The United Methodist Church lifts up Six Special Sundays across the connection**. These are times to learn more about the global church and to take special offerings. Pew cards, giving envelopes and special liturgies are available from UMC Gives. Follow this link for more.
Additional resources including worship materials, sermon starters and Social Media images are available for download here.
The Special Sunday Planning Calendar is a great tool for local churches to use - it features ideas and links for your planning team. Download and share!
In addition, the West Virginia Conference commends the churches across West Virginia and Garrett County Maryland to lift up and celebrate the following special Sundays.
Special offerings should be submitted by the local church treasurer.
JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2024
Human Relations Day [OFFERING] - January 14, 2024 - Supports programs for community developers, voluntary services, and police/community relations. Follow this link for resources for the local church.
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday [OFFERING] – January 21, 2024 – Supports Burlington Family Services for adoption support services.
BMCR Sunday [OFFERING] – February 4, 2024 – Supports the vital ministry of Black Methodist for Church Renewal. 50% of the offering goes to the National unit and 50% remains in WV.
UMVIM Awareness Day – On or about February 25, 2024 – Informs and educates about Conference Volunteers in Mission.
Disability Awareness Sunday [OFFERING] – March 3, 2024 - Supports the work of Disabilities Ministries in the Annual Conference. Disabilities Ministries Resources may be found here.
UMCOR Sunday [OFFERING] – March 10, 2024 – Supports the work of United Methodist Committee on Relief. Follow this link for UMCOR Sunday Resources for the local church.
APRIL, MAY, JUNE 2024
Golden Cross Sunday [OFFERING] – April 7, 2024 (also may be observed on all 5th Sundays, and any Sunday in Advent) – Supports Burlington Family Services.
Native American Awareness Sunday [OFFERING] – April 13, 2024 - Supports ministries with Native Americans and provides scholarships for Native Americans attending seminary. Follow this link for local church resources.
United Methodist Foundation Sunday – May 12, 2024 – Informs and educates about the work of the Conference Foundation and opportunities for giving. Learn more about the work of the United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia here.
Heritage Sunday - May 19, 2024 – Celebrates the history of our denomination and brings attention to WV Conference historical sites. Follow this link to learn more.
Peace with Justice Sunday [OFFERING] – May 26, 2024 – Supports peace with justice ministries through the General Board of Church and Society and the Annual Conference. Follow this link for local church resources.
JULY AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2024
Hunger and Poverty in WV Sunday [OFFERING] – July 14, 2024 – Provide awareness and supports the Hunger Grant program administered through the Global Ministries Team.
Campus Ministry Sunday [OFFERING] August 4, 2024 – Supports the work of the WV Conference Student Movement and campus ministry units.
Rural Life Sunday – September 1, 2024 – Informs and educates about the importance of ministry in rural life.
Christian Education Sunday [OFFERING] September 15, 2024 - Provides resources for Christian Education Ministries.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2024
World Communion Sunday [OFFERING] October 6, 2024 – Supports scholarships for ethnic students through the General Church Office of Loans and Scholarships.
Undie Sunday - October 13, 2024 – Collects new underwear for distribution to cloth-ing closets of our conference mission projects.
Children’s Sabbath Sunday - October 20, 2024 – Celebrates children and encourages everyone to be in prayer for children living in poverty throughout the world.
Laity Sunday October 20, 2024 – Celebrates and emphasizes the ministry of all baptized persons and lay ministries.
Ministry Exploration Sunday - October 20, 2024 – Encourages people to consider full-time Christian ministry.
Day of Remembrance [OFFERING] – October 27, 2024 – This year the Board of Pensions honors those who have given their lives in service to God’s people and designates the recipient(s) of this offering each year.
Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Sunday – November 10, 2024 – Informs and educates about the importance of donating organs and tissue.
United Methodist Student Day [OFFERING] November 24, 2024 – Supports scholarships and loans for students administered through the General Church Office of Loans and Scholarships. Follow this link for local church resources.
World AIDS Day – December 1, 2024 – as recommended by Global Ministries Team.