03/13/2026
Seeing the Holy Spirit at Work Among Us
There are moments in the life of Countryside Presbyterian Church when you can almost feel the gentle but powerful movement of the Holy Spirit shaping hearts, opening doors, and drawing people together. We have been seeing that movement in our congregation in beautiful and tangible ways.
One of the clearest signs has been the joy of welcoming new members into our church family. Each new face is more than just a number; it is a reminder that God is still calling, still gathering, and still building His Church. Watching individuals step forward in faith to unite with us speaks of hope and renewal. The Spirit continues to breathe fresh life into our congregation.
We also see the Holy Spirit at work through our mission efforts. Each month our congregation faithfully contributes food to the Interfaith food collection, helping provide for families in our community who are struggling to put meals on the table. Through these offerings, shelves are stocked, families are nourished, and hope is shared. There is a shared joy in giving, packing, organizing, and delivering these gifts. It is a reminder that when we respond to God’s call to care for our neighbors, the Holy Spirit multiplies our efforts in ways we may never fully see.
We provide underwear and socks for a local elementary school and fill backpacks with food for children to take home on the weekends.
The women in our Crafty Christians group make pillowcases and pillows for Hospice. They make hundreds of Christmas stockings to go to needy children.
This past year in addition to providing food and gifts of clothing and toys to 8 families for Christmas, our congregation, in conjunction with Samaritan’s Purse- Operation Christmas Child, provided 170 boxes filled with toys to countries less fortunate.
Whether supporting local outreach or extending help beyond our immediate community, our willingness to serve reflects Christ’s hands and feet in action. It becomes evident that Countryside not only talks about love – we live it.
Another powerful witness is the way we open our doors to our community. By providing space for groups, such as a Dementia Support Group, AA and Al-Anon, to meet, we are offering more than just a building; we are offering a safe and welcoming place for healing, encouragement, and new beginnings. In doing so, we become a quiet but steady presence of hope. We provide space for other groups such as the Line Dance of Ocala, a Faith Yoga Group, our well-attended Concert series, DAR, Girl Scouts, and various HOA’s. We may not always see the full impact, but God is at work in those rooms, too.
When we step back and look at all these things together — new members, faithful mission work, and hospitality to our community — we see more than activity. We see the Spirit moving.
This was never more evident than what we experienced during our Annual Faire. There was a spirit of warmth and kindness in every corner of the Faire. Conversations flowed easily. Laughter could be heard across the room. Volunteers encouraged one another. Guests were welcomed not just as customers, but as neighbors and friends. When we serve with willing hearts, something holy happens. We become the hands and feet of Christ to one another and our community. The weariness we feel is met with a deeper joy – the joy that comes from knowing we are participating in God’s work. This year’s Faire was the most successful one we’ve ever had. In addition to the funds generated for our church, we donated the remaining items to various charities such as Vocal, Kate’s House, the VA, and Women’s prison. Blankets, comforters and tarps were given to the people living in the forest across from the elementary school. The remainder of the items were split between Interfaith, the Shores Thrift Store and the Sheriff’s Thrift Shop.
Our Annual Faire was more than a fundraiser or community event. It was a testimony. A testimony of shared purpose and a testimony that the Spirit continues to move powerfully at Countryside Presbyterian Church.
This past Sunday, Rev. Ruth Elswood talked about “The God of Living Water” and how the Water of Life flows with abundance to fill us with Hope. We see that happening as we meet the needs of our congregation through our Shepherding program. God calls us to share the Water of Life with the world around us. That is our calling here at Countryside and it is our prayer that we continue to serve, trusting that wherever God calls us to work together, His Spirit goes before us.
