What is World Communion Sunday?
World Communion Sunday is one of six churchwide Special Sundays designated to support ministries and causes important to the entire United Methodist Church. On this Sunday, United Methodists join Christians around the world in celebrating Holy Communion, remembering that we are one in Christ, no matter our background, language, or culture.
But it’s more than just worship. It’s also a time to support scholarships and leadership training for students from underrepresented communities—helping the Church become more inclusive and better equipped to serve.
Support the Ministry
Give through your local church or donate online at donate.gcfa.org/wcs.Checks can also be sent to General Commission on Finance and Administration at P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203.
Why Does It Matter?
The Church is strongest when its leadership reflects the people it serves. But many communities—especially those historically underrepresented—face barriers to education and ministry. World Communion Sunday matters because it helps break down those barriers. It equips students from diverse backgrounds with the resources and training they need to answer God’s call to lead. When we invest in these future leaders, we’re building a more faithful, inclusive Church—one that’s better prepared to share Christ’s love in a changing world.
What Does My Giving Support?
Special Sundays give us a chance to focus our prayers and support on important ministries all year long—uniting our gifts to multiply our impact. Your generosity supports scholarships, grants, and programs that help prepare the next generation of church leaders. Here's how the funds are used:
-
Scholarships (50%)
Half of the funds collected go toward scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students of color in the U.S. who are pursuing ordained ministry. To learn more or apply, email scholars@umcmission.org. - Grants (35%)
A portion of the funds provide In-Service Training Grants that support diversity, equity, and access training—helping the Church recruit and retain leaders of color across all areas of ministry. Learn more about these grants here. -
Leadership Programs (25%)
The remaining funds support leadership development with partner churches in Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and communities of color in the U.S. For more information, contact scholarship@umcmission.org.
When Is World Communion Sunday Celebrated?
Most United Methodist churches observe World Communion Sunday on the first Sunday in October, but it can be celebrated on any Sunday that fits your church’s calendar. Here are the current dates: October 5, 2025, October 4, 2026, October 3, 2027 and October 1, 2028.
How Can I Be Part of the Ministry?
You can support this ministry by giving, sharing its purpose, and encouraging others to support scholarships and leadership development. Your involvement helps students and future leaders from underrepresented communities receive the education and training they need to serve the Church faithfully. Read the impact you are making [here].
