COUNTRYSIDE UMC - Key Persons
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.
Job Titles:
- Director of Countryside Child Development Center
Brittney has an associate's degree in early childhood. Brittney has been in the childcare field since 2010.She loves what she does because she gets to make a difference in many children's lives and watch them grow up. Brittney lives in Topeka with her husband Bob, and their children Ryleigh and Cameron, dog Charlie, and cat Luna. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, crafting with her Cricut, and watching K-State and KC football.
becky ericson [she/her]
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!
Job Titles:
- Office & Facilities Administrator
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.
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.
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!"
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 junior this year at KU, and studies voice and carillon in addition to piano and organ. He is also minoring in French, and hopes to study abroad. Max assisted the organist at Trinity Lutheran summer of 2023, and started as lead organist at Countryside in the fall. When Max is not practicing, he enjoys running, making art, and singing in different choirs at KU.
was born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas. She attended Iowa State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She also holds a master's degree in special education from the University of Minnesota, and later earned her divinity degree from St. Paul School of Theology. Nancy has served churches in Missouri, Louisiana, and Kansas. She served as District Superintendent in the Five Rivers and Flint Hills districts in what was at the time, Kansas East Conference. Widowed (her husband was a pastor also), Nancy has two children, Mark and Matthew, and two grandchildren.
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.
Pastor Paul Wilke loves God - loves people! He is married with two grown children. He has served churches in England, Texas, and across Kansas. Paul earned his bachelor's of philosophy from Southwestern College, master's of divinity from Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University, and doctorate in ministry from United Theological Seminary. Before ministry, Paul played professional basketball in southern France. At 6'8" tall, he still plays hoops. New to Countryside in 2017, Paul has quickly found joy in fulfilling the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ in Topeka.