The Gathering to Feature Consecration of CHHSM’s Nollau Institute Class as Diakonal Ministers

One of the highlights of The Gathering: Many Gifts, One Spirit—which takes place March 24-26, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis—will be the recognition and consecration of this year’s graduating class of CHHSM’s Nollau Leadership Institute.

The culminating event of the year-long Nollau program takes place Wednesday evening, March 25, at 5 p.m. at St. Peter’s UCC in Carmel, Ind., a suburb of Indianapolis. A reception will follow this special worship service. The Rev. Chad Abbott, conference minister of the UCC’s Indiana-Kentucky Conference, will preach.

During the consecration litany of the service, Nollau class members will receive basins and towels, which represent their call to be one in health and human service leadership.

Each Nollau classmate creates a final capstone project. The capstones help Nollau graduates express what they believe serving leadership to be. The projects will be on display Tuesday, March 24, from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. during a Gathering reception at the Indianapolis ArtsGarden. The Nollau graduates will be on hand to talk about their capstones during the reception.

The Gathering also will have short worship services March 24 and 25 at 8:30 a.m., and a closing worship March 26 at 11:15 a.m. The services will include prayer, a scripture reading, a time for reflection and conversation, and a hymn. An offering will be taken to benefit a local faith-based charity. 

Unique to The Gathering, there will be a silent reflection space open to all attendees during the event. That space will be the location of a Friends (Quaker) worship service on Wednesday to which all are invited. The Friends service will be a silent worship experience that will allow attendees to reflect on the conference scripture and theme. 

Something for Everyone

The Gathering will be a unique opportunity to network with ecumenical colleagues from Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, Quaker, and United Church of Christ health and human service agencies.

In addition, there will be inspiring keynote speeches from UCC minister the Rev. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund (March 25); Nikki Rineer of MHS Consulting (March 24); and Stan Phelps, global speaking fellow and author of numerous books, including the popular Goldfish series (March 26). Lisa Carr, director of government relations for Service Coordination, Inc. (SCI), will deliver opening remarks on March 25.

A plethora of workshops also will be offered. Some 35 opportunities will be available over the three days across several tracks: Association and Networking Events, Governance & Strategic Planning, Holistic Care & Community, Marketing & Fundraising, Operations and Financial Stewardship, Workforce Excellence & Leadership.

Through the work of our ecumenical partners, many of this year’s workshops are approved for various continuing education credits for eligible participants. CE credits will be available for Nursing Home Administrators (NAB), Mental Health Providers (NBCC), Social Workers (ASWB), and Fundraising Professionals (CFRE). Attendees will receive guidance on self-reporting credits to applicable credentialing and licensing bodies, where required.

Logistics Key to The Gathering!

The Gathering has a block of rooms at the Hyatt Regency offered at a discount. The room block closes March 1, so make reservations soon.

Additionally, the free Gathering app (click “EventApp” on the Logistics page) is available on the event website, and is essential for all participants. 

The Gathering app offers useful support before and during the event.

• Navigate the event agenda and logistics, even without Wi-Fi or data. Access useful information like ridesharing and local attractions through the Community Board
• Network effectively. Plan whom to meet by exploring attendee profiles and sending out messages
• Participate in event activities through session likes, comments, ratings, live polling, tweeting, and more.

The Gathering will focus on how we carry unique gifts, experiences, talents and skills—all given by God’s Spirit—into our work and service. There will be opportunities to build an intentional network of leaders that stand together to magnify our vision, amplify our voice and advance our mutual ministries.

It also will be an exciting time for learning, listening, and forming new ways to work together. The Gathering will be a moment to celebrate and support the work of friends and colleagues. In addition to the formal activities, there will be plenty of time for informal gatherings and forging connections.

“The Gathering will be a unique opportunity to meet with our ecumenical colleagues,” said Jamar Doyle, president and CEO of CHHSM. “In addition to the many opportunities to engage with others, there will be time to honor this year’s exceptional CHHSM Nollau class, always a high point of our time together. The Gathering promises to be a life-changing event for all, as we learn from and tell our stories to a community of like-minded people from across health and human service ministries.”