From the President

CHHSM Annual Meeting Builds Bridges

By Michael Readinger | February 13, 2017

As our country, our society, our political parties and the whole world move out of a hugely divisive election cycle and into a new administration in Washington DC, let’s take some time away while we gather in Milwaukee for the 79th CHHSM Annual Meeting. This year’s theme, “Our Bold Vision in Word and Deed,” will offer…

Our 2017 Road Map

By Michael Readinger | January 16, 2017

As the new year unfolds, people often sit down and write resolutions for improving themselves in the year ahead. Likewise, organizations use various forms of strategic planning to frame their work. At the November 2016 CHHSM board meeting, our team of staff and volunteer leaders began crafting a strategic road map of the route we…

Gratitude – The Year in Review

By Michael Readinger | December 15, 2016

I look back on 2016 with gratitude on all that has happened in our shared life of this passion-driven health and human service ministry called CHHSM. The dedication of the CHHSM board and staff motivates and pushes me to excel every day. The incredible ministry provided by all of our member organizations constantly inspires me.…

Board Meetings: Bored No More

By Michael Readinger | November 15, 2016

In my past two years as president and CEO, I have been blessed to work with the CHHSM Board of Directors as it grows and improves. My role also calls me to serve on the United Church of Christ board, the National Benevolent Association board and the Interfaith Roundtable. I have seen all of these…

God is Still Speaking

By Michael Readinger | October 16, 2016

As I approach the two-year mark of my call to be CHHSM president and CEO, I reflect on our work to create a clearer understanding of who we are as a ministry of the United Church of Christ. That work led us to the creation of a new value proposition for what membership looks for…

Healing

By Michael Readinger | September 14, 2016

Accidents happen. Some are natural disasters as seen in recent floods, tornadoes and earthquakes. Some are brought on by terrorists or criminals where innocent people become victims of horrific acts. Some are accidents that happen in a split second of being in the wrong place at the wrong time or making a foolish choice. That…

Rest for the Weary

By Michael Readinger | August 12, 2016

I recently spent a long weekend with friends on the South Jersey shore. I came back tanned and re-energized from daily workouts, bike rides and time on the beach. It is amazing what that short break did for me. I hope all of you have a chance for a little mental and physical renewal before…

What’s to Celebrate?

By Michael Readinger | July 13, 2016

I am conflicted as I write this column. The city of Cleveland is exploding as it celebrates an NBA championship, ending the city’s 52 long years with no pro sports championships. The area is at a high point as the region celebrates the Cavaliers’ basketball victory, but that’s not all that’s going on. The Lake…

Many Hands Make Light Work

By Michael Readinger | June 14, 2016

This Haya proverb from Tanzania has been on my mind quite a bit lately. In African culture, “many hands make light work” has a meaning of unity, organization, freedom, collective power, security and development. In our health and human service ministry, I often see similar expressions of this proverb. For example, I was honored to…

Sometimes All You Have is Problems

By Rev. J. Bennett Guess | May 13, 2016

If your goal is to help people become more engaged and fulfilled in a Christian community, you don’t necessarily assign them to a board or committee. Instead, you ask them where their passions lie, what gives them energy, what serves and fulfills the desires of their best selves. For some people, that’s meetings, agendas and…

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