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.
Just as in 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, you can purchase the book on Sunday, Aug. 25 after worship at our Ice Cream Festival and Small Group Fair. Betsy from The Bookworm will be on hand to sell the books at a discounted rate. 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 will kick 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, or call the church office.
We look forward to seeing you in The Village!
Sign up to join a Village House
Blessings,
Jenny