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

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 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 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.

​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 6th – 12th 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.

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 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.

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!