From the President
Advent is a time of waiting, quietness and hoping for the unexpected. It’s a time of anticipation, as well as a celebration of the joy, peace, hope, love and promises of our God who came to dwell among us. How much of that joy, hope, peace and love did the marginalized experience in their struggle…
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As you read this issue of Diakonie, the CHHSM board is on its way to Cleveland to meet for the final time in 2015. This meeting is an important one for the life of our shared ministry. We will perform all of the regular fiduciary functions, hold an important education session, do some generative work…
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It is autumn. The blood moon was glorious and harvest season is upon us. While assessing the bounty of the summer’s labor and preparing for winter, I think about the scripture from 2 Corinthians 9:6 – “But this [I say], they who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and they who soweth bountifully shall reap…
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Recently I was wrestling over a complicated work issue and was feeling lost. There are so many variables around CHHSM’s value proposition process, staffing, finances and strategic planning that I just felt stuck. It all came together when one person casually asked me what I was working on that was bothering me. That conversation led…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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A Diamond Anniversary: 60 Years of Bright Living at Beatitudes Campus - CHHSM
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The year 1965 was filled with transformative moments in U.S. history. It saw the first American walk in space, the rise of “The Sound of Music” as a cultural sensation, the creation of Medicare an...