Michael Readinger

Beyond Cowardice

By Michael Readinger | July 12, 2019

Earlier this month, the Rev. Kenneth Samuel’s UCC Daily Devotion titled “Beyond Bravery” was published. The scripture verse from Matthew 10 is one I am familiar with and have heard in church and as the subject of more than one sermon. “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. You will be handed over…

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Be A Voice

By Michael Readinger | June 15, 2019

With each new class of the Nollau Leadership Institute, we focus on empowering members of the class to “Be A Voice” — for their vocation and call, for their ministry setting, for their family, for their friends, and for those they serve. They gain the skills and confidence necessary to do this by writing and…

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Serving Leadership

By Michael Readinger | May 14, 2019

In our work with the Nollau Leadership Institute we focus on the tenets of the CHHSM value proposition: Bold Vision, Shared Values and Inspired Leaders. It is done in a subtle way as we use the curriculum in the three retreats to help shape the current and future leaders of our member ministries. This year’s…

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Three Great Loves

By Michael Readinger | April 12, 2019

If you are wondering about the name of this column, I assure you that it is intentional. Yes, we have been talking about the 3 Great Loves for more than two years now. And, I am happy to say, the United Church of Christ has committed to continuing with this initiative for the next biennium!…

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You are Welcome to Participate

By Michael Readinger | February 11, 2019
Michael J. Readinger

Save the Date. Please RSVP. Register Now. Please join us. Deadline approaching. Hope to see you soon. These are just a few of the things we say to let you know that you are welcome to participate. And, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. And…

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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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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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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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