Special Sunday Offerings
Special Sundays are designated Sundays each year that deepen the connection between the local church and ministries on a global scale. On each unique Sunday, individuals and congregations are encouraged to give to support the church’s collective work with a special offering. This includes efforts to:
- Alleviate human suffering
- Engage in social justice
- Strengthen Native American ministries
- Provide scholarships for higher education
Below is a list of Special Sundays that support the work of Global Ministries and UMCOR. While each Sunday has a designated date of celebration, you can celebrate any Special Sunday on the day of your choosing.
Both digital and print resources are available for use in your local church to encourage participation in Special Sunday offerings. Resources include bulletin inserts, pew cards, pastor/leader resources for all age groups, graphics, devotions and more. Available in English, Spanish, Korean and French.
Human Relations Day – January 14, 2024
The Human Relations Day offering supports social justice and outreach ministries that empower all God’s children to realize their full potential as human beings in relationship with one another. This fund helps encourage that potential through ministries like the Community Developers Program, multiethnic ministries and countless other projects across the United Methodist connection. These funds are administered by Global Ministries in collaboration with The General Board of Church and Society.
UMCOR Sunday – March 10, 2024
The UMCOR Sunday offering underwrites UMCOR’s administrative costs. This offering allows UMCOR to use 100% of all funds given to humanitarian response and recovery efforts directly to communities in need. These gifts ensure UMCOR can respond swiftly to disasters around the world and as a source of hope and healing for those left most vulnerable.
Native American Ministries Sunday – April 14, 2024
The Native American Ministries offering bolsters the work of Native American ministries in annual conferences throughout the United States. These ministries exist in rural and urban settings, including reservation and other community ministries. The Native American Ministries offering also provides scholarships for Native Americans studying at United Methodist schools of theology and empowers congregations to find culturally appropriate ways to minister to their communities through Christ’s love.
World Communion Sunday – October 6, 2024
The World Communion Sunday offering provides scholarships and leadership development opportunities for international students and U.S. racial-ethnic students who are pursuing advanced degrees. Gifts not only make an impact in the lives of individual students, but also the religious, social and civic communities in which they lead and serve.
These funds are administered by Global Ministries in collaboration with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.