Dear Church Leader:
A senior citizen visited the Community Computer Lab at Saint Mark LA UMC in need of photocopies. When she arrived at the building, she requested that someone come out to her car to get the document and make five copies for her. Afterward, she suggested that the Lab offer a curbside copying service. The Community Computer Lab listened to the suggestion of the community member and met the need. This example of restoring community is the foundation for how your gifts on Human Relations Day empower people. With support from a Human Relations Day offering grant, Saint Mark helped this senior and other community members experience the church in mission.
Human Relations Day is five weeks away. It is time to plan to celebrate Human Relations Day on January 15, 2023. Select your leadership team to organize and promote this special day that supports neighborhood ministries through Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Services and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. Concerned about needing resources to inspire your congregation to support the ministry?
- Download the 2023 Human Relations Day pastor and leader kit that includes social media graphics, videos, an offering talk, bulletin inserts, children's resources and more
- Use the 2023 Special Sundays planning calendar located in the pastor kit to schedule your Special Sunday promotions. Feel free to adjust the planning calendar schedule to fit your congregation’s needs
- Pastor and leader kit resources are also available in French, Spanish, and Korean: a sermon starter, social media graphics, children's resources and more
- Click here to order your printed offering envelopes or call 1-800-991-6011 to place your order
- Announce the celebration date to your congregation as soon as possible
- Encourage your church to give to Human Relations Day atUMC.org/SSGive.
- Select the person(s) to lead the celebration
- Customize the announcement copy below to fit your needs and share it with members of your congregation. You may also publish this information on your social media platform(s), websites, newsletters and other media to your members
Human Relations Day encourages United Methodists to recognize all of God’s children as human beings and foster relationships with one another. This special offering benefits neighborhood ministries through Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Services and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs.
Thank you for encouraging your congregation to support neighborhood ministries that affect change within vulnerable communities.
The Connectional Giving Team
ANNOUNCEMENT OR EMAIL COPY
Email Title: Human Relations Day 2023 — Email #1
Subject: Restore community on January 15, 2023
Scripture: Isaiah 49:6: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (NRSV)
Pretext: Restore community on Human Relations Day
"Dear Friends,
There are many examples of how our gifts to the Human Relations Day offering are changing communities near and far.
In a neighborhood with limited economic resources, the Saint Mark LA UMC community computer lab is providing a space for people of all ages to access technological tools while creating a sense of community and hospitality. Imagine the positive impact of this service on the community.
Human Relations Day is five weeks away. Mark January 15, 2023 on your calendar as United Methodist congregations restore communities through their gifts to the Human Relations Day offering.
Pray and seek God's guidance to discern how you can support outreach to these communities.
Our gifts on Human Relations Day work together to empower faith-based volunteer programs, community developers and programs that work with at-risk teens.
Thank you for your generosity,
Yours in Christ,
Pastor"