2009 - It is a New Year!

It's a New Year! 2008 has come and gone and a 2009 is here!

Caryl & I wish you a very Happy New Year and pray that you will have prosperity in all areas of your life in 2009.

Just a few random thoughts before I head to bed:

• This year was historic in so many ways, a new president, an economic downturn and so much more
• We learned at Oasis over and over that it is not about us and all about Him!
• We learned that there is power in community.
• We said good-bye to Kathy Brun & Dave Lickwar - both very difficult but both leaving this world in peace.
• Our first anniversary was a blast and it is hard to believe that in 7 weeks we'll be 2 years old as a church.
• Easter saw attendance of over 400 in 3 services - what will 2009 bring?
• We learned that sometimes responding to God means we have to get out of our seats! - the response stations have been really powerful in our services throughout the year.
• High gas prices mean higher church attendance in Maricopa - people were less likely to drive 20+ miles when gas was over $4/ gal.
• Video teaching can work - as we learned in "One Prayer" So - we are going to do it again in 2009.
• There are great life lessons that can be learned from Kid's movies.

Finally - Caryl & I love Oasis more and more each passing month. We pray to serve God and Oasis all the days of our life!

So - if we could learn something in 2009, what would you like it to be?

Don't Miss Hydrate, The Band as the Youth of Oasis Lead Us in Worship Tomorrow

Don't miss the youth of Oasis as they lead us in worship tomorrow morning at both the 8:30 & 10:30 AM services!

Under the direction of Sean Kelly & Josh Grubbs - we'll be lead in to the presence of God Almighty!

We believe the next generation will do even greater things! We believe we must embrace and release the next generation now to become all that God has for them!

See you there!

"12-Days" Pictures

Pictures from our second annual family variety show entitled "12-Days". This event took place on Saturday Dec 13 with2 performances at 4:30 & 6 PM. Tons of sugar & coffee were consumed between shows!

My Prayer - Call Us Back Everlasting Father!

Dear Father (In Heaven),
It is nearly mid-night and tomorrow morning will be "Christmas" services for churches all over America. As my twitter pastor friends are seeking you and praying for miracles tomorrow - I seek you as well. We feel avgreat weight and yet we know that you are the one who is drawing all men to yourself.

I pray that as we come into your presence tomorrow - we would have an encounter that would change us. For those who have already chosen to follow you, may they see you like never before. I pray they hear your voice. For those who have rejected you because of the image they have of their earthly father - give them a lens of you thru scripture - open their spiritual ears to hear you as you really are.

You are not angry with us.
You are satisfied with us and love us.
You care for us.
You have great plans for us - to prosper our lives.
You have a desire to give us hope.
You have an incredible future for us.
You believe in us and you're cheering us on.
You see us as righteous because of the relationship we have with your Son, Jesus.

Everlasting Father - I love you and thank you for the new revelation of who you are. Thank you that you are calling your children to return to you. Thank you that you are revealing yourself anew so that we can have a fresh start. Thank you for allowing us to break the bonds of the generations before us.

I've been changed because I've been in your presence. I'll never be the same. May the world never be the same because of what you've begun in me and so many others who are returning to the Father.

I love you and can't wait to get back on your lap again tomorrow.
Your son - Scott

"Elf-Scott & A 12-Days Wish for All"

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Twittering Away - FB - Tokbox and more!

Twittering away! So do you twitter? Do you FB (Facebook) or even Tokbox?

How do we keep up with all this new technology? As a pastor, I'm checking all this out to see how it can be effective in reaching out, staying in touch, encouraging, training and connecting with unreached generations by the church. But - I have to admit that it is kind of crazy trying to keep up and not let these new tools consume too much time. How to learn effectiveness without losing balance and focus?

Here's an overview of what I'm trying. I'd love to connect with you in these places as well.

Twitter - a mini-blogging tool that answers the question - what are you doing? Check it out at http://www.twitter.com/ and you can subscribe to follow me on Twitter at oasislifeScott . Twitter can be viewed on your computer and on many phone applications. Updates can be sent and received via text as well. I use it to update my Facebook status as well.

Facebook - single handedly the best tool online to connect with friends, family, business associates, church members and just about anyone. I've been able to make connections with people that I've not talked to in over 2 decades. I've connected with pastors, authors, musicians, actors and most importantly lots of people at Oasis Life Church. While it can be an addictive past time, I think it might just be the front line in the modern world of encouragement. Connect with me on Facebook at Scott Helsel

Tokbox - this is a new tool that I just discovered as a result of a tweet (a twitter update) by Geoff Surratt of Seacoast Church in SC. This is a new videoconferencing tool that can be used free of charge and without downloading any software. Just sign up and connect with others by inviting them to join you online. If you don't have a camera connected to your computer - you can do just audio. I've not really used it too much yet but hope to start using this for training and mentoring connections with other pastors around the country. I can also see some great small group or discipleship applications coming. How about outreach sessions to answer questions that provoke conversation? I think we are going to see this explode and be a huge par of our future! Connect with me on Tokbox at http://www.tokbox.com/Scott754

And - we now use Constant Contact to be more effective in our newsletter and communication with the church and community. The more - well, I know that there will be more and more technologies that I'll be checking out. Let me know what technology you use everyday and let's stay in touch! - Blessings - Pastor Scott

Ok - This One is Kind of Like Cheating

It is 10:45 PM on the last day of my blogging week! My commitment was to make 3 or more entries per week. So far -only 2 this week.

So - not much to say but here is number 3 for the week! Help me to do better next week! Keep me accountable - make comments and let me know what you'd like to hear about!

That's all for this one!
Good night!

Awesome "12-Days" - More Info Coming!

Just a few hours ago we finished our 2 annual performance of "12-Days" This was an idea that we got while we attended our mother church, Desert Springs Church. This is a fun family outreach with 12 variety-style acts.

This year we welcomed "Broken Rhodes" for the second time and we were treated to some awesome music. The kids always steal the show and this year was no exception. And - my son didn't pick his nose on stage this year! We are making progress.

Other highlights was a story, "The Birds" as told by Sharyn Ketcham. We had dances by the Hydrate dance group and the 3-5 grade dance group. Other musical performances came via "Hydrate, The Band", The Vsssssss, and more! We'll have video and pictures coming soon!

Each year we end with the story of the legend of the "12-Days of Christmas". If you've not heard it - you'll have to make plan to attend next year. Sean Kelly can even tell you if I can do the whole song in the same key!

Christmas is not about the 12-days of shopping at Macy's (sorry Macy's), not about the food, the friends, the presents or even our family. Rather it is about the fact that a Jesus was born, a Savior came to earth - knowing he would die. Because of this we celebrate that we have salvation and the hope of eternal life!

Merry Christmas!

Thinking About a New Year

Tonight was our final night of community groups for 2008. We'll actually have a Christmas party next week, but tonight was the final night to gather and discuss content.

Tonight we took some quiet time during our group. It is amazing how long 10 minutes can seem when there is silence and 13 people are seeking after God - to hear from the Holy Spirit. We asked Him what needed to change in us and what a first step would be to make that happen. So - what would happen in the 52 weeks of 2009 if we allowed God to speak to us about a small change each week? Would we be more transformed? Would we be more like Jesus? Would our families be better? Would our churches be more alive? Would we serve our family, friends, church and community more?

Something to start thinking about - fasting in the first 21 days of 2009. The last two years we fasted the 21 days leading up to the anniversary of our church - but this time we will fast at the beginning of the year. This is a great opportunity for our community of faith to come together, to seek the face of God and seek direction and clarity as we move forward.

So - are you thinking about 2009? What will you do different than this year?

Generous? How Can I Give to My Community this Christmas?

So - last night I told you about what was going on at Oasis this Christmas Season. Today - let's talk about how we can give back to our community.





1. F.O.R. Maricopa (Food, Opportunity, Resources for Maricopa) - Oasis gave 51 complete dry food boxes to F.O.R. Maricopa during the Thanksgiving holiday. We have the opportunity to give as many "boxes" of food for Christmas as well. This time we'll just have a list of items to put in a box and not the actual box. So - let's make a goal to give another 50 complete sets of the dry goods to make up a Christmas box. You can get the list on Sunday - Dec 7th or email Emily Grubbs via info@oasislifechurch.org

2. Stuff a Stocking - Each year Oasis Life Church comes together to help make Christmas an enjoyable time for families who would not be able to do so on their own. A majority of these families attend Oasis, but a few come from the community as well. This year we are providing "Oasis Christmas Stockings" that include gift cards for the identified families. If you would like to participate, please purchase gift cards in denominations of $50 or less from the following stores: Fry's/Fry's Marketplace, Basha's, Target, Walmart or Ace Hardware. All gift card donations should be received by Wednesday December 17th so that we can distribute them approximately 1 week prior to Christmas. You can donate more than one card or if you'd like to adopt a complete family - let us know. For more details contact Emily at info@oasislifechurch.org The more cards we get - the more families we can bless!

3. Community Giving Tree - again this event is sponsored by F.O.R. Maricopa . Stop by the lobby of Amtrust Bank (beside McDonald's) and pick a name of a child that needs a present this Christmas. All gifts are to be returned to the bank by Friday December 12th, unwrapped. There will also be the opportunity to be a part of the wrapping party. We'll get you details about helping in this fashion as we have information.

4. Finally - each year at Oasis we work to pay down our debt that is still outstanding from our initial build-out. Should God lay it on your heart to donate toward this purpose, you can direct your giving to Oasis Life Church and mark your check/envelope as a donation toward the 150/250 fund (150 gifts of $250 will completely pay off our debt). We still need 104 gifts of $250 to completely pay off our build out debt.

You guys are awesome and together we are learning to be extremely generous on all occasions and we pray that through your generosity, thanksgiving to God will result! (II Cor 9:11)

Should you have any questions - please do not hesitate to contact us!

Sincerely - Pastor Scott

Christmas Events at Oasis Life Church

It's the Christmas season! Seems like just a few months ago we started the year as we talked about becoming a "Dangerous Church". Now we are just 4 Sundays from entering into 2009! And - since I come from the corporate world I still lapse into saying it's the "Holiday Season". However - I now am free to say Merry Christmas.

So what's happening at the Oasis this Christmas season?

This Saturday - Dec 6th - Flavor Women's ministry is hosting their second annual Christmas tea. I hear it's an awesome time for women to come and play with their grown-up tea sets, eat some awesome food and enjoy a Christmas program. This will include a talk by Nolita Squires and a dance performance by Alyssa Coles. Don't miss it!

Saturday - Dec 13th is the second annual presentation of "12-Days of Christmas". This variety show is in 12 acts. This year "Broken Rhodes" returns by popular demand and you'll hear from "Hydrate, the Band" and "Saturate Worship Band". Other acts include dance, drama and several children's presentations. In Oasis fashion we'll have a FREE dessert & coffee bar between the shows. Show times are 4:30 PM and 6 PM. Come early to get a seat as both shows filled up very fast last year!

Dec 17th - Our community groups will all come together a the home of Sean & Cheryl Kelly for a Christmas party. It's a celebration with a "white elephant" exchange!

December 24 - Candlelight Christmas Eve service. Join us for a family service with music, communion and a short message all set in a beautiful candlelight setting. Service time is 6 PM and childcare is provided for infants through age 5.

We'll also have a lot of opportunities to give back to our community. More on that tomorrow!

December Blogging Challenge

Well - a few months ago I blogged that I wanted to blog like Perry Noble. To do that I'd have to be consistent and I'd have to put it on my schedule. If you follow my blog at all - you can see that once again I've had a huge blog gap.

So - tonight we sent our weekly newsletter out via Constant Contact. In this newsletter I asked for individuals to come to this blog and to sign up. I'm taking a blog challenge to blog at least 3-times a week in December. So - I decided that I better get one in to get this thing underway.

It seems there is so much to say - to report - to discuss. It just takes time and effort to be sure that it comes out on the blog. So - here goes - my December blog challenge.

Sign up to follow my blog and help keep me accountable. You just never know what crazy things may seep from my brain this month. I look forward to having you along for the ride!

Blessings - Pastor Scott

Oasis Sunday Night Mind Dump

It's about 8PM Sunday night and my mind is still racing! Time for a bit of a mind dump so I can kick back and enjoy a little time with my wife tonight and looking forward to a day off tomorrow!

• Awesome services today! I love being a team with my incredible wife, Caryl. I am so blessed to have a female pastor who does ministry by my side! Today she continued our series "The Sickness Within" and tackled Bitterness!
• Thank-you to Kim Isaac for your bravery and courage to tell your story today as a part of the message! Your honesty & openness was moving and will encourage many to tackle the roots of their bitterness!
• Two big weeks of events are finally over - Founder's Day & Oktoberfest - both in Maricopa. Thank you for the tireless volunteers who helped to organize and staff these events. We are sure to see the benefits for months to come.
• Salvation in the house - last week and this week - salvation! It's why we exist. It is why we do what we do! Let's take the next steps to help these new believers to learn the path of discipleship.
• Baptism - 4 individuals got baptized in the spa in my backyard. Over 80 people came to have a potluck and witness this event. I love the stories, the diversity and the hand of God in the journey. From the innocence of an 8 yr old to the intellectual, now convinced, teen to the 30-something couple full of love for a Savior - now living in radical abandon for Christ - the power of God is evident. I love hearing people tell their story and how good for the soul to see their public commitment.
• Praying for the MANY who are looking for jobs right now. I pray that God will miraculously open doors that they did not know were there. Be their provision and their foundation.
• Excited about the 17 individuals or families that are in their 3rd week of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at Oasis. This is very timely. In fact Caryl and I have decided to switch-up our next series that begins Sunday Nov 9th to talk about MONEY. This is something that we all are interested in and something we all need to put into perspective - God's perspective.
• Looking forward to getting out of town this week with a friend - if just for a day! Refreshing.....
• Oasis - we love you! It is so incredible to see the community that is developing. You have overwhelming love....oh, how can it be? Only those who have been set free can love so freely.
• We have been forgiven much...so we must forgive much as well - this was what God spoke to our hearts today. Be blessed this week- Pastor Scott

Tithing - so does it still apply in the New Testament times?

Economic doom all around! People are running from falling stocks faster than a gazelle searching for meat!

So - as Christians, we ask - on what have we built our house? Is God not our provider? Do the economic principles of the Bible not teach us to avoid debt and prepare for the future? Should I be tithing or even giving in a time like this? I've had to examine my heart and I've also been having a lot of conversations with people lately regarding this topic. I think the fact that economic uncertainty is "the topic" lends itself to reviewing our principles.

I hear a lot of talk about tithing being an Old Testament(OT) law or fact. But I am reminded that in the New Testament (NT) we see Jesus saying, "I have come not to abolish the law, but rather to fulfill it" ( Matt 5:16-18 ) . The fulfillment of the law seems to be a heart issue. Murder is not just killing another person but hating your brother. Adultery is no longer just have sexual relations with someone other than your spouse, it is lusting in your heart.

With this new fulfillment of the law, I'm convinced that tithing or giving to Kingdom work did not get diminished. Like all the other fulfillments of the law it too should be a raising the bar, not lowering it. Besides, if you add up tithes, offerings, first fruits and more - weren't they already giving way more than 10% in the OT?

I'm also reminded that this is about stewardship. We can't expect that just because we give 10% we will automatically or magically be rewarded. We can't expect that if we continue to live in debt, beyond our means and with no constraint that our 10% will make up for it. It is the whole package!

Bottom line - God is our provider. He set up an economic plan that could be sustained. Is He not the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow? I challenge you - check your heart and with all sincerity ask God what he would have you do with your money? Would he tell you to hoard it all for yourself? Has he not promised that if you are faithful to bring the tithe (& offerings, etc) that he will be faithful to you? Has he asked you to get your financial house in order? If he asked us to test Him in the time of Malachi - would he not ask us the same today?

Does the tithe still apply? I'd love to hear your responses!

I Wanna Blog Like Perry Noble!

I want to blog like Perry Noble - I cannot lie - the content and the volume that this visionary, pastor, leader produces just blows my mind!! So - tonight as I flip between late night shows, Facebook, Twitter, TweetDeck, email and random searches on Google - I ask - how can I blog like Perry Noble?

For one - I would have to become a consistent blogger - I love that he blogs 5 days every week ! So - hmmm... he must put in on his schedule. Ok - I think can do that!

Next - he speaks his mind, he mind dumps - lots of reflections - I've already begun that but I'm still learning. So - what would you like to hear about? What can I do better?

Then - it's about the content. What I see is that he attacks lots of leadership issues and delves into topics from the Word of God. He also tells the story of what is happening at NewSpring Church. I'm confident that as my walk with God moves forward, as Oasis grows and as I surrender to the Spirit of God - there will be something to say. I guess that I've just held back because I'm not sure that anybody is really following what I say anyway. I'm learning that I really need to be myself, be obedient to what God is doing in me - and then write it down. If influence or "followers" come - it will come at the hand of God.

This past week - I spoke about "Envy" and I had to check my motives before I wrote this entry. I have to admit that via the web, via twitter - I had begun to have some pastor envy. However, I can honestly say that I love what Perry does. I say - go for it - get better and better! You are encouraging a whole new generation of pastors and leaders. I rejoice with you in your success in the Kingdom! Keep it up - I am learning so much and so..... and yes, I do want to blog like Perry Noble!

Random Thoughts - On a Friday

Well- Sunday I was tired and I said - I'll blog on Monday.
Well - now it's Friday and my mind-dump might just go on for a long time

Here we go!

• Response time during this "Facing the Family Challenge" series has been incredible! Love serving communion and being able to interact wih individuals - "There is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ"


• Did I speak over 40 minutes on Sunday and we still got out on time ?(well - on time for the 2nd service!)


• Community Groups are on the grow - each week we've been adding a few more people -if you've not attended one - this coming week will be another great opportunity.


• Wed was service night for community groups - thank you to the 20 people who came and sorted and packed up all the "stuff" that has been donated for benevolence at Oasis - you made a difference - we love your passion.


• We've lived in AZ since 97 and this is the first time we've had scorpions - I do not like scorpions!


• This past weekend we divided into more classes in KidSplash. We now have infants through 2 yrs/3-5 yr olds/ K-2 and 3rd-5th grade. Pastor Susan is committed to age appropriate teaching and this new breakdown will allow us to more effectively meet this objective. Way to go Susan!


• I continue to be excited that families are "getting it". Our lives are not perfect but we are learning what the "green zone" looks like and with God's help we are striving to have healthy families that are being transformed by the Grace of God!


• Does this $700 billion buyout just fry your brain or what? I guess I am just not smart enough to understand global economics. I'm praying that these politicians are getting good advice because it is going to be a big deal for our futures. God have mercy.....


• I now have over 325 friends on Facebook - are you one?


• Twittering is now a daily thing for me - afraid of what that might mean? Click http://twitter.com/oasislifeScott to find out!


• I am psyched for this weekend as we have Pray For Maricopa at 8:30 on Saturday morning. God be pleased as we come together in unity to pray for our city, our state, our nation, our churches, our families, our schools and our futures.


• Can't wait to talk about establishing a spiritual foundation in the family this week! This may be the most important week of the four in "Facing The Family Challenge"


• I love Oasis! You are awesome and I love doing life together

I think that is it for today! Be Blessed- pastor Scott

Oasis Sunday Night Reflections

It's hard to believe that another week has flown by. Here are a few things I'm reflecting on tonight:

• I'm so blessed to be church planter and pastor along with my wife Caryl. She is incredible and today she kicked off our new series " Facing the Family Challenge". She hit it out of the park and the reponse was awesome.
• I love the days that we offer "response time" with the stations. It is awesome to see 100's of people up in a service and responding.
• I love to administer communion one-to-one or to families in our response time - it is so personal and I love to express that "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ!"
• Thank you Greg Surratt for the inspiration to set up the response time and response stations!
• This past week had me in a fog and not terribly productive. I'm praying for a completely new perspective and ability to be focused and make lots of progress this week.
• 4-yr olds have a hard time telling you what is wrong when they are sick.
• Praise God - Susan Hull, our children's pastor came successfully through her kidney stone surgery and we look forward to having her back in action next week as we divide KidSplash into 4 age groups next week.
• Welcome Selina Wagner to the world - I was so blessed and excited to meet you. Daniel has become an awesome friend and it is great to have them as neighbors.
• My birthplace - Galveston TX - took a beating this week from IKE and we pray for the recovery efforts there and the ongoing work in Baton Rouge - go HPC !
• We continue to host Legacy Traditional School's middle school in our space during the week! Thank you to everyone who helps to transition our building on Friday & Sunday nights. This is a win-win for all involved.
• My D-Backs can't seem to string together more than one win in a row!- I still have faith.
• God has awesome things in store for us at Oasis! Let's give him the room to work in our lives and I pray you'll be in the house for the very important messages that are on tap for the next few weeks.
• We love being the pastors of Oasis Life Church - you are awesome and we appreciate all that you do to make Oasis such a welcoming and friendly place!

Families in Crisis

Tonight as I sit down to catch up on blogging - I'm reminded of why I'm a church planter. I love to know makes people tick. I love to see lives turned around. I love to see people who were skeptical about God realize that He is real. I know Jesus is the answer and I love when through relationship, teaching, life and the power of the Holy Spirit - people get it.

Still - why are families disintegrating? Why does divorce affect even 1 in 2 families in the church? Can we reverse what has been set in motion now for so many years? Is there hope to turn things around? Can we find healing even if our family has already been torn apart?

This Sunday we begin a new series, "Facing the Family Challenge". This hard hitting series looks at the roots of divorce, the effects of divorce on children, spouses and even those who are not in the immediate family.

What would it cost to stay in a relationship and find help? If this is not possible, how can we find healing and minimize the damage?

If you've not faced divorce, then you've probably had some other challenge in your family. We all have them, we all face them. I hope you'll join us for this series and learn how we can face the family challenge.

Wow! I forgot what it was like to get away!

Just finishing up a 9 day VC with the family! Since we launched Oasis we've not been away for more than a few days!

There is so much to blog! So much to catch up! Tonight I just wanted to post a picture of my immediate family and say "I love you!"

"....One Another"

Don't miss out on our latest series, "...One Another". Faith without action is useless. Does it sound harsh to you? Come find out what Jesus says when it comes how to love, serve and encourage one another.

The Christian life is activated when we put the "...One Another" passages into practice.

Why "...One Another"?

1. Remember, We Are Better Together!


2. Faith Without Action is Useless.


3. Pratice Makes Perfect.

We are to "Love...One Another" - Deeply, With Devotion and with Honor, Kindness & Compassion. Want to hear it? - Listen online at http://tinyurl.com/5zlent

Monday Night Reflections

So here I am blogging on a Monday night! Normally this is my family day - and there was some family time today! However - we are about to go on vacation so Monday and Tuesday will be work days this week!

A couple things I'm reflecting on tonight!

• Last week was crazy - we did a facility agreement with Legacy Traditional School to host their jr. high for a few weeks until their site is ready. Lots of moving. Lots of work but a win-win!
• Sunday was the start of a landmark series for us, "...One Another"
• "Love...One Another" - week one - Wow! God really took me by surprise - insight about commands in a "Don't tell me what to do" world and revelation that if we really do the work of the Father while we are here - eterenity is just a continuation of what we've already learned.
• I keep falling more in love with Jesus and he keeps stretching me in ways I didn't know I could stretch.
• Seasons of a church are challenging but I love it!
• Perry Noble http://www.perrynoble.com you challenge me to blog more - how do you do that? I love that you blog 5 times a week and you speak your mind! It really is time that we stop being so politically and religiously correct and say what needs to be said!

More to come! - with love Pastor Scott

Oasis - Sunday Night Reflections

Wow! Another week has come and gone! Tonight I'm reflecting on the day that just was....

The refections and thoughts are random and here they flow:

• Oasis - what an incredible team you are - we love you!
• Today I saw part of our future as Josh Grubbs spoke in our services! He is passionate and rightly divides the word of God!
• Josh - you are an incredible sport to develop a life application msg from a movie entitled "Thunderpants"
• Vision lunch was smaller than the past months but always love this time - so personal and rewarding to share our story and the passion God has breathed into this church!
• Hydrate youth and Submerge (4th & 5th) started back tonight and what a start! - yeah God
• A 3rd service is on the way - so will it be Saturday? A 3rd on Sunday AM? - we'd love to hear your feedback.
• Saturday svc means we need more volunteers - are we ready to take this on?
• So - as a finale for "At the Kids Movies" - we are doing "Cars" - spread the word and invite your friends - it's gonna be an awesome way to end a very thought provoking series
• 2 Diamondbacks games this week! One with Johnny and one with family and new friends from Oasis - we had an awesome time!
• Gotta love Olympics!

It's now after 9 PM and on Sunday night that mean shut-down and relax! Soon to be zzzzzzz!

Be blessed and have an awesome week! - Pastor Scott

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Oasis - Sunday Night Reflections

Wow - it's late Sunday night and I'm still awake! What an awesome day we had at Oasis today! I've been a bit overwhelmed by what we are learning in our series "At the Kid's Movies! - Today we did "Ratatouille" and it is amazing what you can learn from a rat.

So as for my reflections tonight:

• Kids movies are awesome and even if you don't have kids - you should check them out!
• Remy, "the rat" can teach us that your beginning does not need to determine your end!
• You can know your TRUE identity (in Christ) and most of us would like to have a new identity
• LIGHT BULB - our TRUE identity in Christ is for a purpose- Freedom.
• If we are co-heirs with Christ and he came to be a servant - then our identity is to be like him - a servant to others.
• Use your identity for a purpose - Freedom. Use your freedom to serve others!
• Popcorn in church is an awesome thing!
• Attendance is growing in July - "a new concept in AZ!"
• God is our healer, our portion, - all we need.....and the operative word is that we believe because without faith it is impossible to please God!

Be blessed and I look forward to hearing how you used your freedom to serve others this week!

Pastor Scott

Facebook - 209 Friends!

Wow - Facebook is addictive and time consuming but I'm reconnecting with peope I've not had contact with for 15-20 years! I'm loving this and I've already connected with 209 people in just about a month!

So are you on Facebook? - I'll see you there!
Pastor Scott

Johnny's Prayer

Wow - do I love being a dad or what? There are just times that kids can be so alive that you want to linger in the moment for a long time!

I just came from putting Johnny to bed. Every night we ask him who he wants to pray for. There are many nights that he names just one person or others that he says - "you pray tonight". But tonight was one of those prolific nights of prayer from the lips of a 4-year old and daddy just got to listen.

"Thank you God for Joshua, Alex, BobbiJo..thank you for pappy and ma Baker,thank you for Mackie, and Brandy and Bailey. Please take care of Bailey.(she was our dalmation that passed last fall) Thank you for Levi and all of my friends...thank you for my friends at school, thank you for that school, thank you for our new house, thank you for my bunk bed, thank you for our walls - thank you that our house is not a warehouse! (?not sure where that came from) Thank you for air conditioning - Amen!"

Then we got to talk about how prayer is something that God loves. I explained that praying is talking to God about all the things that you are thankful for, what you've been doing and even your questions. I said - God is our Daddy in heaven and just like I love to hear what you do everyday - God wants to hear from you. I told him that even God would talk to him. Johnny said - "But God doesn't talk". Daddy said "If you stop and listen you will hear him in your mind and your heart one day - I promise you." From Johnny - silence....and contemplation.

Then we did "Johnny Is..." and off to sleep. Oh - if this moment could last forever!

Oasis - Sunday Night Reflections

I first have to say that this Sunday night reflection in the style of another blog that I've come to follow. www.PerryNoble.com

I really like his simple bullets - so here is what I'm reflecting on this Sunday night!

• I love the people that God is calling to Oasis! How diverse, how beautiful, how creative and how you are learning unity in Christ!
• I loved today's new series "At the 'Kids' Movies". It was kind of a risk but turned out to be an awesome day as Caryl taught about Wilbur & Charlotte from "Charlotte's Web". All of us can be extraordinary.
• I'm thinking about my "One Thing" that I need to focus on for the next 30 days to be come Extraordinary. How about you?
• I'm wondering if Robert Vigil will actually request battle pay to clean up the popcorn during this series?
• I'm reflecting on what a great thing it was to do corporate communion today. It's been several months since we did this. I'm always blown away by how many people need to know that the blood of Jesus can reach any hidden area of our lives. Have you applied the blood to the closest with skeletons?
• I'm still amazed at our attendance today. Is this summer?
• I'm always pumped when we get to share the Vision of Oasis Life Church and having nearly 50 adults (and 20+ kids in the back) was awesome today. Anyone want to be a partner?
• I'm grateful that my in-laws are here to live with us in AZ and that they came to Oasis today! Besides - mom made mandarin orange cake for the Vision Lunch!
• I'm on my face thanking God that he is allowing me to be a part of what he is doing in the city of Maricopa! I know there are greater things to be done in this city.
• I could go on but .....
• I'm reflecting that by nearly 10 PM on a Sunday - it is time for some rest!

With love - let's pursue Him with all that is within us. It is worth it!

Blessings - Pastor Scott

Facebook Week

Ok - so my sister introduced me to Facebook a year ago but I finally joined this past week! - Wow, how cool is that. I'm always a little scared to be on MySpace because I'm not sure what will pop up on my screen but on Facebook it appears to be much less prone to pornography and you have a lot of controls on what you and others see!



So - this week I've connected with family members, long lost friends, past co-workers, neighbors, other pastors, Christian leaders, church members and so many more! If you've not checked it out - I think it is an awesome platform and one worth investing some time building a profile and finding friends online!

As you know - at Oasis we also use www.mychurch.org/oasislifechurch.org This provides a great and safe place for even younger kids to do social networking in a safe environment. The cool thing is that for those who have both profiles - Facebook and MyChurch can be linked from Facebook.com.

So - will I see you online? Anyone for some social networking?
Pastor Scott

Blogarama ! (and final One Prayer msg)

Wow - I love blogging! However there are times that the amount of places that need to be updated in the media and social networking sites that I just fall behind.

So tonight is Blogarama Baby! - Time to catch up!

On Sunday - July 6 we finished the "One Prayer series. If you've not yet checked it out go to www.oneprayer.com. Our final message was from John Siebeling of The Life Church of Memphis (www.thelifechurch.com) The prayer was "God, Make Us Diverse". While know that we have come a long way in diversity there is still much work to be done.

At Oasis - it is a part of our guiding principle of "Passion for People" that we should be "attractively diverse". Caryl and I believe we should worship here on earth in such a way that reflects how we will worship in heaven - all nations, all races, all colors, all disabilities, all shapes, all sizes, all economic stratas....ALL!

John - Thank you for the challenge! Thank you for your example!

So people of Oasis - friends - how do you embrace divesity? I'd love to hear your comments and storis - With Love - Pastor Scott

Oasis & the AZ Diamondbacks

July 4 - the day we celebrate our countries freedom! 85 of us from Oasis went to the AZ Diamondbacks www.azdiamondbacks.com game vs the San Diego Padres. Turns out that the Davis/Blackburns had another 30 tickets just in front of us so we knew nearly 115 people in our section! We had a blast event though the D-backs lost!

The highlight of the night was the fireworks that took place after the game! Just after 10 PM the lights all went out in the stadium after the roof was opened! We enjoyed nearly 20 minutes of intense fireworks to awesome patriotic music! Johnny loved it but was so tired I had to carry him all the way back to the car - which due to the sold-out crowd took quite a while!

Sounds like a great tradition to get started - so what do you say - want to do it again next year?

Have a great week - Pastor Scott

One Prayer - Wk 4 - Chris Hodges - "Make Us Authentic"

One Prayer has been an awesome time for us at Oasis Life Church. Not only are we having an incredible time as we join over 1500 churches (and growing daily) in this incredible experiment in unity but we are getting to hear from some of the great ARC pastors . We are so blessed to be a part of an incredible organization. See www.relatedchurches.com

This past weekend we heard from Chris Hodges of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL. (www.churchofthehighlands.com) His prayer was "God, Make Us Genuine". There were so many great things in this message but the thing that stood out was the idea that if we fall in love with God we will want to follow his commands.

Thank you Chris for your incredible insight. As a church we took a hard look at ourselves and asked - "Are we genuine followers of Christ?" So what do you think?

One Prayer - Wk3 - WOW - Dino Rizzo gave us an awesome word!

Wow - if there is any pastor in the ARC network that my heart beats like - it is Dino Rizzo! We were so blessed to have this word of "Make Us Extremely Generous" from Dino. We laughed, we cried and we were moved to be more like Jesus!

Who can ever forget the story of the leopard print nighties and how Healing Place Church blessed their community in a very special way? We desire to be a place that is used by God no matter what is asked of us! May we reflect the heart of Jesus in our compassion!

Thank you Dino for inspiring us to become all that we can become. We are already becoming known as the hub in our community if you want to donate something, give something away or receive help! At times is overwhelming but I believe that God is pleased that we are willing! Oasis - you are awesome and thank you for having the heart of Jesus!

Have an awesome week - Pastor Scott

One Prayer - Wk2 - Craig Groeschel - you knocked it out of the park!

Week two of One Prayer was incredible! We heard from Pastor Craig Groeschel of www.lifechurch.tv and he prayed "Father in Heaven - Make Us One!" What if we became the answer to Jesus prayer? (John 17:20-24)

Unite us around one Enemy, one Heart & One Purpose! We are to be the church or ekklesia - literally the called out ones!

Caryl & I have had a passion to see our city come together in prayer! Look for more info coming this week as we introduce Maricopa City Prayer on Saturday June 28th at 8:30 AM. Get more info at www.PrayForMaricopa.org

So - what is your one prayer?

One Prayer - Week One - "Make Us Religious"

Wow! The experiment is under way! Now over 1400 churches, representing over 800,000 believers is up and running.

This past weekend at Oasis we answered the question - "if God would answer One Prayer for the church - what what would you pray?" Caryl and I spoke and our prayer was "Make Us Religious".

Needless to say this title made many uncomfortable. At Oasis and in many churches we have worked hard to not be "religious" but rather relational. We have not changed our position or the direction of the church. However, as we sought God on what our prayer would be - we kept coming back to James 1:26-27.

Those who are 'Truly' religious - will pay heed to this verse.

1. Truly Religious People Control Their Tongue
2. Truly Religious People Are Compassionate
3. Truly Religious People Refuse Corruption

May the church become a place of action and one that not only looks religious but rather is 'truly' religious. Perhaps you cringe when someone asks you if you are religious. In light of James 1:26-27 - when someone asks you if you are religious this week, how will you respond?

God - Make us 'Truly' Religious

One Prayer - Begins June 8th

We are excited to be a part of now over 1300 churches (and growing daily) representing more then 775,000 believers around the world who are joining for One Prayer.

Jesus prayed in John 17:20-24 - My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (NIV)

In this series we answer the question "If God would answer 'One Prayer' for the church at large, what would you pray?". Each week we pray "God, Make Us...." Together we will seek after God, fast and pray. Check out more info at www.OnePrayer.com and join us beginning this Sunday June 8th at 8:30 or 10:30 AM.

Be a part o this historic event as we seek God and what he is saying to the body!

Love in Christ
Pastor Scott

Final Bullpen of the Spring Season!

Hi Men - Tomorrow morning at 6:30 AM at the Sunrise Cafe we will have our final Bullpen. We normally discuss questions related to last weeks message and then tackle a current, hot or controversial topic.

This final week we will discuss the following question: If scripture says that true religion is to care for orphans & widows in their distress & to keep oneself from being polluted by the world, what does that say about how we should be living as followers of Christ?

Tomorrow following the Bullpen - I'll post some of the responses from our discussion. If you have not been able to attend - I'd love to have you post your responses here as well.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Pastor Scott

Check This Out!

Well - if you've been following this blog - you'll see that there has been a bit of a gap! My blog provider mistakenly locked this blog as spam for a few weeks and it is finally up and running again! Thanks for your patience.

Many of you have already discovered this great new site. If you have not - check out http://www.mychurch.org/ . It is an awesome online social networking site that is specifically for churches. It works in a similar way to Facebook and MySpace, however it is a safe place for the whole family.


I've included the link to our church page - just click on this blog entry and you'll be redirected to the Oasis Life Church page on mychurch.org. If you have not yet visited and joined this site - take the time to do so. It's a great place to post encouragement, communicate with one another, blog, and check out the Sharing section. I think this will be a great new place for us to communicate about needs and what we can share with one another.

I've also elected for this site to be the place to post my daily blog entries concering our current time of fasting.



See you online - Blessings - Scott