The Village at Countryside
A place to “Connect & Belong”
Friday, Sept. 13, 2024
Dear Countrysiders,
The second episode of my new weekly podcast, It Takes A Village is now available! This week, Sarah and I dove into the first three chapters of David Brook’s How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. This first section is all about the art of truly seeing. In response to how our contemporary culture leans towards seeing others superficially, Brooks calls us to see others with curiosity and compassion. This powerful book will guide conversations in our Village Houses, offering a meaningful way to connect and grow together.
Click here to watch It Takes a Village Episode 2
Click here for the podcast (audio version) of It Takes a Village Episode 2
Click here for the RSS feed of It Takes a Village Episode 2
If you don’t have a copy of Brooks’ book yet, we suggest picking one up locally – The Bookworm is a great choice! But you can order it online if it’s more convenient.
Don’t forget to register for The Village Dinner on Wednesday, September 18 ($10 per person or $20 per family suggested donation). Dinner starts at 5 p.m. Afterward, we’ll break into our Village Houses for conversation and connection. Childcare and kids’ programming will be available, so bring the whole family!
If you’ve already signed up, click here to indicate your meeting time preference & interests.
- If you’re interested in a non-parent/caregiver house please click here.
- If you haven’t signed up, click here to register and you’ll receive a link to indicate your meeting time preference & interests.
Find out more about The Village at Countryside here, and register today for the Village Dinner and a small group Village House.
Blessings! Jenny
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’ve already signed up, click here to indicate your preference.
- If you’re interested in a non-parent/caregiver house please click here.
- If you haven’t signed up, click here to register and you’ll receive a link to indicate your preference.
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.
The Village at Countryside kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 18, during a shared Village meal from 5-6 p.m., catered by The House of Bah (traditional West African cuisine). (Suggested donation: $10/person, or $20/family). Please register for the dinner here. After dinner, you’ll meet with your Village House to get acquainted and launch your book discussions.
Register for a Village House here!
Each Village House (small group) will begin by reading and discussing David Brooks’ book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. If you already have the book, great. If not, we suggest you buy it at a local bookseller like The Bookworm. You can also purchase the book online from your preferred bookseller.
On Wednesday night, Sept. 18, during dinner, I’ll provide an overview of the next six weeks: providing support for future Village House meetings.
My new weekly podcast, It Takes a Village, will support Village House (small group) meetings. Rev. Sarah and I kicked off the podcast on Monday, Sept. 9, with new recordings airing each Monday afternoon — so stay tuned!
Below is the suggested reading plan for Village House meetings & discussions. Remember, after your initial meetings, groups can set their own schedules.
Wed., Sept. 18 Discuss Part 1: ch. 1-3 (And Get to Know You)
Week of Sept. 22 Discuss Part 1: ch. 4-7
Week of Sept. 29 Discuss Part 2: ch. 8-10
Week of Oct. 6 Discuss Part 2: ch. 11-12
Week of Oct. 13 Discuss Part 3: ch. 13-15
Week of Oct. 20 Discuss Part 3: ch. 16-17 & Next Steps
Week of Oct. 27 Launch new books…(A2A My Body is Not a Prayer Request)
We invite you to be part of The Village—a place where we embrace the wisdom of village life, cultivate strong relationships, and build a vibrant and caring church community. No matter your interests – a Village House is waiting for you!
Sign up to join a Village House
Sign up today to join a Village House, and let’s begin this journey of connection, support, and faith together. The sorting hat will work its magic and Village Houses will be assigned the week of Sept. 8. If you’d like to make sure your friend is in the same house, write their name on the Registration form.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or Rev. Sarah.
We look forward to seeing you in The Village!
Sign up to join a Village House
Blessings,
Jenny
We are excited to embark on this journey together and look forward to seeing you at The Village Dinner on Sept. 18. Let’s come together to build a community that truly reflects the love of God.