Cypress Groups
Group Norms
Be courageous.
Be compassionate.
Be connected.
Be a cog. (Not a hog nor a log)
Back to the Mountain
Cheek to Cheek - May 17th
Summary:
In this message from Matthew 5:38–42, Jesus challenges our natural instinct toward retaliation by confronting the mindset of “I don’t get mad, I get even.” Through His teaching on turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and responding generously to those who oppose us, Jesus reveals a radically different way of life in His Kingdom. While the law of “eye for eye” limited revenge, Jesus calls His followers beyond revenge altogether, showing that “there’s often a right response that looks beyond our rights.” Rather than escalating conflict, followers of Jesus are invited to break the cycle of vengeance through love, restraint, generosity, and Spirit-empowered self-control. In doing so, we experience freedom from the need to retaliate and become a powerful witness to the transforming love of Jesus in the world around us.
Icebreaker:
What’s a harmless or funny prank someone has pulled on you — or that you’ve pulled on someone else?
Discussion:
In the message, Eric talked about how “even isn’t always even,” and how retaliation tends to escalate conflict. Why do you think it’s so natural for us to want to “get even” when we feel hurt, embarrassed, overlooked, or disrespected?
Read Matthew 5:38-42: Which of Jesus’ four examples stands out to you the most — turning the other cheek, giving up your coat, going the extra mile, or giving generously — and why do you think that one challenges you personally?
Can you think of someone in your life who consistently responds to difficult people with grace, patience, and self-control? What is it about their response that stands out or inspires you?
Is there a situation or relationship in your life right now where you feel tempted to retaliate, “get even,” or prove a point? What would it look like to choose “the Jesus response that looks beyond your rights” in that situation this week?
Prayer Time Guide:
Spend some time praying that God would help you become more like Jesus in the way you respond to difficult people and frustrating situations. Ask the Holy Spirit to free you from bitterness, retaliation, and the need to “get even,” and to cultivate the fruit of love, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control in your life.
MOTHER’S DAY
AN ENCOURAGING WORD - MAY 10TH
Summary:
This Mother’s Day, Cypress Elder Alyson Meier, spoke on the reality that many women (and really most of us) today are overwhelmed, exhausted, and carrying more than they were meant to carry alone. Drawing from personal stories, Scripture, and observations on where we are as a culture, Alyson reminds the church that Jesus offers peace, rest, strength, and community in the middle of life’s chaos.
Icebreaker::
What’s one thing in your life right now that feels the most “Maycember” — chaotic, busy, or overwhelming — and what’s one small thing that’s helping you survive it?
Discussion:
In Luke 10:38–42, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet while Martha was distracted with many responsibilities. Which sister do you relate to more in this season of life, and why?
When life gets overwhelming, where do you usually turn first before turning to Jesus?
In Numbers 27:1–7, the daughters of Zelophehad boldly brought their request before God through Moses. What stands out to you about their courage and faith? Is there something in your own life you need to bring honestly before God right now?
What makes true rest difficult for you right now — busyness, guilt, expectations, personality, or something else?
The Alyson described Sabbath as a gift rather than another obligation. What could intentional rest realistically look like for you in this season?
Have you ever experienced a time when community carried you through a difficult season? What did that look like?
The message talked about releasing what isn’t ours to hold. What is one burden, pressure, or area of control you may need to surrender to God?
What is one practical step you can take this week to spend more intentional time with Jesus, embrace rest, or lean into community?
What part of this message connected with you the most personally, and why?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for seeing us fully and loving us deeply in every season of life. Thank You that we do not have to carry everything on our own. When we are weary, remind us to come to Your feet first. Teach us to trust You, to receive the gift of rest, and to lean into the community You created for us. Help us release the burdens, fears, and pressures that were never ours to carry. Strengthen the women in our lives — the young woman searching for direction, the mothers in the trenches, the women carrying grief or loneliness, and the mature women pouring wisdom into others. Fill us with hope, peace, and endurance through Your Spirit. May we continue showing up faithfully where You have placed us, trusting that You are still working all things together for good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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!
