From the President

Promises for a New Year

By Michael Readinger | January 13, 2016
Michael J. Readinger

Now is the time to envision the road ahead. As the New Year begins, we are mapping goals, making resolutions and planning for the future. In that spirit, here are CHHSM’s promises for the coming year: The mission of our shared faith-based ministry will be at the forefront of all our work. The United Church…

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Adventure

By Michael Readinger | December 14, 2015
Michael J. Readinger

Advent is a time of waiting, quietness and hoping for the unexpected. It’s a time of anticipation, as well as a celebration of the joy, peace, hope, love and promises of our God who came to dwell among us. How much of that joy, hope, peace and love did the marginalized experience in their struggle…

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One Year In

By Michael Readinger | November 12, 2015
Michael J. Readinger

As you read this issue of Diakonie, the CHHSM board is on its way to Cleveland to meet for the final time in 2015. This meeting is an important one for the life of our shared ministry. We will perform all of the regular fiduciary functions, hold an important education session, do some generative work…

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Reaping What We Sow

By Michael Readinger | October 13, 2015
Michael J. Readinger

It is autumn. The blood moon was glorious and harvest season is upon us. While assessing the bounty of the summer’s labor and preparing for winter, I think about the scripture from 2 Corinthians 9:6 – “But this [I say], they who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and they who soweth bountifully shall reap…

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Collective Wisdom

By Michael Readinger | September 13, 2015
Michael J. Readinger

Recently I was wrestling over a complicated work issue and was feeling lost. There are so many variables around CHHSM’s value proposition process, staffing, finances and strategic planning that I just felt stuck. It all came together when one person casually asked me what I was working on that was bothering me. That conversation led…

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Renewal

By Michael Readinger | August 14, 2015
Michael J. Readinger

In late July, the CHHSM team took a couple days away from the office for a staff retreat. There was ample time for us to plan for the future, relax, socialize, exercise, and meet with our members in Minnesota. This time away from the office reminded me how important we can be in shaping our…

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Growing Together at General Synod

By Michael Readinger | July 14, 2015
Michael J. Readinger

The 30th UCC General Synod was a time of celebrating, visioning, imagining the future, reflecting and building community. It was a time of great passion for the church of our shared heritage. It was also a time of immense learning. Now is the time to look at the possibilities of where this experience might take…

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Faith-Based Ministry

By Michael Readinger | June 12, 2015
Michael J. Readinger

Some folks find the words “faith-based ministry” scary. While I understand their viewpoint is often a product of a damaging religious experience, I would like to challenge that view. I find faith-based ministry to be a reassuring and intentional way to look at delivering service to people on the margins. In the UCC, we talk…

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A Strong Core: Core Values and Mission

By Michael Readinger | May 12, 2015
Michael J. Readinger

Every time I go to the gym, I begin my workout by focusing on my core. Good training principles dictate that the key to strength, health and wellness comes from a strong and stable core. I perform a variety of exercises designed to isolate core muscles and to engage multiple muscle groups as a way…

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Val-You Proposition

By Michael Readinger | April 14, 2015
Michael J. Readinger

In previous columns, I talked about the importance of belonging and the language we use to communicate. Now I ask you to reflect on why you choose to belong to CHHSM. What are the compelling reasons to be a member of this community of practice? Your reasons form the basis of a value proposition for…

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