Weekly Bible Study

Although our studies have endured a few changes, our weekly gatherings are still going strong. They now consist primarily of students, as the adults go to a different summer study. We have amazing volunteers who teach the study every week. They make the lessons so interesting and applicable. The students are learning and growing in their faith on a daily basis, and it is such a blessing to see their transformations.

4th of July

As the summer flies by, we are blessed to stop and honor our country on the 4th of July. We continued our tradition of a Cypress St. barbecue and fireworks outing. The community gathered together for a meal then loaded into the shuttle for a trip to the local park. There, we watched fireworks together, some for the very first time! It was a great day and night of fellowship and honoring our country as a community.

Summer Reading Club

One of our main goals is to instill a value of education in our students. Because our after-school program was such a success, we decided to continue on into the summer. We facilitated a summer reading club which consists of partnering with the public library to give the kids an opportunity to check out books and improve their reading skills. We have amazing volunteers that are teachers, who thought up curriculum and work one on one with our students on a weekly basis. Our first day, we had 46 kids participate. We were floored. Even our high school students wanted in! Our students are excited about learning and truly value their education and the opportunities available to them. Please pray for this program as it expands and continues on into the school year.

June '09 Events

Cypress Graduates- Three of our students graduated from high school. We were so proud as the walked down the aisle in cap and gown. Congrats Grads!

Cypress St. Graduation Party- After the graduations were over, we threw the graduates a community wide graduation celebration. It was important for us to let them know how proud the community is of them, so a major bash was in store!

Calicinto Ranch Day Trip- Our students worked so hard over the course of the year in our after-school program, that we thought a congratulatory trip was appropriate. We took our students to Calicinto Ranch for a day of fun with horses, hay rides and bow and arrows. What a day to remember!

Party @ Pedro's- Lot318 partnered with Yorba Linda Friends Church on their annual water ski trip to have new, fun experiences and deepen their relationship with the Lord. Two incoming freshmen from Cypress St. attended the trip and truly felt God move. Our goal is to partner with YLFC every year to encourage and empower the students in the community.

Beach Camping- this year's annual beach camping trip was amazing. Students from Cypress St, alumni, adult volunteers and current high school students attended and engaged in a week of bonding, fun and beautiful beaches in Santa Barbara.

Movie Night- For our second movie night of the summer, we watched the family film, Toy Story. A lot of people from the community, outside of Cypress St., attended. It was a great night of fellowship and community.

Cypress Field Trip

We are so blessed with many life experiences and opportunities, that it is a blessing for us to share them with the Cypress St. community. I (Savana) sing in a band and put on a show for friends and family at Citrus College. My music director really believes in and supports this ministry and gave us and our students free admission to the concert. We decided to use this concert as a tool to bless the students and give them a break from their usual evening activities, as well as a reward for working so hard at our after school homework club. We picked them up in the shuttle and did not tell them our destination until they got there. Boy were they surprised! They had no idea I was in a rock band and felt so cool and privileged to be a part of the scene. The students were on their best behavior and so supportive of me and my music. We danced, sang, and cheered together all night. When the show was done we took them to get ice cream and just celebrate our evening together. I was so blessed by their presence and support. It was cool for my friends and band mates to share in this passion of mine and to get a glimpse of what I do with most of my time. It truly was an unforgettable night for all involved. Pictures soon to come!!!

5k for Freedom!

Two weeks ago YLFC put on a grand 5k run, benefitting the Dalit women of India. Letty and I had the privilege of running (well...if you can call it that) and participating in the event. Our students from Cypress St. sold water and beverages to raise money for our cause. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, nice breeze blowing. It was perfect. The feeling surrounding the event was almost magical as so many community members joined together to stand for change. I am grateful to be a part of a church community that recognizes needs and injustices and actually does something to change them. All in all, we raised over one hundred and fifty dollars for Cypress St. Thank you to those who participated and made the day so special to women everywhere.

Mothers Day Movie Night!

Last night we had our second movie night of the year. These are my favorite events because they mean summer is coming! We have movie nights once a month, and then every other week when summer comes. We pick a family-friendly movie, bring out our blankets and chairs, pop some popcorn and just have fun together. Talk about simple pleasures! Last night was extra special because we made Mothers Day cards for our moms! We set up a station with colored papers and art supplies and watched the kids get creative. It was a great time of fellowship and community. Letty and I always step back and just take in the moment. It is not everyday that you see a whole community enjoying the presence of each other and simple pleasures. We literally see prayers answered every time we step onto that community, and the fellowship that took place last night was a major prayer answered. All that we can ask is that you join us and check it out!