As Christians, and especially as United Methodists, we are all too often painfully aware of our differences. Our socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, race, sexual orientation, professions, interests, and beliefs may separate us. Even attitudes and beliefs about aging and the elderly can fragment us. We all age differently.
Hearing stories about the many ways high schools are trying to deal with graduation ceremonies — or lack thereof — during the COVID-19 pandemic made me reflect on my own high school graduation. Perhaps you too have given thought to your own high school or college graduation.
[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_text _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]With the COVID-19 pandemic, church leaders have experienced great change in how
The following are seminar presentations shared by Dr. Richard Gentzler, director of ENCORE Ministries. An Age of Opportunity (26 slides/PDF)
Declining memberships, dwindling finances, and efforts to reach a new generation may consume church leaders so that learning to appreciate the unique challenges and gifts of aging get in the way of emphasizing older adult ministry.
By Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., DMin When Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, he carried with him the Ten Commandments. These
By Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., D.Min. “In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of
By Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. As you plan for intentional older adult ministry, keep in mind that every older
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.
