News

Purple Sunday and ONA Sunday: A Sacred Invitation to Raise Awareness and Extend Care

The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ is honored to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to introduce two powerful new resources: the Clergy Guide and Purple Sunday Toolkit. These tools equip congregations to raise awareness, offer support, and build inclusive communities of care for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia—especially within LGBTQ+ communities.

What is Purple Sunday?

Purple Sunday is a special opportunity for congregations to shine a light on the realities of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Through worship, prayer, education, and community conversation, we can break the silence around memory loss, encourage early detection, and share life-changing support services available through the Alzheimer’s Association.

This initiative also lifts up the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals—many of whom experience greater barriers to diagnosis, fewer affirming care networks, and increased isolation. Purple Sunday invites us to respond with compassion, inclusion, and action.

Hold Purple Sunday on June 22, 2025 (or any other Sunday of the year)

We encourage all Open and Affirming congregations to observe Purple Sunday on June 22, 2025—the Sunday before ONA Sunday (June 29). Observing Purple Sunday is a powerful way to begin ONA Week by raising awareness and sharing vital information about a deeply important, yet often overlooked, part of our community. While ONA Sunday celebrates our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and justice, Purple Sunday offers a meaningful lead-in—inviting congregations to live out those values through the lens of health equity, caregiving, and sacred community support.

Whether through a sermon, special prayer, Bible study, educational session, or community event, Purple Sunday is flexible and can be shaped to fit your congregation’s needs. If June 22 doesn’t align with your calendar, please choose another Sunday that works for your church. The key is to show up—with love, knowledge, and hope.

Start Planning with Free Resources

The Purple Sunday Toolkit and Clergy Guide include:

• Worship and education ideas
• Sample prayers and event templates
• Facts about Alzheimer’s in LGBTQ+ communities
• Promotional tools for bulletins, flyers, and social media
• Information about local resources, caregiving support, and next steps

Together, let us be communities that remember—honoring the stories, needs, and sacred dignity of all who walk the journey of dementia.

Because memory matters. Inclusion matters. And every story deserves to be held with care.

Download the toolkit and clergy guide today and plan your Purple Sunday for 2025!

Have questions or need help planning? Contact us at office@openandaffirming.org