Special Sundays are set aside each year to deepen the connection between the local church and ministries on a global scale. Individuals and congregations are encouraged to support the churches’ collective efforts through an offering. We invite you to help continue to support the vital work of the Special Sundays.
United Methodist Churches traditionally observe Human Relations Day on the Sunday before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. However, congregations are encouraged to celebrate on a date that best suits their schedule. Resources to help you celebrate and promote this Special Sunday are available here.
The official dates for celebrating Human Relations Day during the current quadrennial season are: January 19, 2025; January 18, 2026; January 17, 2027; January 16, 2028
HOW TO SUPPORT
- Giving through your local church
- Donating on line at donate.gcfa.org/hrd
- Sending a check in the mail to:
General Commission on Finance and Administration
P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203
(Please include Human Relations Day Sunday in the note section of your check.)
WHAT IS HUMAN RELATIONS DAY?
Human Relations Day is a special Sunday across our denomination, focused on fostering better relationships and supporting community and youth outreach. On the Sunday before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, we take up a special offering to help bring his vision of a “beloved community” to life. Your gifts support important programs like Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Services, and Youth Offender Rehabilitation. We invite you to give through your local church or online, helping us continue this vital work together.
Thanks to your generosity, over $250,000 was raised last year to support these vital ministries through the Human Relations Day Sunday offering:
- Fifty-seven percent of the funds received support the Community Developers Program (CDP) that strive to maintain, and strengthen racial-ethnic minority congregations through local United Methodist churches and engage based on community needs. Learn more about the program here.
- Thirty-three percent of the funds received support The United Methodist Voluntary Services (UMVS) that serves as a resource to congregations and volunteer working to challenge unjust political, social, and economic systems. Learn more about the grants offered here.
- Ten percent of the funds received support youth rehabilitation programs, empowering young people through church-based activities, mentoring programs, and boys' and girls' clubs. Learn more about the grants here or email [email protected].
For over 50 years, United Methodists have observed this special Sunday to honor the message Jesus lived out: that every one of God's children matters. One of the beautiful things about The United Methodist Church is that, together, we can accomplish far more than we could on our own. Our collective gifts help build "the beloved community."
