Barb Powell

Keynote Speakers Set for CHHSM 87th Annual Gathering in Boston/Cambridge

By Barb Powell | October 10, 2024

Jonathan A King, Ph.D., of Massachusetts Peace Action and the Rev. Dr. Calvon T. Jones of Harvard Memorial Church will deliver the opening and closing keynote addresses, respectively, during the 2025 Annual Gathering of the UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM), to be held March 11-13, 2025, in Boston and Cambridge, Mass.…

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Following Death of Cherished Member, Suicide Prevention Awareness Sunday Service and Workshop Help Begin Healing at Cleveland UCC Church

By Barb Powell | October 10, 2024

West Park United Church of Christ in Cleveland held a particularly poignant worship service and workshop Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. The church’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Sunday was led by the Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, CHHSM’s associate for advocacy and leadership development, who delivered the sermon and led the workshop. Foremost in attendees’ minds was active…

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ONA Coalition Recognizes Long-Time CHHSM Advocates and LGBTQIA+ Allies

By Barb Powell | October 10, 2024

The UCC’s Open and Affirming Coalition Annual Gathering was held Sept. 19-22, 2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and included a gala evening of celebration. Honored during the presentations were two long-time UCC clerypersons who are CHHSM advocates and LGBTQIA+ allies. The honorees were the Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, M.Div., CHHSM board member and vice president of engagement,…

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The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson to Preach at 2025 Annual Gathering Opening Worship

By Barb Powell | September 11, 2024

The UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) has announced that the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, the UCC’s general minister and president and CEO, will preach at the opening worship service of its 87th Annual Gathering, to be held March 11-13, 2025, in Boston and Cambridge, Mass. “We are thrilled to…

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Imagination and Inspiration Key to Christmas Fund Advent Resources Created by CHHSM’s Berry

By Barb Powell | September 11, 2024

Once again, the Pension Boards UCC (PB) and the UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) have partnered to bring churches and related agencies this year’s Christmas Fund Advent resources, including the four weeks of Advent, plus Christmas Eve. The 2024 set of resources, which will be available soon from the Pension Boards,…

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Harm Reduction Retreat Helps Participants Become ‘Agents of Resurrection’

By Barb Powell | September 11, 2024

Clergy, local church lay leaders, and members of various Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) agencies came together Aug. 7, 2024, for a special UCC Heartland Conference/CHHSM retreat on harm reduction. The day featured discussion, workshop activities, worship, ritual, and reflection as attendees learned how to take action in ending the overdose crisis…

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Applications Open for the Next CHHSM Scholar

By Barb Powell | August 13, 2024

The Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) Rev. Jerry Paul Scholar Program has opened applications for its next CHHSM Scholar. The program offers a unique and tailored program for seminary students interested in learning more about ministry in faith-based health and human service nonprofit organizations. “It is always inspiring to begin a new…

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Elder Financial Exploitation Explored at Recent Interfaith Roundtable Discussion

By Barb Powell | August 13, 2024

The topic of financial exploitation and abuse of older adults was the focus of a recent interfaith roundtable meeting hosted July 30 by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that works to ensure that everyone is treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions. The free, virtual meeting included leaders…

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CHHSM Announces Peer Survey, Formation of Presidents Circle to Inform Future CHHSM Programming, Resources

By Barb Powell | August 13, 2024

CHHSM is initiating two new endeavors aimed at increasing member participation and engagement and expand the future vision of the organization: an engagement survey and a Presidents Circle. The short survey was created by Zaria Davis, CHHSM’s engagement coordinator, and will go out to peer-level colleagues at CHHSM agencies.  “At CHHSM, fostering meaningful connections and…

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Richard and Johann Ellerbrake Continue Advocacy for CHHSM through Financial Gift

By Barb Powell | July 10, 2024

The Rev. Richard Ellerbrake, long-time health and human services activist and advocate, and his wife, Johann, whose career has included serving as a physical therapist and in youth ministries, have provided a $3,000 Schwab Charitable grant to the UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM). Dick Ellerbrake, president emeritus of Deaconess Health System…

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