In late July, the CHHSM team took a couple days away from the office for a staff retreat. There was ample time for us to plan for the future, relax, socialize, exercise, and meet with our members in Minnesota. This time away from the office reminded me how important we can be in shaping our…

The 30th UCC General Synod was a time of celebrating, visioning, imagining the future, reflecting and building community. It was a time of great passion for the church of our shared heritage. It was also a time of immense learning. Now is the time to look at the possibilities of where this experience might take…

Some folks find the words “faith-based ministry” scary. While I understand their viewpoint is often a product of a damaging religious experience, I would like to challenge that view. I find faith-based ministry to be a reassuring and intentional way to look at delivering service to people on the margins. In the UCC, we talk…

Every time I go to the gym, I begin my workout by focusing on my core. Good training principles dictate that the key to strength, health and wellness comes from a strong and stable core. I perform a variety of exercises designed to isolate core muscles and to engage multiple muscle groups as a way…

In previous columns, I talked about the importance of belonging and the language we use to communicate. Now I ask you to reflect on why you choose to belong to CHHSM. What are the compelling reasons to be a member of this community of practice? Your reasons form the basis of a value proposition for…

What, So What, Now What? A few years ago, I went on a group vacation to Mexico. We stayed in a settled area, but the casa we rented was staffed by locals who spoke absolutely no English. We all spoke a little Spanish (some studied it years ago, others used language course CDs), but only…

As I reflect on what it means to be a membership organization, my viewpoint is touched by the recent holidays – the Advent season of anticipation, the warmth and happiness of Christmas, and the hope of the New Year. In addition to family, prayer and celebration, singing is a big part of these times. We…

By Bryan Sickbert In my final meeting as CHHSM president with the board of directors, I shared a quote from my 1991 application cover letter to the CHHSM president and CEO search committee. It said “organizations like CHHSM are perpetually fragile because their fundamental mission is to pursue meaning, thus the product of their work…