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!!!!

Parent Opportunity

Here at Cypress Meadows we believe that small groups are a key in living a fruitful and healthy life in community. We've been encouraging the adults in our church to get involved in a group over the last couple of months and have seen our small group ministry double in size!

This is where you come in...last night during High Tide a new small group met for the very first time and you're invited to join them!

Sunday nights, from 6:30-8, there is now a small group of parents of High Tide students meeting in the auditorium while High Tide Student Ministry is taking place in Studio 4:12. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents, grow spiritually, and support one another in the unique stage of life you're in with your students right now.

Need more information? Contact Chuck at cdeitch@cypressmeadows.org!

Are you ready for some DODGE ball?

We're forming teams to participate in a dodgeball tournament on Friday, May 22nd from 5pm-10pm. If you're interested please email Jan at hightide@cypressmeadows.org!

Cost is $10 to play or $4 to come and watch.

We WILL accept audition videos via You Tube, team name submissions via my email address, and T-Shirt designs!

Camping

Hey all!! Its that time...time for our trek into panther filled forests and alligator filled swamps...its time for the annual camping trip!

If you're going here's what you need to know:

-Bring a tent, change of clothes, toiletries, pillow, Bible (if you've got one), sleeping bag/blanket, bug spray, shoes that you can run in, sunscreen, etc.

-Cost is $10 due before we leave on Friday AND EXTRA money for a fast food meal on the way to the campground

-Meet at the church at 4:45 this Friday

-We will return by 12:00 noon on Sunday

-Do not bring alcohol, drugs, fireworks, dynamite, offensive music, bad attitudes, or any kind of fear of bugs or bumps in the night...no seriously, caught with any of the first four and you'll be sent home...deal? Deal.

Lastly, we WILL have student ministry on Sunday night but you'll have time to head home catch a quick nap and shower and get back to Studio 4:12.

Can't wait!

Feed Yourself

Over the last few weeks we've been spending some time talking about some pretty heavy things like truth and honesty, dating violence, and getting real with each other so we can experience real community.

God is very clear in his word that we need to be making daily strides in our personal relationship with Him if we're ever going to be able to face these kinds of things (not to mention the things you face in your own relationships and responsibilities) with the courage and determination that is available to those of us who call ourselves Christ-followers.

This is why studying God's word, the Bible, is so important and critical to our spiritual growth. You go to practice if you're in a band to get better, you get out on the soccer field days at a time to prepare for a game, if you're in drama you run your lines until you're saying them in your sleep so you're ready for the opening night...why do we treat our relationship with Jesus any differently?

The Bible says, in Ephesians 6:13-18,

"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."

According to that verse we need to exercise our spiritual muscles so that we're ready for whatever the evil one throws our way.

A great way to start is by participating in the Wednesday night Bible study for students in the 7th grade on up. We're studying the life of David right now in the book of 2 Samuel in the Old Testament and its a great way to get your feet wet with studying God's Word! Not only does it help establish the basics like finding scripture in the Bible and familiarizing yourself with stories of God's people but it can save you years of stupid tax if you'll learn from the mistakes and struggles of the men and women in the Bible:)

Join us Wednesday from 6-7 pm in the Studio 4:12 conference room!!