Our Wesleyan heritage inspires us. John Wesley understood that one must respond to the human need to do God’s will. He was concerned about the health and wellness of individuals and communities. In journal reflections, Wesley wrote about factors that contributed to his successful aging into his 80s. He recorded insights on various topics, including the importance of a good diet, having purpose and remaining active.
As the Methodist movement grew in the U.S., so did concerns for our oldest citizens. At an annual conference in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1944, a report was submitted asking that Bishop William Walter Peele appoint a committee with authority to incorporate a Home for the Aged Board. This marked the inception of what would later be known as Pinnacle Living.
Today, Pinnacle Living is 1 of 5 health and welfare organizations historically connected to the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC). The Virginia annual conference affirms the relationship each year and encourages support for a special offering between Mother's Day and Father's Day for the Samaritan Program, Pinnacle Living’s benevolence program.
In keeping with the Wesleyan tradition of social concern and holistic health, Pinnacle Living emphasizes its commitment to community engagement and partnerships that improve the quality of life for aging persons. Our connection with the Older Adult Council of the Virginia Conference UMC is integral to this outreach. We assist local churches in developing intentional programs and opportunities to support older adults in their congregations and communities by providing the following:
We are proud of our heritage and continue operating as a mission-driven organization that welcomes people of all faiths. Our experience and our Wesleyan heritage provide a firm foundation for the future and our commitment to continued leadership and drive our commitment to building better tomorrows for everyone.