Vision Weekend ... where is Cypress heading...

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
Where there is no vision, the people perish… 

What is the power of vision…

Sometimes when we find ourselves (or a loved one) in the midst of pain and suffering (relational, physical, financial, spiritual, emotional, etc.), it’s often a vision of hope and healing that gets us through.

At times, when we (or organizations) fall into a rut, it’s a fresh, God-honoring vision that compels us to take a new look at “what is” vs. “what could be” leading us to take new territory in life.

This is vision weekend at Cypress. Our church leadership has been working hard behind the scenes to pray, discern together, and chart the course and clear direction we believe the Lord is leading us. I will be sharing our exciting future this weekend!

When we think of “visionary leaders” from our country’s past, one of their common traits was the ability to “see it” before others could. They had the ability to rally others to believe and live in such a way as to pursue (and eventually experience) a preferred future together…

August 28, 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King…judge not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character…

May 25, 1961 John F. Kennedy…declared we would put a man on the moon and return him safely to earth…when many laughed…

When I walk through the history of our church…Cypress Church, all of our past leaders shared a common trait as well. They believed their best days were still before them and not behind them. They believed the God-honoring vision of “something more” compelled them to live different and intentional lives.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Sharing and Believing the Dream Together,
Pastor Ken

 

Do You Want to Win?

In 1936, Dale Carnegie wrote a book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Carnegie’s book was one of the first best-selling self-help books, describing the thoughts and human behaviors that are attractive and influential with others. Carnegie’s premise: If one could understand and master certain thought processes and pattern their personal behavior, they would be on the road to personal greatness and increasing influence with others.

A couple thousand years before Dale Carnegie wrote his book, Jesus Christ taught His followers the best way to influence others and elevate their own status toward greatness in life. Christ’s teaching was (and is) incredibly simple, yet profoundly complex. Christ’s teaching does not require advanced education or super human eloquence in our speech; it doesn’t even require a new suit. What Jesus describes as a way to greatness does require a willing spirit and a teachable attitude.

As we wrap up our current series, Mosaic…finding your place in the big picture, we’ll be examining the essential key to personal greatness as revealed by Christ and making sure everyone has an opportunity to join the race of “Winning Friends and Influencing People”… Christ’s way.

See you soon,
Pastor Ken

Don't be just a "face in the crowd"

In February 1967, a band called “The Turtles” finally knocked the Beatles out of the number one slot on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrical content of the new #1 song implied a universal truth nearly all people could identify with. The title: “So Happy Together." I know some of you are humming the tune in your head right now and others are thinking about Binging or Googling a song you’ve never heard of.

“So Happy Together” is based on a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, however, the core universal and Biblical truth that resonates deep within is that God designed us to live life in relationship… together. Life just works better (and, yes, at times is more complicated) with others.

This weekend, we will be studying one of the most strategic shifts in the life and ministry of Jesus… looking at how serving and relationships merge as one. Serving in the church is one of the most effective ways to form meaningful relationships in life. No one wants to be just a “face in the crowd,” and by belonging to a team… investing to reach a goal… is a great way to become connected.

See you soon,

Pastor Ken

PS. There is still time to get in on SUMMER BASH…where Faith, Family, and Fun collide!  Wrist bands are available at the door,  Click here to get all the information- www.thecwcaltondarby.net/children

You and I could be next...

There are some Biblical Truths we must come to accept, while there are others that require “diving- in,” in order to discover for ourselves. Sometimes, there is just no substitute for a personal experience and encounter!

This weekend, I will be sharing the story of a woman who discovered her true passion and calling in life. Since her discovery, she and all the people she encounters have never been the same!

You and I could be next…

See you at service,
Pastor Ken
 

Are You Making a Difference?

I believe every person eventually asks themselves, “Does my life matter…am I making a difference?” Oftentimes, we may find ourselves wishing or daydreaming for success, but eventually we come to the conclusion that significance is truly what sustains and fuels our living. We learn to live in such a way where other lives are impacted in a tangible, significant, and eternal way.

There is an over-arching, all-encompassing picture of God at work through all of human history…through His church in every generation…through Cypress church…through our generation, through YOU! This weekend, we are going to be looking at and learning what it means to LIVE in such a way as to MAKE A DIFFERENCE by Finding Our Place in the Big Picture.

See you soon,
Pastor Ken