Deaconess Nurse Ministry

Compassion in Action at Deaconess Nurse Ministry takes Many Forms

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | March 11, 2026

At Deaconess Nurse Ministry in St. Louis, compassion isn’t just wellness screenings. It’s about the whole person. One population often served includes U.S. service veterans. One in five U.S. veterans experience homelessness at some point in their lives. Doc, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran and former medic, knows this struggle all too well. Known as “Doc”…

Deaconess Nurse Ministry Accessible Care is Life Changing for Clients

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | January 13, 2026

Each day, Deaconess Nurse Ministry in St. Louis, provides clients with someone they can trust, compassion, and the life-changing power of accessible nursing care. G.W., a 72-year-old resident in one of Deaconess Nurse Ministry’s partner communities, stops by the Wellness Office every week. Living with COPD and relying on oxygen at night, his greatest hope…

Deaconess Nurse Ministry Plays Vital Role for CHHSM Partner St. Andrew’s in East St. Louis, Ill.

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | September 11, 2025

CHHSM members in the St. Louis area often partner with each other in outreach. For example, at Rush Senior Gardens, part of St. Andrew’s Senior System in East Saint Louis, Ill., Deaconess Nurse Ministry provides compassionate, consistent care through the dedicated service of one of its faith community nurses.  Rush is an independent living community that supports…

Annual Gathering Wednesday Worship Becomes ‘Harambe’ Moment for all

By Barb Powell | March 19, 2025

The Rev. Darrell Goodwin, executive conference minister of the UCC’s Southern New England Conference, preached about the power of a unified CHHSM during the Wednesday evening worship service of the 87th Annual Gathering. Held March 12, 2025, at Old South Church UCC in Boston, the special service included the consecration of the current graduating class…

Deaconess Nurse Ministry: One Nurse’s Story at Main Street Church in St. Charles, Mo.

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | February 13, 2025

“Our congregants do not always face the same challenges as others in the metro area,” says Nurse Darla Speck, an R.N. with Deaconess Nurse Ministry in St. Louis. “They have income and housing stability with access to the medical care and services they may need. Therefore, my role as a faith nurse at Main Street…

Tameka Brown Named Executive Director of Deaconess Nurse Ministry

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | October 10, 2024

Tameka Brown, well known nonprofit leader, has been named the new executive director of Deaconess Nurse Ministry in St. Louis. She succeeds the Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, who retired July 31, 2024. Brown brings a wealth of experience to her new role, drawing from her extensive background in nonprofit leadership and community development. With more than…

Richard and Johann Ellerbrake Continue Advocacy for CHHSM through Financial Gift

By Barb Powell | July 10, 2024

The Rev. Richard Ellerbrake, long-time health and human services activist and advocate, and his wife, Johann, whose career has included serving as a physical therapist and in youth ministries, have provided a $3,000 Schwab Charitable grant to the UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM). Dick Ellerbrake, president emeritus of Deaconess Health System…

Annual Gathering: Faith Keeps Us Striving for Innovation and Collaboration

By Barb Powell | March 19, 2024

The Council for Health and Human Service Ministries’ (CHHSM) 86th Annual Gathering, held March 12-14, 2024, in St. Louis, explored its theme of Innovation and Collaboration through meaningful worship, inspiring workshops and keynotes, and joyful conversations. This year’s Gathering was based on an Ecclesiastes Bible passage, and its meaning was a thread running throughout the…

CHHSM, United Church Homes, CBLF Share Spotlight on Collaboration Presentation

By Barb Powell | March 14, 2024

A recent meeting of UCC ministries illustrated how much collaboration can create community engagement and benefit everyone. The UCC’s Living Water (Ohio NorthEast) Spire Center, which assists the association’s churches in ministry, in late January brought together the UCC Church Building and Loan Fund (CBLF), UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM), and…

Ministry Moments from the President: March 2024

By Jamar Doyle | March 14, 2024

This short, monthly video conversation highlights various CHHSM ministries and partners, as together we build a more just, equitable, caring, and compassionate world. In this month’s video, Jamar Doyle, president and CEO of CHHSM, interviews the Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, executive director of Deaconess Nurse Ministry in St. Louis. #BeAVoiceCHHSM

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