Dear Leaders,
Thank you for taking time to prepare your congregation for World Communion Sunday! This Special Sunday is a powerful opportunity to celebrate our unity in Christ and support the growth of diverse leadership around the world.
Each year, United Methodists come together at the Lord’s Table, joining millions around the world in Holy Communion. But our unity doesn’t stop there. Through the World Communion Sunday offering, we nurture and equip students from underrepresented communities—both in the U.S. and internationally—by providing scholarships and leadership development resources.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sending email tools to help you raise awareness and enthusiasm in your church. The first email (below) introduces the celebration and encourages your congregation to mark their calendars.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Learn more. Explore the World Communion Sunday Leader Kit for videos, graphics, age level resources, bulletins, sermon starters and more.
- Plan Early: Use the Special Sundays planning calendar to organize your promotion schedule, adjusting it to suit your congregation’s needs.
- Share personally. Share why advocating for diversity in the church matters, and tell a story that resonates—whether it’s a personal experience or utilize the impact articles for examples of how these efforts have transformed communities.
- Create anticipation. Mention that World Communion Sunday is coming soon and invite others to mark their calendars. Incorporate the promotional resources to help get the word out (pew cards, posters, infographics, videos and social graphics).
- Pray Together: Lift up future leaders who will help shape a Church that more fully reflects the Kingdom of God. During group prayers or worship, include prayers for the unity of the church, for the students receiving support, and for the universal impact of this shared effort.
Your leadership helps bring this message to life—thank you for being part of this important movement!
In Christ,
The Promotion of Giving Team
Below is suggested copy you can edit and use to announce the special Sunday by email, in your newsletters, for classes or in your bulletin.
Suggested Announcement/Email Copy
Email 1: Deliver 5 Weeks Out
Email Title: World Communion Sunday—Unity Across the Table
Subject Line: A Table for All: Start Planning for World Communion Sunday
Pretext: Celebrate the unity of the Church and empower worldwide faith leaders.
Email Body:
Dear [Church Family/Small Group],
On October [insert date], we’ll join Christians around the globe in celebrating World Communion Sunday. This sacred moment reminds us that we are part of a universal community, united in Christ and committed to building a more inclusive church.
On this day, we honor Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 “that they may all be one.” It's a powerful moment when we affirm our shared faith and recognize the beautiful diversity of the universal Church.
Beyond the sacrament, we respond. Through this special offering, we support students of color and international scholars pursuing ministry—helping to shape a Church that is more representative and Spirit-led. These gifts turn the act of communion into a living expression of mission and ministry.
Be on the lookout for ways to participate, pray, and give. We will share more in the coming weeks.
Grace and peace,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Role]
[Church Name]