Older Adults “Well and Thriving” at Sun City Christian Church
May 11, 2026 | by NBA Cares
Two years ago, medical and mental health professional church members at Sun City Christian Church (SCCC) in Sun City, AZ prepared a needs assessment for offering health and wellness programs for older adults in their community. SCCC, one of the earliest congregations to earn the Silver Chalice Ministry member designation, received several responses indicating excitement to participate and learn more. “We are not ‘rocking chair’ seniors!” exclaims Marcia Blake, SCCC Board Moderator and leader of the Wellness and Thriving program.
Based on the feedback received, the church designed this health and wellness program, starting with a health resource fair offering an assortment of information from local agencies and providers. In addition, during the Lenten season a seven-week series titled “Finishing Faithfully” incorporated health and wellness sessions with weekly sermons and related discussions during Bible study gatherings. The sessions addressed spiritual and emotional needs as well as medical and legal concerns. Participants were provided with workbooks as a resource to address and record their choices and wishes.
As part of the Wellness and Thriving ministry, SCCC has also offered educational sessions, Wednesday Lunch and Learns, and chair exercise classes. Once a month, the parish nurse offers blood pressure checks after worship. Additionally, she collects baseline information and keeps a record of contact information and medication information for each person in the case of an emergency.
SCCC continues to be involved in the wider community, too. Last fall, they hosted a youth group from Community Christian Church in Tempe, AZ who visited during their fall break. The youth assisted with ongoing activities such as making dementia-friendly fidget sleeves and preparing plarn (plastic yarn) used to make sleep mats for the homeless.
The Wellness and Thriving program leaders continue to survey their congregation to assess how the program offerings are aligning with their needs and interests to ensure that current and relevant topics are covered. SCCC would welcome the opportunity to share what they’ve learned with individuals and congregations. For more information you can contact the church here.
With thanks to Marcia Blake, PhD, MSPH for contributing this article.
Looking to assess the needs of older adults in your congregation? Check out these resources on NBA’s Older Adult Ministries resource page:
- A Church Survey for Assessing Needs
- Aging with Grace Journal
- Questions to Prompt Telling Life Stories