What is World Communion Sunday?
World Communion Sunday is one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. World Communion Sunday calls the church to reach out to all people and model diversity among God’s children. The special offering provides World Communion Scholarships, the Ethnic Scholarship Program and the Ethnic In-Service Training Program.
When did it start?
According to the 1972 Book of Discipline paragraph 163.b there shall be a World Communion (formerly Fellowship of Suffering and Service) offering to support the division of chaplains and ministries, Crusade Scholarships and the scholarship fund for minority groups.
When do we celebrate World Communion Sunday?
United Methodists celebrate World Communion Sunday on the first Sunday in October.
Can our church celebrate World Communion Sunday at a different time?
Yes! If your local church needs to celebrate a Special Sunday on a different date, that is fine! Do not let the given dates prohibit your congregation from celebrating World Communion Sunday if you have a time conflict.
How does The United Methodist Church distribute the offerings received on World Communion Sunday?
The treasurer of the General Council on Finance and Administration distributes net receipts, after payment of promotional expenses, to the administering agencies:
- World Communion Scholarships: 50 percent (General Board of Global Ministries), with at least one-half of the annual amount for ministries beyond the United States
- Ethnic Scholarship Program: 35 percent (General Board of Higher Education and Ministry)
- Ethnic In-Service Training Program: 15 percent (General Board of Higher Education and Ministry)
How can I give to World Communion Sunday offering?
You can give online to the World Communication Sunday offering at any time by clicking here.
To give by mail, send checks to:
GCFA
P.O. Box 340029
Nashville, TN 37203
Please put name of Sunday in note section
How can I obtain World Communion Sunday promotional resources?
Order free print materials online here or call toll free, 800-991-6011. Find downloadable resources and videos here.
Where should a local church send their offering for a Special Sunday?
Forward offerings to your conference treasurer’s office.
