The Rev. Johnny L. Ruff, pastor of Goler Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church, and the Goler Metropolitan Health Ministry members led the congregation in celebrating the Balm in Gilead’s “Memory Sunday Initiative.”
A majority of church participants during the June 11, 10 a.m. service were pinned with purple ribbons to commemorate Alzheimer’s Awareness in our community, and to show support to those serving as Alzheimer’s caregivers.
Memory Sunday, celebrated the second Sunday in June, is a designated Sunday within congregations serving African-Americans.
The Balm in Gilead ‘s intention is to use the power and influence of the African-American pulpit to bring awareness; to distribute the facts about Alzheimer’s; to encourage participation in research studies and to support persons living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Moreover, the initiative brings national and local attention to the enormous impact of the problems that Alzheimer’s and other dementias are having on the African-American community.