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Want to know what members like most about Cypress Creek? Read the heartfelt responses from members (long-term and new), to the question "What do you like most about Cypress Creek?"
 As we have learned since joining CCCC about a year ago, many couples here have shared a faith journey similar to ours: One spouse grew up Baptist, while the other was raised Catholic, or something along those lines. And, despite their efforts over the years, they have been unable to connect fully with a church in either denomination and so have searched within other faith communities for a permanent church home in which to flourish.
There's just a warm feeling of connection and acceptance here that we just had never experienced before. A great big bear hug from the senior pastor right from the beginning? Unheard of! Sunday school ministers that truly want to get to know you and your family? Warm and welcoming volunteer ministers that return phone calls or emails? Wow! This church family truly lives the idea of sharing God's unconditional love through Jesus Christ.
With four young daughters to raise and wanting them to experience this unconditional love in a faith community, we were committed to finding the right church. We've found our church home at Cypress Creek.
-Maury and Karen It is a big church with a little church feel. I go to the early service, which has a small intimate feel to it and I love that. But because Cypress Creek CC is a large church, I also reap the benefits of a large church…a dedicated and varied outreach program; many Sunday School Classes that really delve into what it means to be a Christian; a fine-tuned traditional choir, and for the contemporary person, a wonderful worship team with great talent. I love my church, the people, the opportunities it gives to me to practice my faith, to deepen my spiritual quest and to support me in my journey home.
-Priscilla
I could easily divide my life into two parts. Life before Cypress Creek Christian Church and life since joining. Before joining I was happy but I was caught up in the usual trappings of being a young suburban professional. I was a fairly typical new member back in 1985. I didn't participate in anything outside of service on Sundays. Even then, I typically sat in the balcony and didn't socialize much with other members. I loved Glenn's sermons, but was shy and unsure of myself.
Then sometime in the early 90's I was asked to be a Deacon and after careful thought, accepted. Since becoming involved as a Deacon and then Treasurer and then Elder (twice), and having two children grow up in the church and becoming involved with the youth group and many other activities, my life has changed for the better.
It's hard to put into words how profoundly better my life is now because of my involvement with Cypress Creek Church and it's wonderful people. I've gone from happy to joyous. Cypress Creek makes you feel welcome and loved and never judged. This is a great opportunity for me to thank all of you who have enriched my life just by being you. Many of you have been role models in my growth as a Christian and I look forward to many more years of experiencing the unconditional love of God through you.
So I would say to anyone reading this to join if you're not a member, but more importantly, become involved and then enjoy the many fruits that will bring, in so many ways.
-Peace, John
Olivia and I were talking the other night about church because we are thinking of eventually moving to our lake home. This relocation would prevent us from regularly going to Sunday service at Cypress Creek. We've been checking out some of the local churches up there and comparing the differences. One big difference that hits you slap in the face about CCCC is our "Open Theology." You don't find that in very many places. Yeah, it's true that our openness leads to some fairly interesting exchanges between us at times; it can create some pouting; sometimes it is a bit "click-ish;" and occasionally can mean some hurt feelings. It is sort of like living in a large family. But you get over the bad part. You consider what the others say. And when you think about it and consider the thoughts of others, you discover that God and the Spirit may be bigger than what you originally thought. Through this Open Theology, your personal conception of the immensity of God grows, and the mystery of that revelation allows you to grow also.
Glenn has often said that: "If you get a calling to form a ministry - go with it! If CCCC doesn't have what you have in mind, bring it to me or Franklin. We'll help you get your ministry started." I never fully understood what he was talking about or the liberating power of that statement until we started looking at other churches. Most churches are simply not that open about their beliefs or their ministries. We have many unique ministries at CCCC - art, prayer blankets, small singing groups, singles, Boys and Girls Country, NAM, etc. There are many ways to unfold the immensity and glory of God.
I don't know how we will ever be able to relocate from here. -Mark We have been members of Cypress Creek Christian Church for about 15 years. The Family that we gained while serving and being blessed has been more wonderful than I can put into words. Through personal family hardships and loss, through joy and sorrow, we have been lifted up and loved back to peace and joy.
We are so fortunate to be involved in the Contemporary Worship Service at Cypress Creek. It has given us a place to participate, together, to give of our talents and to be part of the fabulous growth in an atmosphere of support and love. -Barbara and John
I joined Cypress Creek Christian Church in January, 1980 after moving here from Denver. We started attending another local church but weren't happy with their children's Sunday School program. But my wife, Pam, was on a tennis team with several neighborhood ladies who attended Cypress Creek and they recommended we give them a shot. So, we attended, and the first week our 8 year old, Amy, came home and when we asked about Sunday School, she said they told the story of Stephen and "witnessing". When we asked our 5 year old, Michael, he said they talked about Daniel and the lion's den and "faith". This was the emphasis on Bible stories we were looking for our kids. We joined two weeks later. Last year, when I lost Pam to a stroke, my Cypress Creek friends and staff rallied around me and helped me through my grief journey. Not just the "official" visits and counseling from Glenn, but all my friends and fellow staff members with their quiet words in the foyer between services, or a lunch or breakfast at Victor's or a personal note. They helped make my own road to recovery and acceptance over my tragic loss possible. Cypress Creek Christian Church is a great place to be, to grow spiritually, and to be loved and at peace. -Tom
What I like most about Cypress Creek Christian Church is the unconditional love of our members and staff, always very accepting of all God's children. Also, Cypress Creek encourages all who have a passion and ministry to share and get others involved. Cypress Creek is very much the hands and feet of Christ. So many of our members are taking care of the needy through Meals-on-Wheels, Northwest Assistance Ministries, IHN, Boys and Girls Country, Bridges, Youth Reach, Youth Development Center, Habitat, Interfaith Coilation, Cypress Assistance Ministries and many others, locally and worldwide.
-Shirley
Authenticity is one of the reasons I like worshiping at CCCC. The people are real. If you have ever read "The Velveteen Rabbit" you will know what I mean. There is no need to pretend to be someone you are not! Be yourself and be prepared, to be loved and accepted unconditionally!
-Peggy
Unchurched. That's the term Glenn Wilkerson uses. At least 50-60% of the neighboring community around CCCC is unchurched. I was one of those staggering statistics until 2003. The majority of my adult life I struggled with my Christianity. I knew I believed in Jesus Christ, but I couldn't get past that point. I was confused. I rarely attended church. When I did I was only going through the motions and feeling fairly miserable. I didn't like attending, no matter what church I sought out, and felt resentful knowing I could be having a lazy Sunday morning at home.
Then the world opened for me. A casual conversation with a friend strong in his faith revealed to me what had been there all along, my love for Christ. But that wasn't enough. If I didn't act on finding the right place, I feel that conviction would have been lost. That weekend, I attended the Contemporary Worship Service at Cypress Creek Christian Church because of friends who were already members, and I have been hooked ever since. The music of Stone Soup sang to my soul and has held me ever since.
Within a few months I became a member and eventually was baptized. I adore my family at CCCC and can't imagine my life without them. I know because of this precious church I will never be unchurched again. More than that, I know I have an eternal home with our Lord and Savior.
-Trish
When I moved to the Spring area and started attending different churches, I found myself repeatedly coming back to Cypress Creek. My first impression was admiration for the many ways this group reached out to those both inside and outside the church. I chose to become a part of this dynamic group of people who come together to be filled spiritually, and then carry the message of the Christ out into a hurting world.
I, too, have been cared for and blessed along the way on my journey with the people of CCCC.
On January 20, 1961, President John F. Kennedy ended his inaugural address with this message, "asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth, God's work must truly be our own." Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
In my years at CCCC, my first impression is still my lasting impression.
-Esther
When we lost our daughter on March 21, 2004 due to a tragic car accident, the immediate response from CCCC friends was unbelievable. People that we knew and people that we did not know came and shared their love and caring, and that was just incredible. I was amazed to find out the number of people that had lost children in our church and they understood just exactly we were going through. We literally had hundreds of people come into our home that terrible week.
I do not know others who have to experience this pain can survive without a loving church family. We are truely blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives and they really are the hands and the feet of Christ.
-Mike and Melinda
There are so many things that I love best. The unconditional love that is freely shown at every service. No matter where you grew up, no matter how many mistakes you've made or how unworthy you feel, the unconditional love of God is continuously reassured through the worship leaders. I love the encouragement to be a part of anything if you choose. "Come on and join in." I needed that friendly encouragement to open up and become a part of the group. The open "Come as you are" attitude that the overall congregation possesses because it's a reflection of the church leaders. We come to worship our God, not give a fashion show. -Carol I was invited to a wedding at Cypress Creek 7 years ago. After the wedding, one of the members of the Contemporary Worship band invited me to church. The next day, I got up and went, and I have never stopped!
During the years I've been through the upheaval of divorce, and two stage- four cancers. My spritual family at Cypress Creek Christian Church, practicing the unconditional love of God revealed through Jesus the Christ, carried me with prayer,and positive power until I was well.
Life can get crazy.......having a spiritual family helps!
-Faith, Hope, and Love -Phillip
I first visited Cypress Creek Christian Church about a year ago. I felt welcome from the first Sunday. I then attended a 3-session class on the beliefs, history and operation of the Church. Two months later, I joined and I have found a wonderful Church home. I would encourage any person, family or friend to join in and benefit from the loving, learning environment of Cypress Creek Christian Church.
Hope to meet you soon!
-Pam |
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6823 Cypresswood Drive Spring, TX 77379 | 281-376-7113
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