Cypress Church Women Plan Honduras Trip

On January 14, 2011 seven women from Cypress Church will be on their way to the South American country of Honduras. During their stay in Honduras they will be cooking food and serving meals at a Christian conference for about 200 Honduran women, many of whom have never attended this type of event before.

During the past several months they have been raising support and gathering supplies. Many community residents from the Cypress area have donated funds to make this journey possible.

The members of the Cypress Church Honduras team are Cindy Pearson, Charlotte Lewis, Susan Lorenz, Dorrie Takazawa, Ashley Theodore, Christine Theodore and Susan VanderWal. They are looking forward to many opportunities to serve, equip and encourage other women as they live out God's unique call on their lives.

During 2011 Cypress Church Global Outreach Ministries will also send teams to Ecuador, Mexico, Kenya, India and New Orleans. In Orange County the Cypress Church Community Service Team will be assisting at the Senior Center and also at the Cypress Community Festival. The Knights of the Holy Grill plan to feed hundreds of meals to those in need.

Information about service opportunities is available at (714) 952-3001. The Cypress Church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. Sunday Worship and Bible studies are at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to discover more about this unique fellowship online at http://www.cypresschurch.net/ or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cypresschurch/

Photo Caption: Cypress Church members Cindy Pearson, Dorrie Takazawa, Christine Theodore, Susan VanderWal, Ashley Theodore, Susan Lorenz, and Charlotte Lewis will be serving other Christian women in Honduras from January 17th through 24th.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - http://www.cypresschurch.net/

New Bible Classes Beginning at Cypress Church

Starting January 9th, Cypress Church is offering a 4 week class where you can learn methods of praying. Discover ways of thinking, speaking and being with God plus so much more. This class is designed for beginners and for those who need someone to come along side them in prayer. Please contact Richard Horne at 714.995.5858 for further information or questions.

Beginning on January 11th, Cypress Church will be starting a Beth Moore Bible Study on Esther. This class is open to women of all ages. This class meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 7pm – 9pm in Room 4. Cost of the book is $20. You may contact Mary Edwards at 714.527.9073 for more information.

You may also sign up for either of these classes in the church lobby. Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Rd. in Cypress, just east of Valley View. More information is available at www.cypresschurch.net or by contacting the church office at 714.952.3001.


Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Cypress Residents Enjoy Holiday Party at Senior Center

The Cypress Senior Center held their annual Holiday Celebration on Friday, December 17th. 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. One of Santa’s Elves was also in attendance.

About 200 Cypress area residents enjoyed the event. Recreation Specialists from the Cypress Recreation Department and the Senior Center staff organized the party. Holiday entertainment was provided by vocalist Russell Nakaoka. He sang many Frank Sinatra tunes as well as traditional Christmas carols. Party participants received candy canes from Santa. More than 50 gifts and door prizes were given away to party goers by the Senior Center staff.

Event sponsors included the Alamitos West Health Care Center and Katella Senior Living Community. The Senior Center staff was assisted by a group of volunteers from the Cypress Church Community Service Team.

The kitchen crew and volunteers prepared and served a delicious meal that included chicken Cordon Bleu, fruit, potatoes and beverages. The meal was topped off with a dessert of strawberry cheese cake. 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. Cypress Church volunteers assist with Senior Center events throughout the year, Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Road. Information about the Cypress Church Community Service Team is available at (714) 952-3001.

Photo Caption: Cypress Church volunteers Clayton Slagle, Dot Slagle, Norm Edds, Susan VanderWal and Pat Edwards assisted the Senior Center staff at the annual Holiday Party for seniors held on Friday, December 17th at the Cypress Senior Center.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Cypress Church Hosting "Making God Known” Class

Cypress Church will be hosting a class on learning how to share the Gospel with others and bringing others to faith. Learn how to encourage meaningful conversations about Jesus in a way that doesn’t make you feel defensive. Discover how to answer questions and concerns that will help people grow closer to Jesus.

Uncover guidelines for conversational evangelism and find a purposeful way of sharing your "God Story" with others. Classes begin January 2nd and take place at Cypress Church on Sunday’s at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2.

Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Rd. in Cypress, just east of Valley View. More information is available at http://www.cypresschurch.net or by contacting Bob Koehler at 310.508.7909 or by email at captboblb@gmail.com.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - http://www.cypresschurch.net - http://www.facebook.com/cypresschurch

Cypress Church Reaching for Christmas

With Christmas comes certain questions: Did I get the right gift for my daughter? Do I need to buy another set of clear twinkle lights? Am I going to gain another five pounds if I eat that box of See’s candies?

How often, though, is the question asked, "How do I make this Christmas more meaningful?" It may not be asked very often, but that doesn't mean there's not an answer.

Throughout December, Cypress Church will be seeking to help all who ask that question find ways to make this a meaningful, and memorable, Christmas Season. Through a series of planned events, the way to a meaningful Christmas may be found simply by reaching for it.

"We reach for the decorations to adorn our homes, offices, churches," says Mike McKay, Senior Pastor. "We also reach out relationally with cards, family letters, gifts and such."

But, as Pastor Mike explains, there may be something else for which to reach. "To reach Christmas is to reach out and gain a greater understanding of who Jesus is, what is significant about Him, and what knowing Him in a personal way can allow us to reach – hope, peace, joy, and love."

On Sunday, December 19th at 4:30 and 7 p.m., a "Community Christmas Worship Concert" is planned. A total of four churches, as well as others from the community including choir and orchestra, will combine to lead those attending in worshiping the newborn King. On Christmas Eve, at 4:30 and 7 p.m., the birth of Jesus will be celebrated at a candlelight service.

Through these and other events, including providing meals for homeless and needy people on Christmas day, the Church hopes to restore and preserve the true meaning of Christmas.

For many, experiencing a meaningful Christmas is hard because of its commercialization. Shopping sprees and the much-anticipated gift exchange on December 25 are as intertwined with Christmas as much as Jesus' birth. In other words, it has become a day about ourselves, though few would like to think of it that way.

Nonetheless, Pastor Mike points out, "We know that at this time of year, people are a little more open to explore and consider the Christ in Christmas." "Our series, 'Reach Christmas' (and studying the gospel of Luke) will remind us to center our Christmas on Christ as we connect and reconnect to a deeper relationship with Jesus," adds Pastor Mike.

If you would like to find out more about these events, call the Cypress Church office at (714) 952-3001. Child care will be available at both the concert and candlelight service for infants through 6th grade. The church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. The public is welcome at Sunday services and Bible studies that are held at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. as well as many other activities throughout each week. Visit http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Photo caption – Never too young to learn what the spirit of Christmas is all about, a group of children from Cypress Church reaching out to their community through Christmas caroling.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - http://www.cypresschurch.net

Christmas Concert and Christmas Eve Services at Cypress Church

Christmas Concert at Cypress Church:

Break through all the holiday clutter and reach for a meaningful Christmas this year! The community is invited to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at an uplifting Christmas Concert. Cypress Church will be hosting an inspiring evening full of traditional Christmas carols as well as contemporary worship music. Joined by musicians from local churches and the community, the combined choirs and orchestra will celebrate the awe and wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ. The evening will also include Scripture reading and multi-media presentations. A phenomenal arrangement of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” will be performed by a violin soloist. Worship Pastor Steven Brooks will lead the celebration and Instrumental Music Director Jeff Sisil will conduct the orchestra and choir.

Two performances will be held on Sunday, December, 19, 2010, beginning at 4:30 pm and at 7:00 pm. Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Rd. in Cypress, just east of Valley View. More information is available at www.cypresschurch.net or by contacting Steven Brooks at (714) 952-3001.


Two Christmas Eve Services at Cypress Church:

Residents in the community are invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas Eve at Cypress Church. The two candlelight services will be held at 4:30p.m. and 7p.m. Jesus Christ came as the “Light of the World” and candles will be lit as a symbol of His mission to humanity. This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas through worship and Scripture.

Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Rd. in Cypress, just east of Valley View. More information is available at www.cypresschurch.net or by contacting the church office at (714) 952-3001.

Cypress Church - 6143 Ball Rd. - Cypress, CA 90630 - Phone: (714) 952-3001 - http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Volunteers Provide a Reason for Thanks . . . through Giving

Twas the night before Thanksgiving, and all through the kitchens . . . No, Santa was nowhere in sight, but volunteers all over the Los Angeles area were just as busy as the elves up north, maybe even more so. There were thousands of homeless to feed and even more pounds of turkey to prepare. And these volunteers, including adults and children from Orange County, were happy to do it (some would say they appeared downright jolly).

Between families and other individuals, there were over 75 people from Cypress Church who joined with Faith in Christ Ministries, a Los Angeles based-ministry led by Pastor Joe Browne to serve meals on Thanksgiving in MacArthur Park. That location was only one of several sites where food was provided by the ministry’s volunteers, many of whom have made it an annual tradition to help Pastor Browne feed thousands of LA's homeless and poor on this special day of thanks . . . and giving.

Along with families looking for a way to give to those less fortunate, there were others wishing to do the same. Students from Cypress Church's youth ministry participated, as well as the "Knights from the Holy Grill," a group of volunteers who travel with a portable barbeque that is used at charitable functions all over the Southland throughout the year.

During the wee hours of the morning volunteers of all ages prepared turkeys, potatoes, dressing, gravy, beverages, desserts and more. After a time of praise and thanksgiving to God, they spread out to their appointed locations where those in need received a hearty meal. The majority of volunteers went through the food line and, after collecting a plate of food, handed it to those in need, providing a personal touch and thanksgiving greeting.

Even for some of the volunteers, life has gotten much harder in the last year – lost jobs, lost homes and health issues are just some of the hardships that they have endured. "But what has not changed," says Pastor Browne, "is the gratifying experience of briefly sharing in a time when people from different communities and ethnic backgrounds come together to celebrate Thanksgiving together."

"We believe everyone deserves a meal," he adds.

In addition to serving dinner, the volunteers provided special activities for the children of the homeless and poor, passed out donated clothing and picked up trash, making sure they left the park cleaner than it was before they came.

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" will prepare food for other needy families. In addition, 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

Photo caption – Volunteers preparing part of the Thanksgiving meal that was served at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. Cypress Church was one of many churches in Orange County and Los Angeles that participated in the event that feeds several thousand people every year.

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