by Charles Hewgley
Since 2013, I’ve been blessed to serve on the Golden Cross Foundation’s board of directors. During that time, we’ve provided grants and training to help United Methodist churches and organizations in the Tennessee Conference meet the needs of our conference’s fastest-growing demographic group – midlife and mature adults.
With almost 50 grants awarded for a total of over $425,000, the foundation has enabled churches to retrofit their buildings with ADA-compliant ramps, handrails, and grab bars. Other grants have been used toward purchasing sound and projection systems, listening devices, and vans for Martin Methodist College’s rural health ministry. Open Table Nashville is currently using grant money to build two micro homes at The Village of Glencliff that will serve older adults experiencing homelessness.
We’ve also expanded our ministry by underwriting ENCORE Ministry’s responsibilities for the conference’s older adult ministry.
Under the direction of Rev. Dr. Richard (Rick) Gentzler, Jr., ENCORE Ministry provides training, support, resources, and networking opportunities to equip conference church leaders for intentional ministry by, with, and for midlife and mature adults.
Thanks to the Golden Cross Foundation, this is provided to all congregations in the conference without cost. For more information about how ENCORE Ministry can assist your congregation in creating intentional midlife and mature adult ministries, contact Rick at Richard.gentzler@tnumc.com.
Future columns will feature ongoing and new ministries made possible in part by Golden Cross Foundation grants. Stay tuned for more blessings!