Gratitude for Fellowship, Strength in Community, and a Vision for the Future

As I reflect on this year’s CHHSM Annual Gathering, my heart is full of gratitude. The time we spent together — in worship, in learning, in deep conversations — was a reminder of the power of community and the sacred work we are called to do. Each session, each shared meal, and each moment of fellowship reinforced the strength and passion of our CHHSM family.

Gathering together this year felt especially significant. In a time of economic, political, and social uncertainty, being in community served as a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this struggle. The challenges before us are real — our organizations continue to navigate financial pressures, our communities bear the weight of injustice, and the divisions in our nation often feel overwhelming. And yet, in the midst of all this, we came together to worship, to strategize, and to uplift one another. As the Rev. Darrell Goodwin reminded us through chants of Harambe! — a Swahili word meaning “pull together” — we draw strength from one another, moving forward as one body, united in our call to serve.

Looking ahead, I am especially excited about The Gathering in 2026. This will be more than just a conference — it will be a historic moment of ecumenical partnership, bringing together CHHSM and our colleagues from the Mennonite Health Services (MHS), the Methodist Ministry Network, and the Presbyterian Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (PASHA). Our theme, Many Gifts, One Spirit, highlights how the various health and human service organizations of our different organizations are stronger together, united in a shared commitment to serve with justice, love, and compassion. 

Imagine the power of these faith traditions uniting under the shared call to serve humankind just as Jesus taught!

• In a world that often highlights division, we will embody unity.
• In a society that values competition, we will model collaboration.
• And in a time when many feel isolated in their struggles, we will show that God’s people stand together, committed to justice, healing, and love.

I look forward to continuing this journey with each of you — walking together in faith, lifting each other up, and embracing the new opportunities God places before us. Thank you for being part of this incredible CHHSM community. I am grateful for you, and I can’t wait to see where we go next.