Dear Church Leader,
Soon we will celebrate United Methodist Student Day as a connectional church. Our congregations raise children with the tools that open the “eyes of their hearts.” They know who they are and whose they are. And they go out in the world filled with confidence that has been instilled in them as children of God. They are not left alone on their spiritual journeys.
Because we are a connectional church, our offerings, when joined with other churches, can go so much further than on our own. We may never meet all of the students who receive scholarships from this Special Sunday, but together, we are building hope, empowering futures and shaping tomorrow by journeying together toward the enlightenment of hearts and minds.
United Methodist Student Day is this Sunday, November 24! Fuel the educational dreams of United Methodist students; use the resources below and inspire your congregation to support our students who attend United Methodist-related and other accredited colleges and universities.
- Share the UMSD Mission Moments and More vignette that explains how your gifts change lives. Share the scripture reading and offertory prayer with your congregation or use the Offering Talk provided in the pastor and leader kit to introduce the offering.
- Encourage your speaker to emphasize ideas from the the Sermon Starter.
- Print and display the mini poster in a prominent place where congregants will see it.
- Ask your greeters to give a Bulletin Insert to congregants as they enter the sanctuary.
- Promote congregants’ participation in the worship service by using the Liturgy.
- Encourage your members to pray for the United Methodist Student Day ministry so that we will be able to increase the number of students who will receive scholarships.
- Post Social Media Graphics on your social media platform to encourage members and visitors to participate in the celebration.
- Share the offering received and thank the congregation for their generosity.
- Prepare to send the offering to your annual conference treasurer.
- Customize the reminder copy below and use it on your social media platforms and in your newsletter, or text a short copy to remind church members about this Sunday’s upcoming UMSD celebration.
Gifts to the United Methodist Student Day offering create a channel of hope for young scholars and help them fulfill their call to lead and serve.
Thank you for your generosity.
THE CONNECTIONAL GIVING TEAM\
2024 UMSD #3
ANNOUNCEMENT COPY OR EMAIL
Email Subject: United Methodist Student Day is this Sunday!—November 24, 2024
Scripture: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” —Psalm 32:8, NIV
Pretext: Your gift to the United Methodist Student Day offering is an acknowledgment that our church has confidence in our students and their abilities.
Dear Friends,
Are you ready to celebrate United Methodist Student Day this Sunday?
“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” —C. S. Lewis, British writer, literary scholar and Anglican lay theologian
This Sunday, November 24, 2024, we will gather together to celebrate United Methodist Student Day. Please join us as we worship God, pray for our students and give a generous offering to provide Gift of Hope Scholarships for them. In 2023, United Methodists gave $214,773 to United Methodist Student Day scholarships. Together with other United Methodists, we can give more scholarships to our students.
Gifts to the United Methodist Student Day offering help send young leaders into the world with the justice-seeking, healing and compassionate values that have been instilled in them.
Thank you for your generosity.
Pastor_________________”