ENCORE Ministry Foundation provides resources to equip older adults and church leaders for intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults.
The ENCORE Ministry Foundation and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, College of Nursing, with additional funding from the Tennessee Department of Health, are embarking on a bold new plan to help make a positive impact on the life of the congregation, older adults, and persons of all ages. Together, we are developing an Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate program (AFCC). The Certificate program is an opportunity for congregational leaders, often lay volunteers, to take classes to learn about intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults. Congregational leaders will be engaged in ways to start, renew, or strengthen older adult ministry. The Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate can be received by taking in-person or online classes.
Home care consists of personal care and assistance with daily living activities in a senior’s home. Caregiver tasks range from simple — providing a companion for a loved one who is alone — to complex — assistance with bathing and toileting. Hourly rates vary according to the provider, services provided, number of hours in a shift, and number of hours in a week.
In our culture, we tend to think about the here and now — the immediate. Many people are so focused on getting the right job, building a successful career, and taking the next step into retirement. There was a time when people used to think beyond themselves. They thought about future generations — the people who would come after them.
Periodically, every church should review and evaluate its ministries with older adults. What’s working well and what’s not? Keep in mind it’s not always the number of people participating. Rather, it’s the difference the ministry is making in the lives of older adults who participate.
Good communication is an important part of the relationship process among the pastor, church staff, and congregation. However, having successful relationships with older adults often requires unique communication skills and strategies.
A congregation can start becoming more intergenerational by simply inviting one more generation to take part in any congregational event or activity. The authors of Intergenerational Christian Formation offer these simple possibilities for bringing different generations together. Click Read More for 11 ideas.
ENCORE Ministry Foundation provides training and support, resources, and networking opportunities to equip church leaders for intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults. There is no cost to congregations or districts for its service.
The ENCORE Ministry Foundation provided a grant to First United Methodist in Columbia, Tennessee, to help fund their feeding ministry, the People’s Table. Since 2004, the People’s Table ministry serves meals to neighbors in need every Tuesday evening and Friday afternoon, providing nourishment, love, and hope to the homeless, elderly, families, and individuals struggling to make ends meet. However, the need in the community is growing. With the closure of a local battery plant and reductions in SNAP benefits, more families are facing food insecurity.
Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, feeding the hungry, caring for the vulnerable, and showing love to those who need it most. Every dollar you give to the Kent and Ellen McNish Fund for Older Adult Food Security helps feeding ministries stretch resources and serve more meals to those in need. Donate today and help support life-changing feeding ministries like the People’s Table.
