From the President
In July, I wrote about the relationship between civic engagement and the mission of faith-based health and human service organizations. Last month, I reflected on how advocacy is not separate from ministry, but one of the ways we extend our ministry beyond the walls of our organizations and into the public square. Underlying both of…
Last month, I wrote about why voting and civic engagement are important expressions of faith and why they matter to the work of faith-based health and human service organizations. As we continue this election season reflection, I would like to focus on a related topic that sometimes makes people uncomfortable: advocacy. For many people, the…
“Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). As leaders and practitioners in faith-based health and human services, we spend our days caring for people. We provide affordable housing, behavioral health services, healthcare, supports for older adults, services for children and families, and countless other ministries that…
Last week, the CHHSM Board of Directors gathered for our June meeting and spent meaningful time focused on a central question: What does CHHSM need to become to meet this moment? Grounded in the realities our members are navigating—workforce challenges, financial pressures, and evolving community needs—we leaned into the work of reimagining: not as a theoretical…
Last month, I had the chance to attend Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2026 in Washington, D.C. Being in the room with faith leaders, advocates, organizers, and ministry partners from across the country—people committed to justice and human dignity—left me thinking about something simple but powerful: we are indeed stronger when we unite our gifts and voices…
Over the past several weeks, I have found myself returning again and again to the experience we shared at The Gathering this past March. Something powerful and sacred took place as we came together across organizations, across ministries, and across denominational expressions to learn, worship, and fellowship together united under the theme Many Gifts, One Spirit. It had…
Over the past two months, I have reflected on stewardship, sustainability, and the resilience of leaders across the CHHSM network. Those reflections have centered on the realities many of you navigate each day as you guide ministries that provide care, stability, and hope in communities across our country. This month, as we prepare to gather…
Last month, I wrote about stewardship and sustainability and how our ministries are navigating a complex and demanding landscape. As we continue this first-quarter reflection, I want to focus on something that sits at the center of long-term sustainability yet is often the hardest to prioritize: the well-being and resilience of leaders and caregivers themselves.…
As we step into a new year, I find myself holding two truths at the same time. The first is one we all know well: this is a challenging season for health and human service ministries. Financial pressures, workforce shortages, policy uncertainty, and rising community needs continue to stretch leaders and organizations in very real…
As we enter this Thanksgiving season devoted to gratitude, it can be challenging to notice grace amid the many pressures facing our ministries and the communities we serve. On November 11, CHHSM agencies in the UCC’s Missouri Mid-South Conference gathered for Tending to the Cuts: How Changes in Federal Funding Are Affecting Our Collective Ministries. Representatives…
Join Our Mailing LIst
"*" indicates required fields
Follow on Facebook
www.chhsm.org
United Church Homes’ Laurel’s Edge affordable housing community in Kennesaw, Ga., has received support from the Cobb EMC (Electric Membership Corporation) Foundation to enhance resident safety and...