Celebrating Our Story of Faith
LEARN
What Is Heritage Sunday?
This Sunday celebrates the history and legacy of The United Methodist Church and remembers the faith and sacrifice of those who came before us. As one of five Awareness Special Sundays, it invites every United Methodist church to carry that legacy forward by honoring our story and renewing our commitment to serve God and others.
Why Does Heritage Sunday Matter?
Our past helps guide our present and future. We stand on the shoulders of faithful witnesses whose courage and conviction shaped the church we know today. Remembering their stories reminds us who we are and calls us to continue their work through faith, justice, and service.
How Can My Church Celebrate?
While Heritage Sunday is celebrated together on one special Sunday, our heritage shapes our faith all year long. Your church can:
- Remember: Share your congregation’s history and honor those who built its ministry.
- Reflect: Explore the people and moments that shaped United Methodism, including John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience.
- Recommit: Live out the legacy of faith with courage, compassion, and conviction.
EQUIP
When Is Heritage Sunday Celebrated?
Heritage Sunday is observed on or near Aldersgate Day, May 24, marking John Wesley’s 1738 experience of God’s grace, a foundational moment in Methodist history. Upcoming dates are May 30, 2027, and May 28, 2028.
How Can I Be Part of the Ministry?
Your participation helps keep our story alive. Learn more about United Methodist history here, share your congregation’s story, and take part in a Heritage Sunday celebration at your church. Contact your annual conference to learn about its history and archives ministries.
SHARE
Whose Faith and Ministry Are We Honoring?
Heritage Sunday honors generations of faithful clergy and laity, from early Methodist preachers to the founders of local congregations, whose witness built the church and shaped communities across the world.
We’d love to hear how your church is remembering its history and carrying its legacy forward. Share your story with us here so we can celebrate your faithfulness and inspire others.
