GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

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!!

7NOW Service Thursday Night Update

Just wanted to share this update Chris Hughes our Worship Pastor and Interim Youth Pastor sent tonight after Surge/Youth and the Adult 7 Nights of Worship Service. God is good!!! HAVE YOU TRIED ONE OF OUR 7 NIGHTS OF WORSHIP?

Wow!  What a great night.  We had 148 there tonight.  81 in Surge and 29 in all kids areas and the rest adults.  We had 5 teens accept Christ tonight.  Here are their names:  ( I took their last names off since this is a public blog)

 

Nick

Giovanni

Erica

Jessica

James

Great spirit of worship.  Bryan did an amazing job of leading worship.  We started camp promo tonight.  We prayed over Ron Remer and his coming surgery.  We also had a ton of teens volunteer for areas that we need some help in on Thursday's.  I am so pumped about what God is doing on Thursday nights right now!!!

 

A point of clarification for those who don't know Ron Remer . He is our Thursday night Host Pastors for the Adult group. He is having major surgery this coming week  

I know he and Tam would appreciate your prayers.  

BY THE WAY, THIS PAST SUNDAY AT OUR PINES CAMPUS OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUP THAT MEET AT 10 AM,  HAD 51 KIDS AND 10 YOUTH WORKERS. SOME OF OUR HIGH SCHOOL TEENS ACTUALLY TEACH!!  JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO, WE HAD 20 IN THIS GROUP.  THAT WAS UP FROM ABOUT 10-15 THE YEAR BEFORE. GOD IS DOING SOME INCREDIBLE THINGS IN OUR TEENS LIVES!!!!!!

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

Speaking at another local Church this Sunday

This Sunday Ill be Preaching at my home church in Hollywood. Dennis DaCosta one of our long time members and leaders is the interim Pastor at the Centerpointe Church. This is the church I grew up in known then as the First Baptist Church of Westhollywood. I graduated in the first class in their school. (along with my lovely wife, who by the way was the Homecoming Queen and Miss HCS our Sr. Year)

Not only did I meet my wife there but we were married there and served on the Pastoral staff for 13 1/2 years. Our Sons all accepted Christ at the Westhollywood Church, were baptized and one graduated from the school, Hollywood Christian School.

This is the church who sent us out to Pembroke Pines in September of 1991 to start the Oasis Church. So you can see I have lots of roots there, and they are the ones who encouraged me to spread my wings!!!! I will forever be grateful to this church for the legacy and foundation they laid in my life and my families.

This will be the first time I have been back to preach since I left in September of 1991. Dennis and Faithe DaCosta are taking a long awaited 2 week vacation for their 30th anniversary so I am filling in the next two Sundays. By the Way our Own Dante Miro will be leading worship for these next two Sundays there also. Dante also grew up in the Westhollywood Church and was in the Youth Ministry when I was the Youth Pastor there.

I will still be in our Services for the weekend and 7NOW. They only have one service so Ill just drive back and forth like our pastoral team does each week between our North Miami Church and Our Downtown Hollywood Campus. Its only about 8 miles.

Anyone who might like to visit this Sunday or next can go to CenterPointeChurch and get directions. Its simple enough. It sits on the Corner of Taft Street and 441, next to the Toyota of Hollywood, and the Fred Hunters Cemetery. I would love to see some of you at their 10 am service. Im sure it would be an encouragement to this congregation also to see their Baby Church (Thats us) members come over. This week there I will bring the Message one of Going Green. So if you missed last weeks message , come on to hear me bring it in WestHollywood. Next Sunday Ill bring the last of the Going Green Messages.

Great Fathers Day Gift

Some of our Men have been hard at work for several months, planning, ordering and preparing to offer  Oasis Shirts for Men and Women.

Wayne King in this photo has one on. By the way, one of our secret photographers caught him by cellphone camera not wearing his Coat at Church. I don't think I have ever seen him at church without a coat. Thanks to our lay pastors and other Leaders in our ministry who have made it possible, to offer our entire church a Shirt.

Wayne is in the clothing business and was able to get us some really nice shirts at a rock bottom price. You will see the insert in the Bulletin this weekend. The ordering details will be included.  If you would like to order online , just go to our website at visitoasis.org

If you are ordering one the man in your life ,for Fathers Day, the first inventory is very limited. First come first serve. We will order more, as the orders come in. Thanks again guys.

Oasis Stories

I love sharing stories that folks send our way. Sometimes they are in person. Some times via email. The stories below came in on our website/info link where folks can share their story. Do you have a Story God has written in your life. We would love to hear it. To add yours go to www.visitoasis.org and click on "Add Story" on the right side  bar . 

Hi Pastor Guy,
I wanted to share with you about the difference in my life that regular tithing has made.
You asked all the members and regular attenders to commit to tithing 10%.
Although it stretched my budget I knew that it was what God wanted me to do.  You said many times that God would take my 90% and make it go farther than my 100% and you were right.
I just got a new job in January after leaving my old job of 26 years.  I took a pay cut and my husband hasn't had regular work since January and yet we still can pay
our bills.  And the funny thing is I don't worry about money at all because I know that my God shall supply all my needs.
Money is always a touchy subject with anyone
but I realize now that being faithful in tithing shows God that I depend on him
and not my weekly paycheck.
Thank you for letting me share my story.
God Bless you!!!
Mrs Deborah S.

 

Guy; we have not met although I've seen you for the past few months when we go to Oasis.  I wanted to thank you for founding this church because it has helped me get closer to God and to recognize that I am not in control but I am just a mere instrument to carry Gods will.  I've been in the Real Estate business for a while and must recognize that while the market was going well and deals were just too many to handle;  I never set time aside for God or if I did it was not as much as he required of me.  Now that the market has crashed I see things in a whole new way and a lot of people in the same business field are beginning to realize  that it is God who brings the wealth and prosperity.

 

I wanted to sincerely thank you for your efforts to convert not so good believers like I was into people who grow to love God and to accept that he is our supreme father. 

God bless you, your family, and church.

 

Sincerely;

 

Ivan C.

 

 

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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Al Gore Where are You? Oasis Bulletin

Attached is the Oasis Church bulletin for the coming week. I wonder how many would print it off and not need to get one on Sunday or at one of our 7 Nights of Worship? We are talking "Going Green" the next couple of weeks. This would help the Enviroment!! Save Oasis some $$!!!! Al Gore would be so proud of us!! By the way, I'm still trying to get Al Gore to come visit us during the "Going Green" series. I can't get him to call me back. I would love to interview him for that Sunday and ask him how he SAVED the Planet. Now that would be an interview. Anyone know his cell phone number?  Inside track to get him. Assure him we will keep the Conservation up, and give him our normal fee for guests!!! 20 GREEN BACKS!!!!  That might buy one gallon of jet fuel for his private plane. But we will buy him a coach ticket, if he really wants to "Go Green" with us!!

Hey, see you this Week!! Last of the "CLASSICS" BEFORE "GOING GREEN"!!!!!

Download bulletin_may_1723_2008.pdf

   

Why We Love our Moms/Text Messages

Here are some of the Text Messages you have sent during our Church Service on Moms this past week. Enough said, Ill let you speak for yourselves!!! Completely unedited and Raw!!!! You guys are awesome!!!

I love my mom because she teaches me the importance of being a woman.

i love my mom because she always helps me and takes care of me

I Luv my mom because she makes many sacrafices for me and she makes the best fried chicken in all of florida

She has been through a lot in her life she is the strongest mom I know

I love my Mom because she never gave up on me, always pushed me to do my best, and pushed me to keep God in my life.

My mom is awesome because shes really patient and she never stops praying for me! Oh yea and she watches tv with me

Because she luvs me unconditionaly

I love my because  she's  the best.  Good  role  model and always  supportive.

i love my mom's patience, guidance, strength & love

my mom has single handedly walked by my side through thick and thin and always has open arms and a listening ear. she is my world i love her

I want to tell my godmom katie that she's like my second mom because she rocks at like everything!

She adopted me and showed me love doesnt have to come from birth

Our mom is such a fun, cool, responsible, and a caring person. She gives great advice and always supports us.

She keeps my secrets!

I love my mom because her kids mean the world to her and she is extremely dedicated to us and spoils is even though were adults!

I love my mom bcuz she is a great Godly example and is always there to comfort and encourage me and every1 around

I love mom a lot because she has 5 kids, 8 grandkids, and 3 greatgrandkids, and i am still her favorite.

Mom made best lasagna on planet & now makes in heaven..enjoy god

Mami Norma and my abuelita Rosa! Las quieros muchisimo y que dios me las bendiga! Sus nietos!

Although she is no longer with us she brought me to Christ she could have done nothing better than that.

She prays 4 me & my family!

My mom has always been the most sefless person i know

Her sacrifice

She is strong and everything i want to be when i became a mother!  I love you mom from your daughter Rosemary !!

She  is  the  best  nana 2  my son!

She is amazing because of her grace. Her patients and the greatness of how she raise us

She can cook, clean and care.

My mom is very caring and still takes care of me @ 25!!!!!!!! 

I love my mom bcuz she is awsum and i love her and she stays up late doing my laundry....i love her....for other reasons 2

My mom encourages me to pursue and accomplish all my goals and dreams.
Psalm 27:1-4

My mom is better than your mom!! I love you momma!!

She is awsome!!!  Loves me no matter what!  BEST MOM IN THE WORLD!!!    :)

My mom encourages me to pursue and accomplish all my goals and dreams.
Psalm 27:1-4

My mom thinks I am the grratest. She is my greatest fan and encourager. She helped my self confidence

I love my mom because she loves me and is awesome and is always there 4 me.....she also stays up till 10 o clock helping me on a history project

My mother is the best because she supports me and she is helping me raise my second child right after we finished the first one.

My Mom is in heaven. She was a wonderful Godly example.

My mom can cook, she works for hours. She loves to talk and take long
showers. A daughter of the Lord, and an idol of mine. She is the
greatest mother of all time.

My mom does the best 4 me . If i am kidnapped she track me and that person who kidnapped me

My mom is a great teacher

My mom is amazing. She concerns herself more about me and my siblings than she does about herself. I love you mom. :)

My moms the best because she's the strongest most beautiful woman I have
ever met! She's amazing!!

I love my mom because she loves me and takes me to church. =)

She is the most selfless person i know

My mom is very patient, social, and strong, with lots of love,

my mom's hugs are the best in the world.

My mom never lost her cool, no matter what

My mom is special because she helps me with all my problems, and cooks the best food.

My moms the best because she's the strongest most beautiful woman I have
ever met! She's amazing!!

My mom made the best cupcakes

I love my mom because she teaches me the importance of being a woman.

Mom evidenced unconditional love through the daily trials of raising two sons.

Surge Alternative Prom Event

I am so proud of our teens in our Youth Ministry. We have some of the most unbelievable teens I have ever met. I was youth pastor for 10 years in a very large youth ministry with probably over 3000 youth during that time. I can tell you we saw some incredible kids. But I am not sure pound for pound, percentage-wise whatever that all means, I have ever seen a better group of kids. These guys continue to amaze me. I know I am always talking about them, but I am telling you I am so proud of them.

This weekend our Youth Band and Praise Team led our entire church in all of the four morning services, and Saturday night.  I am blown away with Jimmy Purchase and the teens by their passion to worship and live out their Christ values. These guys are not only passionate about Christ, but they are so talented. Kasey Calamiong, blew the place away when she led us in "Shout to the Lord". Then I find out today she had just learned the song. This girl is incredible, as is all the group. Great job, guys!!!

Now for the Alternative Prom Event, our Surge Ministry held for the teens. I want to share some of the pic's and reasons Chris Hughes and the leaders offered this alternative to the typical prom. There is also a post Chris did on the Etiquette Class required in order to attend the Event!!! If you're a parent, you should be proud and if you are a parent of a teen not involved in our Youth Ministry, you would be wise to get them there, this Thursday night and to our Camp this summer.