Countryside Christian Church sits on Nall Avenue in Mission, Kansas, where a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has built a ministry that stretches from Sunday worship to weekday child care. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Roger Beason, the church describes itself as a diverse group of Christ-followers across the United States and Canada who worship in sanctuaries, living rooms, coffee shops and online, who love sharing a meal together, who are called to do justice, and who read and wrestle with the Bible.
The church's identity is rooted in the broader Disciples of Christ movement, describing itself as "a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world" and teaching that "all are welcome at the Lord's table as God has welcomed us." That open table shapes both worship and the way the church serves its neighbors.
Sunday Worship and Wednesday Bible Study
Sunday morning worship is the heart of the week. Services are held at 10:00 a.m. and broadcast live on YouTube, allowing members and visitors to join from home when they cannot be there in person. The church's Wednesday Bible study offers two opportunities for midweek reflection: a morning session at 10:00 a.m. and an evening session at 5:30 p.m., giving students, retirees and working adults alike a chance to dig into Scripture.
The Countryside Child Development Center
A significant part of the church's daily life takes place in the Countryside Child Development Center, a licensed preschool and daycare that serves children from six weeks old through pre-K. The center is open full time, four to five days a week, and divides children into four programs based on age and development. Infants (six weeks to 18 months, not yet walking) focus on tender loving care and developmental milestones, with a 4:1 teacher ratio and an average of eight children per room; purees and solid foods are provided, and weekly art time introduces little ones to story time.
Toddlers (one year old and walking, and two year olds not yet potty trained) enjoy a warm environment with a 6:1 teacher ratio, daily curriculum built around monthly themes, frequent read-alouds and music, and access to two outdoor playgrounds plus an indoor playspace for inclement weather. Early Preschool (two and a half to three years, in the process of potty training) introduces structured learning time and focuses on stimulating all five senses. Preschool and Pre-K (four to five years, potty trained) follows a kindergarten-readiness curriculum with monthly themes, encourages age-appropriate independence, and goes on field trips year-round that are included with tuition. All meals and snacks are provided across the programs, and every class participates in DB Fit & Fun.
The center's staff are certified by the State of Kansas with appropriate fingerprinting and background checks, and have completed thorough safety and CPR training. Cheyenne Martin directs the center, with Lorraine Gardner as assistant director. Parents regularly note the open communication and the warm, caring atmosphere that makes Countryside feel like a "home away from home."
Music, Quilters, and Disciples Women
The church's ministry extends well beyond Sunday morning. The Bell and Chancel Choirs provide musical leadership in worship. Disciples Women gathers on the third Thursday of each month for fellowship, study, devotionals, refreshments, chair exercises set to great music, and challenging service projects. The group invites anyone to "come, share your friendship, your great ideas and your smiles," noting that there is a place for everyone.
Within Disciples Women, the Cancer Action team meets monthly to sew bed pads, afghans, quilts and seat belt covers for cancer patients in the region. The group makes clear that members do not need to know how to sew to participate: "There are several jobs to do so you don't have to be able to sew to be with us." Their work is grounded in Matthew 25:40: "to the extent that you did to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." Prayer Quilters meet on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. to work on quilts and organize donated fabrics, welcoming anyone who wants to "come take a look around our beautiful collection."
SWAG Youth and American Heritage Girls
Young people have their own places in the church. SWAG Youth Group meets Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 in the loft above the sanctuary, following weekly Bible lessons and teen studies while creating space for mutual support in today's world. For younger girls, American Heritage Girls Troop KS0323 provides a Christ-centered scouting and character-development program for ages 5 to 18. The troop encourages participation in badge and faith programs, leadership opportunities, service projects, and outdoor experiences, with regular troop meetings on the second and fourth Mondays from September through May.
The Mission Community Food Pantry
Community outreach is woven into the church's identity. Countryside has partnered with Trinity Lutheran Church to operate the Mission Community Food Pantry, which has served those in need throughout Mission for several years. Together the two congregations gather and distribute groceries on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Volunteers are welcome and asked to arrive at 3:30 p.m.
Small Groups Around Town
Small groups round out the church's fellowship. Holy Grounds, a men's coffee group hosted by Rev. Beason, meets every other Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., rotating among Flapjacks, Ronnie's and Big Biscuit for food, fellowship and wide-ranging conversation that sometimes turns to sports and how to solve all the problems in the world. Pageturners Book Club brings readers together, and NTouch offers another small-group option for connection and study.
With weekly worship, midweek Bible study, a thriving child development center, active women's and youth ministries, a food pantry partnership, and a roster of small groups, Countryside Christian Church serves as both a spiritual home and a community hub in Mission, Kansas.