The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ is honored to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to offer two powerful new resources: the Purple Sunday Toolkit and Clergy Guide. These tools are designed to help ONA congregations raise awareness, extend care, and build inclusive communities of support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias especially within LGBTQ+ communities.
What is Purple Sunday?
Purple Sunday is a special opportunity to shine a light on the realities of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Through worship, prayer, education, and conversation, we can break the silence around memory loss, encourage early detection, and connect individuals to life-changing support services.
Purple Sunday also highlights the unique challenges many LGBTQ+ individuals face when navigating dementia—such as increased isolation, reduced access to affirming care, and lack of traditional support systems. This initiative invites congregations to respond with compassion, inclusion, and action.
Hold Purple Sunday on June 22, 2025
We encourage all ONA congregations to observe Purple Sunday on June 22—the Sunday before ONA Sunday (June 29). It’s a powerful way to begin ONA Week by raising awareness and sharing vital information that can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Whether you offer a special sermon, prayer, Bible study, education session, or caregiving conversation, Purple Sunday can be shaped to fit your congregation’s needs. If June 22 isn’t ideal, feel free to choose another Sunday that works for your community.
Start Planning with Free Resources
The toolkit and clergy guide include:
Worship and education suggestions
Sample prayers and event templates
Facts about Alzheimer’s in LGBTQ+ communities
Flyers, bulletin inserts, and social media tools
Guidance on caregiving and local support resources
Together, we can be congregations that remember—honoring the dignity, stories, and sacred journey of those living with dementia and those who care for them.
Because memory matters. Inclusion matters. And every story deserves to be held with care.
Download the resources and start planning your Purple Sunday:
Alzheimer’s Association - ONA Purple Sunday Toolkit
Alzheimer’s Association - ONA Clergy Guide
In hope and community,
The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ
openandaffirming.org