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.  

Frank Towle was raised in Osage City, Kansas with a long, strong, Catholic background. After struggling with his faith during his 20’s and meeting Jennifer Abrahamson Towle, he converted to Methodist. He earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in special education and his master’s degree in special education from Emporia State University. He recently retired after teaching 30 years in special education. Frank is widowed, spends his time camping, kayaking, playing with his schnauzers, and being schooled in “how to be cool” by his two adult daughters. Frank has become addicted to pickleball and has no power saying no when asked to play.

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.  

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 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 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.

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. 

​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 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 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 6^th - 12^th grade band and choir director and his main instrument is the trumpet. 

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.

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 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 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.