ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 9, 2026 I can still remember my grandmother giving me a quarter before leaving my grandparents’ home on the way to church one summer. It was for the offering, but there was something new. I had been given money in the past to put in the offering tray, but this time, my grandmother knew I had some money with me. And her expectation this time
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 8, 2026 Guest Writers: Phil and Pattie Chapman Writing about Cypress Creek An Oasis in the Desert Isaiah 35:6-7: “For waters shall gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water.” These verses speak of God’s promise of restoration, renewal, and joyful healing. They also remind us that even in
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 7, 2026 In Sunday’s sermon, I spoke of drinking from the waters of inclusion. As we become a more fractured society, where more and more people are driven into silos that become echo chambers of a single idea, there is an opportunity for those who follow Jesus to offer a very different way of thinking. Interestingly, Jesus welcomed just about everyone, yet he did seem
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 6, 2026 Guest Writer: Rev. Graham Watson The NIrV translation of Psalm 1 begins with: “Blessed is the person who obeys the law of the Lord. They don’t follow the advice of evil people. They don’t make a habit of doing what sinners do.” Like a mountain stream, working on the staff of Cypress Creek Christian Church is a life-giving environment that naturally inspires reflection
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 5, 2026 From the handout in worship yesterday… Take a moment and think of someone who does not feel included. Speak that person’s name or situation out loud. Reflect on the circumstances that created a mindset where people saw insiders and outsiders. Name your own fears or insecurities that could easily encourage an atmosphere of insiders and outsiders. Offer this prayer… Prayer: Holy God who
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 4, 2026 It will all come together at a meal later this morning as we celebrate World Communion Sunday. Soon, churches all over the globe will focus attention on a table found in the center of their worship space. It usually isn’t an extravagant table, though it will hold elements filled copiously with meaning. We will speak of God’s grace revealed in those simple elements,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 3, 2026 As I mentioned in last Sunday’s sermon, the church has enjoyed a strange relationship with gatekeepers—those who understand their task as vigilantly guarding the entrance into the Body of Christ. And though many churches may wave banners of welcome, giving the impression that all will find a place at the table, the gatekeepers limit access until one has proven him/herself worthy. The ancient
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 2, 2026 We are a few weeks into the college football season, and I wonder how many teams heard a speech from a coach in the weeks before the season started that begin with something like, “Guys, this season is going to be our season.” Sadly, for many who heard the speech, so far the season has not been their season. There was great hope,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 1, 2026 Guest Writer: Karla Bryant, Church Member After I first read Psalm 1:3, I was struck by the image of a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season and never withering. I realized that my spiritual life had been more like a potted plant—limited in growth, easily moved, and dependent on occasional watering. I longed to be rooted deeply in
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS September 30, 2026 On Sunday, I discussed how I believe many Christians, instead of finding themselves near the streams of water mentioned in Psalm 1:3, end up far from the Source due to a Christianity that aims to keep people uneasy, fearful, and guilt-ridden. This Christianity understands the power of spiritual apprehension to keep people who thirst for God’s grace and mercy distracted as an image