January 14th

Human Relations Day is a denomination-wide Special Sunday that celebrates and raises awareness about the strength of human relationships. A special offering is received the Sunday before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and contributes to building his vision of “the beloved community” through programs such as Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Services and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs.

Your contribution to the Human Relations Day offering holds the potential to bring about transformative change:

• 57% supports community developer programs, nurturing racial-ethnic minority congregations and strengthening local UMC communities according to their unique needs.
• 33% empowers The United Methodist Voluntary Services (UMVS), challenging unjust systems and advocating for those whose livelihoods are at risk.
• 10% fuels Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs, empowering young individuals to participate positively in their communities through mentoring and other empowerment initiatives.

At a time when it may feel like we have lost so much, embracing God’s love for us can shift our perspective to recognize and share abundant grace. United Methodist Special Sunday offerings celebrate vibrant ministries while investing in servant leadership, community building and ministries of peace with justice. Concentrating our resources to support these important ministries equips us to work together, empowered by God’s love.

For more than half a century, United Methodists have observed Human Relations Day in recognition of the message Jesus demonstrated during his life: all of God’s children are important.