By Lindsay Peyton

The population in the U.S. is aging – and churches are no different. Congregations in the Texas Annual Conference are finding new ways to support and empower older members.

According to data from the Census, about one in six U.S. residents was 65 and older in 2020. A hundred years ago, fewer than one in 20 was in that age range.

The older population increased by 50.9 million, from 4.9 million, or 4.7 percent of the total U.S. population in 1920 to 55.8 million or 16.8 percent in 2020.

Those numbers are only expected to increase. People are living longer – and healthier – lives.

And churches can gain from the wisdom, experience and faith of their older members.

Here are a few examples of churches in the Conference that tailor programs for seniors.

Celebrating 60 Plus at Norris Chapel UMC in Houston

At Norris Chapel UMC in Houston, Pastor Dr. Vastine Watson said that recognizing the presence of older members is key, as is responding to their needs.

Just looking around, he said, the world seems preoccupied with younger demographics. “Everyone is focused on youth and popular culture,” he said.

At his congregation, however, members are primarily in their 50s, 60s and beyond. That’s why Norris Chapel UMC offers the “60 Plus” ministry.

Watson said that the group offers fellowship for church members – and is also open to the community.

Charlyne Moaning has been active in the group since its launch in 1998. Before the pandemic, she said 60 Plus members met every Tuesday at church for games, activities and camaraderie.

They might play bingo or watch a soap opera, Moaning explained. They also enjoyed nutritious meals and assisted each other with health concerns and financial matters.

The church provided the building – and 60 Plus took care of the rest. “We have been totally self-sufficient since the beginning,” Moaning said.

The group also took regular bus trips for sight-seeing, visiting museums and having lunch. “We went to Galveston and took the ferry,” Moaning said. “Old Town Spring is also a staple. We’ve been to Kemah and Centerville.”

During COVID, the group took a hiatus. “But we have not failed to keep in touch with each other by phone,” Moaning said. “We talk once or twice a week.”

60 Plus is preparing for a comeback in September.

Programs and Outings for Primetimers at FUMC Nacogdoches

At FUMC Nacogdoches, “Primetimers” is the adult ministry for seniors. Emily Hester, a member for about 15 years, currently serves as president. 

“We are a retirement age group who gathers once a month for Christian fellowship, with game playing starting at 10:30 a.m.,” she said. “Those of us who are not into playing games show up at noon to join our game players and fellowship, eat and have a program.”

David Shows, vice president of Primetimers, is in charge of the calendar. Recent programs have included an informative trip to learn about library resources and a presentation by the fire chief.

In addition to monthly meetings, Primetimers enjoy about a dozen outings each year. “We meet at the church and carpool to a point of interest,” Hester said.  “The outings almost always include eating a meal together.”

Destinations have included the Pine Mills Pottery and Mineola, the annual Texas Shakespeare Festival in Kilgore and the American Freedom Museum in Bullard.

Members come from different congregations around the area, she added. “I’m not sure how many denominations and independent churches are represented in our group.  We never ask.”

Honoring the Young at Heart at FUMC East Bernard

At FUMC East Bernard, the Young at Heart ministry offers a monthly game night for seniors, which is open to the community. 

In addition, women have a weekly gathering at a coffee shop and there’s a weekly men’s breakfast at 6 a.m. that has been ongoing for 20 years. Money raised goes toward missions at the church.

“We had an older couple move here recently, and we were able to plug them in immediately,” Pastor Mak Percival said. “The husband went to the breakfast, the wife went to the coffee and both went to Young at Heart.”

Percival said that several older members are part of the church’s hospitality ministry, providing lunch for every funeral held at the church.

“They have a phone tree, come in and take care of all of it,” she said. “It’s a way they get to share their love by cooking and serving. The church never has to spend a dime.”

Percival makes it a priority to empower elder members – and equip them for ministry. “Every age wants to feel like they can serve,” she said. 

Percival takes time to find ways all members can help out at church within their means and ability. For instance, one senior member picks up the sign-in logs each week. Another who lives near the church comes before events to turn on the air conditioner.

Members take care of the flower beds and landscaping. One woman brings devotionals to a nearby nursing home.

“I encourage them to find different ways to spread outside our walls,” Percival said. “Being connected to our community is our responsibility as a church.”

Older volunteers recently helped at VBS. Senior members are part of the altar guild, as well as the care team, which meets monthly to write birthday cards and notes of consolation.

“Everyone wants to feel needed,” Percival said. “Find a way for your people to serve. We can do better when we individually talk to people, learn their passion and nudge them in that direction.”

The pastor cautions against too much age separation in church – and is convinced that a richer, more connected faith community can form as a result.

In fact, she has discovered through research that five adult mentors are needed for each student to develop their own individual faith. Equipping older adults can lead to a stronger church family as a whole, she said.

“I try to include children in services, from reading scripture to saying prayers,” Percival said. “I don’t assume anyone is too young or too old. We all have value and can serve God.”