Resource Archive

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Improving Church Leaders’ Communication with Older Adults

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. Effective pastor-older adult communication has great benefits: Older adults are more likely to participate in church activities, express greater satisfaction with their church and church leadership, and have a greater sense of well-being.

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Calvert City (Kentucky) United Methodist Church is making a powerful impact in the fight against food insecurity, thanks to a grant from the Kent and Ellen McNish Grant for Older Adult Food Security. The grant, awarded in July 2025, has enabled the church’s food pantry ministry to expand its services and provide critical support to seniors and families in the local community.

Grant Helps Food Pantry Ministry Fight Hunger in Local Community

Calvert City (Kentucky) United Methodist Church is making a powerful impact in the fight against food insecurity, thanks to a grant from the Kent and Ellen McNish Grant for Older Adult Food Security. The grant, awarded in July 2025, has enabled the church’s food pantry ministry to expand its services and provide critical support to seniors and families in the local community.

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Grace Depot Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, is making a significant impact in the lives of older adults in the community, thanks to a $5,000 Older Adult Community Service Grant awarded by the ENCORE Ministry Foundation.

Grant Helps Food Pantry Ministry Fight Hunger in Local Community

Grace Depot Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, is making a significant impact in the lives of older adults in the community, thanks to a $5,000 Older Adult Community Service Grant awarded by the ENCORE Ministry Foundation. The grant has enabled the church’s Elders Network to provide essential services and Christ-centered care to seniors facing isolation, medical challenges, and emotional strain.

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St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is celebrating a significant improvement to its choir loft, enhancing safety and accessibility for its 47-member chancel choir. The choir, a vital part of the church’s worship services, now enjoys new theater-style seating that provides greater comfort and security, especially for its older members. A $10,000 grant from ENCORE Ministry Foundation helped fund the project.

St. Mark’s UMC Choir Loft Receives Accessibility Upgrade

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is celebrating a significant improvement to its choir loft, enhancing safety and accessibility for its 47-member chancel choir. The choir, a vital part of the church’s worship services, now enjoys new theater-style seating that provides greater comfort and security, especially for its older members. A $10,000 grant from ENCORE Ministry Foundation helped fund the project.

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The Be Fit exercise program at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, continues to flourish, offering participants a unique opportunity to improve their physical health while fostering a sense of community.

Be Fit Exercise Program Thrives at Bethlehem UMC with New Chairs

The Be Fit exercise program at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, continues to flourish, offering participants a unique opportunity to improve their physical health while fostering a sense of community. With 23 regular attendees, the program accommodates various schedules, welcoming participants on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday and Thursday, with some dedicated individuals joining every day.

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Scam Alert

Scam of the Month: Protect Your Wallet

A cluttered wallet isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a security risk. Thieves look for wallets with multiple cards, identification documents, and personal information. Decluttering your wallet reduces your exposure and gives you peace of mind when you’re out and about.

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John Rivas

We Are Not Alone: Finding Hope and Faith This Holiday Season

As the holiday season draws near, the world seems to sparkle with joy—twinkling lights, cheerful music, and warm gatherings. Yet for many older adults, the season can feel quiet, cold, and deeply lonely. Loved ones may live far away, traditions may have faded, and the empty chair at the holiday table can speak louder than carols on the radio.

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Rick Gentzler

Evaluating Your Church’s Older Adult Ministry

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.

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American Society on Aging

ASA’s Statement on Health & Human Services Restructuring

The Trump Administration announced yesterday a major restructuring of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that includes massive staff cuts and the elimination of the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL is the only federal agency exclusively focused on supporting older people and people with disabilities.

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Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus: Support Feeding Ministries
Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus: Support Feeding Ministries

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.