Council for Health and Human Service Ministries

Educational Future is Bright, Thanks to UCC-Related Unleashing Potential’s Scholarship Grants

By Barb Powell | July 30, 2019

Some 25 years ago, St. Louis-based Unleashing Potential (UP) started the William Diersing Scholarship Fund to help lower-income youth and families in St. Louis further their academic goals. In June, eight UP program participants were honored as this year’s fund recipients. At an awards ceremony June 10, Darlene Sowell, president and CEO, presented the $1,500…

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Volunteer Finds Family at UCC-Related Cherry Arbors

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | July 23, 2019

By Alissa Paolella Rhonda Farley was tired to the bone. She had spent the past several years waking at 4 a.m. daily to help care for her aging mother. With the assistance of her grown son, Rhonda was providing around-the-clock care for her mother, Georgena, who was experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. But…

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Plymouth Harbor Former Executive Director Jack Smith Dies at 93

By CHHSM Staff | July 23, 2019

The Rev. John “Jack” A. Smith — the second administrator of UCC-related Plymouth Harbor in Sarasota, Fla. — died June 4, 2019, in Plymouth Harbor’s Smith Care Center, named for him. He was 93. Smith was Plymouth Harbor’s administrator from 1972 until his retirement in 1989. Early in his tenure, Plymouth Harbor was struggling to…

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Ignorance is not Bliss and Silence is not Golden

By Guest Contributor | July 22, 2019

Edith A. Guffey is Conference Minister of the UCC’s Kansas-Oklahoma Conference. Prior to serving the conference, Guffey was Secretary (1991-2000) and Associate General Minister (2000-2011) of the United Church of Christ. Recently, she shared these thoughts via the conference’s e-blast. We reprint them here with permission: I was going to just let it go; after…

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UCC Minister and Fairhaven Senior Services Supporter the Rev. Donald Ellerman Dies at 68

By CHHSM Staff | July 13, 2019

The Rev. Donald Edgar Ellerman, UCC minister and resident of UCC-related Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, Wis., died July 9. He was 68. A graduate of Quincy High School, Ellerman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and was honorably discharged in 1973. While stationed in Italy, he met his wife, Gladys E. (Leason)…

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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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Pension Boards UCC: Retirement and Benefits Plans that Work for CHHSM Members

By CHHSM Staff | July 11, 2019

Many faith-based service organizations struggle with how to offer benefits and retirement pensions to their employees in an effective, just way. Sometimes, it’s difficult to find providers that understand church-related organizations’ priorities. For CHHSM members, the Pension Boards United Church of Christ (PBUCC) offers both understanding and multiple solutions. “PBUCC has been in existence and…

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Older Adults, Chinese Immersion Students Benefit from Special Summer Program at UCC-related Greencastle of Barrington

By Barb Powell | July 10, 2019

At Greencastle of Barrington (Ill.) — an Embrace Living Communities affordable older adult community — residents participate in many intergenerational and community programs. But none are as unique as its current partnership with the Barrington Chinese Immersion Council (BCIC). Over the course of the summer months, the BCIC Chinese Culture Club is meeting at Greencastle,…

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A Religion of the Heart and the Hands

By Guest Contributor | July 8, 2019

The Rev. John H. Thomas, former UCC general minister and president and retired Chicago Theological Seminary faculty member, recently lifted up the work of UCC predecessors  — now part of CHHSM — during a sermon on Luke 24:13-16,28-31 at Epiphany UCC in Chicago. These are his words, reprinted with permission: The women and men who…

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At UCC-related Hoffman Homes, Horses Help Youth Overcome Trauma Experiences

By Barb Powell | July 8, 2019

Among the first things people notice about Magee are his stunning blue eyes and gentle nature. Magee, an 8-year-old registered American Paint horse, is the newest member of the Equine-Assisted Therapy program at UCC-related Hoffman Homes for Youth in Littlestown, Pa. On June 25, Magee completed his trial period and officially became part of the…

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