Cypress Groups
Group Norms
Be courageous, compassionate and connected
Be a listener
Eliminate judgement, advice giving, and interrupting
It’s okay to say “pass” on a question
Honor time. Time frame is about 45 minutes (give or take 15). Anything more is “meeting after the meeting”.
Resurrecting Hope
More To Your Story - Sunday, June 8
Announcements:
This Sunday we’re wrapping up the Resurrecting Hope series. There will be no questions for our Summer Sessions series.
Movie night, pot luck dinner, ice cream social, game night, Sunday brunch - We hope that, even if your group won’t be meeting regularly over the summer, you will find ways to stay connected this summer - and we’d love to see (and share) photos of your get togethers!
Teaching Summary:
In this message, More to Your Story, we explore the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, where a spiritual giant finds himself drained, dejected, and depressed—proof that no one is immune to emotional and mental exhaustion. We see how his journey through escape, isolation, despair, and self-condemnation mirrors our own at times. But God meets Elijah right there—with rest, care, a renewed purpose, and a quiet whisper of hope. The message reminds us that even when life feels dark or pointless, God is still the Author, and He’s not finished. Depression is a chapter, not the whole story—and Jesus invites us to let Him write the next one.
Icebreaker:
What’s your go-to “escape” after a long or difficult day?
Discussion:
Why do you think we’re so quick to give up on things when they start to feel pointless or exhausting?
Read 1 Kings 19:3-18. Looking at Elijah’s story, which part of his downward spiral (escape, isolation, despair, self-condemnation) resonates most with you — either from personal experience or from walking with someone else?
When have you seen God speak to you more through a “gentle whisper” than a dramatic sign?
What might it look like for you to let Jesus “write your story” in this season — especially if you feel stuck, exhausted, or unsure of what comes next?
Prayer:
Invite someone to close the group by praying that each person would experience the gentle and healing presence of Jesus in their own story. Ask for renewed hope, restored purpose, and the courage to trust that God is still writing something beautiful—even in the darkest chapters.
Resurrecting Hope
Live Together, Die Alone - June 1
Announcements:
Next we we’ll be wrapping up the Resurrecting Hope series. That will be the end of our discussion questions for the summer. There will be no questions for our Summer Sessions series.
Movie night, pot luck dinner, ice cream social, game night, Sunday brunch - We hope that, even if your group won’t be meeting regularly over the summer, you will find ways to stay connected this summer - and we’d love to see (and share) photos of your get togethers!
Summary:
In this message, we explored the deep and often hidden struggle of loneliness—how it impacts our mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and how Jesus responds to it. Looking at the story of the woman in Mark 5 who had been suffering and isolated for twelve years, we saw how Jesus didn’t just heal her physically, but also personally and relationally. He saw her, called her “Daughter,” and restored her to community. This message reminded us that Jesus heals what’s broken in us and restores what’s broken between us—and it challenged us to follow her example by taking the risk to be known and building intentional, grace-filled relationships with others.
Icebreaker:
What’s something you loved doing with others as a kid that you’d probably never do alone?
Discussion:
Eric shared that loneliness isn’t always about the absence of people, but about the absence of meaningful connection. When have you felt that kind of disconnection—even in the presence of others?
Read Mark 5:25-34. In the story of the bleeding woman, what stands out to you most about Jesus’ response to her? How do you think she felt when He called her “Daughter”?
Eric said, “Community doesn’t always come to you. But we can come to community anytime.” What are some simple ways you’ve found community in new or unfamiliar seasons?
What might it look like for you to “take the risk to be known” in this season of your life? Are there specific relationships or steps God might be nudging you toward?
Prayer:
Take a moment to thank Jesus for seeing you, knowing you, and calling you His. Ask Him for the courage to be vulnerable, the humility to receive help, and the intentionality to pursue meaningful connection with others. Invite His presence to bring healing to places of hidden loneliness in your life or in the lives of those in your group.
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!
