Council for Health and Human Service Ministries

More Money for Mission

What color comes to your mind when you think of spring time?

Is it the pristine white of those early crocuses?
Is it the vibrant yellow of the daffodils?
Is it the gracious purple of those aromatic hyacinths?
Is it the royal red of the majestic tulips?

Is it the invigorating and various hues of green? You know, the light and bright green of buds on the trees, or the deep green of the newly growing grass. More than any other color, green symbolizes the renewal of spring. Green makes us think of growth and new life.

On an entirely different front, the color green also symbolizes two essential items: money and conservation. While some may argue that "going green" will cost you a lot of green, the major social responsibility movement currently afoot indicates that costs of not going green are actually much greater than the investment required to do so. Sometimes the paybacks of environmental are immediate, dramatic and sustainable! What's more, when we think about Blue Ocean Strategies (ah, another color!), additional business opportunities emerge. Creating a society with a reduced carbon footprint is beginning to appeal to more of our potential residents and donors every day.

Some immediate opportunities to go green are available right now through CHHSM Store. We have vendors who offer lighting services, energy efficient appliances and vehicles, carpet and flooring, and design services, all of which can help your ministry expand its commitment to save the planet for future generations. Learn more here, including new offers available now, or email me at readingM@chhsm.org.

Green, the color of money, is also the backdrop for everything that we say about the Pension Board-UCC's offerings to CHHSM members. Under the umbrella of the "Church Plan" status for which our ministries qualify, your organization can realize significant cost savings in your health and pharmacy plans, retirement savings plans and life and disability insurance plans. Email Don Barnes or Jim Herod at the Pension Board today, and read more about Church Plan status here.

Green also symbolizes the concept of sustainability of life. How will you continue to fund the work you do for the future? Your CHHSM membership offers you financial tools that can help, including our planned giving partnership with The United Church Foundation and the Financial Development Ministry Team. If you would like to know more, please email Don Hart at the United Church Foundation or Don Hill at the UCC's Financial Development Ministry Team.

I look forward to working with you to implement any or all of these services and initiatives at your ministry. Many CHHSM members are already saving thousands of dollars with our business services. You don't want to be green with envy, now do you?

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.

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