It's Redneck Christmas!

Here's some pics of our recent Christmas party! During the party we raised $142 for our friend Francis in Nakuru, Kenya toward his 2010 tuition for boarding school! Way to go guys and MERRY CHRISTMAS High Tide families!

Sweet Relationships Wrap Up

Hey families!

Last night we finished our series on Sweet Relationships with a talk about Sex and why students should choose purity now so they can experience the fullness of intimacy later.

Here's some of the things we covered...

1. Sex was created by God - when I was in youth group as a teenager we were taught that sex was bad and wrong and we should stay away from it. After we grew up a little bit and started experiencing relationships for ourselves half of us still though sex was bad and wrong and the other half wondered why our youth pastor had lied to us. Sex is biblical. Sex is good. Sex was created by God for a specific purpose - within the context of marriage. Why...

2. Sex is extraordinarily powerful - did you know that married people that have sex are much more satisfied in their sex life than singles that have sex? Sex is powerful. Sex can bring two people full circle in their love for one another and it can also destroy lives. If you don't believe that sex is extraordinarily powerful just ask someone who has been sexually abused...someone who has had sex with multiple partners...or someone who is madly in love and struggling to reign in their emotions and hormones to figure out how to wait until marriage. Sex is powerful and that can be a great thing if we wait to experience it in a marriage or it can be a really devastating thing if we try and take it out of the context that God intended for it.

3. Sex is more than physical. It just is. In fact, sexual sin is set apart from every kind of sin. Just look at 1 Corinthians 6 that says, "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself...it is said, "The two will become one flesh"...Flee from sexual immorality (or sex outside of God's design). All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body..." Wow, this passage is telling us that sexual sin is unlike any other sin because we're not just sinning against God. When we sin sexually we sin against ourselves! We take away the good things that God wants to give us through a committed marriage sex relationship and settle for something that doesn't even compare!

4. Sex was created to enhance oneness. Sex is the icing on the marriage cake. It is the one experience God created for you to experience with one other person so that you and your spouse can know each other more intimately than anyone else in this world. Sex cannot be experienced to its fullness until it is reserved to enhance the oneness of a committed marriage relationship.

So what does all this mean for you and your student? First, an ongoing conversation needs to be happening at home about sex and healthy relationships.

Second, pray. Pray for your student as they begin to sort out issues of sexuality and emotions and relationships. Pray that you'll have the confidence and courage it takes to have healthy conversations with them...even when its awkward.

Third, let us know how we can help. The next gen department at Cypress is committed to partnering with you as you mentor your student toward their greatest spiritual potential.

We're hear for you.

HT: Andy Stanley for the Sex Talk outline from BigStuf 2009

pic by Shanissinha

Sweet Relationships

Well, after week two of our Sweet Relationships series we have learned some very important things...

1. The majority of guys in our ministry don't want a serious relationship before college.

2. The majority of girls in our ministry do want a serious relationship before college.

Hmmmm, now everything's becomming clear to me:)

Anyway, this coming Sunday is the third installment of our Sweet Relationship series and we're going to be talking about sex. What's God's plan? Why wait? How what you choose to do now will impact the sex you share with your future spouse and more...

You're not going to want to miss it!!!

If you haven't yet, please fill out our completely anonymous survey to help us gague where we are as a group. Thanks!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=zqkPI6Ft3p4tWDOy5AZ4kg_3d_3d

Sweet Relationships

According to a recent survey 70% of students have had sex at least once by the time they turn 19.

In that same survey, when mothers were asked whether their child was sending emails or text messages of a sexual nature 4% said yes, 18% said its a possibility, and 78% was sure their teen had never done it. (45% of the teens participating in the study said they, in fact, are "sexting" which they believe is harmless.)

Can you handle one more?

77% of moms believe they are their child's primary source of sex ed while only 30% of teens said they get some information about sex from their parents.

Relationships are tricky for anyone, ESPECIALLY for students who find themselves navigating their way through junior high and high school. And based on the research, there's obviously a large disconnect between what parents believe about their child's knowledge of sex and relationships and what the students actually know. There's also substantial research that's telling us students have some very large misconceptions about dating and sex!

Over the next four weeks, High Tide will be taking a look at Dating, Sex, Relationships, Friendships, and Purity and what the Bible has to say about all of it.

If you're a student, you're not going to want to miss this very important series. If you're a parent, stay dialed in with your student over the next few weeks as there will be plenty of opportunities for you to take what we're learning on Sunday nights and continue the conversations at home.

We exist to partner with parents to mentor students toward a contagious devotion toward Jesus Christ, NOT to BE the parent. We trust that you'll use this series as an aid to begin or continue a meaningful dialogue with your students about these incredibly important topics!

For questions, concerns, or more information PLEASE email me at hightide@cypressmeadows.org.

Student Service Opportunities

1. Alana is looking for face painters, balloon makers, and cheerful people to man our booth at Harbor Sounds in downtown Safety Harbor this weekend! That means you! Email me at hightide@cypressmeadows.org if you're interested in signing up for a slot with some of your friends!

2. Chuck is looking for some students interested in providing childcare for the Barnes & Miner comedy night Saturday, October 10th from 6:30-9:30. Please email me at hightide@cypressmeadows.org to let us know you'll be there! Thanks!!

3. Coastal clean-up is just around the corner on Saturday, October 17th from 8-12. This is an AWESOME opportunity to blow the city of Safety Harbor away with our student participation. Last year the MAYOR was so thrilled to see everyone participating he gave us a booth at the Wine Fest to sell T-Shirts for Haiti!?!? Remember that? Serving would entail picking up trash and straightening up things around our city's coast line. Please email me if you'd like to take part in this event at hightide@cypressmeadows.org!

You are the church - there is no plan "b"!
Serve like you mean it!

You're Invited!

Ever wondered if marriage could last forever? Listen, I've been divorced before so I know the deck seems stacked against us but don't give in just yet!

Over the next four weeks at Cypress we're going to be asking the question, "Can couples fall in love and stay in love forever?"

Join us as we kick things off on Friday, October 10th with the hilarious comedy of Barnes & Miner - husband and wife comedy duo! Tickets are available for $10 at www.cypressmeadows.org and childcare will be provided!

WARNING - BIG WEEKEND AHEAD

Hey all!!!

We're gearing up for a big weekend around High Tide this weekend and you're not going to want to miss any of it!

First, this Wednesday night is worship at Cypress Meadows. Come join your peers in an extended time of music, communion, and God's Word!

Second, if you're on the Student Action Team you need to be at Studio 4:12 THIS Saturday from 1-4 pm and if you haven't done your Strengths Inventory but would like to you need to overnight your book from http://www.amazon.com/Living-Your-Strengths-God-Given-Community/dp/1595620028/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253647554&sr=8-1!

Third, this weekend is HARBOR SOUNDS. This is a Safety Harbor street festival where we'll have a booth down by the Marina for face painting, balloon making, and passing out invites to the current Cypress series! If you would like to volunteer in the booth please call Alana at 727-725-4570!!

Lastly, AND MOST IMPORTANT, this Sunday night from 6:30-8 is our Fall Open House Party called "Above Ground Pool Party" and just like the name suggest we'll be doing all kinds of very cool things that you'd usually find in a pool - except we don't have a pool. This is YOUR time to invite YOUR friends so they can experience the fun and community YOU experience in High Tide on a regular basis!! Get out there and INVITE, INVITE, INVITE!!

Parents @ Cypress

When it comes to influencing children and students there's no question who has the greatest opportunity. Hands down, every time, its the family.

On average, a church has about 40 hours in one year to influence a life.

Families on the other hand have about 3,000 hours to influence that same person.

Based on this finding Reggie Joiner and the ReThink group are doing some great work in transforming the way that church and family partner to make the biggest impact on the next generation.

Here are some of their thoughts from the book "Think Orange" from chapter two: The Family...

Most parents can't give their children a lavish inheritance, but every parent will leave a personal legacy.

However, with the excess that surrounds most Americans, a lot of families get sidetracked from what really matters. We become so preoccupied with giving kids an inheritance that we forget the significance of leaving a legacy.

Even though most parents genuinely believe their jobs aren't to make their children happy, they often get worn down and give in. In my pursuit of what I thought would make my kids happy, I threatened what makes them come alive.

(When this happens) families run the risk of becoming relationally poor in their pursuit of becoming experimentally rich.

We need to stay focused on what's important, what will last so I sat down and made a list of the things I wanted to remember so I could stay focused.

• What matters more than anything is that my kids have an authentic relationship with God.

• All my children need to know I will never stop pursuing them or fighting for a right relationship with them.


• My personal relationship with God and with my wife affects them more than I realize.


• Just being together can never substitute for interacting together in a healthy way.


• A mother and father are not the only adult influences my children need.

After I wrote these phrases and reread them, I realized a common thread ties them together: They are connected by the value of relationships. They are matters of the heart.

The family's role is to love and demonstrate God's character through an unconditional relationship.

But there's something that bothers me...A lot of Christian parenting books I have read start with the premise that there is an ideal mom or dad. These superparents conduct morning devotions, pray together every night, play contemporary Christian music, put framed verses on their walls, stay neatly within their biblical roles as husband and wife, vote conservatively, and attend church every week, where they give ten percent of their income.

I am not dismissing religious parents...but I just can't find any paragons of parenting in Scripture...

My point is this: Parenting is hard. Families are messy. There are no clear biblical examples. Anyone who claims they have discovered the secret to effective parenting is probably covering something up, just had a baby, or recently graduated from Bible college with a degree in youth ministry.

The New Testament suggests that every husband, wife, and child has a unique role in portraying God's love to each other. The family exists, even in its imperfection, to display the heart of God to every generation.

Check back tomorrow for the top 5 family values we must keep in focus as we influence the next generation together.

9.13.2009 Announcements

Battlefield

Yesterday was a big day in Cypress Student Ministries. It was the last Sunday of summer. The last Sunday before school starts. The last Sunday our students didn't have to worry about rushing home to finish up all the homework they forgot to do the entire weekend.

It was also a very bittersweet Sunday for a couple of our students that will be leaving for college this week.

So, naturally we focused in on this very big time of change during our programming yesterday. Here's what I learned...

An surprisingly large number of our students confessed that school feels more like a "battlefield" than a positive environment. The majority of students I surveyed said they're not really excited about school to start so much as they are bracing for the unwelcome blow that would surely come. If not this week, shortly thereafter.

I was shocked. I know that there is a small percentage of students that find themselves on the bottom of the social pyramid who are subjected to bullying and unfair treatment in school but most of our kids?

The athletic kids?

The popular kids?

The smart kids?

The outgoing kids?

Student after student I spoke with said, "yes". And the minefield looks different to each of them. For some it is bullying but for others it might be gossip, judgment, pressure to perform, pettiness, staring, hating what you see in the mirror, competition, or speech class or 101 other things.

My heart broke for these students. Your students. My students.

So the challenge was this: instead of walking down the halls or campuses of your schools paralysed by the mines that lay in your path, look up. Look around you. Look up out of your pain and look into the eyes of another's. And ask yourself this question: is it possible to form an alliance with the students God has placed in my path so that we can fight this battle together, on the same side? Is it possible that instead of seeing school as a battlefield God is asking me to see it as an opportunity to allow the light of his unconditional love to shine through me to make this school a brighter place?

And remember the promises in Matthew 5 for those of you that take God up on this challenge...

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Sunday Night Rewind

Thanks for coming out on Sunday night and inviting your friends. If you were there then you know we had a BLAST. Beginning with the hilarious youtube footage that The Chuckah brought to our attention (that's why you gotta get there early), to The Chuckah scoring a goal by actually falling into the goal, to The Chuckah sharing a heartfelt story and impassioned plea to all of us to continually seek out the God that creates beauty from very ugly situations like the front side of a tapestry.

If you weren't there you're not going to want to miss out any longer because we're gearing up for an awesome year as school starts back up. We've launched our new Student Action Team that will begin meeting this Sunday to think up some awesome ministry plans for this year AND we're planning a trip to Kenya, Africa. Can it get any more exciting than that??

Remember: bring your cash next week because we'll be launching the sale of small sugary items to snack on during youth group PLUS the soda cooler will be full!

Team Building 8.15.2009

Last Saturday morning a group of High Tiders took a trip out to Trinity to a ropes course there to work on team building but ended up with so much more;) We had an AWESOME facilitator and I was super proud of everyone that participated...see the pics below...

What is IT?

Over the last few weeks our Senior Pastor Douglas Poole has been bombarding us with emails, mailings, and posters all over campus with the word "IT" all over the place.

But what is the "IT" he's so excited about?

Why is "IT" the only thing he can seem to talk about these days?

Because, we believe, the only way we can be a church that reaches our community with the love of Christ and raise up fully devoted followers within our walls is to be full of "IT"! Whatever that quality is that excites people about the things of God. Whatever that thing is that makes people hungry to know more about living a life of purpose and vision!

So, we're going to attempt together to understand what its going to take to get "IT" together as a community!

This includes YOU, the parents and students of our church!

On Sunday, August 16th we're going to be launching the Sunday morning series called "IT".

On Sunday, August 23rd and 30th there will be an opportunity to sit back over a cup of coffee with Pastor Poole and chat about how Cypress will be pursuing IT for the next 18 months.

Please make every effort to attend one of these vision-sharing gatherings!! Students - I will be looking for you to lead the church in this movement. I am excited to see all of you sitting up front ready to get engaged in leading the adults toward "IT"!

Make the 23rd or 30th on your calendar today!

Springs of Hope Kenya Trip 2010!!!!

I'm as excited as I've ever been to write this post to the families at CMCC...

Over the last few years we have supported the construction of an orphanage in Nakuru, Kenya under the leadership of Molly and Joseph Bail (two Meadowers that moved to Kenya last year with their son and our friend Elijah).

The good news is the orphanage is completed and the furniture is now being installed!! Soon Springs of Hope will be just that...flowing with hope for children who have been orphaned by AIDS. Springs of Hope will be full of life and fun and children who now have a home with Molly and Joseph!

The great news? Cypress Meadows Student Ministry will be partnering with Paul and Jen Steinbrueck to provide an opportunity for students and their families to see, experience and do ministry first hand in Nakuru next summer!

If you're at all interested in getting more information on the work that is done at Springs of Hope and what it will take to send your student, yourself, or both to Kenya next summer you need to be at a Springs of Hope Kenya Q & A opportunity THIS Friday from 6:30-7:30 in Studio 4:12.

Attending the meeting DOES NOT obligate you to travel with us next summer. It is simply an opportunity for you to see what the trip is about and get your questions answered!

For more information about the meeting or Springs of Hope email me at hightide@cypressmeadows.org!

See you Friday!

BigStuf

Last week 10 HT students spent the week at a student leadership conference called BigStuf and God did some big stuff in us!

We were privileged to hear some fantastic speakers like Perry Noble, Andy Stanley, and Steve Furtick who challenged our faith in ways some of us had never considered. All three speakers raised the bar of commitment in our lives and presented Biblical truths in a way that inspired each and every one of us to give even more of ourselves to the cause of Christ.

Each morning and evening we were also incredibly blessed to be led in worship by the Steve Fee Band and Chrystina Fincher, two of the best worship leaders (beside Chris Cox of course) I've ever seen!

Besides the awesome line up at the conference its always good to get away and connect with one another in ways that it is impossible to do in the midst of our day to day reality.

Thanks parents and guardians for allowing your student to attend! I think (if they've not already shared with you about it) they all have stories of how God has impacted their lives through BigStuf and will continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead of them!

Remember Francis?

Remember Francis? Last Christmas you guys heard his story and responded by raising over $200 to get him out of his home and into a boarding school. Below is part of his story in case you've forgotten.

"His mother died sometime ago and his father remarried a woman with two children. His step-mother despises him and his alcoholic father violently abuses him when he drinks...which is most days. Francis showed me the scars where his father has bitten off his flesh...one wound is still open. He let me see a scar on his left leg where his dad swung a machete at him. He told me how his father recently taped his legs together and hoisted him in the air and before his dad could build a fire under him, neighbors intervened. Many days his family refuses to give him food and many nights they refuse to let him in the house so he huddles down in the bushes or garden to sleep. He told me how his father denies this bright young man the money to attend school. I could go on, but by now you more than get the circumstances of his life.Frances then went on to tell me how good God is to him. How God spared his life by sending the neighbors to his rescue..."

Well thanks to the tremendous outpouring of support from YOU, our boy Francis has begun school and is doing exceptionally well!! Here's the latest update from our friend Molly at Springs of Hope orphanage who was just with him to celebrate "Family Day".

"I wanted to share this photo of Francis at school. He is doing so well and really excited about school and his grades are getting better and better. He is so thankful for the opportunity and every time he sees us he just tells us of his plans of studying so hard and seeing how he can improve! The teachers really like him. Thanks so much!"

There are a couple of folks traveling to Kenya this next week and have volunteered to take items from YOU to Francis. If you're interested in encouraging our young Kenya friend please bring the following on Sunday morning to Paul and Jen's** table outside of service OR Sunday night where we'll be filling our cell phone bucket for Francis...

• Letters of encouragement from you to Francis


• Pictures of you and your friends labeled with your names so he can see the faces of the students that are praying for and supporting him


• Smaller, flat items like a calculator, bookmarks etc that he might like to see and/or could use at school

Thanks for making a difference in this young man's life!

**if you leave things for Francis with Paul and Jen on Sunday morning MARK THE ITEMS CLEARLY WITH FRANCIS' NAME and let Paul and Jen know it is for Francis specifically!

MY DAD ROCKS

Want to honor Dad this Father’s Day?

We’d like to know what makes your dad stand out from the rest.... What is it about him that makes you say, “My Dad Rocks!”?You can submit your answer to our My Dad Rocks competition and be entered to win your choice of 3 really cool gifts for your dad!

A Webber grill, a Rays' game or a Bonefish gift card!

THE CONTEST: To enter, contestants will finish the sentence “My dad rocks because…” You can submit your nominations via:

Facebook (go to “cypress meadows” and in “what’s on your mind” type “my dadrocks” and upload your video submission)

Twitter (send a direct message to “cypressmeadows”)

Email (email your submission to mailto:tomydadrocks@cypressmeadows.org

Youtube (email your youtube link to mailto:tomydadrocks@cypressmeadows.org

Text message (text to 727-748-2999)

"Snail Mail" (mail to: 2180 N. McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL 33759)

For all of the submission options make sure that the subject line clearly includes “My Dad Rocks” in order for your submission to be entered. Contestants need to limit their submissions to 200 words or less or 2 minutes or less (if video is involved). All entries must be received no later than midnight, Thursday, June 18th.

THE PRIZES: We will choose the most creative entry that also contains the best content about dear old dad and that dear old dad will win his choice of either a Weber grill, two tickets & refreshment money for a Rays game, OR a Bonefish Grill gift card.The winner will be announced on Sunday morning the 21st.

You must be present to win!

Please note that by entering a submission, you give Cypress Meadows permission to use your entry as a part of our services on Father’s Day, June 21, 2009.

The winner will be chosen by the Cypress Programming Team who reserve the right to change the rules to this game at any time without notice or apologies.

Good Luck!!

Big Weekend

We're heading into a big weekend and there are some things you need to know...

1. Meet at the Safety Harbor Rec Center Friday at 5 pm with $10 if you signed up to play Dodge ball...meet at 6 with $4 if you just want to watch our teams dominate!


2. We WILL have High Tide this Sunday night...don't miss it...you never know what Jon has planned!


3. If you're a senior and I have not received your picture and college info get it to me ASAP at hightide@cypressmeadows.org


4. If you want to serve at the Street Ministry on May 30th sign up during High Tide on Sunday night!

Have a great week and remember....SCHOOL IS ALMOST OUT!!!!