GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

Homeless are staying in our Buildings at our Pines Campus.....

For the 3rd year our Women's ministry has hosted Homeless families in December. There is a ministry , Coalition to END Homelessness that has a Church Based ministry where they sign up churches various weeks of the year to host Homeless Families. The Womens Ministry started doing this 3 years ago and have continued to do so.

This is a wonderful time when so many women mainly come up and bring food, gifts, play games and sleep overnight with the families .  In the suburbs we don't know much about traditional Homelessness , but this is a good way to learn more about it and those who are homeless. They aren't all drug addicts and emotional and mentally ill people.

These are men and women who have lost a job, had financial set backs and found themselves living in cars and the street. The previous years have been women and their children. This year they are finding whole families with men also.

Tonia through this week of hosting 3 years ago, found herself burdened to go beyond this week and started volunteering at the Downtown Fort Lauderdale, home called The Way with the Ministry each Thursday. It is unbelievable the stories she hears each week. Many are whole families living in their cars with children who have to go to school the next day. Parents some of who have to go to work in the morning after sleeping in a car. Its heartbreaking. Many have been professionals, school teachers, secretaries and folks who are hard working but have been laid off in these tough times.

As a church Im glad there are women who are willing to stay up most of the night, ministering to families and making make shift rooms and bringing some Christmas cheer and love for this week.

I am blessed  by Debby Brown, Helen Chisholm, and all the women who have worked so hard this year . I have only gone up to say hello and to hassle our ladies for a few minutes, but I got to get in the picture with the wonderful families. Tonia has been up sleeping at Church the last two nights. I love her. She is awesome!!  Shes my Hero!! I cant complain about eating Canned soup at home while she and others are making great sacrifices for those that Jesus loves and came to die for and love the "Least of These" of the world. 

1/10/2010 is officially out...................

This weekend the announcement I have been dying to make for several months now was finally let out of the bag. Im so excited I could hardly contain myself as I shared the announcement  in three of our Services.  This historic day in the Life of Oasis Church will be one of the highlights of our 18 years.

For the first time in 17 years we as a Church family will all meet together. Since we were just a year old and had to go to three services in our little trailer , the original building, we have never met together under ONE ROOF!! On January 10, 2010 at 1:10 P.M. we will all meet together for our Weekend service.

All 3 campuses, all 13 services including all our 7 Nights of Worship services will be meeting together. Up until now we have not been able to find any building that will hold our entire church. Several months ago we relieved permission to use the actual church that birthed us 18 years ago. At the time the name was First Baptist Church of West Hollywood, now Hollywood Community. Its located at the corner of 441 and Taft Street.  It is where I grew up, got married, graduated from High School, saw our kids born, accept Christ and Baptized. I served on Staff 13 1/2 years before they sent Tonia and I out to Pembroke Pines to start Oasis Church in September 15, 1991.

Following the service on January 10th, we will use the facilities, gym , football field and parking lots to have a large Dinner/Lunch together.  You'll hear all the details in the weeks ahead.

It will be one of the great days. The auditorium seats more than 2,000 for our adults and our children will meet in their children's classrooms. 

I cant wait !!!! Mark your calendars!

P.S. Today in our Noon service, one of the first 8 people to be baptized in our first ever baptismal was in attendance. Nancy King now one of our Church Council members was part of the night at the church in West-hollywood, when we baptized our first new believers. Right in the auditorium we met in 18 years ago for our first Baptism. We are coming back. Who knows we might even do another Baptism at the service.

I want to thank the Leaders of Hollywood Community Church who have graciously allowed us to use this wonderful facility for no charge. What a blessing.

 Click Here to see what this is all about.

Some thoughts on Thankfulness in the "Fog" of War............

Below is a portion of what I shared with our Prayer Partner Team/Inner Circle, in my weekly Prayer email today. May God be close to you and your family and you feel His presence this Thanksgiving Season....

Happy Thanksgiving!!! I know this is almost just a "cliché" in our day. But it really is something that we must stop and really ponder. While it's true, everyday should be a day of thanksgiving, the reality is that many days we are not very thankful. I mean it isn't easy if you've lost your job, had pay cuts, losing a home, car or even a family member who is sick or suffering. Thanksgiving season always tends to make us at least try to take some time and ponder, even in the midst of tough days, to count our blessings. We really are a blessed people. We are a blessed country. The Apostle Paul said it best when he said "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I find myself". Now that is a context of what Thanksgiving is really all about.
 
Please try to take some time this week to count the many things we all can be thankful for. So when someone in the next day says, "Happy Thanksgiving", stop, and think about it!! What is there to be thankful for in your life. I have so much that I tend to overlook in the fog of "War". Meaning in the day to day stress and busyness, I tend to just see the darkness of all the things around me. Last month, I took some time off of watching the constant "dooms day" news  channels, and even my Facebook posting, just because it's easy sometimes to allow the circumstances of life to keep me from really realizing how much God has done for me.
 
When our boys were in kindergarten they all memorized Psalm 100 in their class at the church we attended. They would proudly quote the entire Psalm at the Thanksgiving Table that year. I think maybe all of as adults this Thanksgiving need to go back and read Psalm 100. I know I'm going to do it.
 
You are one of the people I'm thankful this week. Thanks for praying for me. Thanks for praying for our staff, Oasis Church and the many who are on our Prayer Digest each week. I know so many families who count on you to pray for them as they go through some tough storms of life. Thank you. I'm grateful.
 

First International Campus of Oasis Church.......................

The newest Campus of Oasis church has come to Fort Lauderdale. The New Oasis of the Seas is now making Port Everglades its new home. Oasis of the Seas is the largest Cruise-ship in the World and holds 6k Guest and 2k crew.

The way I see it, since they took our name, we are adopting them as our New International Campus of Oasis Church. So add 8,000 a week to our attendance, and Ill be expecting the Tithes and Offerings to start coming our way of the 8k new members at the first sailing in December!!!

 BTW, Ill be pastoring this Campus and when its at Sea be the Campus Pastor!!!!

Weekend Update/Kids World out of Space and Noon almost full!!

This past weekend was a special time for me. I got to share the platform with our youngest son Corey who shared his burden to help save those who are dying of dirty water. You can catch his testimony on our video podcast on weds at www.visitoasis.org on the message page. Its on our Sermon at the end.

 

along with a great weekend I also got several different notes today. Both show the constant Challenge we've had as a growing church for 18 years without enough space and land on our Pines Campus.  It has always been a challenge, but we decided years ago not the let the lack of space limit us and the Mission God has given us. So once again today, I received a plea from our Kids World Director Suzie McCord that our Kids Worlds classes are full at our 10:30 service on Sunday in Pines. So once again we are asking our folks to consider another morning service or one of our 7 Nights of Worship. I love these kinds of problems or should I say opportunities that we constantly have. Our Ministry of Kids World is turning children away each week at 10:30 because the classes are full. We cannot sacrifice safety by putting more children in the room than is allowed. So parents of nursery, preschool and elementary at 10:30 please consider coming at the 9:00 am service or noon service, or one of the nights. Noon service is almost full in the adult service as you'll see in the pic below I received tonight, but we still have room in the Kids World during this time. So noon for now is still a good time to come. And you aren't as rushed to get up and get the family here. You can take it a little more casually Sunday mornings.

 

Tonight I just received the pic below from one of our pastors. The noon service is beginning to look like our 1030 service. I remember a couple years ago when we started this service I wondered if anyone would attend at noon. I had hoped a 100 would . Well now the building is almost full each week. Thanks Oasis for being willing to always adjust to whatever it takes to make room for those who are not yet here. 
 

I also want to update you on my financial talk last week. You have responded incredibly. Last week our offerings were up at least $5,000 over the previous week. This week it looks like it will once again be up between $4-5,000 . Thanks to those who have stepped up and given to allow us to continue to do the ministry we are called to here. He is incredible how He just continues to bless even in these difficult times in South Florida. I also want to thank those who are giving over and above to the benevolence needs of those hurting.

 

Breaking News out of North Miami, New Baptism Pics from this Weekend!!

7 Baptized, more pics on nomipage of visitoasis.org

This Pic is after service in the courtyard . NOMI knows how to fellowship after the Worship!! Love the diversity of South Florida and Oasis Church!!

 

Have a great week.  

"The Unseen"/ Heavens Angels Part 1

This past Sunday we began a short 2 week mini Series called the "UnSeen"  This week the theme was Heavenly Angels, next week "Hells Angels".

As I promised in the services I spoke I would share some of the things we could not during our message. I will also share some of the referenced Passages of Scriputres we mentioned but could not read.

"Heaven’s Angels"

Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 13:2

All

angels are ministering spirits, sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.--Hebrews 1:14

Hebrews 13:2--

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing many people have

entertained

angels without knowing it.

Do you think anyone has ever said of you, “I wonder if that was an Angel?" 

sermonnotes

Guy Melton, Pat Roberts, Waymon Byrd

Oct 24-30, 2009

Seraphim:

directed by Gabriel

Cherubim:

directed by Michael

To Serve the _____________________________.

I Corinthians 13:1 (pg 798); Matthew 18:10 (pg 683); Matthew 10:42 (pg 676)

To Protect the ____________________________.

 Fast Facts about Angels:

*They are spiritual creations, but not confined to the supernatural world. (Psalm 148:1-5;

Col. 1:15-17)

*They do not die (Luke 20:36) marry or reproduce (Matthew 22:30)

*They often appear as humans (Hebrews 13:2)

*Their own appearance cause fear (We should respect, but not fear angels)

*They are innumerable (Hebrews 12:22) but there are millions of angels. (Revelations

5:11)

*We do not become angels when we die

*They are highly organized and differ in power (Jesus said he could call ‘legions’ of

angels)

Elisha (

2 Kings.6) Great story of the Guardian Angels

•

We should mimic angels, not worship them (Psalm 103:20)

•

What do they do? SERVE and PROTECT

John 17:15  Jesus Prays for our Protection

Read the entire Chapter of John 17

One Question:  Is there anything in your life your actions that someone would say; "I wonderr if that was an Angel?"

Real Men Wear Pink,Who's Wearing PINK this Weekend?....................

This month as so many know is "Breast Cancer" Awareness month. Now Im not really involved in this cause even though many I know are. Ive known so many families who have been touched by this deadly disease and some who have been healed  that while not personally involved, I admire so many that do so much. The NFL has been  showing plenty of Pink on their games. From shoes, to wrist bands, helmet and jersey logos. Refs , fields and stadiums have been adorned. Now honestly it seems a little awkward to see all these Studs wearing Pink and promoting the Breast Cancer Awareness, but hey it is what it is and in the end I guess if it actually calls awareness to one person during a game, then its worth it. Especially if its your loved one.

But actually this Post was more to show you who is wearing this PINK Shirt this weekend at the Pines campus for the Weekend Services. Now before you guess , just come and see. And its not to jump on the Breast Cancer Awareness bandwagon, its for a Totally Different reason and not the Reason some of you might want to jump to the conclusion on. So come and find out WHY this SHIRT is being WORN by One of our TEACHING TEAM!! See you this Weekend.

Stinging Note left in my Mailbox today..............

This afternoon I found a sealed  envelope in my staff mailbox. Normally when I find one that looks like this with a hand written Note saying Pastor Guy on it , I know Im not going to like what Im about to read. Normally it means its a stinging criticism, or the I love you but, Im leaving this church because........   So you kind of see it coming!!!! Since I had brought a pretty tough message on Sunday to our church about the finances and future cuts etc I figured I would be getting some of these types of notes whether in the "Traditional " White envelope or email, face-book or connection card.

To my surprise this one did sting, but was  one of the nicest notes I have received in a long time. One of those sweet Stings. It brought tears to my eyes.. It was such a blessing. It was from one of our Members who had heard my "heart to heart " talk with our church this weekend about our budget short fall and the deep cuts about to happen soon . But I also challenged our church to not let the lack of funds, or even the high unemployment rate and local deep recession keep us from giving generously to those who are in need. I challenged those who could give extra to do so in order for us to be able to help those among us who need it most. This is not normal to actually ask for more, when there is less. But in Gods kingdom it is what He expects.

Back to the envelope and note. Well other than the sweet note, the person had attached a $1,000 check to the note, saying please use it for those who are hurting. We will be doing that in the next few weeks with all the offerings given over and above our tithes and offerings. Im so excited. This was a great seed to what I believe will be thousands given by our Oasis Family in the weeks ahead. Thanks to not only the sweet person from our Monday Night 7NOW service  who sent the note, and the check but to all those of you who are giving the $5. ,$10, or whatever amount to bless others in need.

The Intangible "X" Factor.............

This weekend at Oasis , Pines Campus I brought the final Message in our "Reel Life" Series on the  Book of Luke and the Parables of Jesus. Since I had some Church family news to bring and an update on our Budget status I had to shorten the message and mentioned I would put some of the things on Pride and in the Message on my  blog.  So below Im just sharing some random thoughts on the theme of Humility and Pride from Luke 18:9-14, the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Once the full message is up on our website, you can access it to watch or listen to it HERE.  Also, make sure you catch the Video that was produced by our Tech Director Joel Collins . It will be on the Website also. There are 3 he has done for the series and you'll want to check them out HERE. 

• In the Bible, the original meaning of Pride has the meaning most often proud or puffed

up, to breathe, to blow up, or puff up, inflate.

It is seen as actually being our normal instinct or our nature as Humans to be full of

Pride.

In our World today, we would say that person is so Arrogant (like Florida Gator Fans) conceited

-- They are delusional/blinded by their own Pride

Ever know someone like this? To be swollen with pride (I Tim. 6:4) - 4he is conceited

and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels

about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions

Pride is very deceptive.

Pride is the desire for attention and praise from other living beings.

It means being at the center of the world and having everyone look to us, and

acknowledge us as superior.

It means raising a finger in the air and saying, "I’m number 1", "I’m the greatest."

Beyond a football team doing this. That’s in fun!!  For a pic of Pride and Humility in a Sports analogy, its like Gator Fans are the Pharisees , full of pride and arrogance! Miami Hurricane fans are a picture of the Tax Collector and show humility!!!

  God says repeatedly that He detests this pride.

"I abhor the pride of Jacob" (Amos 6:8).

It is a self-centeredness; I am the center of MY OWN little Universe!! We actually

displace God in favor of MYSELF

We don’t normally say this!!! We just act like it!! When Pride is in our Life it is not

always seen by us. We are blinded!!

God is to be acknowledged, not our own selves.

I Corinthians 8:1 states, "knowledge puffs up (makes us proud), but love builds up."

Pride goes before a fall, Proverbs tells us. 16:19-19

Pride brought down the most powerful Angel in Heaven!!

WE KNOW WHAT PRIDE DOES. IT KILLS RELATIONSHIPS,

IT ALIENATES, AND GOD HATES IT.

Ill share some thoughts on the Theme of the Message, Humility, in a day or two.

Do you have the "X" Factor?????????? Oasis Weekly Update for October18, 2009

For those who are not on our Local Oasis Email I am sharing this weeks update I sent to our local Oasis Family. I know we have hundreds of folks who we call our extended family who are friends of Oasis, members who have moved away or just friends of mine or family. This way I can keep you up on whats happening here in South Florida and hopefully as you think about us you will be praying for the ministries and peoples of Oasis here in South Florida and around the world. Sometimes you wont be able to open the links below or there is a word or two cut off a line because the format of my blog is different than our email update. Sorry if its an inconvenience. Guy

Dear Extended Oasis Family: So many times we talk about the "X" Factor in sports, business and even in human relationships!! It’s always that special something that person has. Well, this week as we conclude the "REEL Life"series in the book of Luke, we will find out the "X" factor that few people have but every one of us should! I bet you’ve never heard this before. If you want to try now and figure out the "X" factor before this weekend and next week’s 7NOW services (nightly @ 7 p.m.), you can read the passage in Luke 18:9-14.  Once again this week I have been amazed at all God is doing in and among Oasis Church. But especially I love what so many of our folks are doing outside the walls of Oasis Church. That is what Mission is all about. We Worship, we connect through Community, but the third value at Oasis is Mission, and normally that means you take the Gospel out of the building and into the world. Just a few things lately I noted by some of our ministries and individuals who have taken the Value of Mission very seriously.  I won’t mention some of the ones we’ve noted before but want to mention some I’ve just recently noticed. Surge/Youth Ministries is teaming up with His House Ministries of Opa Locka in ministering to orphaned and displaced children in South Florida. For more information on this great Christian ministry to the least of these, and updates on what our Youth are doing you will want to go to our Students Page on visitoasis.org. Women’s Ministry is sponsoring a Food Drive for Single Women in South Florida, along with Sheridan House Family Ministries.  KidsWorld is gearing up beginning in November to partner again with Samaritan’s Purse through "Operation Christmas Child". I hope all our families who have children will get involved. What a great way to teach our children how to give and minister to "the least of these". Marla Tallant of our Hollywood Campus, serves at the Daily Bread Food Bank,which has been in the news lately about their building burning down. This is a huge feeding group that churches and families get so much blessing from all year round. I heard that Ben Windle, our Hollywood Campus Pastor, and John Adams, the Worship leader at Hollywood both went over on Monday and helped Marla clean up the incredible mess after the big fire that destroyed not only the building but the 92,000 lbs of food that was in the building. You might want to learn more about the Food Bank and how to get involved by contacting Marla or Ben at the Hollywood Campus.  One of our Community Groups helped a grieving family recently with a very unselfish act. Check it out --  now that’s community at its best! Our North Miami Campus is doing a food drive also in order to stock their shelves with much needed items for those from the community coming in for help.   One of our long-time members, Angel Betancourt is also involved in a feeding ministry to the homeless that will be hosting a special Thanksgiving meal and service at our Hollywood Campus next month. Some of our people might want to get involved in this.    These are just a few of the exciting things happening among our folks who are "going" on Mission. It’s not all about coming to Oasis, but going to the World!! There are hundreds of exciting stories about what God has done in the lives and families here at Oasis Church. I never get tired of hearing of them and celebrating them. If you want to hear about two incredible stories, of two very special people - a single dad, and a miracle mom, then you can go here, and here at visitoasis.org now and see pics and stories of these incredible people. Over 80 adults attended our first Tuesday night 7NOW study on the Purpose Driven Life. You don’t want to miss this! It is a 7-week study and you can come this Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Hope to have you there.  Childcare is also available for those who are attending the service.   Don’t forget, Monday night we are still studying the Book of Acts. It’s not too late to attend this night of worship or any of the others --  7 Nights a week.  Now I can’t touch on everything, but this is just a little bit of what God is doing this week at Oasis.  If you have not worshiped in giving God His tithes and offerings this week, you can give online here right nowin a secure and very quick way.  Try it out and let me know how you liked going online to give. Have you ever done it before? Do you use envelopes regularly? I would like to have some feedback on how you prefer to give.  This weekend at our Pines Campus, I’ll be sharing live in all the services not only the teaching message, but a very important message and announcement to our Oasis Family.  You do not want to miss it. It might be one of the most important announcements I’ve made in a long time. The campus pastors at Hollywood and NoMi will also be sharing a little along the line of my announcement.  Guy Melton/January 10, 2010 Pastor Oasis Church http://www.guymelton.com http://www.visitoasis.org