What is UMCOR Sunday?
In 2016 General Conference approved the name change of the One Great Hour of Sharing special Sunday to UMCOR Sunday. UMCOR Sunday is one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. UMCOR Sunday calls United Methodists to share the goodness of life with those who hurt. Your gifts to UMCOR Sunday lay the foundation for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to share God’s love with communities everywhere. The special offering underwrites UMCOR’s “costs of doing business.” This helps UMCOR to keep the promise that 100 percent of any gift to a specific UMCOR project will go toward that project, not administrative costs.
What is UMCOR?
UMCOR is the humanitarian arm of The United Methodist Church. UMCOR’s work reaches people in more than 80 countries, including the United States. UMCOR provides humanitarian relief when war, conflict or natural disaster disrupts life to such an extent that communities cannot recover on their own. Learn more at www.umcor.org.
When do we celebrate UMCOR Sunday?
United Methodists celebrate UMCOR Sunday on the Fourth Sunday in Lent.
Can our church celebrate UMCOR Sunday?
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 UMCOR Sunday if you have a time conflict.
How does The United Methodist Church distribute the offerings received on UMCOR Sunday?
The treasurer of the General Council on Finance and Administration remits net receipts, after payment of promotional expenses, to the General Board of Global Ministries for UMCOR administrative and operational expenses.
How can you give to UMCOR Sunday offering?
Special Sunday offerings are best collected through your local church. Include your church’s online giving link during worship or through your social platforms. If your church doesn’t have online giving, direct people to the official donation site at donate.gcfa.org/umcor. To give by mail, send checks to GCFA, P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203 and put the name of the Special Sunday in the note section.
Where should a local church send offerings for Special Sundays?
Church offices gather donations and send them to the annual conference treasurer, who forwards them to GCFA.
What resources are available to promote and learn about UMCOR Sunday?
A resource kit is available online at resourceumc.org/umcor providing everything you need to introduce and celebrate UMCOR Sunday. It includes materials for worship, promotion, and age-specific resources to engage all members of your congregation.
