Faith Walk

Coming January 8 at First Melissa

2011-12-12T16:01:00.001-06:00

Melissa Cardinals play for state championship

2011-12-12T06:45:00.001-06:00

Trey Graham and Kenny Deel are doing radio play by play for Melissa vs. Hempstead state championship football at 8 pm Thursday. Pregame show begins at 7 pm. Listen live on KFYN 1420 AM or http://kfyn1420.com/sports/index.asp.

The King is Coming

2011-11-16T12:02:00.001-06:00

Please join us Sunday, December 4 at First Melissa as we begin our Christmas message series called "The King is Coming."

Professor Crank's Slime Lab

2011-10-26T10:08:00.001-05:00

Tonight's Ignite Kids event at First Melissa is going to be awesome! Here are the details:

1. The lab doors will open at 6:15 pm in both buildings on the Melissa campus.
2. Nucleus preschool programing will be for 3 and under. 4 years old and up should accompany their parents in building A.
3. Pray that God will use this time to help us partner with families to see kids transformed.
4. Join in the fun!!

Call me if you have questions,
Kevin Blevins
972 838 2277

Free Career Transition Workshop

2011-10-13T14:21:00.003-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2011
Contact – Lisa Williams, 972.838.2277, lwilliams@firstmelissa.com

First Melissa Announces Career Transition Workshop
Saturday, November 5, 2011

[Melissa, TX] - First Baptist Church Melissa is hosting a free Career Transition Workshop. This workshop is travel convenient for job seekers in McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Melissa, Anna, Howe, Van Alstyne, Princeton, and Sherman/Denison areas. The workshop is scheduled for 9:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday, November 5, 2011.

Senior Human Resource and Recruiter professionals specialized in talent acquisition, recruitment and staffing will teach job-hunting strategies, advanced skills and job search secrets including Using the Internet and Social Media Tactics to Augment Job Search, Best Job Search Strategies and Practices, Resume Psychology ©, Developing a Sustainable Networking Solution, Power Interviewing Skills and Winning Salary Negotiations.

Participants get to know one another and the presenting recruiters to improve their networking connections.

Space is limited to 100 participants. If you are interested in attending this workshop, please contact Rex Saoit at rex.saoit@gmail.com. Registration information and confirmation will be sent via email.

Dress code is casual. A free workbook is included for participants to follow and take notes. Continental breakfast, beverages and snacks will be available throughout the day.

The workshop is located at First Baptist Church Melissa, 2101 Melissa Road East, Melissa, Texas 75454. Phone (972) 838-2277.

_____
First Baptist Church Melissa
2101 Melissa Road East
Melissa, TX 75454
972.838.2277
Pastor Trey Graham
www.firstmelissa.com

Camp Eagle 2012 - Save the Date!

2011-09-28T11:43:00.002-05:00

Daily prayer at 2012

2011-09-19T16:03:00.002-05:00

"Consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly; gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord." Joel 1:14

Remember, Pray, and Trust

2011-09-09T16:55:00.000-05:00

Remember, Pray, and Trust
by Trey Graham

Today, we recognize the ten-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. To honor those whose lives were cut short on 9/11 and to remind us as citizens how we felt then and how weshould feel today, I would like to share with you some thoughts that I originally wrote on September 18, 2001. The spirit and teamwork and positive attitudes that we celebrated in 2001 are still vital to our sense of community in 2011.

My desires that God would give His grace to the hurting and His love to the hopeless have not wavered. The faith that brought us through terrorist attacks then can bring us through divorces and bankruptcies and illnesses today. When all else seems to fail, our God stands beside us and offers His hand of forgiveness and devotion. When no one will listen to us, our Savior is standing by. Let’s renew our commitment to prayer today, the prayer that comforted us immediately after tragedy and the prayer that guides us even now.

What follows is what I felt in September 2001 and what I still hold true in September 2011…

Americans are responding to last week's tragedy with a renewed spiritual appetite.

When tragedy strikes, the most fundamental human questions arise: "Why did this happen?" and "Why could God allow all of those people to die?"

Sometimes, our only answers are: "I am not sure," "Let's just hold on," and "Remember, our Heavenly Father loves us." Those answers may seem incomplete, but they are built on the foundation of true faith.

True faith is demonstrated by those who trust even when they don't understand.

True faith is expressed when people cry out to God for answers and then trust Him even when the answers don't come as quickly as we would like.

True faith is believing what the writer of Hebrews wrote: "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

I know that many of you attended prayer services last week at your places of worship; we held one at ours. People offered prayers of thanks, prayers of sorrow, prayers of desperation, prayers of mourning and prayers of repentance.

Near our church, people were allowed to write their prayers. I had the privilege of reading some of them and observing the great faith displayed by my neighbors. Those prayers, prayed to God in a quiet room in a private moment, will strengthen your faith. Those prayers, spoken not to gain public attention but to work through tragic fears, will remind us that God reigns. Those prayers – written in English, Spanish and even Arabic – remind us that prayer comforts and heals.

Let me share a few of them. One woman wrote, "Lord, we don't have answers today, but we know that you are in control. Please keep us mindful of your grace and protection. May we always look to you for answers and strength."

A humble gentleman prayed, "Dear God, thank you for my sister's illness today that kept her from her job as a flight attendant. I pray for all those who lost loved ones today. I pray for our president and all those making decisions for our country. Keep us steadfast in our faith, looking to you for strength. Amen."

An insightful child wrote, "Heavenly father, please be with those who are suffering so. Please be with those who are trying to clean the rubble and find bodies. Please, Lord, be with us as a nation wounded. With your help, Lord, we will get through this."

To the authors of those prayers: Please forgive us for entering your private sanctuary, but thank you for writing them. Your faith is too strong and your words are too eloquent not to be shared with others. Your prayers and your trust in God help us heal.

To the readers of the prayers: Take those words of hope and add them to your own. The world is full of evil people, but it is ruled by a sovereign God. Your reaction to this tragedy can either pull you toward Him or push you away. My prayer is that you will be drawn to a greater faith than ever before.

God bless America.

Statement from the Rea Family

2011-09-09T11:56:00.000-05:00

The following statement was released by the Rea family on Friday, September 9. Funeral arrangements are still pending and will be released as soon as they are available.

-Pastor Trey Graham

David Lee Rea was a wonderful young man. David was very loved by his family and friends. His struggles were unseen by many, yet very real to him. There are no answers to this tremendous loss. We are holding on to the truth that David is in the presence of Jesus, our Mighty God who is the Ultimate Answer to this thing called life. The family appreciates all the efforts to reach out to us during this time. Please keep our family and community in your prayers.

(signed)

The Rea Family

Melissa Cardinals Football on the Internet

2011-08-18T18:16:00.000-05:00

Dear Melissa Cardinals football fans,

During the 2011 season, all 10 regular season football games for the Melissa Cardinals, and any playoff games, will be broadcast live on the internet at http://kfyn1420.com/sports.asp. The pregame show begins at 7:15 pm and the kickoff for each game is at 7:30 pm.

These games will also be archived on the web at http://kfyn1420.com/sports.asp for later listening and will be re-broadcast on the radio and internet on the following Sunday at 2:30 pm. The Cardinals begin the 2011 season on Friday, August 26.

The complete 2011 Schedule is available at http://www2.melissaisd.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2011_V_Football_Schedule.pdf.

You can listen on your computer or your smartphone. To listen on your phone, download the app called Tune In at http://tunein.com/. Once you install the app, search for KFYN.

We invite all Melissa football fans to join play by play announcer Trey Graham, Bryan Ward, and Kenny Deel on http://kfyn1420.com/sports.asp this season to cheer on head coach Seth Stinton and the Cardinals.

"Last Days" series begins August 21

2011-08-04T12:08:00.002-05:00

We invite you to join us at First Melissa as Pastor Trey Graham begins a new teaching series called "Last Days." Beginning August 21, Pastor Trey will share with us important truths from God's Word about how we should live in the "Last Days" as we look forward to the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Join us at our Melissa campus on Sundays at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:3o am or at our Princeton campus on Sundays at 6:00 pm. Please plan to worship with us and please invite a new friend to join you at First Melissa.

2011-08-01T20:31:00.006-05:00

Beginning this Sunday, August 7, First Melissa will offer three worship services each Sunday morning on its current campus in Melissa (9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 am) and one worship service each Sunday evening on its new campus in Princeton.

First Melissa’s Princeton Campus will offer weekly worship services on Sundays at 6:00 pm at 691 E. Princeton Drive, better known as Hwy 380. Ministries led by Pastor Trey Graham, Kevin Barham, and the rest of the First Melissa church staff will begin on August 7 with a huge Grand Opening service planned for Sunday, August 21.

To find out more about First Melissa’s ministry expansion, contact Pastor Trey Graham or Lisa Williams at lwilliams@firstmelissa.com or 972.838.2277. The website for both congregations will be http://www.firstmelissa.com/.

First Melissa Announces Ministry Expansion

2011-07-18T09:25:00.002-05:00

MELISSA, TX - July 18, 2011 - On Sunday, July 17, the members of First Melissa learned about the newest expansion of its ministries as Senior Pastor Trey Graham announced the upcoming opening of the church’s newest campus in Princeton, TX. Beginning August 7, First Melissa will offer three worship services each Sunday morning on its current campus in Melissa and one worship service each Sunday evening on its new campus in Princeton.

After months of prayer and planning, the members of Fellowship Princeton have decided to end their independent ministry operations and officially become a part of First Baptist Church Melissa. This eight-year old congregation currently meets for worship at 691 E. Princeton Drive, better known as Hwy 380, and will have their last independent service on Sunday, July 31. The congregation will be known as First Melissa’s Princeton Campus and will offer weekly worship services on Sundays at 6:00 pm. Ministries led by Trey Graham, Kevin Barham, and the rest of the First Melissa church staff will begin on August 7 with a huge Grand Opening service planned for 6:00 pm on Sunday, August 21.

Pastor Trey Graham, who will serve as the senior pastor of both campuses, explained this exciting change during his Sunday morning messages on July 17. Graham told the church members gathered in Melissa, “We have had similar conversations with other local churches in the past few years, but we have never felt God’s leadership to move forward in this type of church expansion until now. I am completely convinced that God is leading us now to expand our ministry and begin a new campus of First Melissa in Princeton. We are doing this with one goal in mind: to help make more disciples of Jesus Christ in Melissa, Princeton, and beyond.”

Having church members living in multiple cities will be nothing new for First Melissa. Pastor Graham explained that 60% of the congregants who worship each week in Melissa now live outside that city, with 40% being Melissa residents. With church attendees living in Melissa, Anna, Van Alstyne, Sherman, Blue Ridge, Trenton, Leonard, Allen, Frisco, Celina, Denison, Lucas, Fairview, McKinney, Howe, Tom Bean, and other North Texas cities, a ministry expansion to the Princeton/Farmersville area is a logical move for this ever-expanding congregation.

First Melissa’s church leaders expect to reach a large number of people in the Princeton and Farmersville areas, attracting new congregants with innovative community ministries and by inviting people who currently listen to the radio programs “Faith Walk with Trey Graham” (heard Monday-Friday at 10:00 am on The Word 100.7 FM) and “Smart Talk with Trey Graham” (heard Sundays at 4:00 pm on The Word 100.7 FM).

Contact:
To find out more about First Melissa’s ministry expansion, contact Pastor Trey Graham or Lisa Williams at lwilliams@firstmelissa.com or 972.838.2277. The website for both congregations will be www.firstmelissa.com.

Weekly worship service schedule beginning August 7:
Melissa campus (2101 E. Melissa Road, Melissa TX 75454)
Sundays at 9:00, 10:15, 11:30 am
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm

Princeton campus (691 E. Princeton Drive, Princeton TX 75407)
Sundays at 6:00 pm

Impact Week 2011 begins this Sunday

2011-06-08T06:26:00.003-05:00

Impact Week 2011 begins this Sunday, June 12, at First Melissa. Join us for worship at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am as we begin a new teaching series titled "Love God, Love One Another." Remember to bring a new friend and wear your Impact Week t-shirt to church this Sunday morning.

Also, don't forget our church-wide pot-luck dinner at 6:00 pm this Sunday, June 12. Bring a meal for your family to share and come fellowship with other members of the First Melissa family.

Unknown soldiers – Anonymous, yet faithful

2011-05-25T19:53:00.002-05:00

by Trey Graham

Monday is Memorial Day, the day set aside to remember our fallen military veterans, those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. As Americans, each day we honor and revere the Unknown Soldiers, those men who anonymously gave their lives to serve and defend our nation. In Arlington National Cemetery, “Where Valor Proudly Sleeps”, lay three soldiers who have received the highest military honors, including the Congressional Medal of Honor, while no one even knows their names. On the Tomb of the Unknown’s plaza face are the words “Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God.” The soldiers of the U. S. Army’s Third Infantry Regiment who guard this tomb memorize the Sentinels’ Creed, which says in part, “It is he who commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.”

The American people understand that these men died for a cause, they died to defend our nation, they died to promote democracy. The Unknown Soldiers gave the ultimate sacrifice, their own lives, to see freedom extended to the world. While we do not know their names, we celebrate their deeds.

In God’s army, the greatest works of revival and evangelism often occur due to the efforts of unknown Christian soldiers. The Christian Church needs more soldiers who are willing to work, to serve, to die in order to see the mission accomplished. The finest, most trustworthy soldiers are those who work not for medals, awards, or recognition, but instead to protect one’s brothers and finish one’s missions.

While a few soldiers in the army receive acclaim and honor for their heroic deeds, the great majority of soldiers defend their country quietly, anonymously - simply because it is their job, their duty. As Christian believers, we need more faithful, humble soldiers who serve not for awards and recognition, but simply to do their duty to serve Christ and to bring others to Him.

You know the names of a few famous soldiers who have demonstrated bravery and honor during times of harrowing danger. Each of us has read about Eisenhower and MacArthur and Pershing and Bradley. But, the average citizen knows not the untold millions of American men and women who have served this nation faithfully, quietly, heroically.

In the Church of Jesus Christ, we have a few famous, recognizable leaders. These well-known ministers preach on television and radio, they write best-selling books, they pastor large, prominent churches. Undoubtedly, God has a place in His kingdom for Christians who receive acclaim and honor because of their influential status in religious circles.

I believe, however, that God would have us to know the untold millions who throughout the centuries have served in the army of God faithfully, quietly, heroically. The greatest spiritual accomplishments occur when human beings achieve extraordinary things for God, and He alone receives the credit. In Acts 21:19-20, Luke writes that the Apostle Paul “began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it they began glorifying God.”

Did you notice that? Did you notice who received the acclaim? God was glorified when the elders heard about the happenings within Paul’s ministry. God the Father received the glory and praise, not the Apostle Paul. Though Paul had been faithful when faced with opposition, he understood that spiritual successes do not prove the power of the minister, but rather demonstrate the majesty of a sovereign God.

In our churches, we need more people who would seek to glorify God and care less about getting the credit for religious accomplishments. We are not called to build buildings or write books, we are called to glorify God. If buildings and books bring praise to the Almighty, then go ahead and build and write. However, if earthly accomplishments done in the name of Christ are used to advance the name and reputation of a Christian worker, we have missed our assignment.

May we all remember the words of our Savior, who instructed us to “let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) God the Father wants and needs anonymous soldiers who faithfully fight the good fight and point all praise toward Calvary.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers announces to the world that American military personnel have a cause worth fighting and dying for. Our churches and our ministries must also demonstrate to the world that our cause, our Christ, is worth fighting and dying for.

Are you a soldier for God? Have you enlisted in His army by taking the oath of allegiance called the prayer of salvation? If you have not, may I invite you to join the only army guaranteed to win every battle, every time? If you are already a soldier of Christ, are you seeking to advance the cause of your Commander, or do you seek medals and public notoriety? May we all seek to be soldiers of God, unknown soldiers, who faithfully serve God because our duty is to glorify Him, not to make a name for ourselves. God bless the Unknown Soldiers of Christ.

Impact Week 2011 begins June 12

2011-05-25T11:01:00.003-05:00

Camp Ignite 2011

2011-05-25T10:48:00.003-05:00

Beginning June 12

2011-05-25T08:17:00.003-05:00

New teaching series at First Melissa begins on Sunday, June 12

Blessing Your Children

2011-05-24T09:11:00.002-05:00

by Dr. John Trent
(as discussed on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at First Melissa)

This blessing has five distinct elements to build up your sons and daughters and help them understand their worth in your family and before God.

1. Appropriate and meaningful touch
2. Words of love and acceptance
3. Value placed on the child
4. Acknowledgement of a special future
5. Genuine commitment

For more on this topic, click here.

Camp Ignite - June 17-19, 2012

2011-05-11T11:51:00.002-05:00

Impact Week 2011

2011-05-11T10:19:00.004-05:00

IMPACT Week is June 12—18, 2011

What is IMPACT Week?
IMPACT Week at First Melissa is “Love God, Love One Another” in action. Each year, members of First Melissa go outside our church walls and serve others as called by Jesus. We strive to meet real needs felt by real people. IMPACT Week is simply an annual, joint expression of everyday individual faithfulness.

Why do we have IMPACT Week?

IMPACT Week is not about making our church look good. It is simply about making Jesus look good. Remember, Jesus said to show your love for Him by showing love to your neighbors. Will you help us bless others?

Who do we IMPACT?

We serve cities, families, organizations, schools, and businesses.

Where do we IMPACT?

First Melissa IMPACT MINISTRY covers Anna, Blue Ridge, Howe, Melissa, McKinney, Princeton, Trenton, Van Alstyne, Westminster and more because we have church members living in each of these cities.

When is IMPACT?

This year we are IMPACTing two different times this summer. June 12-18 is IMPACT Week. We will concentrate on projects to be completed outside. We moved this week to June due to the high temperatures in August and the effects it has on the volunteers. August 13-19 is IMPACT ISD. During this time we will work inside at nearby schools.

For more information, contact Betty Walthall at 972.838.2277.

Visit Israel in June 2012

2011-05-11T09:59:00.003-05:00

Walking Where Jesus Walked
June 18-28, 2012

Pastor Trey Graham will host another trip to the Holy Land June 18-28, 2012. This amazing journey allows you to see the Bible come to life as you walk where Jesus walked. This is a very popular trip and is already beginning to fill up. Exact costs will be released soon, but if you want to learn more about this journey to the land of the Bible, contact Lisa Williams by email or by calling the church office at 972.838.2277.

To see the itinerary for Trey's next trip to Israel, click here. To register online for the trip and ensure you have a spot on the journey to Israel, click here.

Forgiveness

2011-05-11T09:39:00.002-05:00

At First Melissa on Sunday, May 8, we discussed forgiveness and reviewed some important principles about forgiveness. Because May 8 was Mother's Day, we mentioned that forgiveness is especially important in a person's family.

While discussing forgivness, we studied Genesis chapters 42-43. We read about the reunion of Joseph and the brothers who sold him into slavery. In this story, we were reminded what grace and forgiveness looks like. We asked the question, "How do you forgive someone who tried to kill you?" Not only did we ask this question in relation to Joseph in the Old Testament, we also heard the amazing story of forgiveness as demonstrated in the life of SueZann Bosler. To read SueZann's story, click here.

Below are the principles of forgiveness we mentioned last Sunday. To listen to last week's message, or if you have missed any messages in the "From the Start" series, click here to download the free podcasts.

How to Forgive

Make a decision to forgive
Open your heart to love again
Tell them that you forgive
Hold onto grace
Experience the freedom of forgiveness
Remember the example of Jesus

Could you forgive a murderer?

2011-05-11T09:33:00.001-05:00

by Trey Graham

On December 22, 1986, James Bernard Campbell knocked on the door of the home of Rev. Bill Bosler. After the minister opened the door of his parsonage, James entered the home with a knife and murdered Rev. Bosler by stabbing him 24 times. The minister’s daughter, SueZann Bosler was also injured when James stabbed her six times in the back and head. After feigning her death so Campbell would stop stabbing her, and after a month of recovery in the hospital, SueZann survived the attack and began to rebuild her life.

Amazingly, instead of fighting to see James killed, SueZann Bosler made it her mission to save James Campbell’s life. She committed to fighting to prevent James from getting the death penalty in Florida after he was convicted of the murder of her father, Rev. Bosler. She and her father were both opponents of capital punishment, and he had once told her that if someone were to murder him, he would not want the killer executed.

SueZann said her father taught her that there is always something good that comes out of bad. In an interview with CBS, SueZann explained her efforts to help James by saying, “I am trying to find it.” She said her father’s favorite hymn was “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” In court, SueZann wore a silver cross around her neck and watched the prosecution accuse James of murder and try to sentence him to death. In the television interview, her friend Pat Bain said of SueZann, “She wants to memorialize her father. She watched her father die. She knew what he believed and wants to be sure that his beliefs are heard.”

To accomplish her goal of saving James’ life, she fought against capital punishment in Washington, D.C. and in the Florida judicial system. Florida law does not allow victims to testify about their feelings about capital punishment. The victims of violent crime are only to testify about the facts of the incident, not about their opinions on the possible sentence. SueZann faced six months in Dade County jail and a $500 fine for criminal contempt of court if she said what she believed about the death penalty.

Facing this contempt charge, she remained firm in her beliefs and testified to a judge, “I forgive James Bernard Campbell for what he has done. I respect his life and value it here on this earth and I believe in life. I have tried for ten and a half years to bring good out of this and I am doing that the best way I know how.”

In an act of Christian love, she bought James a Bible, had his name engraved on it, and asked people whom she met on her travels to write encouraging words to him inside this Bible, which she hoped to someday present to him.

In the original sentencing, after less than 3 hours of deliberation, the jury sentenced James Campbell to die by execution. Yet, on June 13, 1996, after 10 years, three trials, and two sentencings, Campbell's sentence was commuted to three consecutive life terms.

On the first Easter Sunday, which Christians around the world celebrated last week, another murder took place. In Jerusalem that historic day, the sinful acts of human beings, the created ones, killed Jesus Christ, the Creator. According to the Bible, Jesus died because the holiness of an eternal Father requires holiness from His people. To allow sinners to attain this standard of holiness, Jesus “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8).

The harsh and gruesome nature of Jesus’ death on Good Friday is inextricably linked to the beauty and attraction of Easter Sunday. With a love that can only come from heaven, in one act of amazing grace, God the Father forgave the people who killed His son.

James Campbell lives today in a Florida prison because his victim forgave him and fought for his life, though he tried to take her life. SueZann Bosler spent more than 10 years fighting to save James Campbell’s life, yet he never once spoke to her or thanked her for her efforts.

We can live today and eternally because the person that was killed for the sins of humanity, Jesus Christ, forgives us. On Easter, Christians celebrate the moment when Jesus took a death sentence and changed it to a life sentence, a death sentence without God into a life sentence with God in His heaven.

For those who choose to follow Him and thank Him for His sacrifice, Jesus offers forgiveness and the keys to heaven. And, just like SueZann, Jesus’ death on Calvary, the reason for our Easter celebration, forgives even those who choose not to acknowledge Him and His willingness to die that they might live. As we move on toward the next Easter, may we thank Him for fighting for our lives?

Questions to ask in prison

2011-05-04T11:25:00.002-05:00

At First Melissa, our current message series is a study of Genesis titled "From the Start." On Sunday, May 1, we studied the experience of Joseph in Gen. 40-41. As an innocent man, Joseph suffered in prison despite his righteousness and honesty.

We learned last Sunday that not all prisons have bars and gates on them. Some of us live in the prisons of finances or marriage troubles or substance abuse or habitual sin or physical pain. We discussed a set of questions that people in prison should ask. To read these questions, see below. To listen to the message from May 1, click here.

Questions to ask in prison:
•What type of prison is this?
•Where is God?
•What in my life needs to be more like Jesus?
•What is God trying to teach me through this?
•Why am I here?
Judgment for my sin? To teach me? To use me for His kingdom work?
•Will I choose to obey God even while in prison?
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18
•How can I be a light for Jesus in this prison every day?
•How can I see this from an eternal perspective?
•How can I encourage someone else in prison with me?
•How will I serve God until I get out?
•How will I serve God when I get out?

Logos Bible Study Software

2011-05-02T19:39:00.003-05:00

Tonight at First Melissa

2011-04-20T12:38:00.003-05:00

An Easter Love Story

2011-04-18T16:52:00.002-05:00

Moviegoers buy tickets to see Hollywood’s finest actors come heroically to the rescue to save helpless people. Patrons of the theater flock to witness well-trained thespians portray roles in which love triumphs over heartache and good vanquishes evil. Bookstores aggressively promote the latest romance novels which allow the readers to vicariously experience a person’s committed love for his or her soul mate. People enjoy love stories. This week, as Christians around the world celebrate Easter, we commemorate not just a religious event, but instead the greatest love story ever told. In our contemporary culture, Easter is a holiday and an overblown commercial event, but, lest we forget, at its very core Easter is a love story. To remind ourselves of central truths of this love story, let’s begin with the characters. In this drama, the leading man is a Jewish carpenter with no acting experience born to a teenage Jewish girl in a borrowed barn. Not exactly Broadway, is it? This unlikely hero, born in a small town to a rather insignificant family, becomes the world’s greatest and most influential star because of his loyalty, perseverance, and genuine love for people of every background. Another important figure in our love story is the carpenter’s father, one who lives very far away and gives his son a tremendously difficult assignment. This assignment can be accomplished by no other person and is designed to provide heavenly forgiveness and spiritual freedom for the needy. The father loves the son so much that it saddens him to know that the only remedy for the danger faced by the masses in this drama is the sacrificial death of that beloved son. The antagonist in our story is a character who wanted to be like the father and the son. His pride, a quality observed in the bad guys of many a storyline, caused him to rebel from the father. This hatred is demonstrated most clearly when the bad guy in our story tries to murder the leading man and discourage his followers from believing in the son’s amazing promises of love and devotion. The numerous supporting actors in our story are the helpless citizens of a doomed world who need the hero to save them from destruction. These supporting actors, living in countries spanning the globe, play the unlikely dual roles of being both observers of the love story and participants in the action. Now that we understand the characters, let’s quickly review the plot. Befitting a great love story, the benevolent father sends the dependable son to defeat the evil enemy in order to save the desperately needy crowds. Once the antagonist’s plot fails and he is finally defeated, the leading actor then asks the rescued followers to commit the rest of their lives to trusting in him. Those who answer this call and devote their hearts to following the son become adopted members of the father’s family. What makes this story unique? What separates this love story from so many others? First, it is true. This non-fiction tale was not hatched in the brain of Hollywood’s leading screenwriter or developed at the typewriter of America’s finest novelist. No, this love story called Easter is a true historical event and was shot on location in Israel at a place called Golgotha. Second, no one else is eligible to play the three main parts. No other being in this universe is qualified to play the role of the loving, forgiving father. No other actor is as evil as the antagonist. Only actors who are perfectly sinless and completely holy are allowed to apply for the role of the son. To this point, only one person has qualified. Third, unlike so many movies that allow the hero to escape unscathed, the antagonist in this epic tale, a ruthless creature known as Satan, did indeed kill the carpenter, the father’s only son. After the death of the carpenter, Satan was convinced he now reigned victorious and would become the universe’s leading man. At Golgotha, otherwise known at the place of the skull, the heroic leading man apparently met his unseemly demise on the day known by historians as Good Friday but emerges triumphant when he is miraculously resurrected by the father on that first Easter Sunday morning. Finally, unlike the movies at the cinema, we who sit in the seats can all play a part in this drama. All of us can star in this exciting tale of rescue, if only we will follow the hero and allow him to save us. The most important feature of the most important love story is that the father, the sovereign God of the universe, is continually holding casting calls to welcome new actors into this play. To transition from observer to participant, one must only give his or her entire life in devotion to the son, a Galilean named Jesus Christ, through faith, trusting in the hero to save them from the certain attacks of the evil one. Easter Sunday is the climactic ending to a spellbinding earthly performance and the prelude to an eternal drama. Only when the curtain is raised on the final scene of this production (filmed in front of an empty tomb) do we realize that, like in all good love stories, the hero wins in the end. This Easter, I believe the father is calling you and me to move from movie critic to committed actor, trading a life of distant observance of the son for dedicated obedience to the son. May I invite you to join me in this beautiful narrative, the love story that indeed qualifies as the greatest story ever told? Happy Easter from Pastor Trey Graham and the First Melissa family.

Easter Sunday at First Melissa

2011-04-18T14:03:00.001-05:00

A few photos from the Holy Land

2011-04-14T05:47:00.004-05:00

Here are a few photos from our most recent trip to Israel (April 2011). Thanks to our official photographer, Debbie Estes, for these great pictures.

Easter Sunday at First Melissa

2011-04-14T04:41:00.002-05:00

Women's Ministry Mixer - April 17

2011-03-30T10:32:00.004-05:00

Easter Sunday at First Melissa

2011-03-30T09:28:00.002-05:00

2011-03-23T15:25:00.002-05:00

First Melissa's Annual Golf Tournament
Friday, April 29 at 1:00 pm

Hurricane Creek Country Club
1800 Fairway Lane, Anna TX 75409
$50 for HCCC members and $70 for non-HCCC members
Register as a single player or with a four-man team.

Lunch before the tournament is included.

Registration
Contact Lisa Williams to register at 972.838.2277 or email Lisa.

Easter Worship at First Melissa

2011-03-23T10:37:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, April 24, we will celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus! Join us for any of our four identical Easter services at 7:45, 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am. Begin to pray now about the family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors that you will invite to spend Easter with you at First Melissa.

Our Student and Adult Communities will not meet on Easter Sunday. They will resume regular schedules on Sunday, May 1.

We will also join together on Palm Sunday, April 17, to remember the sacrificial death of our Messiah through the observance of the Lord's Supper.

Melissa Cardinals Basketball at State Tournament

2011-03-08T08:30:00.003-06:00

The Melissa Cardinals will play the Tatum Eagles in the UIL State Basketball Tournament on Friday at 10 am in Austin. This game will be broadcast live on the radio on KFYN 1420 AM and live on the internet at http://www.kfyn1420.com/sports/index.asp.

Click here to learn more about the UIL State Tournament.

All Melissa basketball playoff games will also be archived on the website for later listening.

We invite all Melissa basketball fans to join play-by-play announcer Trey Graham and analyst Kenny Deel to cheer on the Cardinals. You can also email the radio booth with your comments and questions.

Melissa Cardinals Basketball on radio

2011-01-09T17:00:00.001-06:00

The following Melissa Cardinals basketball games will be broadcast live on the radio on KFYN 1420 AM and live on the internet at http://www.kfyn1420.com/sports/index.asp. These games will also be archived on the website for later listening. We invite all Melissa basketball fans to join play-by-play announcer Trey Graham and analyst Kenny Deel to cheer on the Cardinals.

Jan. 11 Leonard Away (girls/boys doubleheader) 6:15 pm
Jan. 18 Cooper Away (girls/boys doubleheader) 6:15 pm
Jan. 21 Rivercrest Home (girls/boys doubleheader) 6:15 pm
Jan. 25 Caddo Mills Away (girls/boys doubleheader) 6:15 pm
Jan. 28 Paris Chisum Away (girls/boys doubleheader) 6:15 pm
Feb. 1 Leonard Home (girls/boys doubleheader) 6:15 pm
Feb. 8 Pattonville Prairiland Home (girls/boys doubleheader) 6:15 pm
Feb. 11 Cooper Home (boys only) 6:30 pm

From the Start, a study of Genesis

2010-12-28T10:34:00.003-06:00

Join us at First Melissa on Sunday, January 2 as we begin a new teaching series called "From the Start." This in-depth study of the book of Genesis will begin at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am.

If you want to learn more about the Creator of the Universe as you study God's Word, if you want to learn about sin and redemption, join us this Sunday morning.

God’s Gift To Mankind

2010-12-24T12:25:00.001-06:00

Have you been shopping yet? What are you getting for Christmas? What are you giving for Christmas? Do you think you will get everything you have asked for?

Speaking of gifts, do you know anyone who believes they are God’s gift to mankind? I have met a few people who are convinced that the world does indeed revolve around them.

Let’s assume for a moment that these folks who are over-flowing in the self-importance department are incorrect. Then, what really is God’s gift to mankind? Maybe, just maybe, God wants to provide you and me with lasting, fulfilling gifts this holiday season.

At First Melissa, we wondered what God might want to give His children as Christmas presents. Just curious… do you think God would shop online or at the outlet malls?

Our Christmas teaching series a few years ago was called “One Small Child, One Great Gift” and revolved around a prophecy written 700 years before Mary and Joseph could not find a room in the inn. For the four messages in this teaching series we studied the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament to learn about God’s gift-giving ideas. Our messages were designed to help us better understand what the Jewish prophet meant when he wrote,

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the governmentwill be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

That first phrase, “to us a child is born,” indicates that God the Father planned His gift giving around the eternal needs of the intended recipients. In Christian theology, one of the most fundamental truths is the “incarnation”, the belief that Jesus, the Son of God, left heaven to take up residence as a man on this earth. Without the incarnation, without God becoming man, we could have no Savior qualified to die on a Roman cross in place of sinful human beings.

Did you notice the names that Isaiah gives to the coming King? What do these titles of the Messiah mean? Can the baby born in the manger really meet all my spiritual needs?

As God’s Christmas gift, Jesus first takes on the role of “Wonderful Counselor”, our helper in times of sorrow and pain, a comforter in the midst of the holiday blues. Many people suffer from sadness and depression during the Christmas season because of losing loved ones or having financial pressures or because of missed opportunities during the past year. We learn from Isaiah that God wants to give us joy in the midst of stresses and disappointments. Many in our world seek to find satisfaction in the gifts under the tree, forgetting that joy is eternal while happiness is circumstantial. I wonder, do you have the joy that comes only from a true relationship with Jesus Christ, the Wonderful Counselor?

As our “Mighty God,” Jesus’ power is demonstrated as He grows from a helpless baby in the barn in Bethlehem to the ruler of all eternity. The one who walked on the water and commanded the storms to cease can also be my God, the one who stands beside me when life is hard, the one who guides me when the paths of life are confusing, the one who gives me strength when the pressures of life render me powerless.

The “Everlasting Father” is eternal, one who existed before me and knows the future from the past. So, when I look ahead to a new year filled with stresses and bills and job difficulties and health concerns, I can trust that my Heavenly Father loves me and knows me and can meet my every need. Because He is Everlasting, He will not be caught off guard when the bad news comes from the doctor or when my boss gives me a pink slip or when my house faces foreclosure. And, because He is my loving Father, He will not leave me alone to handle those crises in my own strength and wisdom.

During the holidays, we often get discouraged when people ignore us or offend us or dismiss us. We begin to ask questions like, “Why doesn’t anyone notice me?” or “Can I really make a difference?” or “Does God even care about me?” Please remember that God the Father sent God the Son on that first Christmas morning as our “Prince of Peace” to invite us into His family and to provide us with the spiritual security we all desperately need. Do you, like me, need peace? Thank God that He gives supernatural peace for Christmas.

Don’t forget, we go to all these parties and decorate our homes with lights and stand in line at the malls all because of that first gift, the gift of a baby named Jesus. So, instead of giving up and saying “Why bother?” about Christmas and about Jesus, I urge you to accept the heavenly gift of encouragement and peace that comes when you know you are loved and valued.

At First Melissa, we love Christmas because we love Jesus. I am grateful for the gifts we have been given by the Heavenly Father and am humbled that He would give so great a gift to sinners like us. I pray that many people will understand for the very first time this Christmas that spiritual meaning is not found in a holiday or a party or a fancy present but instead is found in a Savior.

Our observance of Jesus’ birth will continue with two wonderful Christmas Eve candlelight services on Friday, December 24, at 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm. If your family needs a home for Christmas, we invite you to celebrate the birth of the Savior with the First Melissa family. Visit us online at www.firstmelissa.com for more information.

Merry Christmas.

Trey Graham is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Melissa (www.firstmelissa.com) and the author of Lessons for the Journey and Light for the Journey. He can be reached at trey@firstmelissa.com. First Melissa’s Sunday worship services are offered at 9:00 am, 10:15 am, and 11:30 am. "Faith Walk with Trey Graham" can be heard at 10:00 am weekdays on The Word 100.7 FM. "Smart Talk with Trey Graham" can be heard at 4:00 pm Sundays on The Word 100.7 FM.

First Melissa’s Christmas Eve candlelight services will be held on Friday, December 24, at 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm. On Sunday, December 26, First Melissa will offer three separate worship services simultaneously at 10:15 am.

Christmas Eve at First Melissa

2010-12-08T08:40:00.002-06:00

Searching for Jesus

2010-11-30T09:00:00.002-06:00

You and your family are invited to First Melissa this Sunday, December 5, 2010, as we begin our new Christmas message series titled "Searching for Jesus."

Greater Things construction update - Nov. 30, 2010

2010-11-30T08:24:00.005-06:00

See these photos from First Melissa's newest building, taken on Nov. 30, 2010. Don't miss our Grand Opening on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010. Greater Things!

Christmas Angels Ministry

2010-11-16T11:16:00.002-06:00

First Melissa's Christmas Concert - December 5, 2010

2010-11-16T09:02:00.005-06:00

How can I know God's will for my life?

2010-11-16T08:49:00.005-06:00

As discussed in the message titled "LET IT BE KNOWN," we all want to know how to discern the will of God for our lives. I believe these seven steps can be helpful for anyone who is seeking God's wisdom and direction for their lives.

To hear the full message from First Melissa on November 14, 2010, click here.

How do I know God's will?
1. Learn to hear His voice
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27)
2. God’s will never contradicts God’s Word
3. God’s will brings glory to Himself not people
4. Be persistent in asking Him to reveal His will
5. Remove distractions and noise from your life so you can focus on His voice
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)
6. When you hear a word from Him, obey in faith
7. Trust that God guides you out of love for you

Greater Things Construction Update - Nov. 16, 2010

2010-11-16T08:13:00.006-06:00

Construction photos from First Melissa's newest building, taken on Tuesday, November 16, 2010. Make sure our Grand Opening date is on your calendar - Sunday, December 19, 2010. Greater Things!

An Evening with MK Danny Danon

2010-11-06T19:23:00.002-05:00

You are invited to attend a special event

Pastor Trey Graham and First Baptist Church Melissa, along with Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen and Congregation Nishmat Am, invite you to an evening with

Danny Danon
Deputy Speaker of the Israeli Knesset

Thursday, November 18, 2010
7:00-9:00 pm

Location: First Baptist Church Melissa Worship Center
2101 Melissa Road East, Melissa TX 75454
click here for map

In this informational briefing by MK Danon, you will learn:
What is the latest in the peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians?
What can American Christians and Jews do to support Israel?
What do you need to know about peace in the Middle East?
Why is it important to stand with Israel now?

Q&A will follow MK Danon's presentation.

Admission is free, however RSVP is required for security purposes. To make reservations, call Lisa Williams at 972.838.2277 or email lwilliams@firstmelissa.com.

Presented by the "Smart Talk with Trey Graham" radio show

BIOGRAPHY

Danny Danon is Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, member of Knesset on behalf of the Likud party, Chairman of the World Likud organization and a member of the Jewish Agency's Board of Governors.

Deputy Speaker Danon was born in Ramat Gan, Israel, to Joseph and Yocheved Danon. After completing his military service in the IDF as a Lieutenant, he was sent by the Jewish Agency to Florida, where he encouraged Jews to come to Israel and stand up against anti-Israel propaganda.

He earned a Bachelors degree in International Affairs and Masters Degree in Public Policy, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 1996 he was appointed Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee of the Knesset. After leading major initiatives to ensure the status of Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the Jewish people he was elected the Chairman of the World Betar organization.

Deputy Speaker Danon was of one of the most vociferous activists against Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan. He organized many demonstrations against ceding land to Israel's Arab enemies and stood up to support the Jewish heroes that were displaced from their homes.
In June 2006, Deputy Speaker Danon was elected Chairman of the World Likud organization, and in February 2009 was elected as a member of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset.

Deputy Speaker Danon is married to Talie and father to 3 children.

Local High School Football Playoffs

2010-11-06T19:14:00.002-05:00

The info on upcoming first round playoff football games for local teams. Games to be played on Friday, November 12, 2010.

Melissa vs. Redwater (Fri 7:30 pm at Paris HS)
Van Alstyne vs. Gainesville (Fri 7:30 pm at Bronco Stadium in Denton)
Anna vs. Argyle (Fri 7:30 pm at Little Elm)
Southlake Carroll vs. Flower Mound (7:30 Fri at Justin Northwest HS)
Allen vs. Justin Northwest (7:30 Fri at SMU's Ford Stadium)
McKinney Boyd vs. Richardson (7:30 Fri at Plano's Clark Stadium)
Celina vs. Sanger (Fri 7:30 pm at Denton Collins Stadium)
Sherman vs. Marshall (Fri 7:30 pm at Mesquite Memorial Stadium)
Blue Ridge vs. Collinsville (Fri 7:30 pm in Aubrey)
Honey Grove vs. Lindsay (Fri 7:30 pm in Pottsboro)

Greater Things Construction Update - November 1, 2010

2010-11-01T09:29:00.005-05:00

Photos of First Melissa's newest building taken on Monday, November 1, 2010.

Don't miss Grand Opening Day on Sunday, December 19!

Greater Things Grand Opening - Sunday, December 19

2010-10-27T07:17:00.004-05:00

Don't miss Sunday, December 19, at First Melissa. More details coming soon!

LET IT BE

2010-10-13T12:36:00.004-05:00

Our newest teaching series will begin on Sunday, October 24, 2010. "LET IT BE" is an important message series on prayer that will focus on the scriptures that help us have more meaningful conversations with God.

We believe "LET IT BE" will help the members of the First Melissa family better understand and implement the biblical principles of prayer. This focus on prayer is much-needed by each of us as individuals and by us as a church family.

Will you join us for worship at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am?

Our teaching schedule will be:
October 24 - "LET IT BE" Real

October 31 - "LET IT BE" New

November 7 - "LET IT BE" Restored

November 14 - "LET IT BE" Known

November 21 - "LET IT BE" Celebrated
November 28 - "LET IT BE" Shared

Greater Things Construction Update - Oct. 11, 2010

2010-10-11T11:47:00.005-05:00

Photos of our construction progress taken on Monday, Oct. 11, 2010. Greater Things are happening at First Melissa. Please join us for worship this Sunday at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am.

Are you ready to vote?

2010-10-07T10:20:00.002-05:00

This year, I encourage you to vote your Christian values and make your voice heard at the ballot box. Your vote counts and you can support and encourage the candidates who share your biblical values. Don't miss your chance to exercise your right to be heard.

Early voting in Texas begins Monday, October 18 and Election Day is Tuesday, November 2.

To access the free voter's guide from the Liberty Institute, click here.

To access the free voter's guide from the Heritage Alliance, click here.

For election information for Collin County voters, click here.

For election information for Grayson County voters, click here.

Please vote!

Greater Things construction update - September 14, 2010

2010-09-15T09:05:00.003-05:00

Leadership U begins tonight at First Melissa

2010-09-01T14:39:00.004-05:00

Tonight, Tim Cypert and I will begin teaching a new class at First Melissa called "Leadership U." If you are a leader in the church or the business world, this class is just for you. If you want to learn leadership and improve your leadership skills, join us tonight at 6:30 pm.

This semester, our weekly topics will be:

•Sept 1 What is leadership? What do leaders do?
•Sept 8 Qualities of Servant Leaders
•Sept 15 How do leaders make decisions?
•Sept 22 How leaders are made
•Sept 29 Biblical standards for leaders
•Oct 6 Vision Development
•Oct 13 Vision Implementation
•Oct 20 Leaders assess their organizations
•Oct 27 The secrets of time management
•Nov 3 How do you get there?
•Nov 10 Leading from your strengths
•Nov 17 Leading from the second chair
•Dec 1 Emotional Intelligence
•Dec 8 The balancing act of leadership
•Dec 15 Stewarding leadership

What robs a person of biblical joy?

2010-08-30T09:06:00.003-05:00

We discussed this list yesterday at First Melissa as part of the new teaching series called "Running on Empty." Join us on Sunday, September 5, as we continue this new study.

What robs a person of biblical joy?

1.False salvation
2.Influence of Satan and demons
3.Inadequate understanding of God’s sovereignty
4.Prayerlessness
5.The emotional low that follows spiritual high
6.By focusing on circumstances
7.Ingratitude
8.Forgetfulness
9.Living by feelings and the flesh
10. Unwillingness to accept forgiveness
*Author: Pastor John MacArthur

New Semester for "Ignite Kids"

2010-08-25T10:32:00.002-05:00

"Ignite Kids" (birth-6th grades) at First Melissa have a number of worship and Bible study opportunities on Wednesdays.

Our new mid-week ministry for children is titled "High Voltage."

Fusion (grades 5-6) meet for worship in the Youth Annex led by Bruce Robinson.

Catalyst (grades K-4) enjoy the exciting and entertaining ministry in room A300 led by Kevin Blevins.

Animate, our preschoolers, continue their wonderful ministry led by Debbie Durham.

Bring the kids in your life tonight and every Wednesday night at 6:30 pm to First Melissa.

Leadership U begins Sept. 1

2010-08-25T09:49:00.003-05:00

Pastor Trey Graham and Pastor Tim Cypert will begin teaching a new mid-week series called "Leadership U" on Wednesday, September 1, at 6:30 pm. This study, open to all adults, will encourage you to understand what leadership is, how to increase your leadership effectiveness, and how to honor Jesus in your leading.

If you are a leader or want to learn the principles of leadership, in the business world or the church, join us each week at First Melissa at 6:30 pm in the Adult Annex.

Greater Things construction update - August 24, 2010

2010-08-25T08:09:00.003-05:00

Here are some recent photos of the newest building at First Melissa. These were taken on August 24, 2010 when our church staff members were given a tour by Stormy Crook of Goff Companies.

We will have guided tours available for everyone in the First Melissa family on Sunday, September 12, at the conclusion of each morning worship service. If you would like a preview of what this great new facility looks like, join us for worship on September 12 at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am.

Running on Empty

2010-08-25T00:01:00.004-05:00

I invite you to join us at First Melissa this Sunday, August 29, for the beginning of our newest teaching series called "Running on Empty." Please join us at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am and invite someone new to worship with you.

2010-08-18T11:33:00.003-05:00

This Sunday, August 22, each of our Sunday morning adult communities will begin a very important study called "Foundations." Each week, you will find an opportunity to get connected to Christ by study these six foundational topics: The Gospel, Assurance, Community, Prayer, The Bible, and Evangelism.

Foundations seeks to help you develop a foundation for walking with Christ for a lifetime. You can also gain access to the Foundations Bible Study material to use as a follow-up discussion in the life of someone you have introduced to Christ recently.

If you are not currently involved in one of our adult communities, this Sunday is a great time to start! You will make new friends as you pray, fellowship, and learn these important truths for the Christian life in a small group setting.

Our adult communities meet at 8:00, 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 am each Sunday morning on the campus of First Melissa.

Greater Things Update - July 30, 2010

2010-07-30T11:48:00.006-05:00

See how God is blessing our Greater Things effort at First Melissa. These photos were taken on July 30, 2010.

2010-07-06T12:08:00.003-05:00

In the Great Commission, Jesus asks those who love Him to be and make disciples. What is a disciple? How does a disciple live? On Sunday, July 11, we will begin a new teaching series at First Melissa called "Mathetes." Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple and this word has powerful insights into how you and I are to live as followers of Jesus Christ. This teaching series just may change your walk with God forever.

The Need for Father

2010-06-18T22:10:00.002-05:00

As a dad, I admit that I have a lot to learn. Approaching this Father’s Day, I began to think about the parenting lessons I have learned thus far. The most important thing I have learned is that my five children really do need their father.

My youngest son needs me because, right now, he can’t do it himself. At almost two years of age, he can barely talk, he can’t clothe himself and he can’t bathe himself. He needs me because life seems a whole lot worse than it really is. In my life, too, things like jobs and bills and pressures sometimes seem worse than they really are.

Each of my children needs me because they trust that I will be there every time. Sometimes I will arrive exactly when they expect me, sometimes a little later than they had planned, but they know that when they call, I will be there.

While I have learned a lot about fatherhood in the past eleven years, I still have a long way to go. While I am learning about being a father, my experiences have taught me a lot about the Heavenly Father, for He too sometimes waits for us to ask before He charges into our lives. I want to be wanted by my children and God wants to be wanted by His children.

My kids need me because I have been down this road before. They need me because they trust me to identify their pains and struggles in order to help them, because they often need a voice. When you can’t talk, it is tough to ask for help. Even if young children can speak, they often do not know what to ask for because every day brings a new challenge, a new battle that they have never fought.

Sometimes I stand right outside our baby’s door, waiting to be called. Once in a while, I will walk in just to check on him. Most of the time, however, I stand just beyond his eyesight, ready to charge in when needed and when asked. My Heavenly Father stands ready to help me through my difficulties of life, also. God stands ready to answer my calls of distress, just like I stand ready to aid my newborn son.

Sometimes, God teaches you lessons by bringing people into your life. I was at the dry cleaners one day, waiting to drop off my clothes. The man in front of me in line had a small daughter with him, probably three or four years old. To this young lady, the cleaners was a new adventure worthy of exploration. She was ready to experience the new adventure of the cleaners, but she was not ready to leave Daddy. To learn more, she walked around the store, climbed up on the counter, looked behind the clothes rack, she went everywhere.

There was one interesting side note to her travels, however. She never let go of dad. This girl kept one hand on her father’s leg and traveled around this small universe with her other hand. When she peeked underneath the moving clothes rack, she held daddy’s hand. When she climbed up on the counter, dad helped her up. When she observed the other customers in the store, she kept one hand on dad’s leg.

The dry cleaners was a novel adventure, a place she wanted to know and experience. The cleaners would have been new and scary without dad there, but in his presence, it was just new.

Life is hard and many of the battles we face will be difficult. Many of the places we will visit may scare us. But that little girl taught me an important lesson. By exploring the universe with one hand connected to the Heavenly Father, He can guide my way.

Just like my son cannot make it without Mom and Dad right now, we can’t make it without our Heavenly Father. I want all of my children to know that I will always be by their side, ready to help and guide and love and teach them. Our Heavenly Father wants us to know that He too is ready to stand by our side, to love us, to forgive us, to take us home.

Our world needs more good dads and our world’s dads need God more. Have you asked the Father for help lately? To all the dads, Happy Father’s Day.

Ignite Camp - VBS 2010 at First Melissa

2010-06-14T11:41:00.004-05:00

Ignite Camp, led by Kevin Blevins and his team, began this morning at First Melissa. This will be a great week for kids who have completed grades K-6.

If you want your children to experience this great week of VBS, click here to register online or just arrive at First Melissa at 9 am Tuesday.

The theme for the week is "Amazing Race" and you can see a few photos of their opening worship service today.

Spiritual Foundations

2010-06-03T10:57:00.002-05:00

Feeling LOST?

Even if you are not a fan of the TV show LOST, you most likely have not avoided the chatter. This past week the series came to an end and the characters all learned a vauable lesson, that we can't live life alone. The writers at ABC did not come up with this concept. God created us to live within community and the New Testament is riddled with teaching on loving "one another." Here at First Melissa we believe life is better together. Consider these two options that will help you get connected:

Foundations: Each Sunday at 11:30 am in Adult Annex Room #2, you will find an opportunity to get connected to Christ by studying six foundational topics. These are: The Gospel, Assurance, Community, Prayer, The Bible, and Evangelism. Start any Sunday and stay for six weeks to hit them all. Foundations seeks to help you develop a foundation for walking with Christ for a lifetime. Come join us. You can also gain access to the Foundations Bible Study material to use as a follow-up discussion in the life of someone you have introduced to Christ recently.

Adult Community Groups: Nearly every day of the week First Melissa offers opportunities to get connected to an on-going community of Christ followers. Adult Community Groups meet on Sundays at 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:15 am, and 11:30 am. Adult Community Groups also meet on other days at various locations.

Check the green Adult Community Group Directory weekly for added opportunities and ministry teams on which to serve. You can find a directory at the Welcome Center.

Contact Matt Ward for questions: matt@firstmelissa.com or 972.838.2277

Names of God

2010-06-02T12:54:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, May 30, as part of the "My people" teaching series at First Melissa, we studied some of the biblical names of God. Here is the list we studied.

•Abba ~ Father
Mark 14:36; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6

•Adonai ~ LORD, Master
Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 2:4, 8:1, 97:5, 136:3; Isaiah 1:24, 6:1; Romans 10:9

•Alpha and Omega ~The First and the Last
Revelation 1:8, 1:11, 21:6, 22:13

•Attiyq Youm ~ The Ancient of Days
Daniel 7:9, 13, 14

•Christos ~ The Anointed One
Matthew 1:16, 16:16-20; Mark 8:29; Luke 2:11, 9:20; John 1:41, 4:42, 6:69, 7:41-42, 11:27, 17:3, 20:31; Acts 2:36, 3:18, 5:42, 8:37, Romans 5:8, 5:15, 6:4, 6:23, 8:1, 8:39, 10:17; 1 Corinthians 1:30, 11:3, 12:12; 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, 5:17-20, 8:9, 12:9-10; Galatians 2:20-21, 6:14; Ephesians 1:5, 2:5-7, 4:15; Philippians 1:6, 1:21, 2:5-11, 3:7-9, 3:20, 4:19, Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Timothy 1:15-16, 2:5; Hebrews 3:6, 5:5, 9:14, 10:10, 13:8; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 5:6, 20; Revelation 11:15

•El Chuwl ~ The God Who Gave You Birth
Psalm 139:13-18

•El Deah ~ God of Knowledge
1 Samuel 2:3; Romans 11:33-36; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

•El Elyon ~ The God Most High
Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 61:2; 92:1; Daniel 7:25

•El Olam ~ The Everlasting God
Genesis 3:22; 21:33; Psalm 90:1-2; 93:2; Isaiah 9:6; 26:4; 40:28

•El Roi ~ The God Who Sees
Genesis 16:13; Psalm 33:18-19

•El Shaddai ~ God Almighty
Genesis 17:1-19, 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; 48:3; Exodus 6:2-3; Ruth 1:20; Job 5:17; Ezekiel 10:5; Psalm 68:14; 91:1; Joel 1:15

•Elohim ~ The Creator
Genesis 1:1-3, 27-28; 3:3; Isaiah 40:28, 54:5; Psalm 19:1-6, 95:6; Nehemiah 9:17; Hebrews 1:8, 11:3

•Yahweh ~ The Self-Existent One
Isaiah 40:3; 10; 1 Samuel 1:20; Exodus 6:1-4; 3:1-22; John 6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 9, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5

•Yahweh-Bore ~ The LORD Creator
Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 40:28-31; Job 38:1-41, 39:1-30, 40:1

•Yahweh-Nissi ~ The LORD My Banner
Exodus 17:15

•Yahweh-Raah ~ The LORD My Shepherd
Psalm 23; 80:1; 95:7; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:12; 23; Matthew 25:32; John 10:11-27; Hebrews 13:20-21; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4

•Yahweh-Rapha ~ The LORD That Heals
Exodus 15:26; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 6:2; 41:4; 103:3; 147:3; Isaiah 19:22; 30:36; 57:18-19; Jeremiah 3:22; 17:14; 30:17; Matthew 8:7; 10:1; Luke 4:18

•Yahweh-Shalom ~ The LORD Is Peace
Genesis 49:10; Judges 6:23-24; Psalm 4:8; 29:11; Proverbs 16:7; Isaiah 26:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:16

•Yahweh-Shammah ~ The LORD is There
Genesis 28:15; Ezekiel 48:35; Psalm 23:4; 46:1; 139:7-12; Jer. 23:23-24; Amos 5:14; Matt. 18:20; 28:20; John 14:16-17; Acts 7:48-49; 17:24-28

•Yahweh-Tsabbaoth ~ The LORD Of Hosts
Isaiah 6:3; 1 Samuel 1:3, 17:45; 2 Samuel 6:2, 7:26-27; 1 Chronicles 11:9; Haggai 1:5; Romans 9:29; James 5:4; 2 Cor. 6:18; Revelation 1:8; 4:8

•Yahweh-Tsidkenu ~ The LORD Our Righteousness
Genesis 15:6; Jeremiah 23:6; Psalm 4:1; 5:8; 24:5; 31:1; 36:10; 71:15; 89:16; Matthew 6:33; Romans 4:22; 5:18; 8:10; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9

•Yahweh-Yireh ~ The LORD Will Provide Genesis 22:14, 22:1-18

•“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins,” Matthew 1:21 The child was named “Y’shua,” which is the exact Hebrew word for “salvation.”

•“Neither is there salvation / Y’shua in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved," Acts 4:12

Foundation of Greater Things

2010-06-02T12:45:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, May 30, members of the First Melissa family placed stones in the location of the future foundation of our next facility. On these stones were written prayers and scriptures.

We believe that this building, and our ministry overall, is built on the foundation of the Word of God and the prayers of God's people.

Thank you, Jesus, for doing Greater Things at First Melissa.

Ignite Camp - VBS 2010 at First Melissa

2010-05-26T10:25:00.002-05:00

Ignite Camp

Vacation Bible School 2010 at First Melissa

Monday, June 14 to Friday, June 18, 9:00am to 12:00pm each day

Ignite Camp registration is free and open to all children who have completed Kindergarten - 6th grades.

This one-of-a-kind day camp experience will feature . . .An opening and closing celebration with:· Awesome worship music· Live drama teaching· Exciting demonstrationsSmall groups to build relationships as they enjoy:· Arts and crafts· Fun game time· Bible challenge

REGISTER TODAY!

Forms for all FM Kids summer fun activities are available online here

Click here for the online registration form for Ignite Camp. Please pass this link along to your family members and friends so they will have the opportunity to register their children for an amazing week.

"My people" teaching series

2010-05-23T20:08:00.004-05:00

Today at First Melissa, we began a new teaching series called "My people." Below is the information from our introductory slide today. Please join us next Sunday, May 30, at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am as we continue this important teaching series.

•Phrase “my people” appears 232 times in the Bible
-224 times in the Old Testament
-8 times in the New Testament
•A person speaks the phrase 121 times
-First instance in Genesis 23:11, spoken to Abraham by Ephron the Hittite
•God speaks the phrase 111 times
-First instance in Exodus 3:7

This morning, we studied the passage Exodus 2:23-3:15. We also reviewed the major events of the Old Testament from Genesis chapter 1 to Exodus chapter 2.

Greater Things continue - May 20, 2010

2010-05-20T08:40:00.003-05:00

I hope you are watching the great progress being made on our newest facility at First Melissa.

We are right on schedule and the contractors are doing an excellent job. Please continue to pray for God's blessing and guidance as we seek to honor Jesus and expand our ministry in North Texas.

My people

2010-05-20T08:10:00.003-05:00

What does God mean when He speaks of some as "My people"? Who does the Bible describe as "My people"? Can you and I be a part of the group known by God as "My people"?

Join us this Sunday at First Melissa as we begin a new teaching series titled "My people". You are invited to worship with us at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am.

Walking where Jesus walked

2010-05-12T10:23:00.003-05:00

One of my greatest joys is taking Christian believers to visit the Holy Land. When people are traveling through Israel, the Bible comes alive. If you want to study your Bible in the land in which it was written, join me on my next life-changing trip to the Holy Land.

The next trip is scheduled for April 2011 and it will sell out, so don't miss this amazing opportunity. To find out more, or to reserve your spot, email Buffi Robinson or call 972.838.2277 today.

Here are a few photos from this most recent trip.

iHope my kids love Jesus

2010-05-09T19:05:00.003-05:00

Today's message at First Melissa was a continuation of the "iHope" message series. For Mother's Day, our topic was "iHope my kids love Jesus." We asked and answered this question: What should we do as parents to help our children know and love Jesus?

•Pray for them constantly - Colossians 1:9-12
•Ask Jesus to bless, protect, guide, use them - Ephesians 1:15-19
•Remind them about what is really important in life - 3 John 4
•Explain to them your story of meeting Jesus - 1 Thessalonians 2:8
•Never miss an opportunity to teach them the Bible - Deuteronomy 6:4-7
•Take them to worship as a family - Hebrews 10:23-25
•Show them how you love and serve Jesus - Proverbs 22:6

The series will continue on Sunday, May 16, as we discuss "iHope The End is near." I hope you will join us at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am.

Melissa City Council Election results - final voting totals

2010-05-08T20:29:00.002-05:00

Melissa City Council Elections - final voting tallies from Saturday, May 8, 2010

Councilmember Place 1 - Melissa
Shannon Andre Mott 159 40.66%
Kim Youngblood 232 59.34%

Councilmember Place 3 - Melissa
Jill Fitch 243 100.00%

Councilmember Place 5 - Melissa
Dan Trott 188 47.84%
Brent Brown 144 36.64%
Micki Jobson 61 15.52%

Melissa City Council Election results - early voting only

2010-05-08T18:34:00.002-05:00

Early voting results for Melissa City Council Elections held on May 8, 2010.
Final vote tallies to be released later by Collin County Elections department.

Councilmember Place 1 - Melissa
Shannon Andre Mott 86 51.19%
Kim Youngblood 82 48.81%

Councilmember Place 3 - Melissa
Jill Fitch 104 100.00%

Councilmember Place 5 - Melissa
Dan Trott 94 54.65%
Brent Brown 53 30.81%
Micki Jobson 25 14.53%

First Melissa' Annual Golf Tournament

2010-04-26T09:16:00.004-05:00

Last Friday, 33 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day at Hurricane Creek Country Club in Anna,TX for First Melissa's annual golf tournament. There was lots of golf played, some of it good. Thanks to all who participated.

Greater Things - The Next Step

2010-04-25T17:21:00.004-05:00

Today was a beautiful day as the First Melissa family gathered in one combined worship service. This was the first combined worship service for our church in over 5 years, so it was a sweet time of fellowship and unity. We met outdoors on a great morning to sing praises to the King, study God's Word, and break ground on our church's next facility. We thank God that He is doing Greater Things at First Melissa.

Greater Things have begun

2010-04-22T09:28:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, April 22, the first outwardly visible signs of construction began for our new facility at First Melissa. After months of prayer and planning, Greater Things have begun. See the photos of the fence being installed.

Don't miss our ONE COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE on Sunday, April 25, at 10:15 am. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to worship with us this Sunday as we once again dedicate this building project and our overall ministry to the glory of Jesus.

Oklahoma Bombing Still Binds Us

2010-04-19T16:06:00.002-05:00

(I originally wrote this column for the Dallas Morning News and it was first published on April 19, 1996. I reprint it here today on the 15th anniversary of this historical event.)

One year ago today, someone attacked America's heartland. I was in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995, and I saw the lives that were torn apart forever.

On this first anniversary, it is appropriate to ask: Has anything good come from the horrific bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building?

I believe my Bible when it says all things work together for good for those who love God.

I have witnessed how a state's citizens have come together and depended on one another and on God to help them through the pain and sorrow. When the marquee at 7-Eleven asks you to pray, you know a spiritual revival is taking place.

One of the most touching human interest stories ever told arose out of this tragedy. It is a tale I never will forget.

One lady, a nurse in Oklahoma City, heard about the explosion shortly after it occurred at 9:02 a.m. on that infamous morning. She felt she had to help. She knew there were broken and bruised bodies that needed her care.

So she asked her husband to drive her to the scene of the bombing. And as soon as she arrived, she began to assist the medical crews.

Later that day, her husband was watching the TV news and heard that she had been killed in the explosion. He knew it must have been a mistake, because she hadn't been near the building when the explosion occurred. The newscaster must have been wrong.

Well, the husband was right. His wife hadn't died in the explosion. But, tragically, she was dead. You see, during her heroic attempts to save the lives of those injured in the bombing, she was hit on the head by falling debris.

Here was a woman who had given her life to save the lives of others, most of whom she never had met.

Some days later, the local newspapers tried to make sense of this tragedy, one as devastating as the original bombing attack. Then an explanation began to make its rounds in Oklahoma.

She died because so many other people had gone to heaven that day, and God needed a nurse to help him care for all the recent arrivals at the Pearly Gates.

Now, I don't believe that God needs help from any of us, but the story nonetheless is powerful.

One lady - what could she do? Why should she get involved? Well, not only did she care for the physical needs of a few people during her brief relief effort, but her life and destiny continue to touch us today.

Her example motivates others to live selflessly - to give their time and talents to meet the needs of others.

This lady was a nurse, so she couldn't catch the criminals or repair the building, but she could bandage wounds and hold hands. And so that is what she did, ultimately dying in the process.

This wonderful woman gave her life for others. The analogy is so similar to the life of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why did this bombing happen? Why did all those people die? We as human beings have a free will, and sometimes we use our ability to act freely to damage the lives of others forever.

The explosion in Oklahoma City arguably was the worst nightmare ever to occur on American soil. But the God of this universe still is in control, and our country must return to his word and his ways if we are to right this ship.

We never would have chosen the deaths of 168 innocent people to cause the moral reversal needed in America. But can't we now honor their lives, on this anniversary of their passing, by using their memories as catalysts for a spiritual renewal in our country?

Ironically, this bad event could ignite a new fire of common decency not seen in this land for many years.

How will you remember and honor those who perished in Oklahoma City?

Greater Things - The Next Step

2010-04-14T10:09:00.003-05:00

The Next Step

First Melissa is moving forward. Are you ready for the next exciting chapter in our church's history? Many of us have made commitments to financially support the building program known as "Greater Things." We will soon begin construction on a new two-story building dedicated to our preschool and student ministries.

It is time for us to take The Next Step to accomplish God's vision for First Melissa. We want to join together as a church family to unite ourselves as we dedicate this project to the glory of God. To accomplish this, we will change our Sunday morning worship schedule for Sunday, April 25.

On Sunday, April 25, we will join together for ONE COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE at 10:15 am.

This will be an outdoor worship service held on the exact spot where the new building will be constructed. You are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us for a great day of outdoor worship. We will sing praises to the Savior, study God's Word, and break ground on our newest facility. This is a day you don't want to miss.

(In case of rain, we will move indoors and have our normal three worship services at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 am. Keep watching your email and the church website for weather updates.)

Foundations - begins Sunday, April 11

2010-04-07T08:19:00.004-05:00

An Easter Love Story

2010-03-29T19:55:00.002-05:00

by Trey Graham

Moviegoers buy tickets to see Hollywood’s finest actors come heroically to the rescue to save helpless people. Patrons of the theater flock to witness well-trained thespians portray roles in which love triumphs over heartache and good vanquishes evil. Bookstores aggressively promote the latest romance novels which allow the readers to vicariously experience a person’s committed love for his or her soul mate. People enjoy love stories.

This week, as Christians around the world celebrate Easter, we commemorate not just a religious event, but instead the greatest love story ever told. In our contemporary culture, Easter is a holiday and an overblown commercial event, but, lest we forget, at its very core Easter is a love story.

To remind ourselves of central truths of this love story, let’s begin with the characters.

In this drama, the leading man is a Jewish carpenter with no acting experience born to a teenage Jewish girl in a borrowed barn. Not exactly Broadway, is it? This unlikely hero, born in a small town to a rather insignificant family, becomes the world’s greatest and most influential star because of his loyalty, perseverance, and genuine love for people of every background.

Another important figure in our love story is the carpenter’s father, one who lives very far away and gives his son a tremendously difficult assignment. This assignment can be accomplished by no other person and is designed to provide heavenly forgiveness and spiritual freedom for the needy. The father loves the son so much that it saddens him to know that the only remedy for the danger faced by the masses in this drama is the sacrificial death of that beloved son.

The antagonist in our story is a character who wanted to be like the father and the son. His pride, a quality observed in the bad guys of many a storyline, caused him to rebel from the father. This hatred is demonstrated most clearly when the bad guy in our story tries to murder the leading man and discourage his followers from believing in the son’s amazing promises of love and devotion.

The numerous supporting actors in our story are the helpless citizens of a doomed world who need the hero to save them from destruction. These supporting actors, living in countries spanning the globe, play the unlikely dual roles of being both observers of the love story and participants in the action.

Now that we understand the characters, let’s quickly review the plot.

Befitting a great love story, the benevolent father sends the dependable son to defeat the evil enemy in order to save the desperately needy crowds. Once the antagonist’s plot fails and he is finally defeated, the leading actor then asks the rescued followers to commit the rest of their lives to trusting in him. Those who answer this call and devote their hearts to following the son become adopted members of the father’s family.

What makes this story unique? What separates this love story from so many others?

First, it is true. This non-fiction tale was not hatched in the brain of Hollywood’s leading screenwriter or developed at the typewriter of America’s finest novelist. No, this love story called Easter is a true historical event and was shot on location in Israel at a place called Golgotha.

Second, no one else is eligible to play the three main parts. No other being in this universe is qualified to play the role of the loving, forgiving father. No other actor is as evil as the antagonist. Only actors who are perfectly sinless and completely holy are allowed to apply for the role of the son. To this point, only one person has qualified.

Third, unlike so many movies that allow the hero to escape unscathed, the antagonist in this epic tale, a ruthless creature known as Satan, did indeed kill the carpenter, the father’s only son. After the death of the carpenter, Satan was convinced he now reigned victorious and would become the universe’s leading man. At Golgotha, otherwise known at the place of the skull, the heroic leading man apparently met his unseemly demise on the day known by historians as Good Friday but emerges triumphant when he is miraculously resurrected by the father on that first Easter Sunday morning.

Finally, unlike the movies at the cinema, we who sit in the seats can all play a part in this drama. All of us can star in this exciting tale of rescue, if only we will follow the hero and allow him to save us. The most important feature of the most important love story is that the father, the sovereign God of the universe, is continually holding casting calls to welcome new actors into this play. To transition from observer to participant, one must only give his or her entire life in devotion to the son, a Galilean named Jesus Christ, through faith, trusting in the hero to save them from the certain attacks of the evil one.

Easter Sunday is the climactic ending to a spellbinding earthly performance and the prelude to an eternal drama. Only when the curtain is raised on the final scene of this production (filmed in front of an empty tomb) do we realize that, like in all good love stories, the hero wins in the end.

This Easter, I believe the father is calling you and me to move from movie critic to committed actor, trading a life of distant observance of the son for dedicated obedience to the son. May I invite you to join me in this beautiful narrative, the love story that indeed qualifies as the greatest story ever told?

Happy Easter.

Author’s bio:
Trey Graham is a West Point graduate, radio host, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Melissa (www.firstmelissa.com), and the author of Lessons for the Journey and Light for the Journey. He can be reached at trey@firstmelissa.com. First Melissa’s Easter Sunday worship services will be offered at 7:45, 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 am. "Faith Walk with Trey Graham" can be heard at 10:00 am weekdays on The Word 100.7 FM. "Smart Talk with Trey Graham" can be heard at 4:00 pm Sundays on The Word 100.7 FM.

Easter at First Melissa

2010-03-25T17:59:00.004-05:00

This Sunday, March 28, is Palm Sunday. I will finish the teaching series called "Synergy" in which we are studying the book of Colossians to learn how to be connect with Jesus to find that spiritual power that we all desire. We will join together this Sunday to partake of the Lord's Supper. Our Sunday worship service times are 9:00 am, 10:15 am, and 11:30 am.

Easter Sunday at First Melissa

Easter Sunday is April 4. First Melissa will offer FOUR Easter services at 7:45 am, 9:00 am, 10:15 am, and 11:30 am. We will begin a new teaching series called "iHope". In the midst of painful circumstances, do you need hope? Join us for this important series beginning on April 4. Please make plans to bring your entire family to celebrate the resurrection of the Savior with First Melissa on Easter. We hope you will invite neighbors and friends to worship with you on this very important Sunday.

We have created invitation cards you can use to invite folks to worship with you on Easter. Please pick up some cards this Sunday, March 28, and give them away the week before Easter Sunday.

Easter Eggstravaganza

We're hunting Easter Eggs on Saturday, April 3, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Collin County Adventure Camp. This event is open to everyone and we want your children or grandchildren to enjoy this wonderful event. Click here for directions to CCAC.

Coming to a Kindle near you

2010-03-24T19:49:00.003-05:00

One of my books, Lessons for the Journey, can now be purchased for reading on your Kindle e-book reader. Click here to purchase your copy. For now, only priced at $4.99.

You can also purchase a physical book (with real paper and ink) of Lessons for the Journey by clicking here. It is also on sale for a short time, listed at only $7.99 for a limited time.

I hope you will get a copy of the book (paper or e), read and enjoy.

Greater Things - First Melissa's Newest Building Project

2010-03-24T14:35:00.007-05:00

We are making great progress in the planning and development for our next building project at First Melissa. Actual construction will begin in 4-5 weeks and the photo below shows you the exact site for the building. It will be located directly across from the front door of our current building and will serve as the new home for our Preschool and Student ministries. You will also see an artist's rendering of the exterior of this building.

We thank God for His blessings and for the generous people of First Melissa for their giving to this much-needed facility expansion. We still hope for completion at Christmas 2010.

iHope - new message series beginning Easter Sunday

2010-03-16T15:45:00.002-05:00

First Melissa's new message series titled "iHope" begins on Easter Sunday, April 4, during our four celebration services that day - 7:45, 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 am. Please join us.

Melissa City Council Elections

2010-03-09T21:20:00.002-06:00

The residents of Melissa, TX will go to the polls on Saturday, May 8, 2010, to vote for City Council elections. Here are the candidates for each of the three seats in this election. I encourage all Melissa residents to vote and to choose the candidates who best match your values and priorities for the city.

PLACE 1- SHANNON MOTT, KIM YOUNGBLOOD

PLACE 3- JILL FITCH

PLACE 5- DAN TROTT, BRENT BROWN, MICKI JOBSON

New series "Synergy" begins February 28

2010-02-19T13:41:00.002-06:00

Join us Sunday, February 28, at First Melissa as we begin a great new teaching series from the book of Colossians. Join us at 9:00 am. 10:15 am, or 11:30 am.

More on UIL district realignments

2010-02-01T09:11:00.004-06:00

More on local high school districts in today's UIL realignment

See analysis of UIL Class 2A Division 1 at http://huddleuptexas.com/More/Realign10/UIL-2AD1R12.htm

District 5-2A
Boyd
Callisburg
Howe
Paradise
Ponder
Pottsboro

District 7-2A
Caddo Mills
Grand Saline
Melissa
Mineola
Quitman
Winnsboro

View Mineola, TX in a larger map

District 8-2A
Daingerfield
Hooks
New Boston
Pattonville Prairiland
Queen City
Redwater

District 9-3A
Argyle
Aubrey
Gainesville
Pilot Point
Sanger
Whitesboro

District 10-3A
Anna
Bonham
Celina
Commerce
Van Alstyne

District 11-3A
Farmersville
Frisco Lone Star
Lucas Lovejoy
Nevada Community
Princeton
Prosper

District 10-4A
Dallas Highland Park
McKinney
McKinney North
Richardson Pearce
Rockwall
Rockwall-Heath
Wylie
Wylie East

UIL Realignment

2010-01-27T18:27:00.010-06:00

This morning, Feb. 1, the UIL announced its biennial district realignments for 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years. These districts are for football and basketball.

Here are the old and new districts for two of our local high schools, the Melissa Cardinals and Anna Coyotes.

Melissa Cardinals

Old District
11-2A
Melissa
Bells
Gunter
Honey Grove
Howe
Leonard
Tom Bean
Whitewright

New District
7-2A
Caddo Mills
Grand Saline
Melissa
Mineola
Quitman
Winnsboro

Anna Coyotes

Old District
10-3A
Anna
Bonham
Commerce
Paris
Paris North Lamar
Van Alstyne

New District
10-3A
Anna
Bonham
Celina
Commerce
Van Alstyne

More information, including the new districts for other high schools in Texas, can be found online at http://uil.utexas.edu/

Other news articles published in advance of the UIL realignment announcements:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/020110dnsporealignadvance.4292af3.html

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/highschools/leaderboard/v3/mesquite/stories/DN-realignsignal_31spo.ART.State.Edition2.4bd3f30.html

http://www.statesman.com/sports/highschool/2010-uil-district-realignment-205110.html

http://www.amarillo.com/stories/013110/hss_hssports1.shtml

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/hso/6844924.html

http://www.heralddemocrat.com/hd/sports/1-31-Realignment-Preview

http://www.theparisnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=c9349d09100d05e3

Have you seen this?

2010-01-20T17:51:00.003-06:00

Have you seen this billboard on northboard Central Expressway in Collin County?

Check out the website and plan to attend the event this summer.

How to be a local missionary at First Melissa

2010-01-12T18:20:00.003-06:00

In our "Reset" teaching series at First Melissa, we spent Sunday, January 10 talking about being both disciples of Jesus and missionaries for Jesus. As part of that message, we demonstrated some great examples of local missionaries in the First Melissa family. See this video to learn about one family whose lives were changed with the love of Jesus.

Walk Where Jesus Walked

2010-01-06T09:14:00.003-06:00

I invite you to visit Israel with me this year. Your walk with Jesus and your study of the Bible will never be the same after you have experienced the Holy Land.

Our trip dates are April 27 - May 6 and the registration deadline is January 15. Click here to see our trip itinerary and learn about all the exciting places we will visit. Click here to learn about the costs and click here to complete your online registration.

If you want more information about this life-changing, email me. I can't wait to show you my favorite places in Israel.

"Reset" series continues

2010-01-06T08:56:00.004-06:00

Our New Year's teaching series called "Reset" continues this Sunday at First Melissa. Join us at 9:00 am, 10:15 am, or 11:30 am to learn ways to live as faithful Christ-followers in 2010. Click here for directions.

Visit Israel in 2010

2009-12-26T21:18:00.002-06:00

Hello friends-

I would love for you to visit the Holy Land with us in 2010. We had a fantastic trip to the Holy Land in September 2009 with a great group of people. Each person on the trip said that their love for God and love for the Bible were deepened as they walked where Jesus walked. We are pleased to partner with Discovery Ministries to help coordinate our trips to Israel.

The dates for our next trip to Israel are April 27 – May 6, 2010 and the cost is $3566 per person.

Email radio@firstmelissa.com or call 972.838.2277 to request a detailed trip brochure and itinerary.

The cost for the trip is all-inclusive (airfare, hotels, meals, ground transportation, taxes, tips) so if you have enough air miles to cover your round-trip flight to Tel Aviv, your cost would be much less. The ground only cost (for double occupancy) is $2069 per person.

If you are ready to lock in your spot, you can make a $500 per person deposit now to ensure you get to visit the land of the Bible with us next year. To register online, visit http://discoveryministries.com/ministry/Graham-0427-2010a.php.

Deposits are due January 15, 2010 to ensure your spot on this trip.

Here are some comments from members of our last trip:

"The trip to Israel was absolutely an amazing experience. Israel is a country with such interesting history from Biblical times to modern day. The places that we visited were all very interesting and gave such a great perspective to the scriptures. Having been in Israel just makes the Bible come alive, now. Just this past Sunday, our Sunday School lesson was in the book of Mark and as I sat listening to the teacher, I read a bit further and realized the passage took place at the synagogue in Capernaum and that was one of the places we visited in Israel. Having been in Israel just makes what you read in the Bible more alive and real.

On a personal note, I have been in a bible study of the book of Romans so I understood what Jesus had done for me on the cross, but to stand in Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives and see where the Last Supper took place, the walk He made with the disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane and then to the House of Caiaphas where he was beaten and spent His last night ....wow. What He must have felt as this was talking place. Then later to have visited where it is believed the crucifixion took place and then the Garden Tomb knowing this is where He was buried and resurrected. I came home with a heart OVERFLOWING with thankfulness for what He did for me. I believe the trip to Israel was a gift from Him to further show me His love for me. I would encourage anyone considering a trip to Israel to go ! I really hope I can go again one day. I always felt safe. Never in any danger."

"My trip to Israel is one that I will cherish for many years to come. Without a doubt it was one of the most emotional and life-changing events in my life. The excitement started for me upon arriving at Ben-Gurion airport in Tel-Aviv and stayed with me until I left. As you go from one biblical site to another, you can almost picture everything that happened there. From the boat ride down the Sea of Galilee, visiting the temple in Jerusalem, the Garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha, getting baptized in the Jordan River, floating in the Dead Sea, etc. – there was just so much to see and so much to learn. The Bible literally came alive for me. Everything about this trip was a blessing and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to take such an amazing journey."

Reset - beginning January 3, 2010

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Don't miss our next teaching series, titled "Reset", beginning Sunday, January 3, 2010, at 9:00 am, 10:15 am, or 11:30 am at First Melissa.

Christmas Matters

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I hope you will join us Sunday, December 20, at 9:00 am, 10:15 am, or 11;30 am for our new teaching series called "Christmas Matters."

Please also spend Christmas Eve at First Melissa. Candlelight services begin at 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm.

Directions to First Melissa can be found here.

Merry Christmas.

Christmas Matters

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My new Christmas message series is titled "Christmas Matters" and will begin on Sunday, December 13 at 9:00 am, 10:15 am and 11:30 am. I hope you will invite someone new to spend Christmas with you at First Melissa.

Don't forget our Christmas Eve candlelight services on Thursday, December 24 at 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm.

Melissa Cardinals Basketball at AAC

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The Melissa Cardinals played a basketball doubleheader at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on November 30. Both teams played well and lost close games to strong opponents.

Kenny Deel and I announced this game for KFYN 1420 AM.