SEASONAL MINISTRIES
For at least the past 6 years, Cypress has been participating in the ministry entitled Operation Christmas Child. "This ministry brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. This program of Samaritan's Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas -- Jesus Christ." (excerpt from the Samaritan's Purse website)
2009 Brochures are now available at the Information Center desk in the main lobby. Boxes may be dropped off to the lobby as early as November 1. Deadline for drop off is November 15, with no exceptions. After that date, you will be responsible to find another drop-off location or will need to mail the boxes directly to the Samaritan's Purse warehouse in Boone, NC.
Cypress Giving Tree
The Giving Tree is a Christmas outreach we have been doing at Cypress since 2000. This outreach gives us an opportunity, as a church family, to embrace those who may not be in a good financial situation around the Christmas season. If you (or someone you know within or connected to our congregation) need(s) help, you may fill out and submit "The Giving Tree Application" for yourself or on behalf of someone else*. The deadline for the application FOR CHRISTMAS of 2009 is November 8. Applications received after this date cannot and will not be considered, as it requires this much time to process the requests. We require PERSONAL INTERVIEWS with each family to determine eligible applicants. Applicants will be contacted the week of November 9 (or earlier depending on when the application is received) to schedule the interview for November 12, 13, 17, or 18 during business hours. If the person/family qualifies to be helped by this ministry, we will then obtain a Christmas "wish list" for each member of the family and will post these items on tags which will hang from trees in the Cypress lobby. Other members of the congregation may take tags from the tree, purchase the item listed, wrap the gift and return it to be distributed to the appropriate family. Over the past 9 years we have helped over 350 individuals and have supplied over 7,000 gifts! What a blessing we receive when we freely give. Contact Laurie Hurd with any questions.
Who qualifies?
Those who (1) can provide evidence of financial hardship, (2) who have a connection with Cypress (attend or are related to or friends with someone who regularly attends) and (3) are approved through the personal interview process.
*Please note - according to our policy of assistance, we cannot help the same family for two consecutive years. Also, if you are filling out the application for someone else, you MUST give us YOUR contact information, or else we cannot process the application.
Deck the Halls @ Faith Mission (great family opportunity)
No matter if you are able to donate gifts or not, you are invited to share in the holiday spirit! Bring wrapping paper, tape, scissors, or just yourself to a gift wrapping party at Faith Mission in downtown Columbus on the 12th of December, 11am to 5pm. We will be decorating, gift wrapping, and creating handcrafted Christmas decorations. There will be something for all ages, so come as a family, a group, or as an individual to give the gift of hope! Contact Julian Simmons, (614) 224-6617, ext. 2171, or by email, jsimmons@lssco.org.