Churches Feed Thousands On Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a special time for bringing family and friends together. With the California unemployment rate at 12.5%, many individuals can barely make ends meet and the need for assistance is great.

Cypress Church joined together with *Faith in Christ Ministries* and many other area churches to serve Thanksgiving dinner to thousands of area residents. Early in the morning on November 26th a group of about 70 volunteers from the *Knights of the Holy Grill* and Cypress Church headed for South Central Los Angeles.

The annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration was organized by Pastor Joe Browne of *Faith in Christ Ministries.* Pastor Joe has tremendous compassion for people in need. *Not only is this an opportunity for organizations to unite by responding to the needs of the poor,* he said, *It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ.*

Hundreds of volunteers of all ages prepared turkey, potatoes, dressing, gravy, beverages, dessert and more. After a time of praise and thanksgiving to God they spread out to 12 different locations where almost 5,000 people received a hearty meal.

The Cypress Church team went to MacArthur Park at Wilshire and Alvarado Streets in Los Angeles. There were hundreds of hungry homeless people waiting to be fed. The buffet line opened at noon and most of the food was gone by 2:00 p.m. In addition to serving dinner the volunteers provided special activities for children at the park.

Cypress Church cooperates with many other churches, ministries and missionary organizations to serve the needs of the local community as well as Los Angeles, New Orleans and other locations around the world. During Christmas week the *Knights of the Holy Grill* are planning to prepare food for needy families. There are many opportunities for the public to become involved in serving others.

The church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. Information about volunteer opportunities is available at (714) 952-3001. Sunday Worship Services are held at 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The church website is located at: http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Click here to view slide show of Thanksgiving Day Celebration.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001

Project Joy Kicks Off Christmas Season

Cypress Church will be kicking off their Christmas season on Saturday, December 5th with *Project Joy.* Early that morning members of the Cypress Church congregation will travel to the Tijuana, Mexico area to deliver Christmas gifts to needy children.

The gifts are presented to the children during a Christmas program in their village. These shoebox size gift packages are lovingly donated and prepared by Christian families in the Cypress area. They may be the only presents these disadvantaged children in Mexico will receive during the holidays.

Along with the gifts the real story of Christmas will be shared. How Jesus, the Son of God, was miraculously born to a young virgin named Mary and came to earth to lay down his life in payment for the sins of the world.

*Project Joy* is a cooperative effort between Cypress Church and Yugo Ministries. The community is invited to participate in this project by donating gifts. Information is available from Cindy Pearson by email at crpears@gmail.com

There will be a children’s Christmas musical, *The Best Christmas Present Ever,* at Cypress Church on December 13th at 6:00 p.m. The High School and Junior High students will present *Christmas and the Cross* on December 15th at 7:15 p.m. There will be a special Christmas concert entitled *Glory in the Highest* on December 20th. On Christmas Eve the public is invited to candlelight worship at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The Cypress Church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. Sunday worship services are at 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Information about the church is available by phone at (714) 952-3001 or on the web at http://www.cypresschurch.net/.

Discover the true meaning of Christmas - Click here.


Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001

Musicians Prepare For Christmas Concert at Cypress Church

Musicians from the Cypress area are planning a unique concert during the holiday season. On Sunday, December 20th *Glory In The Highest* will be presented to the community at Cypress Church beginning at 6:00 p.m.

This Christmas musical production will be a praise and worship celebration about Jesus Christ. The community is encouraged to attend and enjoy an evening of beautiful Christmas songs. The lush arrangements, performed by the combined choirs and a symphonic orchestra, will capture the awe and wonder of the birth of Jesus. This inspiring musical experience is a cooperative effort that includes Christ Community Church, Cypress Church and area musicians. It is being produced and directed by Steven Brooks and Jeff Sisil.

Steven Brooks received his music degree from Azusa Pacific University and has been the Pastor of Worship Arts at Cypress Church for the past three years. He teaches college classes in worship ministry and also founded Worship Quest Ministries.

Jeff Sisil teaches instrumental music at McAuliffe Middle School and is the Music Director at Cypress Church. He is also the assistant conductor of the Cypress Pops Orchestra, plays Saxophone for Mainstreet Music and Mystic Cheese and is a freelance musician in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

The Christmas season is a very special time at Cypress Church. On December 5th the congregation will partner will Grace Bible Church in Tijuana Mexico and deliver gifts to people in need. The Children's Ministry Christmas musical will be at 6:00 p.m. on December 13th. Cypress Church youth will present *Christmas And The Cross* on December 15th at 7:15 p.m. There will be two Christmas Eve candlelight worship services on December 24th at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Cypress Church serves all of northern Orange County including the cities of Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Buena Park, Anaheim and Cypress. The church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. Sunday services are at 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Information is available at (714) 952-3001, by email: info@cypresschurch.net and online at: www.cypresschurch.net.

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Veterans Honored at Cypress Senior Center

The Cypress Senior Center held their annual Veterans Day Tribute on Tuesday, November 10th. Veterans from all five major branches of the United States Armed Forces were honored by the staff and volunteers at the Center.

The ceremonies began with a flag folding ceremony presented by members of the local chapter of the 82nd Airborne Association. The uniformed Honor Guard marched in precision formation and then conducted their unique flag-folding ceremony. The men of the 82nd stated that the first fold they make represents life and the second fold is symbolic of their belief in eternal life. When the flag is completely folded, only stars are showing and that reminds them of our national motto: “In God We Trust.” The flag folding ceremony closed with the bugle sounding “Taps” in honor of our fallen veterans.

Next was the flag salute followed by the singing of “God Bless America” led by Bella Tan and Irene Elser. Recreation Coordinator Teena Tomlinson thanked the event sponsors. These included: Vitas Hospice Care, Robin Ramirez from Forest Lawn, Linda Cook from MD Care, Harry Hedrick, Carol Fukuroku, the Queen Mary, In-N-Out Burgers, the Sunshine Club and Sam’s Club. There was a “Wall of Honor” photo display with pictures of local veterans.

About 150 Cypress area residents participated in the event. Jeff Draper from the Cypress Senior Center staff presented a video tribute to all of the veterans who attend activities at the Senior Center. Entertainment was provided by tap dancers Jessica and Shayna Vasquez who danced to “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Zoot Suit.” Pianist Irene Elser played patriotic music for the crowd. Veterans from each branch of the military stood when they heard their theme song played.

The Veterans Tribute was organized by Teena Tomlinson, Jeff Draper and Adrianna Hyta from Cypress Recreation and Community Services. They were assisted by a number of local volunteers including a team from Cypress Church located near Ball and Valley View.

The kitchen crew and volunteers prepared and served a delicious meal that included meat, mashed potatoes, vegetables, roll and beverages. The delicious dessert cake was donated by Emeritus at Valley View Senior Living. The Cypress Senior Center is located at 9031 Grindlay just south of Lincoln. The Center provides a wide range of services for local residents. Information is available at (714) 229-2005.

Click HERE to view slideshow of Veterans event.

For information about Cypress Church community service team volunteers you may call: (714) 952-3001

Missions Rummage Sale at Cypress Church on November 21st

Shop for the holidays and support a worthy cause at the same time. Cypress Church will be holding a Rummage Sale on Saturday, November 21st from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. The proceeds from the sale will go to support the New Orleans Mission Team and the Urbana Missions Conference Team.

Christians have the privilege and duty of sharing God’s love with others. Cypress Church takes this responsibility to heart in a big way. During December a team of Cypress High School and Cypress College students will travel to America’s Center in St. Louis Missouri for the five day Urban Missions Conference.

At the Urbana Conference the team will learn how critical global issues like human trafficking, environmental degradation, poverty and divisions between peoples affect all of us. They will also be connected to tangible ways that will enable them to take part in God's work of bringing reconciliation and healing to our broken world through his Son, Jesus Christ.

During July of 2009, a team of 15 students and adults from Cypress Church travelled to New Orleans to serve with the Urban Impact organization. They played key roles in staffing a summer program for youth in the housing projects of New Orleans. The team taught Bible lessons and sports fundamentals to disadvantaged children in partnership with Castle Rock Church. The Cypress Church New Orleans Team is already making plans to serve again during the summer of 2010.

The Rummage Sale at Cypress Church on November 21st will be instrumental in funding these mission activities. Community residents are invited to donate clothing, furniture, books, electronic equipment, jewelry, kitchen utensils & other household items. Donations will be received on Thursday, November 19th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and also on Friday, November 20th from 12 noon until 8:00 pm.

The Cypress Church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. Information about the Missions Rummage Sale is available from Susan Peterson at (562) 867-5223 or email: susan@funplaces.com. You may also call the church office at (714) 952-3001 or visit Cypress Church on the web at http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001

Christian Musicianary Band “Take No Glory” to Lead Worship at Cypress Church on November 15th

*Take No Glory,* a Christian musicianary band, will lead worship services at Cypress Church on Sunday, November 15th. Cypress Church is celebrating their Year of Worship and they have invited several different praise and worship groups to be guest worship leaders during the past several months.

*Take No Glory* is a non- profit musical group and they will be giving away free copies of their latest album *Beautiful Slave* on Sunday at the church. The title song on their new album was written by lead singer and keyboardist Johnna Utile. She was inspired to write this song after reading the story of a young girl that was forced to be a child sex slave. Johnna and her husband Ian formed the band a few years ago to bring life changing music and the message about Jesus to the world. They are not associated with any major recording label and have chosen to primarily distribute their music through internet outlets like Facebook, YouTube and MySpace.

Johnna started writing songs and playing the piano and guitar when she gave up her old way of living in 1999. At that time she felt God’s call on her life and has devoted her talents and energy to serving Jesus. The new album *Beautiful Slave* is not just an individual effort. It is the product of four years of songwriting and studio work with a very supportive team of musicians. Ian and Johnna have been attending the Schools of Ministry and Worship in Costa Mesa.

Cypress Church is focusing on world missions during the month of November. The church sends out and also supports teams that are meeting the material and spiritual needs of people in widespread areas across the globe.

Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. Information is available at (714) 952-3001 or online at www.cypresschurch.net. *Take No Glory,* will also share their unique blend of pop and rock music with the community at the *It’s A Grind* Coffee Shop on Saturday, November 14th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The coffee shop is located at 9111 Valley View in Cypress across the street from Cypress College.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001

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*Sonz Of Trybe* Featured During Cypress Church Missions Week

A major priority at Cypress Church is helping people in need around the world. Members of the congregation regularly travel to distant cities in the United States and also to foreign lands. During the *Step Into Missions* Conference the church invited the band *Sonz Of Trybe* to lead worship on Sunday, November 8th.

*Sonz Of Trybe* is a Christian band from the Samoan community in Orange County. They shared their unique flavor of praise music utilizing Reggae, Hip Hop and Rock music styles. The band will soon be going on a mission trip to assist Tsunami victims in Samoa. The band’s music is available on the internet. Their original tune *Roots of the Righteous* has been played more than 6,300 times on MySpace.

During 2009 Cypress Church has sent teams of missionaries to Ecuador, India, Kenya, Mexico and New Orleans. The church also provides support of teams in Cambodia, Germany, Japan, South Africa and Asia. In the local area they partner with Faith in Christ ministries in Los Angeles and also Campaign for Care.

There will be a Missions Rummage Sale at Cypress Church to support the Urbana and New Orleans teams on November 21st from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Donations are being accepted on November 19th and 20th.

The focus on mission activities continues throughout the month of November. The musicianary band *Take No Glory* will perform at the *It’s A Grind* Coffee Shop on Valley View near Lincoln on Saturday, November 14th. The group will be at Cypress Church on Sunday, November 15th.

Cypress Church serves the northern Orange County area including Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma, Seal Beach, Los Alamitos and Anaheim. Sunday Worship is at 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Information is available at (714) 952-3001 or visit the church website at: http://www.cypresschurch.net/. The church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001

Cypress Church *Thank You* Dance Will Support *We Care* Agency

Cypress Church will be supporting the *We Care* agency at their Thank You Dance on Sunday, November 15th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The community is invited for an evening of light refreshments and dancing to many different styles of music.

*We Care* is a family support center sponsored by local churches, community groups, corporations and concerned citizens. They serve families residing in Northwest Orange County including the cities of Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Rossmoor, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Cypress and Stanton. Cypress Church supports the agency by collecting food for distribution to those in need.

The *Thank You* Dance will be held at Cypress Church located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. Admission is two cans of food for “We Care” or $5.00 per person. More information about this event is available from Laura Matayoshi by email at matayoshiarmy@aol.com.

This is the Year of Worship at Cypress Church and the Christian Band *Take No Glory* will be leading worship services at Cypress Church on Sunday, November 15th at 8:45 am and 10:30 am. The band will distribute free CDs of their most recent album *Beautiful Slave.*

Cypress Church serves the local community in many ways. They offer Bible studies, Awana clubs, All Pro Dad breakfasts, youth programs and church members volunteer frequently at the Cypress Senior Center. More information is available at (714) 952-3001 or online at http://www.cypresschurch.net/.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001

*Take No Glory* to Perform at Cypress *It's A Grind* on November 14th

The band *Take No Glory,* will share their unique blend of pop and rock music with the community at the *It’s A Grind* Coffee Shop on Saturday, November 14th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The coffee shop is located at 9111 Valley View in Cypress across the street from Cypress College.

The group is a non- profit *musicianary* band and they will be giving away free copies of their latest album *Beautiful Slave* during the performance. The title song on their new album was written by lead singer and keyboardist Johnna Utile. She was inspired to write this song after reading the story of a young girl that was forced to be a child sex slave.

*Take No Glory* is a Christian musical group started by Ian and Johnna Utile a few years ago to bring life changing music to the world. They are not associated with any major recording label and have chosen to primarily distribute their music through internet outlets like Facebook, YouTube and MySpace.

Johnna started writing songs and playing the piano and guitar when she gave up her old way of living in 1999. At that time she felt God’s call on her life and has devoted her talents and energy to serving Jesus. The new album *Beautiful Slave* is not just an individual effort. It is the product of four years of songwriting and studio work with a very supportive team of musicians.

Ian and Johnna have been attending the School of Ministry and the School of Worship in Costa Mesa. They will bring their band, *Take No Glory,* to Cypress Church on Sunday, November 15th to lead worship services at 8:45 am and 10:30 am. Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. Information is available at (714) 952-3001 or online at http://www.cypresschurch.net./

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001