SEASONAL MINISTRIES
For at least the past 7 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)
Thanks to everyone who filled boxes this year. 2010 brochures will be available in the main lobby during the month of October.
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*. (Paper copies and the online application will be available/accessible October 1, 2010.)The deadline for the application FOR CHRISTMAS of 2010 is midnight on Sunday, November 7. We require PERSONAL INTERVIEWS with each family to determine eligible applicants. Applicants will be contacted as paperwork is received and interview appointments set for early-mid November 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 400 individuals and have supplied over 7,500 gifts! What a blessing we receive when we freely give. Contact Laurie Hurd with any questions.
Who qualifies?
Those who meet all of the following criteria: (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 (2010 date is yet to be determined). 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.