Bruce Bendix
Almost every Sunday I am touched deeply by at least one moment in the service. Perhaps it is Elizabeth's thoughtful words or the rapture of Janice's piano or the choir's beautiful harmony. Or perhaps it is the heartfelt story of one of our members told during an affirmation. Whatever it is, I know that my soul has been nourished and is glad.

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Peyton Bendix
One of the many things I like about Countryside Church is the wisdom and insight that I glean from the long-standing members. I think because of the various Covenant groups, classes, and the Coming of Age program, for example, not to mention having just one service, the different generations seem to mingle fluidly and easily at Countryside. I have not found this to be the case to the same degree in the more traditional, main-stream, church in which I was raised. I'm not sure why. I just know I'm very grateful for the stories, depth of knowledge, and committment from this group of church members. I consider them all mentors for me and I learn something from every encounter with each of them.

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Jim Booth and Jane Matthews
Thirty years ago, Jim and I came to Countryside for help on our spiritual voyage-to support our families, grieve our losses, celebrate our joys, and develop our skills to serve others. Now we help Countryside for the next voyager who walks through the front door.

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D. Calwas
The thing I love most about Countryside is the music program. As a visitor, Janice¹s beautiful piano music kept drawing me back, and I soon joined. My life at Countryside truly began when I joined the choir. Being able to contribute to the worship services and meeting other members in a small group made me really feel involved in the life of the church. Thursday night choir rehearsals are now a priority in my life. I¹m thrilled and privileged to be a part of the beautiful music at Countryside.

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Ken Cowan
What do I think is worth celebrating about Countryside? How about the terrific music program, with an excellent choir, lead by very dedicated and accomplished people that bring great variety and spiritual substance to the music we enjoy at services, concerts and other activities made fuller with good music. As Aldous Huxley said "After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible, is music."

How about the spiritual home that is Countryside? Regardless of what hooks your spirit, you can find a way to express that feeling individually or as part of a group in our Church. And how about the educational opportunities at Countryside? Whether it¹s adults studying Chaos Theory, Martin Buber, or the Islam religion or youth classes digging into the basics of various world religions, the range of topics is vast, interesting and worthwhile.

It was suggested that when I started to write these thoughts, it might be a good idea to think of a memorable moment that happened at Church. One such moment happened at a regular Sunday morning service about 5 or 6 years ago. I was seated with the choir, which provided a clear view of the entire Sanctuary. It was full since the young children were participating with the adults for the early portion of the worship service. About ten minutes into the service, all the youngsters were called to come take a seat on the floor in front of the pulpit, where they were to join in singing a hymn. As the children scurried to find a good spot on the floor, our minister announced that we were privileged to have a deaf child among our kids and that Leslie Evans, who was trained in sign language would also lead the group. As we sang "Spirit of Life", Leslie signed the words and I wept.

Why do I support Countryside with my time, talent, and treasure? Because it hooks my spirit... Giving to support this spiritual home is as basic to me as buying food to sustain life itself.

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Nancy Dempsey
At Countryside, I enjoy the opportunity to explore the interplay between unity and diversity. Countrysiders are united in Covenant and Principles while remaining free to follow personal spiritual paths. The church provides a unique environment where I can explore and foster spiritual growth and creative potential among children and adults who share my curiosity.

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Art Mayfield
I found Countryside shortly after my wife died and the caring people and fine programs provided me a much needed base of support. The church is a welcoming and calming place to be each week. I especially enjoy the exceptional music program.

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Pamela Mitchell
Countryside offers me a supportive environment that meets both spiritual and social needs for me and my family. It is important to me to be part of a fellowship with a covenant that so closely reflects my personal values. I think it is important to continue to demonstrate these values in the larger community.

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Kimberly Tilford
I find no end to the things I learn at Countryside. Each time I attend a new class or discussion group I am delighted with what there is to gain by getting to know more about the members of this congregation. The opportunity to be of service at this church has also been very important to me. It is a way for me to give back and continue my learning through the experience of sharing the tasks of a community. Most of all, I value this church as a safe, accepting place that my children and I can be a part of. It has been a source of stability during turbulent times in our lives. Countryside has provided individual support to each of the three of us through Religious Education, while still fostering our growth as a family through many family activities and dinners.

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Sarah Tilford
I like Countryside because I know everybody there, and I feel comfortable when I get there and being able to say "hi" to everyone. If there is someone I don't know I get the chance to meet a new person. I like all the activities at Countryside like the Birthday Bash and the parties we have in RE for Christmas and Hanukkah.

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Ed Waxler
I can sum up what's best about Countryside in one word: People. Countryside attracts the kind of people that I enjoy most. People with positive outlooks and curious natures. People of incredible generosity, humor and human kindness. People of superior intellect that challenge me to re-think my longest held beliefs. People that can honestly be my friend. People with spirituality, interests, knowledge and ideas that never cease to amaze me. People like whom I want to be.

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Janeane Weprin
Countryside has given me the opportunity to heal deep spiritual wounds. I have had life changing moments with Ruppert, Elizabeth, the choir, and church members. After many years of spiritual turmoil and isolation, it is a blessing to have found a sanctuary where I feel I belong. I love our music program, particularly singing in the choir. Sometimes it still amazes me that I have this joy in my life. I did not think I would ever be part of a church, let alone sing in a choir, again. I am ever grateful.

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