Cypress Groups
Group Norms
Be courageous.
Be compassionate.
Be connected.
Be a cog. (Not a hog nor a log)
Something Worth Showing Up For
Deeply Connected - August 16th
Summary:
God designed the church to be more than a service we attend or content we consume; it is a family in which we receive encouragement and bring something meaningful for the benefit of others. Hebrews 10:24–25 calls believers to gather consistently and motivate one another toward love and good works, while Acts 2 shows the early church pursuing Jesus, participating in His work, and sharing life in close community. Deep connections form when we bring our whole selves—our devotion and doubts, strengths and weaknesses, joys and struggles—and allow others to encourage and challenge us. When it comes to church, it’s not just about what’s in it for you, but what you bring with you.
Icebreaker:
What is one group, team, or community you have enjoyed being part of, and what made it meaningful to you?
Discussion:
When you think about being “deeply connected” in a church family, what does that look like beyond simply attending a service?
Read Hebrews 10:24-25: What do these verses teach us about our responsibility to encourage, challenge, and motivate one another in our faith?
Of the three ways to deepen connection discussed in the message—consistency, contribution, and community—which one comes most naturally to you, and why?
Who currently knows what is truly happening in your life, and whom are you intentionally encouraging? What specific step could you take this week to become more deeply connected at Cypress?
Prayer Time Guide:
Ask God to help each person receive the encouragement they need, bring their authentic selves for the benefit of others, and courageously take their next step toward deeper connection in His family.
Summer Sessions
MidCourse Reflections - August 9th
Summary:
Reaching the midpoint of a journey gives us an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come and look ahead to where we’re going. As Cypress enters the next stage of its journey, we’re focusing on four important priorities: helping people feel connected, helping them grow closer to God, making a tangible difference in our community, and making a lasting impact on the next generation. The commissioning of Michelle, Taylor, and Dave marks an exciting step toward that vision, but the calling does not rest on our leaders alone. God is inviting every one of us to use our gifts and take our place as we become a growing and diverse community where every member of the family is deeply connected in God’s family, firmly grounded in faith, and personally invested in the mission.
Icebreaker:
When you take a long road trip, do you prefer to drive straight through or stop along the way—and what is your favorite road-trip snack?
Discussion:
Why can it be helpful to pause at the midpoint of a journey to celebrate where you’ve been before focusing on what comes next?
Read Romans 15:7: What does it look like for a church—and for our group—to welcome people as Christ has welcomed us?
Of the four priorities mentioned—helping people connect, grow in faith, serve the community, and invest in the next generation—which one excites you most, and why?
The message emphasized that Cypress’s mission does not rest on its leaders alone. Where might God be inviting you to move from watching or attending to actively using your gifts and taking your place in the church’s mission?
Prayer Time Guide:
Lord, help us recognize Your presence in our lives, especially in the moments when we feel overwhelmed or uncertain. Remind us that You are always with us, even when we cannot see what You are doing. Give us faith to trust You in difficult seasons and compassion to step into the struggles of others. Help us be Your hands and feet by bringing hope, love, and encouragement to those who need to experience Your presence.
Everyone is Welcome.
Seriously. Every week at Cypress, Christians and non-Christians, seekers and skeptics, fired-up and burned out all come together in search of answers to life’s great questions. There’s always room for more. We hope to see you soon!
