Cypress Groups
Group Norms
Be courageous.
Be compassionate.
Be connected.
Be a cog. (Not a hog nor a log)
The Arrival
Hope When It Seems Hopeless - Dec. 7
Summary:
In this first week of our Advent series The Arrival, we’re reminded that hope can feel hard to hold onto, especially when our prayers seem unanswered and our circumstances feel stuck. Proverbs 13:12 describes this ache as “hope deferred,” a condition many of us know all too well. But Advent invites us to see that God hasn’t left us without something to cling to—He’s given us true hope in Jesus. We explored three handles for hope: Hope has a name (Jesus, the One who saves us), hope has perfect timing (God works even in the long, silent seasons), and hope is coming back (Jesus will return to make all things new). Living between the “already and not yet,” we can choose to anchor our hope not in desired outcomes but in the God who knows us, loves us, and is faithful to finish what He started.
Icebreaker:
What’s one Christmas tradition you grew up with (or tried to start) that didn’t go quite the way you imagined?
Discussion:
In the message, Eric talked about how “hope deferred makes the heart sick.” What are some everyday situations where hope tends to fade more quickly than we realize?
Read Matthew 1:21: What stands out to you about the idea that hope has a name, and how does knowing Jesus as “the One who saves” shape the way you understand hope?
Which of the three handles—hope has a name, hope has perfect timing, hope is coming back—felt most relatable or helpful to you this week, and why?
Where in your life right now do you most need to shift your hope from a specific outcome to the person of Jesus?
What was one take away for you from the teaching?
Prayer:
Invite group members to reflect silently for a moment on the place where they need hope most right now. Then pray that each person would experience Jesus as their true hope—trusting His presence, His timing, and His promise to make all things new.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I’m In
I’m Invested - Nov. 30
Summary:
In this final message of our I’m In! series, we explored what it means to be invested in God’s mission. Jesus teaches that where we invest our treasure, our hearts follow—and that storing up for ourselves ultimately leads to scarcity, fear, and a life too small for what God designed us for. Through the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 and the feeding of the 5,000 in Luke 9, we saw the contrast between a mindset of storing and a mindset of pouring. God blesses us not so we can hold tighter, but so we can release what He’s given and partner with Him in making an eternal impact. As a church, we’ve seen this through our investments in Haiti, Kenya, next gen ministries, and community outreach. The invitation is simple: let God’s blessings flow through you—because generosity is where joy, freedom, and purpose are found.
Icebreaker:
What’s something small you’ve invested in recently (a gadget, hobby, upgrade, or experience) that brought you more joy or attention than you expected?
Discussion:
In the message, Eric talked about how “we tend to care about the things we’re invested in.” Where have you noticed that to be true in your own life—whether in relationships, interests, or everyday habits?
Luke 12:16-21: What stood out to you about the rich man’s mindset, and why do you think Jesus calls him a “fool”? How does this story challenge the way we think about saving, security, or abundance?
The feeding of the 5,000 shows the disciples focusing on what they didn’t have, while Jesus focused on what they did. Where do you most naturally slip into “scarcity mode,” and what helps you shift toward a mindset of abundance?
Eric said, “What you keep is all you have, but what you give, God multiplies.” What would it look like for you to “pour, not store” in this season—whether with your time, resources, relationships, or opportunities? What’s one step you sense God may be inviting you to take?
What was one take away for you from the teaching?
Prayer:
Take a few moments to invite God to reorient your heart toward His mission. Ask Him to replace any scarcity mindset with trust in His abundance, to help you see the opportunities around you, and to give you courage to pour out what He has placed in your hands for the sake of others.
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!
