The Most Important Inheritance You’ll Ever Leave
We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders
December 2, 2025
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We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders
In May 2025, Rehoboth United Methodist Church in Gallatin, Tennessee, launched a new Older Adult Ministry to support and empower older adults in the church and community. A New Older Adult Ministry Program Grant from ENCORE Ministry Foundation helped fund initial expenses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Centertown (Tennessee) United Methodist Church received grant funding from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation to help purchase a refurbished walk-in freezer to store perishable food and
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.
Volunteers gathered for a quick photo before getting busy handing out bags of food last Thursday morning. Erik Hernandez/Macon County Times Earlier this year, Lafayette
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.
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.
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.
Be Fit participants Elaine Wallace, Toni Batson, Martha Burston, and Arlene McCurdy find comfort and stability in new chairs used for their exercise program at Bethlehem UMC in Clarksville, Tennessee. A grant from ENCORE Ministry Foundation helped fund the purchase.
A McAlilly Grant from ENCORE Ministry Foundation helped fund a new ramp and automatic push-button door, making Cook’s UMC more accessible and welcoming.
Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Hickman County Tennessee was organized in 1808-1809 and established in 1831. The current building was erected in 1871 on top of a hill.
Grant funding from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation helped members of Cannon UMC in Shelbyville, Tennessee, purchase and install a ramp for retired pastor, Rev. Doug Dezotell.
Over the last several years, ENCORE Ministry Foundation has provided grants to Centertown United Methodist Church in McMinnville, Tennessee, to help with their food ministry.
A recent grant for $8,000 from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation helped First UMC in Ripley, Tennessee upgrade restrooms to make them more accessible.
In 2018, grant support from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation (formerly the Golden Cross Foundation) funded two tiny homes at The Village at Glencliff, located on the campus of Glencliff United Methodist Church in Nashville. These homes have become a beacon of hope for older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals facing illness. They offer not just a roof over the unhoused, but a stable environment where people can begin to rebuild their lives, regain their independence, and discover community.
Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church’s Best Years program has served church and community members for more than 10 years. During that time, church members applied for and received several ENCORE Ministry Foundation grants. Here’s a glimpse into the program’s start and lasting legacy.
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.