More Money for Mission

Warm springtime greetings to all of you (in spite of the eight inches of new snow here in Cleveland, Ohio!) as we prepare to gather in Charlotte, NC for the 70th CHHSM Annual Meeting.

As I reflect on all of the work we have done together in creating Business Services products to save money for our membership, and to ultimately 'create more money for ministry'--I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I am especially thankful for the support of the CHHSM staff team for all they do behind the scenes to help me in my work. I am equally thankful for the leadership of the CHHSM Board of Directors, especially the Business Services Committee of the Board. Their insight and support of these initiatives has been critical in successful implementation. Finally, I am eternally thankful for the covenantal and corporate partners who have worked within a very tight framework to help develop the products and services that have fulfilled our commitment to Filling Our Basin, the CHHSM strategic plan.

When we assemble in Charlotte next week, you will have the opportunity to meet all of these great people who have been so committed and so instrumental in developing these cost-saving initiatives. Please do not miss out on the chance to say hello and find out more about what they have all been doing.

For example, look for Rene Sharkey from Care Purchasing Services, Inc. (Vendor Reception Partner) at the CHHSM Store expo on Friday, March 7. Rene will be happy to tell you more about CHHSM Store; you can review the new Products and Services list here. (PDF)

The CHHSM Store expo will have 14 vendors this year. You'll be able to say hello to Chellcie Keniray from Omnicare, our Vendor Reception Partner, who will also be there to discuss their pharmacy program. (PDF) You will also want to meet Adam Prowler from T-Mobile, our Vendor Luncheon Host, who will give you all of the details about their programs for your community. (PDF) You won't be able to miss Pat Moran from Vitality Foodservice, Inc., (PDF) our Associate Partner, in the Leadership Plenary; they will be providing the coffee and tea service there as well as juices in the expo hall.

Throughout the meeting, other CHHSM partners will offer their expertise. Amy Hayman from Cain Brothers, our Corporate Partner, will team up with CHHSM member United Church Homes, Inc. to show how their Blue Ocean concept is leading them to envision the future at UCH. John Hewett from Hewett Consulting in Charlotte will wow you with his presentation on "Who Gives, Why and When" at the Development Officers' Network Forum on Thursday afternoon.

Our covenantal partners from the UCC will also be present. Don Hart and Nelson Murphy from the United Church Foundation, our Associate Partner, are leading a educational and enjoyable session on prudence with your endowment funds; they've also written an article (PDF) on why the United Church Foundation Fixed Income Funds have escaped the sub-prime debacle. Catherine Waterworth, chief investment officer of the Foundation and the Pension Boards-UCC will assist them and offer her opinions on the financial markets. Jim Herod from the Pension Boards will explain the importance and value of relating to the UCC with his session on Church Plans (PDF) and the ramifications to your benefits programs.

Don Hill and Lynne Hansen from the UCC's Financial Development Team will be on hand to share the exciting news about the North American Conference on Christian Philanthropy (PDF) to be held in April of 2008. There is an additional complimentary day and a half session just for UCC-related development professionals that follows the conference.

Friends, we have so many blessings in our lives for which to be thankful. All of these partnerships--actually, I consider them friendships--are near the top of my list. If they are not near the top of yours, please give me a call so I can fill you in!

I am also thankful that I will be able to spend four days in Charlotte with all of you! Thanks for the inspiration that your work provides to me every single day.

Grace and Peace until next week!

Michael Readinger

"More Money for Mission," keeps you informed, updated and excited about the work being done by the CHHSM Board's Business Services Committee and Vice President for Business Services Mike Readinger.

Earlier Columns

• More Money for Mission, January 2008
• More Money for Mission, December 2007