Relationship and Social Groups
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
Small group ministry at Countryside Church is part of our DNA. Through them we become closer as a community and developed a deeper and more welcoming spirit among us. The Christian Way and the Spiritual Path are not something anybody walks very well alone. By gathering in groups of 8-12 people who want to share, be honest, and explore together, these groups can, fairly quickly, take you into questions, discussions and searching that open up many new dimensions of the faith for us.
Countryside Community Church is honey-combed with such groups, and we sincerely invite you to try one for a minimum of five weeks. However, we realize that no one thing is right for everyone. So if after your five weeks of sincere participation, you decide that a small group is not for you, by all means excuse yourself and move on to other things. We will respect that decision.
Our adult education small group ministry focuses on the creation of multiple independent small groups who gather throughout the week at church as well as people’s homes to incorporate information gleened from the Sunday worship series and books related to the same topic. Pervious book studies have centered around The Phoenix Affirmations, Asphalt Jesus, The Believers Road, and Lightning in the Dark Wood. In 2011 we engaged in the study of the Beatitudes, Galatians, Love Wins by Rob Bell, the Psalms and Hope: A Pessimist’s Guide based on Hunting for Hope: A Father’s Journey by Scott Allen Sanders. To learn more about these studies, CLICK HERE.
Small groups specifically designed around particular interests and/or activities are also previlent at Countryside. Listed below are a few of those groups. For additional information on either adult education groups or social groups, contact Mary Beth Link at 402-391-0350 ext. 112 or at marybethl@countrysideucc.org.
Women’s Ministry
Women’s Ministry small groups are open to all women of Countryside Church with the purpose of enjoying and enriching lives through Christian fellowship.
Women’s Small Groups provide an opportunity for more intimate, special interest groups. Currently, 6 small groups meet monthly, with the young mother’s circle meeting bi–weekly.
Agape is a hands-on, on-call ministry. Hosting funeral receptions and providing baked goods as needed is the heart and soul of this circle. Contact the church office for information.
The Lunch Bunch Circle is for retired professional women and those women who prefer to gather over the lunch hour. They meet the second Monday of each month at Noon at the church or at a restaurant of their choice. They enjoy a variety of programs. Contact the church office for more information.
Traditional meets at members’ homes on the fourth Friday of the month. They enjoy coffee or lunch, followed by a program. Contact the church office for more information.
Mothers & More was created to empower mothers of young children to maintain a healthy balance between home, family and self. They meet at the church on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 9:15 AM. Free child care is provided by reservation. Contact the church office for more information.
Friend to Friend is a service and mission oriented group that meets on the second Thursday of the month, specializing in church outreach projects and programs. They also prepare and serve the monthly meal for the Young at Heart, Countryside’s senior social group. This group is open to all ages with free child care provided. Contact the church office for more information.
KNIT-N-WIT! Bring your projects (scrap booking, organizing photos, quilting, crocheting)… or just bring yourself ! Join us for coffee and treats every Wednesday evening from 5:45-8:00 PM for a FUN and FRIENDLY fellowship of people who want to know you! Free child care is available by reservation.
Social Groups
E.T.C. “Encouraging True Commitment” is the premier social group at Countryside. This multi-generational group was created for and actively represents ALL congregants in the Countryside family – old, new, young, not-so-young. Their sole mission is to create a unified church family through engaging activities that build strong bonds of friendship. Their mission statement reads: “To encourage commitment to making church a priority through active participation in fun, faith and fellowship events.” Examples of their activities include the Golf Outings, Chili/Chocolate Cook-off, Fall Family Festival, Advent Workshop and BeDazzled!
20-30 Somethings is a group at Countryside designed specifically for anyone 21-39 years of age. Their goal is to involve young adults in a strong social circle of fellowship, education and support at Countryside Community Church. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings of the month at 7:00 p.m. Activities include a variety of social activities, mission and outreach, volunteerism and exploring different religions – how they are the same, yet different from our own.
S.O.S., or “Social on Sunday”, is for the empty nesting couple or single who enjoy travel, eating out and activities that are unique. This group is geared for fun and fellowship.
Young at Heart is the Seniors group of our church. They meet monthly at the church for a catered lunch and special programming.
Nine to Dine are multi-generational groups who meet monthly at either someone’s home or restaurant for either an evening meal or lunch of the groups choice. As the name suggest, 9 or more individuals make up these groups.
KinderLife provides classes for parents of young children. This collaboration between the department of Family Life and Kindernook Preschool offers classes specific to the needs of parents with children 0-5 years of age on monthly on Wednesday mornings, 9:00-11:30 AM in the Chapel. You may register by calling the church office at 402-391-0350.
Men’s Breakfast meets every Tuesday morning from 7:00 – 8:00 AM at the Garden Café in Rockbrook Village, 108th & W. Center. All men are welcome for breakfast and conversation.
Men’s Basketball meets in our Truhlsen Community Center on Monday evenings throughout the year. Drop in players are welcome.
Reel Faith is an opportunity for friends to gather in the Chapel at Countryside, watch a great movie with a message, eat popcorn and chat! They meet on the second Friday evening of the month in the Chapel. For additional information regarding this group, contact Molly Anderson at meranderson@cox.net.
Cinema small group meets on the first Friday night of the month at various theaters throughout Omaha to view movies with the “Oscar buzz.”
Canasta players gather on the second Tuesday of the month at the church for cards, conversation and much more.
