Encore Ministry

09/01/2026

The September issue of ENCORE Ministry Connections is now available

08/04/2026

The August issue of ENCORE Ministry Connection is now available:

Every generation is presented with defining moments—times when the needs of society and the mission of the Church intersect in profound ways. I believe we are living in one of those moments today. America is growing older. Every day, thousands of people celebrate their 65th birthday, and by the en...

06/26/2026

ENCORE Ministry Foundation is honored to announce a generous grant from The Cal Turner Family Foundation in support of the Age Friendly Congregation Certificate Program. Through education, resources, and certification, the Age Friendly Congregation program empowers churches to become more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs and gifts of aging adults. We are deeply grateful to The Cal Turner Family Foundation for their partnership and shared commitment.

06/09/2026

https://certainage.org/resource/the-gathering-offers-respite-connection-and-joy-for-families-in-jefferson-city/

https://vimeo.com/1199447669?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci At First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City, Tennessee, a growing respite care ministry is creating a place of welcome, friendship and renewal for individuals experiencing memory loss — while offering caregivers a few much-needed hours to ...

06/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EbcM4hqmu/

06/09/2026

The June issue of ENCORE Ministry Connection is now available

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) There are moments in the life of every ministry when the future calls for both faith and courage. For ENCORE Mini...

05/13/2026

For more than 20 years, Jacob's Ladder Community Development Corporation has been a steady source of support in a Memphis neighborhood that faces food insecurity, housing instability, and economic hardship. ❤️‍🩹

What began as a neighborhood revitalization effort has grown into hands-on community care, including meal delivery, housing assistance, youth engagement, and wellness support for seniors and vulnerable adults.

With support from ENCORE Ministry Foundation, Jacob’s Ladder was able to sustain critical operations during a pivotal time and continue showing up for neighbors in meaningful ways.

Read the full story here:

In a one-mile-square Memphis neighborhood of about 2,800 residents, Jacob’s Ladder has spent more than 20 years responding to poverty, housing instability, and food insecurity with hands-on community support. Founded in 2003, the ministry began as a broader neighborhood revitalization effort focus...

05/05/2026

The May issue of ENCORE Ministry Connnection is now available.

“The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.” -- Psalm 90:10 In Greek mythology, Tithonus was a Trojan prince, son of King Laomedon of Troy and the water nymph Strymo. Eos, the T...

04/30/2026

In McCracken County, KY, Family Kitchen of Western Kentucky is a cooperative meal ministry supported by 15 congregations working together to serve weekly meals to neighbors in need.

Each Saturday, rotating church teams prepare and serve about 100 meals, many for older adults and individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers also provide takeout meals for those who need food later or want to share with others.

Support from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation has helped stabilize the cost of essential supplies, allowing volunteers to focus more on service and hospitality and less on logistical strain.

Read the full story here:

Family Kitchen is a cooperative meal ministry in McCracken County, Kentucky, supported by 15 congregations—10 United Methodist and five from other denominations—that rotate responsibility for preparing and serving weekly meals. Each church plans, cooks, and serves on a rotating schedule, creatin...

04/30/2026

Rev. EvaMarie Campbell, associate pastor and director of faith formation at Tulsa's Boston Avenue United Methodist Church is leading a multi-layered approach to adult programming that blends education, fellowship, and experiential learning. Her work builds on the church’s long-standing commitment to community engagement while responding to the evolving needs of older adults. Learn more about her work.

https://vimeo.com/1185196552?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci At Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, a historic downtown congregation in Tulsa, a renewed focus on older adult ministry is reshaping how churches engage one of their largest and most active demographics. Rev. EvaMarie Campbell, associate pasto...