Honor Older Adults in May and through the Golden Cross Offering
In May, churches take the Golden Cross Offering. Donations support Northern Illinois Conference ministries with older adults and help provide scholarships for ind…
May 24, 2026
Heritage Sunday is one of five Awareness Special Sundays that highlight ministries and causes important to the entire United Methodist Church. On this day, we celebrate the rich history and legacy of the church, remembering the faith and sacrifices of those who came before us.
Why Does It Matter?
Our past helps guide our present and future. Heritage Sunday invites congregations to remember the people, stories, and traditions that have shaped The United Methodist Church. It reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of faithful witnesses—and challenges us to carry their work forward through lives of faith, justice, and service.
Heritage Sunday matters because it invites us to reflect on the faithfulness of those who came before us and to consider how we continue their work today.
Heritage Sunday is celebrated on Aldersgate Day, May 24, or the Sunday before that date. This date commemorates John Wesley’s heartwarming experience in 1738, a foundational moment in Methodist history.
How You Can Participate
You can participate by learning more about the church’s history, sharing your congregation’s story or participating in a Heritage Sunday celebration. Most importantly, you can be part of this ministry by continuing the legacy—living out your faith with the same courage, compassion, and conviction as those who came before you.