Michael Readinger
As I began writing this piece, it occurred to me that this will probably be my last column as CHHSM’s President and CEO. The Donna Summer classic, “Last Dance,” immediately came to my mind (you all know what a scary place my mind can be at times!) so I decided that would be a good…
Read MoreAs the New Year unfolded, I had the pleasure of working with the CHHSM Staff Team on the annual review process. Some organizations find this to be a tedious and painful task. Here at CHHSM, we view this as an opportunity to recall our collective successes and shared challenges. We allow Team members to reflect…
Read MoreAs you may be aware by now, CHHSM has made some significant progress in its efforts toward dismantling racism and white supremacy systems in the last year. Our Race, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (RDEI) work has just begun and will be a long-term, lifelong commitment that will require changing the way people, organizations and systems…
Read MoreHappy Veteran’s Day! As I write this column, I am remembering those who have served in our nation‘s military. Our safety and liberty are things we should not take for granted, and we owe a debt of gratitude to all of those who worked to secure the liberties we enjoy. I am traveling today (and…
Read MoreIn my September column, I wrote about the way I would approach the “one more times” in my career as I get closer to the final day in my role as president and CEO of CHHSM. I promised to be authentic and connected, inquisitive and introspective, and celebratory in honor of all I will meet…
Read MoreAs I ruminate on the approach of that day when I leave my role here at CHHSM, I am struck by the reality that almost everything I do in this role may be happening for the final time in my career! The UCC General Synod in July, my gatherings with my peers at the Interfaith…
Read MoreThe United Church of Christ meets every other year at General Synod to conduct its business. At this year’s recently concluded Synod, there were elections, resolutions of witness, prudential resolutions, speak outs, worship services and music, optional events, educational intensives, implementation conversations, hearings, and much more. But there were no cookies this year! There were…
Read MoreAt the just completed CHHSM Board of Directors meeting, we held a generative session that explored the depth and breadth of the Race, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Assessment we received from the Equius Group. That session, which we called “The Way Forward,” gave the board an opportunity to dissect the report and prioritize action items…
Read MoreI am writing this column while I am “on vacation” in southern California. The desert environment is an amazing and beautiful landscape that contains so many surprises and unexpected wonders. Many of the miracles of nature that appear here every day make me ponder the possibilities ahead of us as we begin to emerge from…
Read MoreI know we will be able to meet in person again someday in the near future. We have all heard the scientific research, political opinions, theories, hopes, and worries about how and when that will happen. I do not have all of the answers, but I do have some of the questions and possible answers…
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’Tis the Season: Finding Gratitude Through Service in Times of Uncertainty - CHHSM
As we approach the seasons of Thanksgiving and Advent, I find myself reflecting on the great impact our CHHSM ministries and partners are having across the country. This past year has been marked by t...