At CHHSM’s annual gathering, human connections invite innovation and collaboration among UCC agencies

The 86th annual gathering of the United Church of Christ Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) explored a theme of innovation and collaboration through meaningful worship, inspiring workshops and keynotes, and joyful conversations and connections.  

This year’s gathering, held March 12-14 in St. Louis, was based on an Ecclesiastes Bible passage, and its meaning was a thread running throughout the three days: 

It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
The Message

“Sounds like gospel to me,” said the Rev. Kirsten Peachey, vice president of faith outreach and co-director of the Center for Faith and Community Health Transformation for Advocate Health, based in North Carolina, and newly-elected CHHSM board chair. “And let’s not forget how radical the gospel is. The speakers and workshops at the CHHSM annual gathering kept calling us to it.” 

Opening worship, panel offer ‘prophetic voice’ 

From the opening worship — with preacher the Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis — the theme of faith and collaboration took center stage. 

“I was deeply inspired by the courageous and prophetic voice of the Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois,” said Jamar Doyle, president and CEO of CHHSM. “Her message illuminated a path of hope amidst injustice, urging us to confront systemic inequities with unwavering courage, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to social justice.” 

Johnson-Javois “challenged us to face the harsh realities of our world, while also reminding us of the transformative potential inherent in collective action fueled by faith and solidarity,” Doyle added. 

The worship service was held at St. Peter’s UCC in Ferguson, Missouri. It was followed by a panel discussion reflecting on the 10 years since the murder of Michael Brown in the St. Louis suburb. Doyle facilitated the panel, which included the Rev. Deb Krause, president of Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, Missouri; Cathy “Mama Cat” Daniels, activist and founder of Potbangerz, a nonprofit that uses food and love to effect change in St. Louis; and the Rev. Patrick Chandler, pastor of St. Peter’s. The discussion was followed by a lunch prepared by “Mama Cat” and the Potbangerz team, replicating a menu that they would make for the communities they serve. 

Stephanie Franklin, senior vice president of family and transition services for UCAN in Chicago, thought the panel was the best part of this year’s gathering.  

“Mama Cat was authentic and honest regarding her disappointment in elected leaders to do what they promised to do, to enforce police accountability,” said Franklin. “All of the panelists remain committed to changing the trajectory of young people and the families of Ferguson; their dedication is inspiring.” 

Slow down and tell the story 

The annual gathering included three keynotes, beginning Wednesday morning with the Rev. Starsky Wilson, head of the Children’s Defense Fund. He offered a perspective on the collective work of CHHSM through storytelling, reminding attendees to slow down and tell the story. 

“When we hurry, we miss the human condition,” he said.  

Peachey took away a clear message from Wilson’s keynote: “Our ancestors, out of their context and concern, went outside, mobilized their networks, and got started with the work,” she said. “The legacy of their faithfulness shows up in the institutions that we now lead and work in. Rev. Wilson urged us to keep the connection alive, to pause and tell the story — not for nostalgia, but to find and burrow into the essence, the power of the thing.

“We cannot even imagine what we can do without proximity to the Divine, deep social connectedness, and our calling to serve.” 

‘Wisdom, fellowship, collegiality, and authenticity’ 

Wednesday afternoon began with a presentation from Dan Hermann, president and CEO of Chicago-based investment bank and annual gathering sponsor Ziegler. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring Stuart Hartman, president and CEO of Retirement Housing Foundation in Long Beach, California; the Rev. Jamesetta Ferguson, president and CEO of MOLO Village and pastor of St. Peter’s UCC in Louisville, Kentucky; the Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, executive director of Deaconess Nurse Ministry in St. Louis; and the Rev. Ken Daniel, CEO of United Church Homes and Radiant Alliance in Marion, Ohio. 

The panelists discussed the transformative power of strategic partnerships amidst the evolving landscape of limited resources and rising needs.  

The gathering’s closing keynoter was Tyler Hoffman, owner and lead consultant of Digital for Good and a long-time CHHSM technical consultant. He spoke about using artificial intelligence tools, focusing on the importance of informed decision-making and ethical considerations whenever dealing with emerging technologies. 

“The keynote presentations, panel discussions, and worship experiences highlighted the gravity and urgency of the challenges facing multiple populations in our country today,” said the Rev. Julie Jennings, vice president of spiritual care and wellbeing for Cedar Community in West Bend, Wisconsin. “The wisdom, fellowship, collegiality, and authenticity of the gathered body provided a measure of faith, inspiration, and collective will to continue working to meet the challenges before us.” 

Healers processing trauma 

Workshops during the gathering offered a wide range of topics, from finances to racism to self-care. Franklin noted that one workshop in particular, “Healing When Called to Heal,” presented by CHHSM’s Zaria Davis, tied into Wilson’s keynote address.  

The workshop dealt with how healers process their own trauma in the wake of emergencies, such as the COVID pandemic. 

“So many of the healers have not paused to tell stories because funders, employers, and others have returned to pre-pandemic expectations without deeply listening to staff who have experience and are carrying with them the trauma from the pandemic,” Franklin said. “Dr. Davis’s workshop gave an opportunity to say things out loud, things that people may not feel comfortable speaking about in their spaces. Her workshop was affirming and, hopefully, we felt a little lighter when we walked out together.” 

For Davis, this was her first time attending the Annual Gathering as a member of CHHSM’s Emerging Leadership Cohort and CHHSM’s new engagement coordinator. As part of the 2023-24 Nollau Leadership Institute class, all three cohort members — Davis; Nikki Starr, a judge in Minnesota’s Second Judicial District; and George Davis-Williams, a registered nurse supervisor in a Michigan school system — participated in the annual gathering. 

“The annual gathering allowed us to spend more time together and to support one another in our presentations,” said Davis. “I look forward to continuing to network and collaborate with my cohort members.” 

Making human connections 

During the business meeting, CHHSM welcomed new board officers: Peachey, Jennings, and Lee Berg, chair of Archway Communities’ board and designated minister and pastor of Washington Park UCC in Denver. New board members included Nichelle Simmons from UCAN, Matt Wagner from United Church Funds, and Andrea Asselmeier from Emmaus Homes in St. Louis. 

The interconnectedness of CHHSM’s agencies and organizations was evident in more than just the scheduled presentations and meetings. 

“The power of networking and intentional human connection extends far beyond the main events,” said Doyle. “It’s in the shared meals, the casual breaks, and the spontaneous social moments where meaningful bonds are forged. This year, with a significant number of first-time attendees, the authenticity of these connections show brightly, underscoring the essence of our gathering.” 

For Doyle, the annual gathering created space for sermons, keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops to “leave an indelible mark on” attendees’ hearts and minds.  

“I am deeply grateful for the passion, dedication, and expertise demonstrated by all who participated in this event,” he said. 

Barb Powell is the communication consultant for CHHSM. Read the full story on the annual gathering here.

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