United Methodist church
special giving sundays
Human Relations Day* Sunday before the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday
One Great Hour of Sharing* Fourth Sunday in Lent
Native American Awareness Third Sunday of Easter Season
Heritage Sunday April 23 or the following Sunday
Peace with Justice Sunday* First Sunday after Pentecost
Christian Education Sunday Date set by each Annual Conference
Golden Cross Sunday Date set by each Annual Conference
Rural Life Sunday Date set by each Annual Conference
World Communion Sunday* First Sunday in October
Laity Sunday Third Sunday in October
United Methodist Student Day* Last Sunday in November
The Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church, celebrated annually, illustrate the nature and calling of the Church. These special Sundays approved by General Conference are the only Sundays of churchwide emphasis. Such special Sundays should never take precedence over the particular day in the Christian year. The special Sundays are placed on the calendar in the context of the Christian year, which is designed to make clear the calling of the Church as the people of God. Several give persons the opportunity of contributing offerings to special programs. The “Special Sundays with Churchwide Offerings” (indicated by asterisks) are set by each General Conference, to do deeds expressive of our commitment, and remain constant for a quadrennium. Other “Special Sundays Without Offerings” and “Special Sundays” with Annual Conference offerings are also set by General Conference. Annual Conferences may also determine other Special Sundays with or without offerings. Throughout the life of this book, such days are likely to change, and persons need to plan with yearly program calendars from the denomination.