NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The United Methodist Church (UMC) is asking its members to suggest new "special Sunday" observances, during which time congregations will collect offerings for specific causes.
UMC congregations already collect churchwide offerings six Sundays a year for specific needs such as disaster relief, scholarships and Native American ministries, according to the United Methodist News Service.
The denomination observes three special Sundays without offering and four special Sundays with opportunities for annual conference offerings.
Individuals or groups may request new Sunday observances through the Consultation on Special Sundays meeting, Oct. 2-3 in Chicago. The UMC's General Council on Ministries and the General council on Finance and Administration will consult with the bishops to develop recommendations. The recommendations will be presented to the 2004 General Conference, the denomination's lawmaking assembly.
Those interested in attending the meeting or making recommendations can request registration information, agendas and advance materials by calling (937) 227-9400 or e-mailing dhayashi@gcom-umc.org.
