It Takes a Village

We Find Joy in Connection

Dear Countryside Community, Greetings of hope, peace, joy, and love as we journey together through this Advent season. In episode 13 of our podcast, It Takes a Village, Sarah and I reflected on the profound meaning of Advent amidst the challenges and chaos of our lives and the world around us. This season calls us to lean into the promise of God’s in-breaking love—a love that meets us in the mess and invites us into co-creation of peace, joy and belonging. We discussed how peace, particularly in times of upheaval, is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound, defiant hope rooted in justice and God’s abiding presence. It’s the peace that “passes all understanding,” as Sarah beautifully reminded us—a gift that sustains us even in the most unbearable moments. This peace, when chosen, enables us to extend love and create spaces of belonging where all are welcomed and cherished. We also explored the importance of human connection in fostering this peace. In a world often shaped by isolation and individualism, Advent reminds us that we are called to community. Whether through laughter, shared stories or simply sitting together, we encounter God’s renewing spirit in each other’s presence. As Anne Lamott poignantly writes, even amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there is beauty in life’s small, sacred moments—a truth that Advent invites us to embrace.

At Countryside, we strive to embody this spirit of belonging. Whether through our small groups, our Village Houses or simply showing up for one another, we are building a community where love is accessible, hope is shared and joy is found in connection. If you or someone you know is seeking this kind of community, please know that there is always a place here for you. As we continue through this sacred season, let us remember that the light of Christ shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it. Together, we are co-creators of this light—choosing hope, practicing peace, and building a world grounded in God’s love. With gratitude and joy, Jenny

Walking Into the Holiday Season

Dear Countryside Community, While we are facing many challenges both near and far, it is not the first time a weary world has struggled to rejoice. As people of faith, we are reminded of the beauty and challenge of this moment in time, particularly as we prepare to enter the Advent season—a time of anticipation, preparation, and deep reflection. This year’s Advent theme, How Does a Weary World Rejoice?, invites us into an exploration of joy that is grounded in authenticity, and hope. Rejoicing, as we discussed, is not always easy. It calls us to examine the content of our souls and wrestle with the questions the world places before us. What does it mean to rejoice in the midst of weariness? To hold onto hope when the weight of the world feels overwhelming? Advent reminds us that joy is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of love, community, and faith in the face of it. As a progressive Christian community, we embrace the complexities of our faith—holding tradition in one hand and curiosity in the other. We may not cling to every literal interpretation of our sacred stories, but we honor their power to shape and transform us. Advent challenges us to be reborn with Jesus, again and again, as we open ourselves to the timeless story of hope breaking into a broken world.

Christ enters not into perfection, but into chaos and brokenness, as he did in Bethlehem so long ago. This is the power of the Advent story: Christ is born anew into our weary world, into our weariness, offering us the courage to keep going, to keep hoping, to keep loving. This season, we invite you to journey with us as we co-create a community of deep belonging and connection. Whether you are celebrating with family, friends, or in quieter solitude, know that you are never truly alone. As a Village, we are here to remind one another that we are beloved just as we are. May this season bring you moments of unexpected joy, the comfort of community, and the assurance that you are deeply loved. Together, let us ask the hard questions, sing the old songs, and step boldly into the story of Advent, trusting that light is always being born anew. With gratitude and anticipation, Jenny P.S. We’re taking a break next week to spend time with family and loved ones. We hope you will as well. Join us when we return on December 5.

Season of Gratitude: Finding Hope & Resilience

Dear Villagers, My new weekly podcast is now available. In this week’s It Takes a Village (Episode 11), Sarah and I take a deep dive into finding hope and resiliency. You'll find the links to the podcast, RSS feed and audio at the end of this letter.

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, we find ourselves in a unique moment. The recent election and its ongoing impact leave many of us feeling uncertain, stressed, and even fearful about what lies ahead. In times like these, gratitude can feel elusive— but it may be precisely what we need most.

Gratitude is a quiet force, but it has the power to transform our lives. Scientists have found that practicing gratitude reshapes our brains to respond to challenges with more resilience and positivity. As the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu wrote in The Book of Joy, “Gratitude helps us realize that we have enough.” When we pause to give thanks, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have—redirecting our minds from scarcity to abundance. This shift doesn’t ignore the difficult realities we face, but it allows us to experience small, dependable sources of peace. Whether it’s the love of family, the loyalty of friends, or a single moment of kindness, gratitude helps us see beyond fear to what remains steadfast. Many theologians have also seen gratitude as a path through hardship. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who wrote on gratitude while imprisoned, believed it could exist even in darkness. “In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich,” he wrote. During this season, we are reminded to take time to reflect on the gifts we’ve received—the people, moments, and experiences that make our lives richer, no matter how difficult life becomes. Gratitude also connects us to each other. As Brené Brown says, “What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” Gratitude reminds us of our interdependence, bringing us together as we acknowledge the beauty and burdens we share. Showing appreciation for each other, especially now, builds solidarity and reminds us we’re not alone. As we navigate this season of uncertainty, gratitude becomes more than a feeling—it becomes a practice of resilience and strength. Henri Nouwen described gratitude as “the discipline by which we hold onto the good things in life, even in the midst of tragedy and chaos.” Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it gives us the strength to endure it with peace and, perhaps, even joy. If you’d like a gentle starting place, try a simple journaling prompt each day: “What unexpected gift did today bring?” You might be surprised at how this small habit helps reframe the day’s experiences, fostering a sense of resilience and hope. Or take a moment to sit quietly, asking yourself these questions inspired by Mary Oliver’s poem, Gratitude: What did I notice? What did I hear? What astonished me? What would I like to see again? What was most tender? What was most wonderful? Just noticing the gifts around us brings a sense of groundedness and calm that is deeply needed in turbulent times.

Let us go forward with hearts open to gratitude, even when hope feels hard to find. Together, may we uncover the power of gratitude as an anchor in the storm, a way to find peace and resilience as we navigate this season. In gratitude and hope, Jenny

An Honest Reaction to the Election

Dear Countrysiders, My new weekly podcast is now available. In this week’s It Takes a Village (Episode 10) Sarah and I have an honest discussion on the election results, and the importance of taking care of self and soul.

Dear Countrysiders, As we approach this election season, many of us are feeling the weight of our hopes, fears, and uncertainties about our future. Election cycles can amplify stress, not only because of what’s at stake but also because they touch the very core of who we are and what we believe. I want to remind each of us that God calls us to be grounded and steady and to carry compassion—not only for one another but also for ourselves. And Remember, you are not alone. As a caring community, Countryside is here to support you as this election week unfolds. We invite you to participate as you are able and to let us know if there are other ways our congregation might assist you in your faith journey. These gatherings will be un-programmed, and simply be times to hold sacred space together. Election Week Spiritual Support Opportunities · Evening Zoom “Connecting” (Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 7-8 p.m.)

· Coffeehouse in-person “Connecting” (Wednesday - Friday, 8-10 a.m. ) · Prayer Group (Thursday, 9 a.m.) · Additional resources for spiritual, mental and physical care: The United Church of Christ has prepared a beautiful “Election Season Spiritual Care Package,” offering reflections, prayers, and ways to connect with others seeking solace and peace in these times. It includes a Centering Practice exercise by The Embodiment Institute Founder and Director, Prentis Hemphill. Access the Spiritual Care Package here. The national ministries of the UCC also offering a time of prayer for at least 24 hours leading up to Election Day, Nov. 5. This will culminate in a digital prayer vigil service on Election Day. Register here As you prepare for the week ahead, I hope you will support yourself by taking advantage of some of these offerings, allowing them to lift your spirit. We also know that the stress and worry of this season can poorly affect our health. Mark Denys from Temple University’s Health and Well-being Division also offers some helpful recommendations for managing the intensity of this season: Establish Boundaries Set firm limits on how much and when you engage with political content. It's okay to choose what you take in and what you leave out. Limit Social Media Consider reducing the volume of political content on your feeds by adjusting settings or by simply stepping back. Social media is one avenue of information, but it’s also a source of considerable stress. Take a Midday Walk Give yourself a break to reconnect with the world around you. Step outside, keep your phone in your pocket and notice the beauty and presence of God in creation. Block Apps and Notifications Schedule intentional time to pause from the constant flow of news and notifications. You’ll find the day flows more peacefully without the continual pull of updates. Lastly, I encourage each of us to take time to cultivate a calm, rooted spirit—remembering that you are a beloved child of God. Our church community is here for you, with open doors and open hearts. Let’s journey through this season together, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. For do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10 ~ Spirit is leading the way, Rev. Dr. Jenny Shultz-Thomas P.S., Episode 9 of my podcast, It Takes a Village: Election Self-Care, is now available!

Dear Villagers, We are excited to share the final episode of It Takes a Village, where we focus on David Brooks' book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. In this episode, we explore the last chapter on wisdom. Brooks reminds us that wisdom is not found in conventional knowledge but in how we witness one another’s stories. True wisdom comes from committing to see each other deeply, and embracing all the complexities that make us who we are. As you read this chapter and reflect on it—whether with your Village House, a friend over coffee or as you drift off to sleep—I hope you offer yourself and those you love the gift of illumination. See yourself fully, through eyes of compassion. Listen deeply to your own story, and if needed, let it break you open—enough to realize your capacity for love is greater than you often allow. Laugh at the times you’ve taken yourself too seriously, and remember that you don’t need to have all the answers, all the time. And above all, keep going. Keep doing the work, asking hard questions, telling your stories, and reaching out to those who, like you, are part of The Village and need to be seen and known. Brooks has a remarkable way of sharing wisdom that is both emotionally rich and intellectually satisfying. As a world-recognized journalist, he has engaged with some of the most brilliant minds of our time and narrated much of modern history. Yet what Brooks desires most, as revealed in this book, isn’t more fame or fortune—it’s to be an illuminator. He longs to be the kind of person who truly sees others, is open to their stories, and offers a safe place for people to confide. As people of faith, we strive to see the sacred in one another, loving others unconditionally, just as we are loved and accepted by God. This is perhaps our greatest challenge in a world that often creates barriers to connection, pitting differences against us, and reinforcing power structures that divide and isolate. But the work of The Village is to foster connection and belonging, nurture relationships, and co-create a faith community rooted in HOPE, radical love, and steadfast support for you on your journey. Remember, it truly takes a village. With love and gratitude, Rev. Dr. Jenny Shultz-Thomas

Dear Village Houses, In this week’s podcast episode, we explored the themes of Life Stories and How Our Ancestors Shape Our Lives from David Brooks’ How to Know a Person, and we wanted to share a summary with you as a springboard for deeper reflection and conversation. In Life Stories, Brooks reminds us that every person has a life narrative—a complex, evolving story that weaves together the experiences, emotions, and choices that define who we are. How connected we are to our stories plays a significant part in shaping our sense of identity, purpose,

and resilience. Our personal stories are always evolving; changing as we gain new perspectives, face challenges, and develop deeper relationships with others. Listening to others’ stories and sharing our own, with curiosity and empathy, builds deep connection and a sense of shared belonging. The second chapter, How Our Ancestors Shape Our Lives, focuses on the invisible threads that connect us to those who came before us. Brooks invites us to consider how our ancestors' lives, values, and struggles influence our decisions, beliefs, and identities today. Even the 'place' of our people can bring a resonance of home when we open the door to understanding. Brooks invites us to consider our personal stories, those of our ancestors, and the places we call home as important pieces to knowing “who we are.” Whether consciously or unconsciously, our family histories play a vital role in shaping who we become. Understanding these connections can bring us greater clarity, healing, and purpose. As you gather in your Village Houses this week, we encourage you to reflect on your own life stories and the influence of your ancestors. How have they shaped how you see the world, the way you approach relationships, and the legacy you hope to leave behind? What/where/who is ‘home’ for you, and why? We hope this episode sparks rich and meaningful conversations in your groups, and we are grateful for your continued engagement in creating a vibrant community of connection and understanding. It Takes a Village, Rev. Dr. Jenny Shultz-Thomas

This week, we explore themes from David Brooks’ How to Know a Person, reflecting on how our personal stories and ancestral connections shape who we are. We dive into the importance of understanding our evolving life narratives and the lasting influence of those who came before us. Tune in for insights on identity, belonging, and the meaning of home.

This week's It Takes a Village podcast dives deep into Chapters 13 and 14 of David Brooks’ How to Know a Person. Join Rev. Dr. Jenny and Sarah as they explore the energy we bring into spaces and the life tasks that shape who we are. Discover how our personalities and evolving roles in life impact our relationships, sense of purpose, and the community around us. Reflect with your Village House on how you can align your energy with your current life tasks to grow, connect, and uplift others.

In this episode of It Takes a Village, Jenny and Sarah explore chapters 11 and 12 of David Brooks’ How to Know a Person, focusing on the transformative power of empathy and suffering. They discuss how empathy is a practiced skill that deepens our relationships and how suffering shapes us into more compassionate, resilient individuals. Together, they invite listeners to reflect on how these themes can help build stronger, more connected communities.