ENCORE Ministry Announces Bill and Lynn McAlilly Fund for Church Accessibility

ENCORE Ministry Executive Director Kent McNish announced the Bill and Lynn McAlilly Fund for Church Accessibility at the inaugural Tennessee-Western Kentucky (TWK) Annual Conference June 15-17, 2022. During the announcement, McNish presented a check for $500,000 from ENCORE Ministry to establish the fund. The goal is to build the fund to $750,000 by September 2024.

“ENCORE Ministry wants to build this fund over the next three years,” McNish said, “so that in January 2025, ENCORE Ministry can access the interest from the fund and provide matching church accessibility grants to TWK churches in honor of Bill and Lynn McAlilly.”

In the past, church accessibility grants have been given to numerous TWK Conference churches and facilities to make them accessible to older adults so that they may fully participate in church activities. Recipients include Arlington UMC in Nashville to help renovate building damage sustained from 2021 flooding and St. Matthew’s UMC in Memphis to help renovate a fitness room for senior adults in the church and community.

ENCORE Ministry created the fund to acknowledge Bishop McAlilly’s 43-year career in ministry and his retirement scheduled for September 2024.

“Lynn and I are filled with gratitude for this promising goal of making our congregations accessible to all persons. The generosity of ENCORE Ministry to honor us in this way will also make a difference in the lives of persons who long to share in the fellowship and worship with their congregations. Making church facilities accessible will be a difference maker for these persons who are among us,” said Bishop Bill McAlilly.

Churches and individuals can make contributions to this fund honoring the McAlilly’s by visiting https://encoreministry.kindful.com/.

About ENCORE Ministry

ENCORE Ministry, the official older adult ministry of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky (TWK) Conference, provides older adult ministry resources, leader training, church consultations, and matching grants to equip TWK churches for ministry by, with, and for older adults. It receives no apportionment funding from the conference. TWK churches receive ENCORE Ministry services at no cost. Since 2013, grants totaling $783,880 have been given to churches in the conference. Proceeds from this year’s special Sunday offering on September 11 — or any Sunday that’s convenient for churches — will be added to the McAlilly Fund.

Share the Post:

Related Posts

Champion Your Health

While many people hope they are financially secure for a long, good life and having lived to a ripe old age, are we equally concerned about a healthy old age?

In Goodlettsville, Tennessee, Connell Memorial United Methodist Church has anchored its neighborhood since 1902. On Sundays, about 130 people fill the pews, with nearly 100 more joining online. But on Tuesdays, faith leaves the sanctuary and takes to the streets. For over a decade, Joe McHenry, the church’s program contact, has led the Meals on Wheels ministry. What started as a way to care for aging church members has grown into a vital lifeline for the broader community. Today, the program delivers meals to about 60 homebound neighbors each week—nearly 80% of them not church members.

A Century of Faith, A Community Fed: Connell Memorial United Methodist Church

In Goodlettsville, Tennessee, Connell Memorial United Methodist Church has anchored its neighborhood since 1902. On Sundays, about 130 people fill the pews, with nearly 100 more joining online. But on Tuesdays, faith leaves the sanctuary and takes to the streets.
For over a decade, Joe McHenry, the church’s program contact, has led the Meals on Wheels ministry. What started as a way to care for aging church members has grown into a vital lifeline for the broader community. Today, the program delivers meals to about 60 homebound neighbors each week—nearly 80% of them not church members.

Rick Gentzler

53 Older Adult Ministry Ideas

As you plan for intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults, keep in mind that every older adult is a unique individual and one ministry program does not meet all needs. Some older adults are “Go-Goes” (active phase), others might be “SlowGoes” (less active and passive phase), while still others are “No-Goes” (inactive and homebound phase). Be sure to identify the needs and abilities of older adults in your congregation, know the resources available, and plan your ministry accordingly.