2 Oct 2025, 08:42Valdeiza CostaBury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom
God Never Forgets: Reflections from World Alzheimer’s Day at Bury St. Edmunds
On the afternoon of the Sabbath, 20th September, our church family at Bury St Edmunds came together in a special programme led by the Nurture Department to mark World Alzheimer’s Day (21 September). This annual day is set aside worldwide to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. For us, it became a time to pause, reflect, and remember that every person — no matter their memory or ability — is precious in God’s eyes.
We began by sharing happy memories. The sound of laughter and stories filled the room as people shared their childhood joys, family moments, and meaningful life experiences. These beautiful but straightforward memories reminded us how much they shape our identity and relationships. They also helped us to think of those who live with memory loss, and how the love of Christ calls us to walk alongside them with compassion and patience.
A short presentation invited us to reflect on three key truths:
Each person’s journey is unique — Alzheimer’s may affect memory, but it never erases a person’s identity or their value before God.
Compassion and community matter — a gentle word, a smile, or practical support can bring peace and reassurance.
Spiritual and social connections bring comfort — prayer, hymns, and fellowship can remain deeply meaningful, even when memory fades.
As Isaiah 46:4 reminds us: “Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.”
One of the most moving moments of the afternoon came as we lifted our voices together in the hymn How Great Thou Art. Music often lingers in the heart, even when words are forgotten, and singing reminds us that worship can awaken deep spiritual memories and strengthen our faith in God’s promises.
We closed with the comforting words of Isaiah 49:16: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” In that assurance, we wrote small notes of encouragement for some of our elderly members — simple gifts of love to remind them that they are not forgotten by their church family or by the Lord who holds them close.
The programme left us with a renewed sense of mission. As a church, we are called to reflect Christ’s compassion in practical ways: visiting, listening, praying, singing together, and supporting carers with patience and kindness. Though Alzheimer’s may take memories, nothing can take away the love of God, which holds each of us secure in Christ Jesus.
One day soon, the hope of resurrection will restore all that has been lost — memory, wholeness, and life everlasting. Until then, may we be faithful in love and encouragement, bringing light to those who walk through the shadows of memory loss, and reminding them of the God who never forgets.
On the afternoon of the Sabbath, 20th September, our church family at Bury St Edmunds came together in a special programme led by the Nurture Department to mark World Alzheimer’s Day (21 September). This annual day is set aside worldwide to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. For us, it became a time to pause, reflect, and remember that every person — no matter their memory or ability — is precious in God’s eyes.
We began by sharing happy memories. The sound of laughter and stories filled the room as people shared their childhood joys, family moments, and meaningful life experiences. These beautiful but straightforward memories reminded us how much they shape our identity and relationships. They also helped us to think of those who live with memory loss, and how the love of Christ calls us to walk alongside them with compassion and patience.
A short presentation invited us to reflect on three key truths:
Each person’s journey is unique — Alzheimer’s may affect memory, but it never erases a person’s identity or their value before God.
Compassion and community matter — a gentle word, a smile, or practical support can bring peace and reassurance.
Spiritual and social connections bring comfort — prayer, hymns, and fellowship can remain deeply meaningful, even when memory fades.
As Isaiah 46:4 reminds us: “Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.”
One of the most moving moments of the afternoon came as we lifted our voices together in the hymn How Great Thou Art. Music often lingers in the heart, even when words are forgotten, and singing reminds us that worship can awaken deep spiritual memories and strengthen our faith in God’s promises.
We closed with the comforting words of Isaiah 49:16: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” In that assurance, we wrote small notes of encouragement for some of our elderly members — simple gifts of love to remind them that they are not forgotten by their church family or by the Lord who holds them close.
The programme left us with a renewed sense of mission. As a church, we are called to reflect Christ’s compassion in practical ways: visiting, listening, praying, singing together, and supporting carers with patience and kindness. Though Alzheimer’s may take memories, nothing can take away the love of God, which holds each of us secure in Christ Jesus.
One day soon, the hope of resurrection will restore all that has been lost — memory, wholeness, and life everlasting. Until then, may we be faithful in love and encouragement, bringing light to those who walk through the shadows of memory loss, and reminding them of the God who never forgets.
