that first Sunday than ever before.  If you haven’t been baptized, you need to be!!   What an awesome time to do it. KidsWorld Director, Suzie McCord reported this week that their 140 volunteers serve 375 children every week in our services on 3 campuses and during 7NOW…you guys are awesome!!  You are doing a GREAT JOB!! Oasis Church baptized 207 new believers in 2007, who were obedient in following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This past week, the day before breaking ground for the new Fountain and Baptistry at our Pines Campus, I received a letter from our denominational office which congratulated Oasis Church for being the 19th ranked church out of almost 3000 churches in Florida, in total Baptisms in 2007.  God has been so good to us. As of this month the faithful givers to Oasis Church have given 2 million dollars toward the ministry of Oasis Church, for the Budget Year that ends on August 31.  I thank God for those who Tithe 10% to the Lord’s work here at Oasis.  You are a major reason God has used Oasis in such incredible ways this past year in North Miami, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and around the world. We do not count attendance very often, but in April the last count that was taken, there were 2,099 who attended our weekly services that week – 200 more than last year.  We will normally have between 2,100-2,300 on any given week worshiping at Oasis Church.  That is remarkable when you consider our limited parking and buildings at our Pines Campus.  Approx. 600-700 of those attending, attend our 7 Nights of Worship Services (7NOW).  Approx. 250 attend our Oasis NoMi and Oasis Hollywood Campuses. Joel Collins, our Tech Director, reported this week that 650 persons have listened to Podcaston our visitoasis.org website.  That is up from 480 last month, which was up almost 200 from the month prior.  There is an increasing thirst to hear God’s word taught in our church, and also, an awareness that it is as easy as clicking on our website and listening to any sermon we preach here at Oasis Church. Oasis Hollywood has a Picnic in the Arts Park scheduled for next Saturday…you’re invited! Oasis North Miamiis planning a BIG Vacation Bible School at the Campus in NoMi July 20-24  -- Sun through Thur evening from 6-9 p.m.   So many more things, but I don’t have time here.  You can go to my blog to check out the most popular Blog Post of the last month, and also to get an update on 3 Staff Members who have said, “So Longggg” to us this past week.  There is also information on lots of other things in my first-ever, Wednesday Dumpon my blog – guymelton.com.   See you this week, and have a happy, safe 4th of July!!  God bless you.  It is a privilege to serve you.   Guy Melton, Pastor Oasis Church
Hollywood Campus Pines Campus N. Miami Campus Prayer Requests www.visitoasis.org

tel 954.433.4838 | fax 954.433.2004 | info@visitoasis.org

Wednesday "What Were You Thinking?" Dump!!!

Haven't done this before but thought I might DUMP some things on you all in one post. I'll try to keep it relatively short. (That word Relatively, is Relative of course)

• Kids World Director, Suzie McCord reported this week their 140 volunteers serve 375 Children every week in our Services on 3 campuses and during 7NOW, YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!!
• Oasis Church Baptized 207 new believers, who were obedient and followed the Example of our Lord Jesus Christ. I received a letter this past week the day before breaking ground for the new Fountain and Baptistry at our Pines campus, from our Denominational office which congratulated Oasis Church for being the 19th ranked church in total Baptisms in 2007 out of almost 3000 churches in Florida. God has been so good to us.
• As of this Month the Faithful Givers to Oasis Church have given 2 Million Dollars toward the ministry of Oasis Church for the Budget year that ends on August 31st.  I thank God for those who Tithe (10% ) to the Lord's work here at Oasis. You are a major reason God has used Oasis in such incredible ways this past year in North Miami, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines and around the World.
• We do not count attendance very often but in April the last count that was taken there were 2,099 who attended our weekly services that week. We will normally have between 2,100-2,300 on any given week worshiping at Oasis. That is remarkable when you consider our limited parking and buildings at our Pines Campus. Approx. 600-700 of those attending, attend our7 Nights of Worship Services. Approx. 250 attend our Oasis Nomi, and Hollywood Campuses.
• The most-read Blog Posts this past month in case you missed them are in order:  XXX Part 1  For Men Only Please and Part 2, The Secret is Out!!! , Thanks for the Memories, and The Day That Changed My Life FOREVER!!!
• One year of Blogging just passed last week!!!   I cannot believe it's been a year since my first blog post about my Mentor, Mr. Johnson.  400  Blog Postings later (399 to be exact as of this post)  and 54,000 Blog Page Views is something that I have a hard time getting my mind around. I know I bore lots of you in my long posts, but I have to be me!!!! Some I have made mad, but my Blog is named, What Were you Thinking?  I want to thank those of you who have commented (677 of you) even if you haven't agreed with me. When you do agree, the kind words you have written, the verbal encouragements to keep blogging and even the constructive criticism some of you give. Thanks for honoring me with the time you've taken to read my thoughts and sometimes my rantings. It's a privilege to have so many friends and family.  I especially want to thank my boys for their constant effort to keep me humble by their comments on the Blog, and then last but not least, Tonia and her perseverance with having to take the heat for some of the things I write and also the pictures of her I have posted. Tonia, I love you, and thank you for your patience. I love all you guys!!! I'm a blessed man!!

Waldo has been Found!!!!!!!!!

Last week was an awesome time with my wife. We visited New England. I would have loved sharing each day, but I was really trying to be good and not spend my time working. But , I must say I'm paying big time this week. It's been non-stop. But wanted to let those who have been googling all week trying to find "Waldo". Well, the pic's below will share a little of our wonderful week, and also remind you that you must "come apart" or you will "come apart". Even Jesus got away from the everyday stress to rest. What do you have planned? Doesn't have to be exotic, or expensive.

Our first two nights were in Kennebunkport, Maine . Stayed in the Maine Stay B&B. Tonia and I love them. This was for our Anniversary, which by the way is today, June 26, 1975. 7:00 p.m. Thursday night, 33 years ago.

Boothbay Harbor -- next stay up the Maine Coast, not far from the first place the sun rises each day in the United States. The sun came up about 4:30 a.m. each morning. Just about the same time Tonia and I normally get up and begin our day!!! Right!! This pic is where Bobby Flay did his Crab Throw Down, The Lobster Dock. We came home and Weds. night the throw down was on the Food Channel. It will be on again this month. I'll look for the dates. Worth the visit if you're in the area!!! This was taken in Ted Williams Fav Resturant in Warrick, Rhode Island. My good friend and Lay Pastor at the Hollywood Campus, Chuck Mahoney, in the Pic, took us there.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Loved the city and having some time with Chuck. We love to argue Politics and Sports. But we try to keep it civil. But have you ever tried to have a civil conversation with a Red Sox, Celtic and Patriots fan? Just won't happen. Thanks Chuck for the bed, and the beautiful view of the Bay. Had lots of Lobster Rolls while there. Here I am basking in the 60 degree afternoon after eating at the Clam Shack, featured on Rachel Ray's Show. Stayed in Bar Harbor, Maine which is at the entrance of the Acadia National Park. The Park was the main reason we drove toward Northern Maine's Coast. Unfortunately the Park was awesome and beautiful but it had fog roll in and the incredible rocky coast you could not see. That was about the only disappointment we had the entire trip.  

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Where's Waldo??????

Tonia and I are away this week. I'm not sure I am ready to tell you where yet! My boys might find out and come looking for us. This is our vacation...they had theirs, food, fun and travel for 30 years between having all three. Anyway, I thought I would play this Little Game I remember from maybe 10 years ago...Where's Waldo?????

If you aren't familiar then check out Wikipedia for Where's Waldo. Today's game is "Where are Guy and Tonia?" Not that most of you even care!

• It is 50 degrees right now.
• I am typing on a porch in a little city of 3500, that swells to 14,000 in the Summer. Had a Horse and Buggy Ride around the historic downtown with houses dating back to the 1700's (not us in pic).
  
  The sun comes up at 5:00 a.m. and sets about 9:15 p.m.!! Hence at 6:45 a.m. I am up with the sun in my eyes since 5 a.m. and can't sleep. So, I am playing Where's Waldo?
  We are about 4 hours from where the sun first comes up in the United States. Took a trolley ride around the area and past a former president's house. Didn't run into him though!!!!  He has a windmill on the property, supplying his estate with power and sells the rest to the electric company. Going Green!!!

The state tree is a Pine Tree!! Sounds like fun!!!

Lowest per capita income in the country except Mississippi, our guide said.
Beauty around every turn, down every street!!

Great food, I guess you find that everywhere. But exceptional here!!

Had dinner last night at The Nonantum Resort a 125 year old Inn, overlooking an incredible river, while watching a group having an outdoor Lobster Bake on the open pit in the ground.

Water temp 52 degrees yesterday and the beach was packed!!! Not me...I go in when it reaches 90 degrees.

Tonia and I split a Lobster Roll yesterday at the Famous Clam Shack!! Yum!

Rachel Ray has reviews all over town!!! That girl likes to eat!!! 

The Inn we are staying at was built in 1890 by a Sea Captain...has a widow's loft and tons of history.

Tonia and I love B&Bs...are retracing our 20th Anniversary trip but not staying in the same B&B's. That is all we stayed in then, we will only stay in a few this time.

Looking forward to staying with one of our members from Hollywood hopefully on Saturday night!!!!  He is at his summer home in............. (Didn't really think I was going to tell?)

More later, the inn keeper just told me the coffee is on!! I'm ready!!

   

Leaders Development Dinner

 Tonight was one of those nights that are just special. I spent about 3 1/2 hours with our Leaders who lead our ministries. 90 Leaders and spouses met to have a great meal prepared by John Adams who leads our Kona Cafe on the Pines Campus.  All 3 Campuses were represented. We don't get to be together very often.

Following the Meal Rev. Bud McCord our Missionary to Brazil gave us an overview of his new book , "The Satisfying Life" which is what our new Series at Oasis Church is based on. Actually it is based on John 15. If your going to be at church this coming weekend or one   of our nightly services , you might want to read this passage. Speaking to our Staff, Deacons/Lay pastors, Church Council, Children's Directors , Worship leaders , Host Pastors , Womens ministry ,First Impressions Captains and Community group leaders Bud challenged us all to live the Abiding Life.  To realize Jesus is in me and I have all I need in life to be satisfied is within me , Jesus Christ. It was refreshing. It was  a time our Leaders who constantly give out , and serve others had a chance to be fed, spiritually as well as physically.

 What a privilege to serve with these great men and women. As I looked around the room, I was just awestruck at the wonderful servant leaders our church is blessed with . I am so blessed to serve as servant leader to this incredible church. I love Oasis Church. Cant wait to see you this coming weekend and week.

BUSTED AND THE SECRET IS OUT!!! Email Newsletter

For those who follow our Blog but are not in our Oasis Church Family here in South Florida, below is our newsletter I Sent out today . I get so many who like to keep up with Oasis, this is my way of keeping you in the loop. Just a reminder, the typepad format cuts off the end of the line, so you complete the sentence. The links on the email letter will not work from here. Sorry!!!

Pastor's Email
Dear Extended Oasis Family;   Happy Father’s Day out there to all the guys who are Dads!!! We salute you, and thank God for those Dads seeking to lead their families in a Godly Way. Father’s Day Weekend is the perfect time to kick off a new Series "The Satisfying life".Our Guest Speaker this weekend, the following weekend and in our 7NOW Services is Rev. Bud McCord our Missionary from Brazil. He has a newly released book on this subject and we are the first ones to have an opportunity to get it. Much more about Bud and the new Series on our Website!!    I love having a great church website and also a personal blog.  I could never get all the great things out about what's going on at Oasis without our website. And I would never be able to share from the pulpit with such limited time all that is going on in my life and in my MIND!!!! Hence, What Were You Thinking? Whether you want to know all I am thinking or not, it’s on my blog!!!! Some I could never mention from the pulpit, or should I say, would choose not to.  Here are just some of What I Have Been Thinking this week: The Secret is Out  I've been BUSTED!!!!!!!!!! The Satisfying Life!! XXX For Men ONLY!!!!! Waxing Nostalgic I am a Pack Rat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   So I invite you to go to www.guymelton.com and find out what I am thinking. You might like it, you might not…but it is what I am Thinking!! Oasis Church has some pretty phenomenal things happening you don’t want to miss, so check them out: Need to Cool off this Summer?  Check out Kona Father’s Day Fun and More at NoMi!!!  Revolution Summer Theater Camp for kids…3 Choices All the Way from Brazil Surge Youth are on the Road this summer KidsWorld Update and Mr. Eric!!!!! 7 Nights of Worship, and Free Pizza, Free Cappucinos and Lattes, only certain nights!!! Check it out!!! A story of Community Oasis Shirts for men and women still available online And so much more..................................... I am so excited about this weekend as we kick off The Satisfying Lifewith Rev. Bud McCord!! Come prepared to be blessed and challenged and get your Study Workbook at Kona while you’re here. For 7NOW services you will have the books available also. This week in preparation, I have been reading the key text for our Series every day. Let me encourage you to Read John 15 before coming this week to service. God bless you and have a great weekend, and once again to the Dads, Happy Father’s Day!!! I love you guys. It is a blast to do life with you at Oasis Church.  Guy Melton, Pastor Oasis Church
Hollywood Campus Pines Campus N. Miami Campus Prayer Requests www.visitoasis.org

tel 954.433.4838 | fax 954.433.2004 | info@visitoasis.org

KONA!!! Free Drinks and Worship!!

I love our new Kona at our Pines Campus. Our Leadership Team has decided to do something different, as we do most summers with certain services. In the past when our Saturday Night service was much smaller we would be able to do some special things at that service. This year we are doing some special things with our Monday and Tuesday Night 7 p.m. Worship Services. Since they are our two smallest services we are moving them into the Community Cafe. This provides several opportunities.

It allows us to partner with the new Kona and provide free Specialty Drinks and also food. It also gives more of a Coffee House, initimate feel to the service. The same great music and message, but with a much more intimate feel. We will even serve Free Pizza this coming week and maybe for a few weeks. On Saturday Night during the summers past that was always popular. So now come from work on Monday or Tuesday night and enjoy some pizza and Kona!!!!

For more info, including extended hours those two nights and free wifi check out the special story on this at our Oasis Website.

If you attend one of our Sunday Morning Services at Pines, come out and try the Monday or Tuesday night. Jimmy Purchase, our Host Pastor, and the group would love to have you.It is right next to the Auditorium.

My Showering Video (In case you missed it last week)

If you were out of town for Memorial Day you missed my video where I showered using Recycled Water for our Going Green Series. You are welcome to view it here. 

You can hear our Message last week , and even download it as always as a Podcast.  All our messages are on the Visitoasis.org website.

Weekly Newsletter/Politics,Going Green, Al Gore

For those who do not receive my weekly email on Thurs/Friday, I am attaching it here. There have been some who have mentioned recently, they have not been receiving them anymore, we think there may have been some spam problems with certain internet providers. If you would like to be put on our list to receive the weekly email, please send me your email address, at guym@visitoasis.org

Pastor's Email
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!!!! Al Gore Where are you????? I'm Going Green  The Thunderbird 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
Hollywood Campus Pines Campus Sermon Podcast Prayer Requests www.visitoasis.org

tel          954.433.4838       | fax 954.433.2004 | info@visitoasis.org

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