Special Sundays

Churchwide Special Sundays

General Conference created six unique Special Sundays to help congregations work with communities, rebuild shattered lives, strengthen self-sufficiency, encourage partnerships, nurture Native American ministries, model peace and justice, provide scholarships and loans for United Methodist students, and much more. Except for Native American Ministries Sunday, links below will open in new windows to umcgiving.org.

• Human Relations Day: January 15, 2017. This Special Sunday celebrates the connectional work of United Methodist Churches.It supports the Community Developers Program and United Methodist Voluntary Service (UMVS), both of which are administered by Global Ministries, and the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program administered by the General Board of Church and Society. Human Relations Day is celebrated on the Sunday before the national observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

• UMCOR Sunday (Formerly One Great Hour of Sharing): March 26, 2017. The Sunday supports those who hurt and in greatest need, but the dedication is encouraged year round..The special offering supports the work of UMCOR.

• Native American Ministries Sunday: April 30, 2017. This Sunday recognizes and supports the contributions of Native Americans to the church and society. The funds collected will allow The United Methodist Church to partner with existing native ministries and create programs on behalf of Native Americans.Money collected also supports seminary scholarships for United Methodist Native Americans. (Grant Application,PDF)

• Peace with Justice Sunday: June 11, 2017. This Special Sunday promotes striving for a peaceful and just world.

• World Communion Sunday: October 1, 2017. World Communion Sunday is a time to be in communion with Christians all over the world.Fifty percent of the special offering goes to the World Communion Scholarship program of Global Ministries.

• United Methodist Student Day: November 26, 2017. Your gifts on this Special Sunday go toward scholarship funds to help build leaders for tomorrow's church.

Related Stories

World Communion Scholarships Prepare Doctors for Work at Liberian Mission Hospital

World Communion Scholarships are funded by offerings given by local churches on World Communion Sunday, celebrated the first Sunday of October.

Celebrating Native American Presence in The United Methodist Church

The Rev. Glen Chebon Kernell Jr. shares how the Native American Ministries Sunday offering protects the longevity of the Native American presence in The United Methodist Church.

Churches Connect for “One Great Hour”

One Great Hour of Sharing is March 6.

Celebrate One Great Hour of Sharing This Sunday

How does One Great Hour of Sharing work?

One Great Hour of Sharing is March 15

Out of the headlines — in UMCOR’s care.

UMCOR Marks Special Sunday and its 75th Anniversary at Historic Church

UMCOR will mark One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday with a service of celebration at the New Jersey church where it was founded in 1940.

Scholarship Allows Women to Make Difference in Their Communities

Three World Communion Scholars work towards justice in their communities

God’s Gift Sets Stage for WCS Recipient to Connect with Others through Song, Worship

World Communion Scholar Marcus Simmons uses his musical gifts and talents to connect with others.

World Communion Sunday Scholarships Help Recipients Build Bridges Between Cultures

World Communion Scholars share passion for multicultural ministry.

Osiyo, a greeting in Cherokee

Mission Intern Whitney Peters recognizes the marginalization of Native Americans and sets out to learn more about their plight.

Native American Ministries Sunday is May 4, 2014

Celebrate this year’s Native American Ministries Sunday by acknowledging the contributions and ministries of Native Americans in the US.

Who Pays for UMCOR?

One Great Hour of Sharing helps keep the lights on at UMCOR.

Toward Healing and Recovery

General Secretary Thomas Kemper reminds us that when we give to OGHS, healing and recovery ministry to those most vulnerable are possible.

Church to Extend Healing Ministries with Native American and Other Indigenous People

The United Methodist Church is taking steps to extend to regional units and local congregations a ministry of repentance and reconciliation with Native American and other indigenous people as part of ...

Scholarships: Essential Tools of Mission

Thomas Kemper, general secretary, Global Ministries, reflects on the role of the World Communion Scholarships through the UMC’s global mission.