About Countryside UMC

Countryside UMC

Called to be a Church of Blessing – Gather, Grow, Go!

Countryside United Methodist Church has grown into a vibrant community of faith committed to gathering in worship, growing in discipleship, and going out to serve. What began with a vision to create a welcoming place for people to encounter Christ has become a church deeply rooted in grace, relationship, and mission.

Throughout the years, Countryside has sought to be a church of blessing—walking alongside families in every season of life, investing in children and youth, supporting adults in their faith journeys, and reaching beyond our walls to serve our neighbors. This story continues to unfold as each new generation joins in living out God’s love in tangible ways, shaping the future with hope, compassion, and purpose.

Events

Find Your People. Find Your Purpose

Events

Connect

Gather – Grow – Go

Connect

Worship

Renew. Recharge. Rejoice.

Worship

8:30 Sanctuary Service

Order of Worship

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Opening Hymn

Prayer Time, Lord’s Prayer

Hymn

Special Music

Scripture Reading & Sermon

Offertory & Ministry Moment

Doxology

Prayer

Closing Hymn

Benediction

Postlude

9:45 Celebration Service

Order of Worship

Gathering Music

Welcome

Reflective Song

Prayer Time, Lord’s Prayer

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading

Sermon

Offertory & Ministry Moment

Prayer

Closing Song

Blessing

11:00 Traditional Service

Order of Worship

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Opening Hymn

Prayer Time, Lord’s Prayer

Hymn

Children’s Message

Special Music

Scripture Reading & Sermon

Offertory & Ministry Moment

Doxology

Prayer

Closing Hymn

Benediction

Postlude

Countryside Staff

Rev. Michael Tomson-DeGreeff

Senior Pastor

Rev. Jeff Potter

Associate Pastor

Kristen Wooten

Church Administrator

Terri Woodbury

Bookkeeper

Sharon Austin

Giving Secretary

Brenda Bauman Swank

Director of Membership & Missions

Becky Ericson

Director of Children's Ministries

Rebecca Bowles

Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries

Brittney Tilley

Director of Countryside Child Development Center

Jamie Meyer

Director of Worship & Arts

Thomas Pi

Sanctuary Choir Director

Max Linares

Organist / Pianist

Jenna Beam

Child Care Coordinator

Paul Swank

Sports & Kitchen Ministry Coordinator

Ernest Hickerson

Custodian

Kristen Wooten

Wedding Liaison

Reconciling Ministries

We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.

Learn More About Our Reconciling Ministries

Membership

Discover Countryside is an informational gathering about how to become involved in the various ministries and activities offered at Countryside. A visit to our coffee bar for refreshments, facilities tour, and Q & A are included. Child care is available by prior arrangement. For details about our Discover Countryside class, contact Brenda Bauman Swank.

If you are interested in joining Countryside UMC, contact us at cumc@countryside.org

Contact

Baptism

In baptism, we acknowledge and celebrate the grace of God, freely offered to us before we were even aware of it. We confess our sin, accept membership in the family of Christ, and vow to trust in and serve Jesus Christ as our Lord. Baptism is the outward and visible sign of our covenant (holy agreement) with God to accept God’s gifts of freedom and power and to grow in faith through the constant efforts of the Holy Spirit and the lifelong practice of prayer, study, service, witness, and worship. Baptism is a communal celebration; the congregation vows to nurture and support those being baptized – adults or infants.

More information from The United Methodist Church.

Please contact us for more information on baptism at Countryside!

Contact

Confirmation

We recognize children are members of their human families, but no one expects them to clean their rooms or empty the dishwasher until much later. In the same way, “baptized infants are members of the Church—the family of faith—but are not yet capable of sharing everything involved in membership,” By Water and the Spirit, The United Methodist Church’s official statement on baptism, teaches.

Confirmation is an opportunity to respond to God’s grace, first received in baptism, and to commit to living as a person of faith. As This Is Your Baptismal Liturgy explains, “What God offers us must be accepted in repentance and faith. Confirmation and reaffirmation are our responses of commitment, profession of faith, and rededication.”

More information from The United Methodist Church.

If your child is entering 7th grade, please contact Rebecca Bowles for more information regarding our Confirmation Classes.

Contact

Worship Services

Renew. Recharge. Rejoice.

At Countryside UMC, worship is at the heart of who we are. Whether you join us in person or online, our services offer a welcoming space to praise God, hear Scripture, and encounter Christ through uplifting music and meaningful messages. We celebrate traditional and contemporary styles of worship, inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to experience God’s love, find spiritual renewal, and join in community.

8:30 AM Sanctuary Service | 9:45 AM Celebration Service | 11:00 AM Traditional Service

COUNTRYSIDE UMC – 3221 S.W. Burlingame Rd. Topeka, KS

What We Believe as United Methodists

The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.

A Diverse Community

All persons are welcome in the United Methodist Church. Celebrating a diversity of peoples, age levels, ideas and cultures, we are enriched by our history. The United Methodist Church was formed with the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968.

United Methodists trace their spiritual heritage back to the 18th-century evangelical leaders John and Charles Wesley, Jacob Albright and Philip William Otterbein. As these men changed their world then, today the church seeks to rethink how to effect change in the world.

Biblical, Evangelical, Connectional

United Methodists trust free inquiry into matters of Christian doctrine. Our faith is guided by Scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Scripture is of paramount importance. For United Methodists, the Bible is the record of God’s people living out God’s promise.

In the 21st century, The United Methodist Church seeks to expand its robust evangelical heritage. The church seeks to give a younger generation new ways to express their faith, translate that faith into actions and make a difference in the world. Wherever the churched or unchurched turn, they will find congregations seeking to create opportunities to encounter Christ.

Sharing God’s Gifts

United Methodists have believed from the beginning that each of us is called to participate in the outward-reaching ministry of Jesus Christ, John Wesley and others in our “cloud of witnesses” saw our work in the simplest, plainest terms: Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.

United Methodists open many doors that create opportunities to make an enormous difference in the world. Our wonderfully diverse ministries are made possible by United Methodism’s connectional giving system. We do more together than any one congregation can do alone.

Living & Giving God’s Love

We support worldwide ministry with other churches to spread the gospel, care for those seeking a connection with God and nurture communities of Christian disciples, following Jesus’ model of love and generosity. We listen, reach beyond ourselves, and offer help, hope and healing to those who are rethinking how to have more meaning in their lives.

For more than 200 years, The United Methodist Church and our predecessors have addressed poverty and the disenfranchised. We are committed to growing congregations and developing Christian leaders with the skills and spiritual strength to cope with the demands of the world. We play a significant role in educating others about devastating diseases, especially those which disproportionately affect the poor. We discern ways to fight disease and to provide better health conditions for people around the world. Our church advocates for justice and equality, and offers a voice when the struggles of the helpless are unheard. We are connected, caring and concerned about ministry that challenges our passion for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Values & Beliefs

5 DISCIPLESHIP PRACTICES

worship, study, serve, give, share

ACCEPTANCE

We respect differences in people and seek to include all in the ministries of Countryside.

JESUS-LIKE

We value the teachings of Jesus and intentionally live our lives like Him in all that we do.

RELATIONSHIPS

We desire to know and be known by God and one another.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

We nurture the continuous growth of love and faith.

LOVE-IN-ACTION

We respond generously through mercy and justice to the needs of people in our city, nation, and world.

SAFETY

We diligently attend to the physical and emotional safety of all who gather in our church community.

INVITATION

We intentionally invite others to grow in faith and share life with us.

Events at Countryside

Find Your People. Find Your Purpose.

There’s always something happening at Countryside UMC! From worship and study opportunities to fun community gatherings and meaningful service projects, our events are designed to help you connect, grow, and serve. Check out what’s coming up and join us — everyone’s welcome!

All Events

Watch Sermons Online

Stay up-to-date with our current sermon series, revisit a past favorite, or explore something new in our extensive sermon collection.
Watch Live Search A Past Sermon

Rev. Michael Tomson-DeGreeff

Senior Pastor

Michael grew up in St. Louis, MO, and then, moved to Boston where he attended Berklee College of Music, played drums in bands and worked in restaurants. After surviving his battle testicular cancer at the age of twenty, he began searching for answers to the questions of life the way a man with his hair on fire seeks water. Michael’s spiritual journey led him to study world religions, and eventually, he came full-circle back to Christianity.

Michael (a boy from Missouri) and his wife, Steffani (a girl from Kansas), met in Boston, MA. They moved to Lawrence, KS, to attend the University of Kansas and were married at Lawrence First UMC where Michael heard the call to ordained ministry. Michael earned a Bachelor of Religious Studies from the University of Kansas and a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology.

Michael served as the Campus Minister at KU, then as the Senior Pastor at Pleasant Hill UMC in Topeka, KS, Eudora UMC, Wamego UMC and Trinity UMC in Hutchinson, KS. Michael has a passion for revitalizing churches and nurturing spiritual leaders through mentoring and coaching.

Michael and Steffani have four young adult sons: Zac, Nic, Ben and Alex. Steffani works for TARC (Topeka Area Resource Center) as an Early Interventionist Social Worker (MSW, LSCSW). Steffani and Michael enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, hiking, cooking and going to concerts

Rev. Jeff Potter

Associate Pastor

Jeff is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church who has also been commissioned by the UMC as an “Earthkeeper,” in mission as a caretaker of God’s creation. Jeff is married to Rev. Christine Potter, who is also an ordained elder and pastor in the United Methodist Church. Jeff and Christine are blessed with three daughters, Lilia, Kyla, and Raya. In his ministry, Jeff pulls from a background of diverse experiences from working as a zookeeper, to performing and teaching a variety of dance forms, to nearly ten years in the banking industry. Jeff’s passion for ministry is driven by the hope of new life in Christ revealed and shared amongst all of creation.

Terri Woodbury

Bookkeeper

Terri grew up around Topeka and has her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Baker University. She had worked for 15 years as a bookkeeper prior to getting her degree. She has one daughter, Rachel, who grew up at Countryside UMC. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, puzzles, and cooking.

Kristen Wooten

Office and Facilities Administrator

Kristen was raised in Topeka, KS. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School ELA emphasis from Washburn University and later earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Baker University. Kristen is married to Benjamin and they have two young children together: Finn and Laren. In her spare time she enjoys watching her kids play different sports and playing card games. Most often, you will find Kristen either listening to her audiobook or singing along to the song stuck in her head.

Sharon Austin

Giving Secretary

Sharon grew up in Sabetha, KS. Sharon attended Washburn University after high school where she earned her degree of Bachelor of Education in Physical Education. After working a variety of jobs like being a lifeguard, a respiratory therapist, a bank teller, a branch manager and much more, she went back to school and attended Kansas State University earning a Master of Science degree with an emphasis in technology. Sharon then worked for 26 years as a Grammar School library media specialist.

Sharon has one daughter, Rachel, a son-in-law Tony, grandchildren, Clare, Austin and Lillian.

Sharon enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing pickleball, traveling, baking and spending time with friends.

Brenda Swank

Member Development & Missions Coordinator

Brenda grew up on a farm in northeast Kansas, graduated from Bern High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Washburn University. In addition to years of farm chores, work experience is drawn from working as a nursing home administrator and in medical records and billing. She also worked as piano accompanist for high school choirs. Her favorite “job” has been a mom of four (now lovely young adult) children. In spite of anything shared by her spouse, Paul, or those beautiful children, she is a fun mom! In any spare time, Brenda loves to hang out and play games with family, go outside to garden and walk, and loves music, reading, sewing and travel.

Becky Ericson

Children's Ministry Coordinator

Becky earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in middle school education & mathematics from William Jewell College, and a master’s degree in education from MidAmerica Nazarene University. She taught fourth and seventh grades in the Kansas City area before moving to Topeka. She enjoyed being home with her 2 children through their preschool years and continues to treasure time with family. In her spare time, Becky loves hiking, running, ballet, all things Disney, coffee, and just about anything related to the arts.

Brittney Tilley

Director of Countryside Child Development Center

Brittney lives here in Topeka with her husband Bob, their 2 children, 3 dogs, and 1 cat. She has been in the Early Childhood field since 2010 and has her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and National Director Credential. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree to graduate May 2025. She has worked with children of all ages, but prefers babies and PreK. In her free time, she loves to read, craft, do 1,000 piece puzzles, do diamond paintings, travel, go to K-State football games (EMAW), watch the Kansas City Chiefs, help coach her daughter’s softball team, and spend quality time with her family.

Jamie Meyer

Worship & Arts Director

Jamie began her career in music as a music education teacher. She taught elementary music in Ponca City, OK; Chalmette, LA; and overseas in West Papua, Indonesia. Upon her return to the US, she began working at Countryside UMC first with the children’s music, then orchestra and Soul-Full Singers until she was moved into the role of Worship and Arts Director in 2007. In addition to directing several music groups, she oversees the worship services including volunteer personnel, music and decorations.

Thomas Pi

Sanctuary Choir Director

Thomas was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved to the United States with his family with he was four. He is the oldest of three boys and a PK (Pastor’s Kid). His father lives with his mother in Oklahoma where his father is a United Methodist Church pastor. Thomas has lived in various states across the Midwest with his family until coming to Kansas where he eventually earned his bachelor’s degree in music education at Washburn University in 2023. He is currently a 6th – 12th grade band and choir director and his main instrument is the trumpet.

Max Linares

Organist / Pianist

Max was born and raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He became interested in music during high school, during which he attended Subiaco Academy. He began to take organ lessons his senior year with the Cathedral organist from Little Rock. Max is a senior this year at KU, and studies voice and carillon in addition to piano and organ. When Max is not practicing, he enjoys running, making art, and singing in different choirs at KU.

Rebecca Bowles

Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator

Rebecca is the Youth Ministry Coordinator for Countryside and has served our youth in this position for 10 years now. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication and social justice from Baker University and a master’s degree in education from Kansas State University. Rebecca lives in Lawrence with her husband Alek, their three sons Beckett, Cutler, and Declan, and their dog Ryder. Rebecca stays busy chasing everyone around, listening to true crime podcasts, cooking food, and drinking lots and lots of coffee.

Jenna Beam

Child Care Coordinator

Jenna has been at Countryside since 2003. Jamie Meyer, Worship & Arts Director, is her mother 🙂

Jenna started working in the nursery in 2009 and started the Child Coordinator job in 2017. Jenna got married on September 2, 2023, here at Countryside! Her husband, Kevin, joined Countryside United Methodist Church after transferring from the Catholic Church. Jenna’s biggest loves are animals, children and water! “Hakuna Matata!” is Jenna’s favorite phrase-“It means no worries, for the rest of your days!”

Paul Swank

Sports & Kitchen Ministry Coordinator

Paul is a member of Countryside, as well as coordinator of College, Young Adult & Sport Ministries. Please contact Paul to find out how you can get involved in one of these fun groups!

Ernest Hickerson

Custodian

Ernest is a dynamic man who is in his 60s and the oldest of 6. Ernest loves the fall season. He is the father of five lovely daughters and eight grandchildren with another on her way. He has a passion for exercising and eating healthy. Family time is very important and loves to dive into a good book. You will find him outdoors when the weather is right. His number thing he loves is being a blessing in someone else life.

Christi Steward

Wedding Liaison

Christi is a member of Countryside and involved in UMW Embrace Circle, Soul-full Singers, Families Sunday School, and Youth Group as a sponsor, as well as Wedding Liaison for couples planning their special day. She has worked professionally in phlebotomy and medical assisting for 30 years. She is a mother of two young adult daughters. In her free time, Christi enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Please contact Christi if you are ready to begin planning your wedding!