Hillcrest and Gordon Memorial UMC’s Clubs Minister to Senior Adults

[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]Ministry with senior adults isn’t just a Sunday-morning calling for two Nashville-area United Methodist churches. Weekday clubs for senior adult member and community residents are key ministries for Hillcrest and Gordon Memorial.
Gordon Memorial’s Best Years Club provides programming, meals, transportation, and everyday necessities while Hillcrest’s Sunny Day Club provides respite for caregivers and a regular outing for club members who are in early stages of memory loss. Both churches received Golden Cross Foundation grants to help fund specific needs.
At Hillcrest, grant money helped retrofit a 20-year-old Christian life center and fellowship hall, making both more accessible and welcoming. Gordon Memorial used its grant money to provide Best Years Club participants with hot meals, take-home boxed lunches, instructor-led physical activity, transportation for quarterly field trips, and workshops on senior health-related topics led by Meharry Medical College instructors.
“The opportunity to gather weekly for social activity, exercise, and Bible study has enhanced the quality of life for participants and volunteers alike,” said Gordon Memorial’s Best Years Club coordinator Marie Dunkerson.
Hillcrest’s Sunday Day Club members and volunteers gather each Wednesday for games, exercise, prayer, singing, and eating.
“Sunny Day has been a blessing for the volunteers, but more importantly for club members and their caregivers. We all have fun. Members play various games – bingo’s a favorite – exercise, have a sack lunch, and sing songs. But probably best of all is the laughter and interaction with the members. I am inspired each day!” said volunteer Sharon Steeley.
With Golden Cross Foundation support, both clubs have brought love, usefulness, caring, and inspiration from God’s spirit to many different people.
“Lives have been improved and activities are enjoyed by all who come,” said Hillcrest’s Sunny Day Club director Anita Wheeler. “I look forward to seeing our Sunny Day Club grow and bless club members, caregivers, and volunteers in the coming years.”
Dunkerson also expressed gratitude for Gordon Memorial’s Golden Cross Foundation grant.
“God has used this ministry to inspire and affirm all who participate in the program. It enables persons to feel they have a purpose for living.”
If your church needs funding assistance for new or ongoing ministries and services with older adults in the Tennessee Conference, visit https://goldencrossfoundation.org/application-guidelines/ for grant application information or contact Kent McNish, executive director of The Golden Cross Foundation at or 615-479-6175.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]

Share the Post:

Related Posts

Senior Care Series Part 5: Memory Care

Much like assisted living, memory care communities and sections of senior communities provide seniors with a safe and secure living environment, quality food, access to social and recreational activities, housekeeping, and help with activities of daily living (ADLs).

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.