Launched in November 2022, Franklin (Tennessee) First United Methodist Church (FFUMC) offers a monthly worship service intentionally created for people who are living with mild-to-moderate dementia symptoms and are unable to attend church on their own. While society often focuses on dementia’s losses — memory, ability, identity — those are only part of the whole story. FFUMC’s Silver Service acknowledges that each person is precious and loved by God. No cognitive impairment or disability can diminish this truth.
Recently, ENCORE Ministry Connection reached out to FFUMC’s Minister of Visitation Rick Beck and asked him to share a little about the service and how it might be adapted by churches across the conference.
Q: Tell us a little bit about how the Silver Service got started.
A: It’s a God thing. Over the years of offering devotional services to some of the senior communities in Franklin, several of our attendees have had memory issues. I found that music and story-telling really helped them focus. I didn’t want to offer services that might be detrimental to these folks, so I began researching in 2018 to see if there were churches offering special services to their members.
I found many churches in the UK have been doing this type of service for years. I also read articles and watched videos explaining how this began and what to include in a typical service. During my research, I discovered Concord United Methodist in Knoxville and Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, have been offering services for people with memory issues. I contacted both churches and asked for advice on how and what to offer.
After researching and contacting other churches, we were set to launch our first service in the spring of 2020. Well, we all know what happed then. Everything was placed on hold, with the possibility of shelving it altogether.
However, that’s not what God wanted. At the beginning of 2022, I began renewing our efforts to offer this service and came up with the name Silver Service. On November 6, 2022, we launched our first Silver Service. Support along the way came from FUMC pastors Rev. Sarah Carty and Rev. Carlisle Jones.
Q: What is typical service like in terms of length, location, and content?
A: We hold our Silver Service at 11:15 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month in a well-lit, easily accessible, and inviting meeting space. Lasting about 40 minutes, a typical service includes pre-service music, welcome, gathering prayer, familiar and beloved hymns such as Trust and Obey, This Little Light of Mine, Jesus Loves Me, the Apostles Creed, a message, prayer requests, the Lord’s Prayer, Communion, and a benediction.
Q: How many have attended past services and are there factors that can impact attendance?
A. We average 20 people per service. Some are volunteers who come for support. When talking with people at Concord UMC and the Church of the Resurrection, I learned that numbers can vary greatly. People with memory issues may find it difficult to get up and be ready for services. Weather — heavy rain, extreme heat or cold — can be another factor impacting attendance.
Q: What kind of staff and/or volunteer help do you use for services?
A: We have approximately 20 people signed up to help on a rotating basis, including a few people who simply sit with the group, two people to help with Communion, and one person to lead the music. I give the message (story). All volunteers must attend Safe Sanctuary training and go through a background check. Rev. Sarah Carty and Rev. John Melick are available for support if I am away.
Q: Can you share a personal story about a past worship experience?
A: Bob, a regular attender at our services, is a proud retiree from the United States Air Force. When I introduced myself to Bob, he said, “I know a Beck. He worked with me in the Air Force. Are you Sergeant Beck?” I told Bob that I was in the Army. However, Bob kept insisting that I am the Sgt. Beck he worked with for so many years. That’s okay. Bob and I swap stories and have a good time. Bob also has a tendency to ask the same question several times. However, during the service, Bob is focused. He knows every word to the songs we sing, and he really knows his Bible. Bob is a great contributor to our service. After the service, Bob looks at me and usually says, “See you next time sergeant.”
Q: What tips or advice can you share with church leaders wanting to start a similar service in their church?
A: Be patient, don’t rush this. One possible way to start is to offer a devotional service or Bible study at a local senior center and interact with the residents. The Middle Tennessee/Nashville chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource. Once launched, give the service time to grow. We plan on evaluating our Silver Service after one year.
Q: If someone has additional questions or would like more information about FFUMC’s Silver Service, can they contact you?
A: Absolutely! You can contact me at or 615-794-2734. If you call, leave a message and I will return your call.
