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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.
Each May, The United Methodist Church celebrates Older Adult Recognition Day to recognize older adults for their contributions to the church and community. This year’s theme, suggested by the Administration on Community Living (ACL), is Flip the Script on Aging.
May 2025 Scam of the month features Social Security Administration’s tips for keeping your money and personal information safe.
A home sharing program in Nashville provides a way for seniors to age in place and supplement their income while also providing companionship and affordable housing for young professionals. Three years ago, several organizations providing programs and services for seniors approached Metro Nashville officials about the growing housing cost burdens for seniors — the fastest growing population in Davidson County — and asked for help launching a home sharing model.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and United States Postal Inspection Services (USPIS) issued a public service announcement that check fraud is increasing. Scammers are
Eleven spiritual practices that can deepen our awareness of the essential spiritual part of life and provide frameworks for navigating aging with grace and joy.
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.
Printable and postable brochure highlights ENCORE Ministry’s Foundations resources, networking, grant funding, and training.
The authors of Intergenerational Christian Formation offer these simple possibilities for bringing different generations together.
In 2022, grant support from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation helped fund rebuilding four destroyed or flood-damaged homes owned by senior adults in Waverly, Tennessee. Appalachia Service Project, a Christian ministry that provides critical home repair and replacement in central Appalachia, oversaw the work.
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.
