The Village at Countryside
If you are interested in joining a house, please click here to see a list of available houses to join.
A place to “Connect & Belong”
Episodes of The Village podcast, It Takes a Village now available!
Also available on Apple Podcast – It Takes a Village
In this episode of It Takes a Village, hosts Jenny Shultz-Thomas and Sarah Rentzel Jones continue exploring David Brooks’ How to Know a Person, diving into themes of accompaniment, recognition, and deep conversation. They reflect on the importance of slowing down, being fully present with others, and creating meaningful connections in a world that often feels rushed. Personal stories, such as Jenny’s memory of her son, Sage and Sarah’s story of her father highlight how simple acts of recognition and attention can nurture deeper relationships and foster a sense of belonging within community.
All Village Houses are reading and discussing David Brooks’ How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. If you haven’t purchased the book, we suggest buying locally at The Bookworm, if possible (info@bookwormomaha.com | 402-392-2877 | 2501 S. 90th St., Omaha, NE, 68124).
Read more about The Village at Countryside on our website, countrysideucc.org/thevillage. It takes a Village! If you haven’t signed up, click here.
You’re invited to The Village at Countryside!
We’re thrilled to invite you to join an exciting new small group initiative at Countryside Community Church: The Village at Countryside. Inspired by the strength, unity and deep connection found in village life, this program is designed to foster belonging, build relationships and create a community where we grow in faith and life together.
If you are interested in joining a house, please click here to see a list of available houses to join.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of The Village and Pastor Jenny’s new weekly podcast, It Takes A Village! In the first episode, Pastor Jenny and Pastor Sarah introduce David Brook’s new book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. This powerful book will guide conversations in our Village Houses, offering a meaningful way to connect and grow together.
Click here to watch the first installment of It Takes a Village
Click here for the podcast (audio version) of It Takes a Village
Click here for the RSS feed of It Takes a Village
Just like a traditional village where everyone plays an essential role—whether as a storyteller, healer, elder or builder—each of our small groups will be a place of connection, where we come together to support and uplift one another.
For fun(!), we’ve named each small group after a “village house” to reflect the sense of belonging and purpose that develops when you’re part of a close-knit community. That’s right, Village Houses are synonymous with small groups. So, not to worry if you are assigned to the Storyteller’s House, you don’t need to be a great storyteller!
Two of our houses will be dedicated to parents/caregivers of children & youth so, if you are a parent/caregiver of children or youth and would like to join a parent/caregiver Village House, please indicate that in your registration. Every other house will be intergenerational! AND — each house will have a Zoom link for folks who need to connect online.
Here are some of the fun Village House names of which you’ll soon be members:
Weaver’s House
Potter’s House
Storytellers’ House
Builder’s House
Magic & Music House
Elder’s House
Cottage House (for families with 6-12th graders)
Doula House (for families with 0-6th graders)
And many more!
Each group will gather regularly, embracing the spirit of The Village by sharing resources, knowledge and support. Through traditions, intergenerational interactions and a strong commitment to community, you’ll find a space to grow spiritually, connect deeply with others and become part of something truly meaningful.
We look forward to seeing you in The Village!