We also see the Holy Spirit at work through our mission efforts. Each month our congregation faithfully contributes food to the Interfaith Emergency Services 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 eight 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 to meet such as a Dementia Support Group, AA, and Al-Anon, 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 may not always see the full impact, but God is at work in those rooms, too.

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. 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 have 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 Emergency Services, 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 of shared purpose and that the Spirit continues to move powerfully at Countryside Presbyterian Church.

On Sunday, March 8th, 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.

Our Church History

In 1987, representatives from the First Presbyterian Church and Fort King Presbyterian Church decided that there was a need for a Presbyterian Church on Southwest SR 200 in Ocala. The chartering service of Countryside Presbyterian Church and the installation of Rev. Robert K. McGirt took place on May 15, 1988, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Ocala. A small group of dedicated members began meeting in Roberts Funeral Home (formerly Bruce West) on SR 200. This marked the first steps of the founding of the church you see today. Their initial sacrifice and vision made it possible for the church to prosper and grow. Pastor Robert K. McGirt led the new congregation in worship and under his leadership, a new building was constructed that consisted of a multipurpose room, which served as the sanctuary, and two offices. In October 1990, a classroom, kitchen and nursery were added. Pastor McGirt continued to serve Countryside until his death in June 2000.

In May 2001, Pastor Gary O. Marshall was installed as Countryside’s second pastor, which also marked the church’s 13th year anniversary. As the Ocala community grew, so did the congregation and its outreach. Kay O’Connor became our first full-time Business Administrator in November 2001.

In 2002, the church began to work with CDH Partners, Inc. of Atlanta on the design and expansion of its current facilities. In 2003, Ausley Construction Co. LLC was engaged as our contractor and after a successful fundraising, the groundbreaking ceremony was held in July. The cornerstone was celebrated in a service of dedication and thanksgiving on Reformation Sunday in 2004.

The new sanctuary was equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, adequate offices and classrooms with a fellowship space dedicated as “Founder’s Hall” in October 2005. With this expansion, our church continued to grow in faith and outreach for the community. After 21 years as Countryside’s spiritual leader, Pastor Marshall retired in December 2022.

In January 2023, Pastor Rhonda Link-Cummings, Minister of the Word for the past 43 years, was appointed as Interim Pastor. She has served the Presbytery of St. Augustine on the Call Committee and as an Area Coordinator.

Today, we offer Bible Studies and Christian Education Classes. The Missions Committee organizes monthly donations of food and clothing which is distributed to Interfaith Community Services and collects children’s socks and underwear collections for Marion Oaks Elementary School. Our church has an active pastoral care program through its Shepherding Ministry. Our Crafty Christians make clothing and comfort items for hospice and Interfaith Emergency Services. The church’s Fellowship Committee provides monthly lunches with guest speakers and dinners for church members and friends.

Countryside’s outreach to the community includes hosting Cancer and Al Anon and AA support groups. Currently, we provide use of Founder’s Hall for the Girl Scouts, Line Dancing and JB Ranch HOA meetings. The Sanctuary is available for weddings, and Founder’s Hall is also available to rent for receptions, meetings, and parties.

The church grounds contain a Memorial Garden which is reserved for members, and a meditation garden.

We embrace the joy of Christian music and since October 23, 2018, Raul Ramirez Lugo has served as the Director of Music. He conducts our Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir. He brings his excellent credentials of music from his birthplace in Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano and a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration.

September to May, the Countryside Concert Series offers entertainment on Sunday afternoons which includes performances from the Master Choir of Central Florida and music from local performers. We host a very popular Countryside Faire (rummage sale) every February, Adult Vacation Bible School, an Annual Church Picnic, Fall Arts & Crafts Show, and a Christmas Gift Auction.

With our 38 years in service to the Lord in the city of Ocala, we are proud of what we have achieved with God’s guidance. We describe our church as a warm and inclusive family where all who enter through our doors are welcome. Our Sunday Worship Services include a contemporary early service at 9:00 am in our Founder’s Hall and a traditional service at 10:30 am in our sanctuary. Come Join us!