From the President

Auld Lang Syne

By Barb Powell | January 11, 2019
Michael J. Readinger

I was thinking about Auld Lang Syne, so I read all the lyrics for the first time in my life. While there are a few parts of the song that are more celebratory than nostalgic, I really feel connected to the parts about being present with each other in the past. The song makes me…

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Year-End Reflection

By Michael Readinger | December 14, 2018
Michael J. Readinger

As 2018 draws to a close, I am ruminating on the year that has passed and what it tells me about the year ahead. Much like Advent, this is a time of waiting and watching for the CHHSM Board and Staff.  And, of course, for our member ministries as well! The month of December began…

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A Deep Gladness for the Work of CHHSM

By Rev. George R. Graham | November 13, 2018

We are pleased to welcome George Graham to the CHHSM staff as vice president. I asked him to write a few words to introduce himself to you. — Michael Readinger  Author Frederick Buechner writes, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” This month…

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Farewells Are Rarely Easy

By Mary Paxton | October 12, 2018

Farewells are rarely easy. My journey here at CHHSM, as a staff member, began with much anticipation and expectation. I was excited to work with our member agencies as we continued learning how to become a collective voice, as we moved towards establishing key partnerships that allow us to be better stewards of resources, as…

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Looking Ahead

By Michael Readinger | September 13, 2018
Michael J. Readinger

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn! It’s a bit ironic to me when I hear people talk about the pace of work slowing down during the summer months. All this talk about the family vacations before school starts again, the sports leagues for the kids, the recreational activities for clients and residents, the outdoor festivals, concerts, professional…

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Farewell and Joy Be With You All

By Rev. Danielle Bartz | August 10, 2018

“The Parting Glass” is a traditional folk song that was, and still is, popular in Ireland and Scotland. When a gathering of friends would come to an end, the song would be sung. The “Parting Glass” was the final hospitality that would be given to a departing guest, something to fortify them for the journey.…

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Ministry in Action

By Michael Readinger | July 10, 2018
Michael J. Readinger

In this issue of Diakonie, the CHHSM Board and Staff are pleased to present “Ministry in Action,” the 2017 Annual Report of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, United Church of Christ.  I hope that you will read it with care so that you can enjoy the stories of the hands and feet…

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Inspired Leaders (with a) Bold Vision (and) Shared Values

By Michael Readinger | June 14, 2018
Michael J. Readinger

Every June and November, I attend a full week of back to back Board meetings for CHHSM and then the National Benevolent Association (Christian Church, Disciples of Christ). Two weeks ago, I was with the CHHSM Board and Staff in Cleveland from Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday, I went to St. Louis to meet with…

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Creating a Movement

By Michael Readinger | May 14, 2018
Michael J. Readinger

There is a season, turn, turn, turn. — Pete Seeger It looks like summer is finally here in the Midwest. May days will soon lead to June, July and August. As I am writing this, we have an upper 80-degree day with sunny skies! For some odd reason, Peter Seeger’s lyrics from The Byrds’ 1965…

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Alleluia is Our Cry

By Michael Readinger | April 13, 2018
Michael J. Readinger

We are an Easter people. And Alleluia is our cry. — St. Augustine Life is so beautiful. The glories of every sunrise, every sunset, every full moon, every starlit sky. The joy of all those children, neighbors, the Earth, our pets, our friends, the sense of accomplishment or congratulations for a job well done, that…

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