Who We Are
What is our goal?
Christian Cooperative Ministry (CCM) was established in 1982 when representatives from churches in the Madison Community met to develop a coordinated effort to deliver food and clothing assistance to people in need. This united effort enables CCM to provide a better array of services than any single church can offer.
CCM is governed by a Council composed of the pastor, a representative and alternative representative from each participating church. A board of Directors is composed of Officers elected by the Council. A Director is employed to manage operations. CCM is staffed primarily by volunteers from Madison churches and the community. Local businesses and civic organizations also provide assistance in support of CCM's operation.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Joy Beach
Executive DirectorJoy Beach has for the last 16 years focused on non-profit work culminating in serving as Executive Director of a local non-profit.
A graduate from Loras College in her home state of Iowa, she currently is a resident of the Madison area and clearly understands the daily challenges faced by her neighbors . She is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she serves as an Eucharistic Minister as well as a member of the Social Action Committee.
Peggy Hickman
Board PresidentPeggy has volunteered at CCM since January 2013 after she retired from a career in communications and public relations. From 2014 to 2022, she was Vice President of CCM's Council. She is a member of City Road Chapel United Methodist Church in Madison where she has been involved in community outreach and children's ministries and has served on the church Council. Peggy is a longtime resident of Old Hickory.
Peggy Paul
Board Vice PresidentPeggy Paul began her volunteer service with CCM in November 2015, after her retirement from fulltime work. She began attending CCM board meetings in 2016 as a representative of Grace Baptist Church, where she is a member. At Grace she serves on multiple teams and sings in the choir, one of her favorite activities. She also leads a GriefShare group at Grace Baptist Church, following the 2020 death of her husband of 40 years. Peggy has two grown daughters and two grands. She loves the Lord and loves serving people through her church activities and volunteering at CCM. As Jesus told his disciples in John 21:15-17 – “Feed my sheep.”
Rita Parish
Board TreasurerRita Parish is the treasurer of the CCM council. She is a multi-generational volunteer. Her parents volunteered at CCM and they introduced Rita as a child to volunteering and CCM. Rita began volunteering full-time upon her July 2021 retirement from the medical field. She is a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church which have been a supporter for many years. In addition to CCM, Rita volunteers at Community Life Ride which provides Senior Citizens rides to various locations. When Rita is not volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Rita enjoys meeting all the people and hearing all the stories from those we serve.
Theo Wellington
Board TreasurerA child of the space age, Theo had a small telescope that was her window to the universe. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a BS degree in astronomy. Was an assistant Science Olympiad coach 12 years. Joined the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society in 2003, became involved in public outreach, have done 20 years of public telescope viewing. Presented programs at the Sudekum Planetarium for 11 years, then shifted to outreach in TN and KY in support of the 2017 eclipse. A NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador for 7 years, with programs to parks and libraries. Astronomical League Stellar Outreach award. In 2020, partnered with Warner Park and Dyer Observatory to bring a series of Tennessee Star Parties online. Works on raising awareness of the importance of dark skies as an advocate for Dark Sky International. In general, enjoys being outdoors when not volunteering with the Christian Cooperative Ministry!
--
Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day. But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth. - Ptolemy,c.150 AD