Cypress Groups

 

Group Norms

 

Be courageous, compassionate and connected
Be a listener
Eliminate judgement, advice giving, and interrupting
It’s okay to say “pass” on a question
Honor time. Time frame is about 45 minutes (give or take 15). Anything more is “meeting after the meeting”. 

Coming Home for Christmas

Sunday, December 8 - Waking Up To Regrets

Discussion

NOTE: Don’t feel the pressure to ask all of these questions. You may want to prioritize which ones you think will generate the most discussion within your group. 

 

In Wake Up to Regret, part of our Coming Home for Christmas series, we explored the pivotal moment in the Parable of the Lost Son when he “came to his senses” (Luke 15:17-20). This wake-up call to regret marked the turning point in his journey home to his father. Regret, while painful, is not meant to hold us back—it’s meant to propel us forward into repentance and a new direction. God’s grace meets us in our regret, offering forgiveness, freedom, and fullness of life. Coming home to God begins with turning from what pulls us away and stepping toward Him.

 

Ice Breaker: What’s one thing you’ve ever wanted to undo in life—something small, like a bad haircut, an awkward text, or a regrettable fashion choice?

 

General Discussion:

Have you ever had a moment when you "came to your senses" about a situation? What changed for you afterward?

 

Read Luke 15:17-20 In Luke 15:17-20, the lost son recognizes his regret and decides to return to his father

 

What stands out to you about his mindset in this moment, and how do you see God’s heart reflected in this story?

 

Why do you think it’s so hard for people to move past regret? What makes regret linger, and how can we overcome it?

 

Is there an area in your life where regret is holding you back from moving forward with God?

 

What step of repentance or turning back could you take this week?

 

Prayer Guide:

Spend time thanking God for His grace that meets us in our regrets. Pray for hearts to be open to repentance, for courage to take steps toward God, and for anyone who feels stuck to experience the freedom and fullness of life that Jesus offers.

Coming Home for Christmas

Sunday, December 1 - Longing of the Soul

Discussion

NOTE: Don’t feel the pressure to ask all of these questions. You may want to prioritize which ones you think will generate the most discussion within your group. 

 

Ice Breaker: Share 3 things you are thankful for: a) person, b) place, c) thing.

 

Discussion:

Read: Luke 15:1-3, 11-24

 

Why do you think Jesus used stories and parables so frequently in His teaching?

 

Who are you? And what are you doing here?

 

What happens to a person when they they disconnected with why they are here so tnus planet?

 

Douglas made the statement “Life doesn’t give you purpose. You give purpose to life.” How have you found/given purpose for your life?

 

What advice would you give to someone who feels their life has no purpose?

 

Why does the father grant the younger sons request for his inheritance when he knows his son is not morally equipped to handle the fortune?

 

What are some lessons to take away from the ”Parable of the Lost Son?”