Celebrate Older Adults in May (And Any Time)!

Recognizing the many ways older adults still contribute to the life and ministry of our congregations, Older Adults Month, observed each May, is a great opportunity to designate a particular Sunday in May (or any time during the year) to celebrate their gifts and talents and to honor their wisdom and legacy. 

Older adults are more than our past. They are active, valuable contributors to the present and future of the Church. They carry our Church’s faith history, share deep spiritual insight, and continue to lead and serve in powerful ways. Their stories inspire us, their presence grounds us, and their commitment strengthens our community.

This year marks the second year that Riverside Avenue Christian Church in Jacksonville, FL, a Silver Chalice designated congregation, will celebrate Older Adults Sunday. Similar to a Youth Sunday service, every aspect of worship that day is coordinated and led by an older adult, such as a special Silver Chalice Choir, a senior “children’s” moment, acolytes…and so much more. Additionally, the communion table is moved to the floor to remove any barriers to receiving communion. The offering collected during the service is split between the church’s Silver Chalice program and the nearby Florida Senior Enrichment Center, a non-profit providing activities, programs, and classes on faith and aging to more than 300 low-income residents. 

How will you plan to recognize the older adults in your community during Older Adults Month? In addition to hosting an Older Adults Sunday service, other options could include:

• Publicly celebrate and thank older members
• Invite older adults to share testimonies or lead parts of worship
• Highlight ministries and programs that support and engage older adults
• Encourage intergenerational connections and conversations
• Make a financial gift on behalf of your congregation to a ministry with and for older adults

Thank you to Rev. Kimberly Weir for contributing this article.

---

NBA’s Older Adult Ministries has several resources available for Older Adults Month, such as:

• Worship Service for Older Adults Month
• Older Adults Month Worship Resource
• 10 Ideas for Church Groups Observing Older Adults Month