Special Sundays with Offerings

Both the Golden Cross and Red Stocking weekends offer an opportunity to highlight and support United Methodist-related homes and agencies in Western PA. Special offerings received in the local churches provide support to those homes and mission agencies. Red Stocking weekend is during Advent.

Churches are encouraged to celebrate the rural heritage of The United Methodist Church, to recognize the needs of rural areas and to affirm the interdependence of rural and urban communities. A special offering may be received in the local churches for the purpose of strengthening nurture, witness and outreach in town and rural areas in Western PA.

The United Methodist Social Principles call the Church to celebrate the gifts and graces of persons with disabilities and support full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the community. Offerings received are used to promote awareness of issues, as well as ministries that provide opportunities for fuller inclusion of people with disabilities. In this Annual Conference they have been used for ministries as defined by the Discipline: “to promote the work of creating architectural and attitudinal accessibility in local churches” Information concerning the observance of this Sunday will be provided to local churches upon request by the People With Disabilities Inclusion Ministry Team.  

Local churches are urged to use this day as a time to celebrate their Christian Education ministries with events of appreciation and recognition of growth and learning as disciples of Jesus Christ. Special offering received in the local churches support the educational ministries of the Conference, which include Training and Resources and Laity Scholarships.

Local churches are encouraged to use this weekend, or another that they choose, to recognize and honor the retired clergy, their spouses, and the surviving spouses of clergy who continue to support the church in various and significant ways. This recognition may provide inspiration to those considering ministry.  (This Sunday of recognition does not call for a special offering.) 

Local churches are urged to use this day in conjunction with Laity Sunday to celebrate those who used their God-given gifts to serve in short-term mission work and highlight the ways in which VIM mission teams are deepening of our sense of mutuality between different parts of our global connection. Special offerings received will be used in Western PA to strengthening Volunteers in Mission engagement and participation.

Youth Service Fund Weekend provides an opportunity for local churches to highlight the ministry carried out through YSF and receive a special offering in support of WPAUMC youth missions. It is a good time to celebrate church youth and encourage youth involvement in missions through the church, district, and Conference and beyond.  The Youth Service Fund of the Western PA Conference has financially assisted many youth programs in our Conference, our nation, and our world. 

Any weekend during Advent, or another date selected by the local church, may be used to recognize and receive a special offering for support of the six regional mission agencies in Western Pennnsylvania. These agencies -- the Erie United Methodist Alliance, United Methodist Human Services of Johnstown, WPA Prison Outreach Ministries, Connellsville Area Community Ministries, Greater Pittsburgh Ministries, and Eastbrook Mission Barn -- extend the love of Christ to those who need shelter, food, clothing, skill-building support, and loving care. Their ministries engage large numbers of local United Methodist churches, individuals, and partner organizations and make a significant impact through witness, outreach, and work for justice. Additional funds received through special offerings will support their ongoing ministries to break the cycle of poverty, reduce homelessness, and provide hope for those struggling to survive. These additional gifts will help keep doors open, enabling us, as United Methodists in Western Pennsylvania, to remain faithful in serving even the least of these.

Any Sunday in Advent
Like the Golden Cross weekend listed above, offerings received for Red Stocking weekend support the ministries of the six regional mission agencies.

Celebrating Native American Sunday reminds United Methodists of the contributions made by Native Americans to our society. The special offering benefits Native American outreach within annual conferences and across the United States and provides seminary scholarships for Native Americans. It helps to equip and empower Native American pastors, congregations and seminary students to authentically worship and serve Jesus as only they can in their communities.

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The first Sunday after Pentecost; supports peace with justice ministries through the General Board of Church and Society and the annual conferences.

The first Sunday in October; supports World Communion Scholarships, the Ethnic Scholarship Program and the Ethnic In-Service Training Program.

The last Sunday of November supports United Methodist scholarships and the United Methodist student loan fund.