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.
JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2023
Hunger and Poverty in WV Sunday [OFFERING] – July 9, 2023 – Provide awareness and supports the Hunger Grant program administered through the Global Ministries Team. Follow this link to learn more.
Campus Ministry Sunday [OFFERING] – August 6, 2023 – Supports the work of the WV Conference Student Movement and campus ministry units. Learn more about our WVUMC Campus Ministries here.
Rural Life Sunday – September 3, 2023 – Informs and educates about the importance of ministry in rural life. Follow this link for worship resources for Rural Life Sunday.
Christian Education Sunday [OFFERING] September 10, 2023 - Provides resources for Christian Education Ministries. Follow this link for ideas to help your local church celebrate Christian Education Sunday.
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2023
World Communion Sunday [OFFERING] October 1, 2023 – Supports scholarships for ethnic students through the General Church Office of Loans and Scholarships. Follow this link for resources, including graphics, bulletin inserts, etc.
Children’s Sabbath Sunday - October 22, 2023 – Celebrates children and encourages everyone to be in prayer for children living in poverty throughout the world. Follow this link for worship resources from UMC Discipleship.
Undie Sunday - October 22, 2023 – Collects new underwear for distribution to clothing closets of our conference mission projects. Undie Sunday brochures and memes may be found on this flash drive.
Laity Sunday October 22, 2023 – Celebrates and emphasizes the ministry of all baptized persons and lay ministries. Follow this link for worship resources. Follow this link to learn more about the ministry of laity in the United Methodist Church.
Ministry Exploration Sunday - October 22, 2023 – Encourages people to consider full time Christian ministry. Follow this link to learn more.
Day of Remembrance [OFFERING] – October 29, 2023 – 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. You will receive resources via mail in September.
Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Sunday – November 12, 2023 – Informs and educates about the importance of donating organs and tissue. Follow this link for informational resources.
United Methodist Student Day [OFFERING] November 26, 2023 – Supports scholarships and loans for students administered through the General Church Office of Loans and Scholarships. Follow this link for resources including graphics, bulletin inserts and more.
World AIDS Day – December 1, 2023 – as recommended by Global Ministries Team.
JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH 2024
Human Relations Day [OFFERING] - January 14, 2024 - Supports programs for community developers, voluntary services, and police/community relations.
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.
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.
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 resources.