A special emphasis week for those 65 and above was adopted by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly in 1992. This annual event is observed in the first full week of May. Some congregations extend it to the whole month of May. In 2025, the celebration begins May 4 with Older Adult Sunday.
Rev. Denise Shannon created a service to celebrate and honor the spiritual journey of older adults, acknowledging their continued contribution to the life of the church. It integrates themes of gratitude, wisdom, and the promise of God’s faithfulness across all ages. The liturgy ideas, prayers, and resources can be used in a congregational worship or may be adapted for a retirement community or other setting.
This service is available for anyone to use to celebrate older adults.
Liturgy
The worship service includes a call to worship, prayers, scripture readings, and benedictions. Use or adapt as needed with your sermon.
Hymn Suggestions
Certain hymns from Glory to God are well-suited for an Older Adult Worship Service. Reflecting themes of God’s faithfulness, gratitude, guidance, and the wisdom that comes with the passage of time, they provide both a sense of celebration and reflection, encouraging older adults to embrace their ongoing journey with Christ.
Rev. Denise Shannon is an ordained pastor in the PCUSA and lives in Thornton, Colorado. Denise’s passion for older adults began over 25 years ago when she worked as an RN, mostly in hospice care. Now, as a pastor, spiritual director, and hospice chaplain, she feels blessed to hear the incredibly rich stories and life experiences of the older adult population and loves using people’s creativity to facilitate their spiritual growth. Denise also is serving as POAMN’s moderator.
This article originally appeared in the 2025 Older Adult Ministry Resource Guide.