Memory Sunday Chattanooga, on June 11, is a hybrid of a national campaign called Memory Sunday. The purpose of this one day event allows congregations serving the African American community to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s, dementias, and caregiving. Of the more than five million people living with Alzheimer’s and dementias in the United States, African Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias than other races.
"There is no better time and no better place for our community to learn about Alzheimer’s than in the church,” said Dr. Ternae Jordan Sr., senior pastor of Mount Canaan Baptist Church. Located on Highway 58, Mount Canaan is hosting its official Memory Sunday Chattanooga event during the 10 a.m. worship service. The congregation will get information during the service, as well as receive additional information about community resources from information tables.
"At Mount Canaan, we have many members whose lives have been affected by Alzheimer’s, so we know the challenges that families face” said Christin McWhorter, Mount Canaan’s Health and Wellness co-leader. “We want to stand with and support families who are dealing with this disease and remind them that God’s grace will carry them through. Mt Canaan will also resume our caregiver support group to help families connect with resources and with other families who are on a similar journey."
“Along with Mount Canaan and approximately 10 other churches in Chattanooga, we are successfully localizing this national movement," said Christopher-Charles Chaney, pastor of Kingdom International Ministries, and the lead organizer for the Memory Sunday Chattanooga Campaign. "Our local campaign will deliberately create awareness for what is a growing public health crisis among African Americans living in Chattanooga."
Participating congregations will receive free access to the Memory Sunday toolkit, promotional materials, program implementation ideas, and a local representative to assist with future education opportunities. To sign up a church or faith-based organization for Memory Sunday Chattanooga, register at www.balmingilead.org, contact Mr. Chaney at 781-1555 or email ChaneySpeaks@gmail.com.