"The Other End Of The Spear" at Cypress Church on Thursday May 9th

Every summer members of the Cypress Church congregation travel to the jungles of Ecuador to minister to remote residents. This coming Thursday, May 9, 2013 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm the church will be hosting a special evening with a Waorani warrior who is visiting our area.

Many have heard the account of the five missionaries in Ecuador who were killed back in the late 1950's while seeking to reach out to the notorious Waorani (aka Waodani) warriors of the Amazonian Rain Forest. The life and conversion of these ruthless people has been well recorded by Life Magazine, anthropologists, documentaries, the writings of Elisabeth Elliot, Rachel Saint and others, and through the movie "End of the Spear" by Steve Saint. However the story has not been told by the warriors themselves...until now!

In the recently released book "Gentle Savage Still Seeking The End of The Spear," Menkaye, Kemo, and Dyowe (three of the killers of the missionaries) tell their story, how they came to believe in Christ and how they are still seeking to serve Him today. It is quite an eye-opening book with never-been-told insights, what really took place on the beach in Ecuador in 1956, and their incredible faith that is encouraging many people in Ecuador and around the world.

On Thursday May 9th Cypress Church has the privilege to host an evening with one to the translators of this book, who also happens to be the grandson of Menkaye. Gilberto along with missionary Chet Williams (One of Cypress Church's missionaries) will share about the book and give insights on what is happening today with the Waorani people.

The public is invited to attend this meaningful and inspiring evening. The event will be held from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Cypress Church main campus located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View in Cypress. Sunday worship services are held at 9 and 10:30 am. Additional information is available by calling (714) 952-3001 or visit http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Photo Caption: Waorani warrior “Gilberto” and missionary Chet Williams from the jungles of Ecuador will share their inspiring stories on Thursday, May 9th at Cypress Church.

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

Cypress Church Rummage Sale on April 27 Supports World Missions

Discover new treasures and share some of your “white elephants” with friends and neighbors while you support a worthy cause at the same time. Cypress Church will be holding their annual Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 27th from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. The proceeds from the sale will go to support mission teams travelling to New Orleans, Ecuador, and Mexico this coming summer.

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 2012 a team of Cypress High School and Cypress College students travelled to America’s Center in St. Louis Missouri for the five day Urban Missions Conference. The team learned how critical global issues like human trafficking, environmental degradation, poverty and divisions between peoples affect all of us. They got connected to tangible ways that enable them to take part in God's work of bringing reconciliation and healing to our broken world through his Son, Jesus Christ.

During this upcoming summer the Ecuador team will travel through miles of jungle to bring the life changing message of Jesus to the village of Zancudo and other indigenous people in South America.

In July, a team of 20 students and adults from Cypress Church will travel to New Orleans to serve with the Urban Impact organization. They will play key roles in staffing a summer program for youth in the housing projects of New Orleans. The team helps teach Bible lessons and sports fundamentals to disadvantaged children in partnership with Castle Rock Church.

There is also a team going to Mexico to help with building projects and with VBS (Vacation Bible School). What a busy summer for people at Cypress Church as they strive to effectively love on people locally, at the church and in the immediate community, as well as abroad.

The Rummage Sale at Cypress Church on April 27th will be instrumental in funding these mission activities. Community residents are invited to donate clothing, furniture (no entertainment units, though!), books, electronic equipment, jewelry, kitchen utensils and other household items. Donations will be received on Thursday, April 25th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and also on Friday, April 26th from 12 noon until 9:00 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. Cypress Church offers two worship services every Sunday, at 9 am and 10:30 am, plus a plethora of programs for kids and adults of all ages and stages of life. Information about activities of interest to the community is available at (714) 952-3001 or on the church web site located at: http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Photo Caption: Cypress Church students and adults travel through miles of jungle to bring the message of Jesus to the Waodani tribe in Ecuador.

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

Pastors Plan Passion Week Programs at Cypress Church

Easter is a very special time for Christians everywhere and the Pastors and Staff at Cypress Church are planning seven worship services for the community during Easter week this year. The Easter season celebrations begin Palm Sunday which is on March 24, 2013. There will be two services at 9:00 am and 10:30 am.

Good Friday is on March 29, 2013 and there will be two worship services at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. The evening will focus on Christ’s journey from the Upper Room to the Cross so that we may reflect on what God did for us personally through the death of Jesus Christ. There will be live music, video presentations and other creative elements.

Easter is on March 31, 2013 and there will be three Easter Worship Services at Cypress Church at 8:30 am, 10:00 am and 11:30 am. This day will be a great celebration with modern worship and a message about Jesus and His resurrection by Pastor Mike McKay. There will be special activities for children from nursery to 6th grade each service.

Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. You are invited to participate in all Easter Passion Week activities. You are also encouraged to follow Cypress Church on Facebook and Twitter. Additional information is available at (714) 952-3001. The Cypress Church website is located at: http://www.cypresschurch.net. The church email is: info@cypresschurch.net.

Photo Caption #1 (top): Cypress Church Pastor Mike McKay will share an Easter message about the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Sunday March 31 at 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30am.


Photo Caption #2: Worship Arts Pastor Nathan Baldwin (foreground) will lead the congregation in song during the seven Easter Passion Week services to be held at Cypress Church.

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

Cypress Church Spends Sunday Serving In Local Cities

If you were planning on attending worship at Cypress Church on Sunday, February 24th and arrived at the church campus a few minutes late, you would have found the parking lot virtually vacant. You might have wondered: “Where did all the cars go?”  And the answer would have been: “East side, west side, all around the town…” for Gone Serving Sunday.

The Cypress Church congregation culminated their recent “Love Like Jesus” campaign with an entire weekend of community service. Teams of volunteers spread out to Los Alamitos, Stanton and all around the Cypress area. On Saturday the church staffed a water station at the annual “Race on the Base.”

Then, on Sunday, the congregation performed projects at the Cypress Boys and Girls Club, Arnold Cypress Park, Cedar Glen Park, Oak Knoll Park, Evergreen Park, the Tina-Pacific neighborhood and the Precious Life Shelter. "Today has created blessings that will make a difference for years to come,” stated Theresa Murphy from the Precious Life Shelter in Los Alamitos.

Church members partnered with volunteers and staff from city agencies and non-profits to paint park benches and bleachers, plant flowers, clean up trash in streets and alleys, distribute donations, wash windows, organize supplies and beautify local parks. They logged a total of 326 total service hours in just one weekend.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, “Volunteering and civic engagement are the cornerstone of a strong nation.”  The EJournal USA states that: “Americans volunteer not because of coercion or profit, but because they recognize a need and are willing to take responsibility for meeting that need." Pastor Mike McKay of Cypress Church has hopes that these acts of kindness will help change people’s perception of God and His Church as community residents see Christians actually living their faith.

In 2013 Cypress Church will be celebrating their 35th year of ministry in the Orange County area. The church started as a home Bible study in 1978. Now hundreds of area residents call Cypress Church their “home.” In addition to Cypress, the church also serves the communities of Buena Park, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, La Palma, Lakewood, Anaheim, Long Beach, Stanton and the surrounding area.

Cypress Church community service teams provide volunteers to assist at the local Senior Center. They also help with the Independence Day celebration held on July 4th at the Joint Forces Training Base and the Cypress Community Festival to be held this year on July 27th at Oak Knoll Park. They also send teams of volunteers to serve the disadvantaged and needy all over the globe including Orange County, Los Angeles County, New Orleans, Mexico, India and Ecuador.

The Cypress Church main 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 9:00 am and 10:30 am as well as many other activities throughout each week. Good Friday services will be held on March 27 at 6:00 and 8:00 pm, Easter Sunday worship will be on March 31 at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 am. Information about the church is available at (714) 952-3001or online at www.cypresschurch.net.

Photo Caption #1 (top): Volunteers from Cypress Church worked together with staff from the Precious Life Shelter in Los Alamitos to plant flowers, sort clothing donations and many other activities. "Today has created blessings that will make a difference for years to come,” stated Executive Director Theresa Murphy.

Photo Caption #2: The Cypress Boys and Girls Club staff partnered with volunteers from Cypress Church and a local Boy Scout Troop to organize supplies, wash windows and clean up the grounds around the club.

Photo Caption #3: The Marino Family and many other volunteers from Cypress Church assisted the Cypress Recreations and Community Services Department with cleanup and painting at several area parks.

Photo Caption #4: During their “Gone Serving” weekend, members of the Cypress Church congregation staffed a water station at the annual “Race on the Base” in Los Alamitos.


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

Blood Drive At Cypress Church On March 17 Will Support World Missions

Cypress Church is sponsoring a blood drive from 9am to 3pm on Sunday, March 17, 2013. The event is a fund raiser for world mission teams that will be going to Mexico, Ecuador, India, New Orleans and other parts of the globe this summer.

The church is partnering with “Blood For Missions,” a Southern California based organization that supports mission activities all over the planet. “Blood For Missions” partners with churches, high schools, universities, and businesses. For each person who donates blood at a “Blood For Missions” blood drive, $20 will be given to the charity of the host organization's choice.

When you give blood, a charity you support benefits. Not only that, you help keep Southern California hospitals supplied with the blood they need to save lives.

The next local area blood drive will be held on March 17 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Cypress Church campus located at 6143 Ball Road in Cypress, CA just east of Valley View. The community is invited to participate in this event and also welcome to attend worship services each Sunday at 9:00 am and 10:30 am. More information is available online at www.cypresschurch.net/ or you may call (714) 952-3001.

Photo Caption: Cypress Church will sponsor a blood drive on Sunday, March 17 to raise funds for mission trips to India, Mexico, Ecuador and New Orleans.

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

New Cypress Church Youth Leader Has High Hopes for Local Students

When parents ask, “How do I motivate my teenager?” they usually mean, “How do I get my kids to do what I want? How do I encourage her to have some balance in her life? What do I do to get him off his computer, get outside, or do just about anything except sitting around doing nothing?” Cypress Church has answers to these big questions with their Student Ministries program.

Pastor Stan Markowski, the new leader of youth groups at Cypress Church, has some great activities planned for local students. “This next six months are going to be exciting,” said Stan, “…because our “Love Like Jesus” campaign is an opportunity for our students to understand what the core of Christianity is all about and discover how to serve others. We will have a talent show in April and a high Sierra camping experience in June.”

Stan grew up in Long Beach California and has lived in the Southern California area most of his life. He attended Biola University where he received a B.A. in Biblical Studies. He then went to Talbot Theological Seminary where he graduated with an M.A. in Systematic Theology in 2010.

After graduation Stan served in an internship position in Toledo Ohio with Westgate Chapel where he worked with junior high, high school and college students. In 2011 Stan began serving as an intern at Cypress Church with junior high and high school students. Recently he was selected to be the full time Pastor of Cypress Church Student Ministries.

The next major event on the horizon for Cypress Church Student Ministries is “Cypress’ Got Talent.” This dinner and variety show is an annual tradition that features singing, dancing, comedy sketches, skits and instrumental performances by scores of local teens. The event will be held on Tuesday April 2, 2013 starting at 6:30 pm at Cypress Church.

This summer Stan and his staff plan to lead a group of more than 60 students on a week long outing in the Sierras at Hume Lake Christian Camps. Reservations are now being accepted for this exciting experience.

Cypress Church youth groups meet weekly on Tuesday evenings and also hold many special events. All Junior High and High School students are welcome to join in the fun. Junior High students meet at 6:30 pm and the High School group starts their meeting at 7:00 pm. Service activities include helping feed the homeless along with the Cypress Church Knights of the Holy Grill.

Stan has high hopes for our local teens. His desire is to “…provide a place where students can encounter God and grow in their relationship with him.” The Cypress Church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. Sunday worship and Bible study is at 9:00 am and 10:30 am. Information about Cypress Church Student Ministries is available by calling (714) 952-3001 or email: stan@cypresschurch.net. The church website is located at www.cypresschurch.net.

Photo Caption: Stan Markowski, the new Pastor of Student Ministries, invites local Junior High and High School students to share their talent with others on Tuesday, April 2 at Cypress Church.

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

Cypress Church Partners with Non-Profits to Recruit Volunteers

It’s no secret that local charities, non-profit groups and even government agencies have been struggling with limited resources due to the economic situation. The Bridgestone Group, a consulting team for non-profits, has stated that “Organizations are being forced to make hard choices about where to focus their resources.”

One way that these agencies can increase their level of service to the community, even within the context of a shrinking budget, is by recruiting additional volunteers. Recently Cypress Church took a big step to help other non-profits in the area by organizing a Community Ministry Fair. Representatives from eight local organizations set up displays in the church lobby and hundreds of area residents had the opportunity to discover needs and become active participants as volunteers.

Cypress Church has a rich history of volunteerism. George and Lynn Pardon, who facilitate community service efforts at the church, were the primary organizers of the Ministry Fair. They have helped coordinate volunteers for the Cypress Community Festival, the Cypress Senior Center, the Fireworks Spectacular at the Joint Forces Base, the annual Race On The Base, the Boys and Girls Club and many other local events, agencies and activities.

Participating organizations at the Community Ministry Fair included: Boys and Girls Club of Cypress, Cypress Community Festival, Cypress Recreation and Community Services, Cypress Volunteers in Policing and Emergency Response Training, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, Illumination Foundation, Precious Life Shelter and We Care of Los Alamitos.

“It was really helpful to be able to be able to meet and talk with representatives from all the different groups in one place and time. I found out about many different ways that I can help out.” said church member Jean Koehler.

The Cypress Boys and Girls Club provides children with a safe place to grow and learn. The Cypress Community Festival is the annual birthday celebration for Cypress and is set for July 27th at Oak Knoll Park. Cypress Recreation and Parks provides programming for all types of activities and maintains all of the parks in Cypress.

The Volunteers in Policing are a team of trained citizens who assist the police with non-enforcement duties. The Emergency Response Program educates the public about disaster preparedness. Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing for low-income families.

The mission of the Illumination Foundation is to help break the cycle of homelessness in Orange County. Precious Life Shelter supports homeless, pregnant adult women. We Care of Los Alamitos pools community resources to meet emergency needs of families and individuals.

All of these community service organizations are in need of volunteers and Cypress Church is committed to be part of the solution through their ongoing “Love Like Jesus” campaign. “When we put love into action it matters, it has positive results and effects,” says Pastor Mike McKay.

The public is encouraged to join with Cypress Church and partner with local community agencies to raise the quality of life in Cypress and the surrounding area. Those wishing to volunteer may call the church office at (714) 952-3001 or contact George Pardon by email at gpardon@sbcglobal.net.

The main campus of Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Road just east on Valley View in Cypress. Sunday Bible study and worship are at 9:00 am and 10:30 am. More information is available online at: www.cypresschurch.net.

Photo Caption #1 (top): Cypress Church held their Community Ministry Fair during February to recruit volunteers for local non-profits. Participants included (left to right): Mary Niven from Precious Life Shelter, Wanda Slade from the Cypress Community Festival, Ashley Krebs from Illumination Foundation, Marty Thompson from We Care of Los Alamitos, George Pardon and Lynn Pardon from Cypress Church.

Photo Caption #2: The Cypress Volunteers in Policing and Emergency Response Training were represented by Ed Spurgeon, Linda Croce and Janet Spurgeon at the Community Ministry Fair held in February 2013 at Cypress Church.

Contact information for community groups in need of volunteers:

Boys and Girls Club of Cypress - Phone: (714) 527-2697 - Web: http://www.boysandgirlsclubofcypress.com/

Cypress Community Festival - Phone: (714) 886-9749 - Web: http://www.cypressfestival.com/

Cypress Recreation and Community Services - Phone: (714) 229-6780 - Web: http://www.ci.cypress.ca.us/recreation/recreation_home.html

Cypress Volunteers in Policing - Phone: (714) 229-6625 - Web: http://www.ci.cypress.ca.us/police/community_relations/volunteers.htm

Habitat for Humanity Orange County - Phone: (714) 434-6200 - Web: http://www.habitatoc.org/

Illumination Foundation - Phone: (949) 273-0555 - Web: http://www.ifhomeless.org/

Precious Life Shelter - Phone: (562) 431-5025 - Web: http://www.preciouslifeshelter.org/

We Care of Los Alamitos - Phone: (562) 598-9790 - Web: http://www.wecarelosalamitos.org/


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

Author Susan Peterson to Share Thoughts on “Weathering Life” at Cypress Staycation

How are you weathering the storms of life? Have you ever wondered if you are settling for less than this life has to offer? Do you feel a longing for more? Would you like to discover how to lead an overflowing and abundant life and find out who you can trust to provide you with safe passage in any weather? These are the questions that will be addressed on “Staycation” weekend at Cypress Church.

Cypress Church will sponsor “Cypress Staycation” on Friday and Saturday, March 15th and 16th, at the church main campus located at 6143 Ball Rd just east of Valley View. The theme for this year’s event is “Weathering Life.” The weekend is planned for ladies high school age and up to connect with current friends, make new friends and also to connect with God.

This year marks the 4th annual “Staycation” - an event designed to feel like a women's retreat in your own backyard. It has the perks of a women's Bible conference but the convenience of staying close to home and getting plenty great teaching, fun, and refreshment, all at an affordable cost.

This exciting activity will begin on Friday night March 15th with check-in at 5:45 p.m. and a kickoff time of 6:45 p.m. After the evening program there will bonfires and chat time outdoors on the patio. “Staycation: Weathering Life” team member Suzanne McElderry explained: “Our goal is to provide lots of chances to interact with each other and to decompress from our hectic and stressful lives through much-needed girl time, singing, reflection and inspiration from God's Word."

The fun will resume at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning March 16th with a light breakfast in the “Staycation” Cafe. During the morning there will be times of worship and Bible teaching and also opportunities to meet up with friends and make new ones. Activities will include singing, praying and engaging in God's word together with keynote speaker and author Susan Peterson on the topic of “Weathering Life.”

After lunch there will be free time activities like painting, baking, and exercise classes and then the final teaching session. “Staycation” will conclude at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Those who attend will be able to leave fully filled and refreshed both spiritually and physically.

“Weathering Life” committee member Lori Fieger commented: “We are looking forward to a wonderful weekend with women of all ages and from all stages of life. There will be fun, laughter, listening ears and caring hearts at this event.”

The cost for this two day event is $25 which includes a light breakfast and delicious lunch on Saturday. Reservations may be made by calling the Cypress Church office at (714) 952-3001 or email: info@cypresschurch.net. Reservations will be accepted until March 11th. Information on Susan Peterson’s book “Fun and Educational Places to go With Kids and Adults in Southern California” is available at www.funplaces.com.

The public is invited to connect with Cypress Church on Facebook and Twitter. Sunday worship is at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The church website is located at www.cypresschurch.net.

Photo Caption: Family guidebook author Susan Peterson will explain how Jesus can be our anchor in any storm during the “Weathering Life” Staycation on March 15 and 16 at Cypress Church.

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

Cypress Church Events Calendar

We invite you and your family to join us for worship, Bible study, community service and fellowship:

For full access to our calendar in a separate browser window please: CLICK HERE





For full access to our calendar in a separate browser window please: CLICK HERE

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

Did you use “S.O.A.P.” this morning?

Did you use “S.O.A.P.” this morning? Your response is probably a resounding “Yes!” And you are probably a little offended that anyone would even ask that question.

But, from a Christian perspective, everyone starts out needing to use “S.O.A.P.” The prophet Isaiah said in the Bible: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..." But later Jesus told his followers: “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” God’s Word has a cleansing property for all of us.

A big part of being a Christian is becoming familiar with the Bible, God’s Word, and then taking action based on what you learn. At Cypress Church we suggest the “S.O.A.P.” method of studying Scripture. “S.O.A.P” is an acronym for Scripture, Observation, Action and Prayer. This concept for Bible study was pioneered by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu Hawaii. Here is how you can use the "S.O.A.P" method as you read and study your Bible:

First: Find a quiet time and space to study God's Word, preferably at the same time each day. Many people find that reading scripture in the morning helps get their day off to a great start with a proper focus. Before you open "The Book," pray that God will speak to you and help you understand what you are reading.

Next, read the scripture passage (the "S" step). Don’t just skim through it, but really think about what it means. Imagine what the people involved were experiencing. Write down a verse or two that really stood out to you in your journal.

The next step is to complete the “O” by writing down observations about the scripture you just read. What is happening in the passage? What verse or concept sucks with you? How do the verses you are studying fit in with the context of the rest of the Bible? You may want to write your own summary of the passage, but more importantly, think about what God has to say to you through this part of His Word.

Now it is time to complete the “A” by writing down how this Bible passage applies to you right now, in your daily life. Just reading the Bible and believing it is true will not change your life unless you take God's Word and make a specific application to you, right now, today. Maybe God has challenged you about a specific attitude or action. Decide what you will do to follow through with what you have learned.

Finally, complete the “P” through prayer. Talk to God about what He has just led you to discover. If you are unsure, ask Him to give you insight. It may help to write out your prayer. This is a personal message from you to God, so don’t worry about getting the perfect words down. Just make it honest and heartfelt. Remember that God always listens, and already knows your needs. He just wants to hear from you.

As you use the "S.O.A.P." method, you are inviting God's Holy Spirit to interact with you and empower you to move forward in a direction that is pleasing to God. “S.O.A.P.” is a vital element in living the Christian life and the objective is for God’s Word to move us into action. From January 13 through February 23, 2013 Cypress Church is focusing on spiritual growth through service during their “Love Like Jesus” campaign.

The "Love Like Jesus" campaign at Cypress Church is all about service. In the words of Pastor Mike McKay: “It's great to preach about it, pray about it, read about it, but there is something missing in all this - actually doing it!”

Everyone is welcome at Cypress Church for Sunday worship and Bible study at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The main campus is located at 6143 Ball Road in Cypress, CA just east of Valley View. For information on how you can participate in "Love Like Jesus" with the rest of the Cypress Church family you may contact our staff at (714) 952-3001.

Photo Caption: Pastor Mike McKay of Cypress Church says the “Love Like Jesus” campaign will: “…be a wonderful time of encouragement, challenge, learning, and practicing loving like Jesus.”

To download the "Love Like Jesus" Devotional Guide please click HERE

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

Cypress Church Resolves to “Love Like Jesus”

It’s that time again! What time is that? Well, each year in January it is traditional to make a New Year’s Resolution. This year Cypress Church has resolved to “Love Like Jesus."

Exactly what does it mean to “Love Like Jesus?” In His own words, Jesus said that He… “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." His love expressed itself in service.

“Love Like Jesus” at Cypress Church is a six week focus on spiritual growth through service. The congregation will focus on being people of loving action. People who serve their families, church, community and also the world.

The campaign begins on Sunday, January 13th. Each week on Sunday there will be a special Bible based message on the topic of Jesus and how to love as he did. These five messages are titled: Loved by Jesus, Love Your Family, Love Your Church, Love Your Community, and Love Your World.

The sixth and final Sunday of the campaign, February 17th, the church will have a brief gathering in the morning and then the congregation will go out and serve in the community during the afternoon. (Editor note: Regular worship services on Sunday, February 17, 2013 - Community Service Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24, 2013).

Everyone in the cities of Cypress, Buena Park and the surrounding area is invited to participate in this time of learning, growth and service. In addition to the Sunday Bible study messages there will be opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors in Community Life Groups that meet in homes in local neighborhoods. The church has also created a special devotional guide to help each individual discover more every day about service during the months of January and February. The devotional guide is drawn primarily from the Bible Book of Mark.

The goal of this special six week focus period is to encourage a life style change where individuals actively seek opportunities to serve others around them. This could happen in homes, families, schools, community groups, the workplace or just about anywhere people find themselves.

Cypress Church Senior Pastor Mike McKay hopes that everyone who participates in the campaign will truly experience the love that Jesus has for them, join with others in the Cypress Church family, and then “…let that love flow out to others as we serve them.”

More information about Cypress Church and the “Love Like Jesus” spiritual growth campaign is available by calling the church office at (714) 952-3001. Sunday services are held at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the main campus located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View in Cypress. The church website may be found at www.cypresschurch.net.

Photo Caption #1 (top): Pastor Mike McKay invites community residents to join the “Love Like Jesus” spiritual growth campaign starting in January at Cypress Church.

Photo Caption #2: Community relations coordinators George and Lynn Pardon are looking for volunteers to join them in serving local cities during the “Love Like Jesus” campaign at Cypress Church.

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