This week, I had the joy of sitting down with Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas, whose story is as rich and layered as the community that raised him. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Juan Carlos was formed within the Latin American evangelical tradition, where faith wasn’t simply something you believed—it was a Spirit-filled way of life. His father modeled that devotion, and at just twelve years old, Juan Carlos felt his own call stirring when he read scripture publicly in church for the very first time.

That early spark has carried him into a lifelong ministry. Ordained in the United Methodist Church, he went on to serve five congregations before being called to First-Plymouth in Lincoln, where he leads in biblical proclamation and justice ministries. His work centers on the gospel’s command to love your neighbor—not just in word, but in practice. That commitment is alive at First-Plymouth, where the community has launched their own “Organizing for Jesus” movement, stepping into their neighborhoods to know their neighbors and respond to their needs.

In our conversation, Juan Carlos also named the tension between a society shaped by white privilege and those who live on the margins. Rooted in liberation theology, his preaching challenges the church to examine its practices against the radical love of Jesus—and invites each of us to listen for the Spirit’s call to discover our own practices of faithfulness.

When I asked what excites him most about ministry today, his answer came quickly: hope. Juan Carlos sees voices rising to proclaim hopeful resistance and radical love in the face of empire’s false witness. He is energized by the love of Jesus Christ and by the church’s power to bear witness to God’s work—even in the midst of pain and suffering.

You can learn more about Juan Carlos’s ministry at First-Plymouth here: 👉 www.firstplymouth.org

🎧 I’d love for you to watch or listen to my full conversation with Juan Carlos—you can find the links below!

As always, may we remember: together we can bring the power of God’s hope, light, and joy to those living in the shadows of pain and suffering. Let your light shine—because it truly does take a village.

With gratitude, Jenny

A note before you listen: In this conversation, Dave speaks openly about experiences with suicide, addiction, and self-harm. These are tender topics, and you may wish to listen with care. If you or someone you love is struggling, know that you are not alone. Help is available—call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

OR

This episode touches on experiences of suicide, addiction, and self-harm; please listen with care.

We’ve lined up an amazing calendar of guests, including Rev. Juan Carlos from First Plymouth in Lincoln, Rabbi Ben Sharff from Temple Israel, Omaha-born artist Jean Mason, Chef Jamil with the House of Bah Foundation and more!

We kicked off the season with the amazing Dave Wingert. Dave brings so much love and light to this community. He shares openly and honestly about himself and his experiences of the world around him. A theatre, media, and radio star, he now anchors Omaha’s morning commute on Boomer Radio with his signature mix of positive vibes and great music. He is a delight, and we are so thankful to have him as a member at Countryside.

I asked Dave to bring his full self to our conversation, and he did not disappoint! From his earliest memory as a 2-year-old to his college visit at Ohio University in Athens, he knew he was meant to bring people joy—on the stage, on the air, in real time—and he has been doing it for over 50 years. Just a few weeks ago, he was inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. You can read more about that honor here: https://hof.ne-ba.org/dave-wingert/.

Dave’s life, however, wasn’t always filled with light and love, nor did he always wear the smile that brightens his face most days now. He shared stories of challenges he faced throughout his life, including addiction, struggles with self-image, and the shadows that convinced him his life was not worth living.

Thankfully, as a person grounded in community, Dave reached out for the lifelines available to him in “his village,” and he has not turned back since. We talked about the importance of belonging—how telling our stories, both the painful and the joyful, keeps us connected.

As people of faith, we have hope in a love that comes from God. Whether one names that God as the God of Abraham or Ishmael, the source of life, or divine energy, it is a God of LOVE.

Unfortunately, we are living in a time when people are increasingly isolated from one another, more independent from communal life, and thus more vulnerable to feeling “unloved” or apart from love.

Research points to a decline in mental health across the age and diversity spectrum, especially among adolescents and young adults. In our conversation today, Dave spoke about his 12-step program, participating in a faith community, and the power of friendship and relationships.

What’s clear for those struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and grief of all kinds is that belonging to a community—having a safe place to share, to be known, and to build mutual relationships—is essential for human thriving.

As we continue to build bridges of trust and understanding at Countryside, on the Tri-Faith Commons, in our city, our schools, and our homes, may we never forget that we belong to each other—because in the end, it takes a village, and we are that village for one another.

With light and love, Jenny

If today finds you struggling, remember that you are not alone. Support is always within reach—call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Dear Village Family,

Greetings in the heart of winter, a season that invites us to slow down, reflect, and find warmth in connection. As we navigate these colder days, I’m reflecting on a powerful concept from our recent It Takes a Village episode, inspired by Adrienne Maree Brown’s words in Emergent Strategy: “Small is all, small is good.”

Winter often feels like a time of stillness, but it’s also an opportunity to rediscover the impact of small, intentional actions. Sarah and I shared with our listeners that these seemingly small acts ripple out to create change, not just in our lives, but in the lives of others. Here are some highlights from the episode I hope will encourage you this season:

Emotional Health: The Power of Connection

Winter can sometimes bring feelings of isolation, but small gestures of connection can lift our spirits and remind us we’re not alone. Whether it’s a quick text, a “thinking of you” message, or sharing something that made you smile, these small actions strengthen emotional bonds. Take a moment each day to check in with someone. Even a funny video, a short call, or a prayer can make a big difference. Don’t forget to name your own emotions, too. Acknowledging how you feel is a small but powerful way to care for yourself.

Spiritual Health: Rituals That Anchor Us

Winter’s quiet nature makes it a perfect time for small spiritual practices. One simple ritual I enjoy is lighting a candle in the evening to mark the end of the day or to create a peaceful moment. Starting the day with a mindful cup of coffee or tea, savoring it without distraction, is another small act of care. Pairing everyday activities like brushing your teeth or making dinner with moments of gratitude or mindfulness can create meaningful rituals. In my home, gathering by the fireplace to read—even for 30 minutes—has become a cherished evening practice.

Physical Health: Small Steps Toward Vitality

Winter often tempts us to stay cozy indoors, but small actions can keep us moving and healthy. Stretching each morning, even before getting out of bed, makes a noticeable difference. A quick winter walk, staying hydrated, eating nourishing foods—these simple steps help keep our bodies vital and energized.

Interconnectedness: The Ripple Effect of Small Acts

One of the most powerful reminders from the podcast is that small actions are the building blocks of larger change. Adrienne Maree Brown’s “small is all” concept encourages us to see each small gesture as part of a larger web of interconnectedness. Picking up litter, checking on a neighbor, supporting a local business—each of these small acts contributes to a culture of care and connection. A simple act of kindness might inspire someone else to do the same. Remember, your actions matter, whether it’s contributing to a community garden, supporting mutual aid efforts, or standing with those in need.

A Winter Invitation

As we continue through this season, I invite you to reflect on the small actions you can take for your emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being, as well as for your community. Every small step—whether it’s a prayer, a smile, or a moment of gratitude—is part of a bigger story. Let us embrace the wisdom that “small is all, small is good,” and find joy in the beauty of these small blessings.

I’d love to hear how you’re bringing this spirit into your daily life. Feel free to share your thoughts with me or join the conversation with Sarah and me on Instagram at @ItTakesAVillagePodcast.

May this season bring you peace, warmth, and the joy of small blessings.

With love and warmth, Jenny Shultz-Thomas

Dear Countrysiders, As we step into 2025, I invite you to join Pastor Sarah and I for the latest episode of It Takes a Village. This week, we reflect on the beauty of gentle beginnings and how claiming “small is all” can inspire each of us to create meaningful change right where we are. Together, we explore insights from Dorcas Cheng-Tozun’s Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul and Adrienne Marie Brown’s Emergent Strategy. These powerful works remind us that hope grows in the relationships that anchor us and the places we call home—where compassion and belonging take root. I hope this episode encourages you to embrace small steps with a big heart as we journey into the new year. With grace and hope, Pastor Jenny   It Takes a Village Podcast: Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025

Dear Countrysiders, Episode 15 of It Takes a Village is now available, and Sarah and I are diving headfirst into the holiday spirit! We’re talking about holiday traditions, favorite treats (team fudge or peppermint bark?), and the joys—and occasional challenges—of the season. We also reflect on the mix of emotions this time of year brings—joy, grief, hope—and how we, as a community, can support each other through it all. Plus, don't miss our festive "This or That" holiday discussion. Who knew caramel popcorn could spark such a lively debate? Tune in for some lighthearted fun and heartfelt conversations about what makes the holiday season meaningful. You'll find the links below! It Takes a Village will return after the holidays. Until then... With warmth and joy, Pastor Jenny

Dear Countrysiders, I’m thrilled to share that Episode 14 of It Takes a Village is now available! This week, Sarah and I take a look back at all the incredible things that happened (and are happening!) here at Countryside and what’s ahead in 2025. During my mini-sabbatical in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, the vision for The Village at Countryside and its unique small group houses began to take shape, and it’s been so rewarding to see this ministry take root in our community. We also reflected on our social justice events, the board restructuring, and bringing on Heather Moran as our Director of Spiritual Formation and Adam Witte as our Designated Director of Worship and Arts. We also dove into the new Web of Care program, launching in the new year, which will deepen our commitment to congregational care. Plus, we previewed some very special upcoming services: The Longest Night on December 19, and two beautiful Christmas

Eve services; a special Family & Children’s service at 5, followed by a Candlelight Service at 7. I hope you’ll take a moment to listen to this episode, reflecting on how far we’ve come and all we have to look forward to. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas for what’s next in our journey together. With gratitude and joy, Jenny

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

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.

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

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.

· 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!

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