Lectio Divina Training Offered To Men At Cypress Church:

Bible teacher Paul Mascarella and the Men's Ministry of Cypress Church are challenging men in the north Orange County area to make a New Year’s resolution that they can actually accomplish. Beginning on Saturday, January 9th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cypress Church will offer training in the ancient art of *Lectio Divina.* This is a special method of reading and studying the Bible that offers many personal benefits.

These classes will be offered on Saturday evenings by Christian author and teacher Paul Mascarella. The sessions will begin with a dinner prepared by the Cypress Church *Knights of the Holy Grill.* The study will utilize materials from the *Experience the Life* curriculum co-authored by Paul Mascarella and Bill Hull. Mascarella contends that through this process of divine reading of Scripture individuals will “become renewed and refreshed in their minds.”

This training will introduce participants to a powerful communication tool, which strictly uses the Bible to help individuals experience God's voice. All men ages 16 and up are encouraged to attend. In addition to the training, attendees will be able to share fellowship with other men while enjoying the finest Holy Grill cuisine as part of this rewarding manly experience. At the end of the 6 week course everyone will be presented with a certificate suitable for framing noting accomplishment of their 2010 New Year's resolution.

For many, this experience with *Lectio Divina* will be a *first.* But even those who are familiar with the technique are encouraged to attend, share their experiences and support fellow *brothers in Christ* as they learn to effectively apply this communication method. The Cypress Church campus is located just east of Valley View at 6143 Ball Road. There will be six classes in the series. The cost is a one time fee of $13 for materials and a weekly suggested donation of $6.00 for the Holy Grill dinner.

Cypress Church serves all of the northern Orange County area including Los Alamitos, Buena Park, Seal Beach, Cypress, La Palma and Anaheim. Sunday Worship is at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. The current sermon series is *simply prayer – Talk to God.* Information is available at (714) 952-3001 or email: info@cypresschurch.net.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - http://www.cypresschurch.net/
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Holy Grill Feeds Christmas Dinner To Skid Row Homeless

Christmas is a special time for remembering the birth of Jesus and for bringing family and friends together. During this time of economic crisis many people can barely make ends meet and the need for assistance is great. This Christmas Cypress Church joined together with *Faith in Christ* Ministries to serve a holiday meal to more than 1,000 area residents.

Early in the morning on Christmas Day, a group of about 50 volunteers from the *Knights of the Holy Grill* and Cypress Church headed for Los Angeles. The volunteers partnered with Pastor Joe Browne of *Faith in Christ*Ministries in South Central Los Angeles to provide meals for many needy and disadvantaged people. Dave Austin from the Cypress Church *Knights of the Holy Grill* has a great desire to serve people in need. When asked about the event, he responded: *This is our Christmas present to Jesus.*

Volunteers of all ages prepared turkey, ham, pork roast, vegetables, beverages, rolls and dessert. After their stop at *Faith in Christ* Ministries, the Cypress Church team went to three different locations in the *Skid Row* area of Los Angeles. Hundreds of homeless were fed in the downtown Los Angeles area.

Cypress Church cooperates with many other churches, ministries and missionary organizations to serve the needs of the local community in northern Orange County as well as in Los Angeles, New Orleans and other locations around the world. 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 topic of the current sermon series is: *simply prayer – Talk to God.* The church website is located at: www.cypresschurch.net. Information is available by email at: info@cypresschurch.net.

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

McAuliffe Students Perform at Cypress Church Christmas Concert

On Sunday, December 20th Cypress Church sponsored a community Christmas concert. The performance began at 6:00 p.m. and was attended by about 600 Cypress area residents. This inspiring musical experience was a cooperative effort that included student musicians from McAuliffe Middle School, Christ Community Church and Cypress Church. It was produced and directed by Jeff Sisil, Steven Brooks and Michael Lee.

The evening began with the traditional carol *O Come, All Ye Faithful* followed by *This Is What Christmas Means To Me* and the *Little Drummer Boy.* The concert closed with a rousing rendition of the *Hallelujah Chorus* from composer Joseph Handel’s *Messiah.* The audience was able to experience the awe and wonder of the birth of Jesus as the combined choirs and symphonic orchestra performed lush arrangements of beautiful Christmas music.

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 and is a freelance musician in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Steven Brooks has been the Pastor of Worship Arts at Cypress Church for the past three years. He received his music degree from Azusa Pacific University and teaches college classes in worship ministry. Michael Lee is the Music Director at Christ Community Church.

Cypress Church serves all of northern Orange County including the cities of Los Alamitos, Buena Park, Anaheim, La Palma and Seal Beach. 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

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

Cypress Seniors Enjoy Annual Holiday Party

The Cypress Senior Center held their annual Holiday Celebration on Friday, December 18th. The staff at the Cypress Senior Center and volunteers from the community provided a festive atmosphere with many beautiful decorations. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were on hand for photos opportunities.

About 200 Cypress area residents were in attendance. Teena Tomlinson and Adrianna Hyta from the Cypress Recreation Department organized the party. Holiday entertainment was provided by vocalist Tony Odell Rogers.

Tony sang many traditional Christmas carols as well as some Dean Martin favorites and music from the 50’s. A large group of volunteers, staff and seniors entertained the crowd by dancing to the tune “My Girl.” Participants received candy canes from Santa and gifts from the Senior Center.

Event sponsors included the Alamitos West Health Care Center and Katella Senior Living Community. The Senior Center staff was assisted by teams of volunteers from Cypress Church and the Cypress College Psychology Club.

The kitchen crew and volunteers prepared and served a delicious meal that included entrée, fruit, beverages and dessert. The Cypress Senior Center is located at 9031 Grindlay just south of Lincoln. The Center provides a wide range of services and activities for local residents. Information is available at (714) 229-2005. For information about Cypress Church community service team volunteers you may call: (714) 952-3001.

Photo Caption: Volunteers Dot and Clayton Slagle from Cypress Church assisted with the Holiday Celebration on December 18th at the Cypress Senior Center.

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

Two Christmas Eve Services To Be Held At Cypress Church

Community residents are invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus through music and Scripture at Cypress Church on Christmas Eve. There will be two worship services at 4:30 p.m. and also at 7:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of the Holiday Season. Jesus Christ came as the *Light of the World* and candles will be lit as a symbol of His mission to humanity.

This year Cypress Church has been emphasizing the theme *simply Christmas.* The idea is that we should give our time in service to others as an alternative to gifts. The greatest gift in history was the physical presence of Jesus who came to earth as God in the flesh so that he could relate to his creation and die on the cross to redeem all who will believe in Him. The Children’s Ministry musical on December 13th was entitled “The Best Christmas Present Ever” and exemplified this theme.

Members of the Cypress Church congregation have been finding ways to be living gifts to people in need. During November Cypress Church served at the Cypress Senior center as part of the Veteran’s Tribute. On Thanksgiving about seventy volunteers fed the homeless in Los Angeles. On December 5th a group from the church went to Mexico to share the love of Jesus with the needy near Tijuana. During Christmas week the *Knights of the Holy Grill* will serve food to disadvantaged families in South Central LA.

Information about Bible studies, worship services and volunteer opportunities is available by phone at (714) 952-3001 or email: info@cypresschurch.net. The Cypress Church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. The church website is located at: www.cypresschurch.net/

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

Firefighters Honor Specialist John Talley:

Family, friends and hundreds of uniformed Firefighters gathered on Saturday, December 12th from all over the Southland in Cypress to honor Firefighter/Specialist John Talley. Talley, from Station 54 in South Gate, died December 2nd from injuries he suffered in an automobile accident that occurred in Long Beach on November 28th.

Los Angeles County Fire Captain, Chaplain Don Schwaiger officiated at the memorial services that were held at Cypress Church. After an opening prayer, *Amazing Grace* was played on the bagpipes by one of Talley’s fellow Firefighter/Paramedics. Family members and friends told of John’s service to his family and the community.

Rev. Kevin Kritzer, also known as *Coach Kevin,* spoke of Talley’s dedication to his sons and the Lakewood Village Little League teams. John was known for praising players who did not normally get noticed for their accomplishments. Kritzer explained that John Talley knew the meaning of sacrifice. He used baseball imagery to explain that God sent his Son Jesus to wear the uniform of humanity and take *three strikes* for the world so that those who believe in Him could reach home plate safely.

During the service Humberto Agurcia, from Talley’s home Fire Station, sang *I Believe I Can Fly* and *You Raised Me Up.* Agurcia is a dynamic vocalist who has performed at Staples Center. Firefighter Patrick Hamburg, Talley’s long time friend, told how John had risked his life for others and that during his 41 years he had learned how to *pay it forward* through service to others.

Cypress Church Pastor of Counseling, Ron Jackson, presented a message based on the 23rd Psalm. This passage from the Bible speaks about *the shadow of death.* For a Christian, death is like a shadow. Jesus died in our place so that this shadow cannot harm us. Pastor Jackson explained that John Talley had passed from our presence into the presence of the Lord.

An Honor Guard of Los Angeles County Firefighters performed a flag ceremony and presented a special American flag and display case to Talley’s family. Then there was the traditional *Last Alarm.* The fire bell was sounded fifteen times in a ceremony based on the telegraph code 5-5-5. This code was historically used to signal the death of a Fireman. The service was closed with prayer by Pastor Jackson and then family and friends followed the bagpipes out of the sanctuary to the reception.

Firefighter John Andrew Talley’s career included serving with the Long Beach Search and Rescue and the Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach Fire Departments. For the past 18 years John was proud to *Wear the Bear* of the Los Angeles County Fire Service. He was a Firefighter, an Engineer and also a friend and brother to his fellow Firefighters. John is survived by his sons, J.D. and Andrew, his father Jerry and his sister Jennie.

A memorial fund has been established to support John Talley’s two sons. Those wishing to contribute may send donations to the Talley Memorial Fund c/o F & A Federal Credit Union, POB 30831, Los Angeles, CA 90030. Information about Cypress Church is available at (714) 952-3001 or email: info@cypresschurch.net. There are worship services every Sunday at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. 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

*Glory In The Highest* Christmas Musical at Cypress Church

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 student musicians from McAuliffe Middle School. It is being produced and directed by Jeff Sisil and Steven Brooks.

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. 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.

There will be two Christmas Eve candlelight worship services at Cypress Church 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 Buena Park, Anaheim, La Palma, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach. 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: http://www.cypresschurch.net/

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

Christmas Dance Party at Cypress Church on December 17th

The community is invited to Cypress Church on Thursday, December 17th for a Christmas open house and dance party. The event will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View.

There will be music, dancing and refreshments. This will be a great opportunity to meet friends and neighbors. Cypress Church has many activities for families, men, women and children. Additional information about the Christmas Dance Party is available by email: matayoshiarmy@aol.com

During the month of December there will be a community Christmas Concert, *Glory In The Highest,* starting at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20th. On Thursday, December 24th Cypress Church will hold candlelight worship services at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The church campus is located on Ball Road just east of Valley View across from Larwin Park. Cypress Church serves all of northern Orange County. Sunday worship is at 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Information is available by phone at (714) 952-3001 or online at: www.cypresschurch.net/

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

Cypress Students Celebrate Christmas And The Cross

High School and Junior High students will be celebrating the true meaning of the Christmas holiday season on Tuesday, December 15th at Cypress Church. They are inviting the community to join them for an evening of music and drama entitled *Christmas And The Cross* beginning at 7:15 p.m.

Popular culture has drawn the public perception of Christmas away from Jesus and towards Santa and presents. The students at Cypress Church are taking time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the real reason for His coming.

The evening will include opportunities to worship through music as well as other forms of art and media. Student Ministries Pastor Danny Kugelberg, his assistant Kellan Peterson and a student committee have been planning this event for several months. Their focus is on sharing what God has said in His Word about Jesus and the need for everyone to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Cypress Church offers many activities and events for students in local High Schools, Middle Schools and Junior Highs. There are weekly meetings every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. for Junior High and at 7:00 p.m. for the High School group. In addition there are opportunities to serve the needs of others in the local area, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Mexico. The Student Ministries also offers a summer camp, beach parties and other activities.

Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. They serve all of the northern Orange County area. The youth group meets at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings and attends worship services at 10:30 a.m. Information is available from Pastor Danny at (714) 952-3001 email: danny@cypresschurch.net. The Cypress Church Student Ministries has a Facebook page available and they are on the internet at www.cypresschurch.net

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

*Best Christmas Present Ever* at Cypress Church on December 13th

The community is invited to attend a Christmas musical produced by the Cypress Church Children's Ministry. The performance, entitled *The Best Christmas Present Ever,* will be held on Sunday, December 13th beginning at 6:00 p.m.

This energetic children's Christmas celebration is overflowing with colorful characters, plenty of humor, a clever story and a clear message about Jesus. The big question is: *What will you do when Jesus knocks on the door of your heart?*

The audience will join skeptical news anchor Rebecca Stark as she covers a small story with a big message. The production features a classic song written by Carol Cymbala entitled *Happy Birthday, Jesus.* Many people do not understand the true significance of the Christmas holiday season. This musical is based on God’s Word and is designed to clearly present the truth that everyone needs to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Cypress Church has many exciting opportunities available for children. In addition to Sunday morning activities there are Awana club meetings and Amazing Journeys every Wednesday evening beginning at 6:45 p.m. Summer programs include a music camp in the month of June and Vacation Bible School in July.

Information about programs for kids at Cypress Church is available by phone at (714) 952-3001 or email: MikeHaugland@cypresschurch.net. The church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. You may also visit the church website at: www.cypresschurch.net/

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