Following a vote at the Methodist Conference 2026, many of the days below have been redesignated as 'themed Sundays' without a set date which are to be celebrated at any time of the year at the discretion of local churches and circuits.
Several days now remain as Special Sundays, which are celebrated on particular dates throughout the year.
Special Sundays
Sundays formally marked by the Methodist Church.
Conference Sunday
Held on the Sunday during the Conference, at the end of June or start of July.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
An ecumenical event marked annually from 18 to 25 January.
Themed Sundays
These days can be celebrated at any time of the year at the discretion of local churches and circuits.
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Aldersgate Sunday
Reflecting on John Wesley's life-changing conversion experience.
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Church Action on Poverty
Held on the Sunday closest to October 17th (the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty).
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Christian Aid Week
Held each year in May.
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Education Sunday
Traditionally held on the 2nd Sunday in September.
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Freedom Sunday
Held on the Sunday closest to 18 October (EU Anti-Trafficking Day).
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Global Relationships Anytime Sunday
There is no set date, so the worship materials offered by the Global Relationships Team can be used at any point in the year.
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Harvest
Held on a locally agreed Sunday after the end of harvest, usually in September or October.
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Holocaust Memorial Day
Commemorated on 27 January each year.
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Homelessness Sunday
Traditionally held on the Sunday before World Homeless Day (10 October).
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JMA commissioning service
Held on a locally agreed date (often in the autumn).
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Local Preachers' Sunday
Held on a locally agreed date (traditionally the Sunday following Easter Day).
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Mission Sunday
Held on a locally agreed Sunday.
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Mothering Sunday
Celebrated on the 4th Sunday in Lent.
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Peace Sunday
Traditionally held on the Sunday before or after 21 September (the International Day of Peace).
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International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Held on the 1st Sunday in November (but dates vary across regions and organisations).
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Prisons Sunday
Traditionally held on the 2nd Sunday in October.
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Refugee Week & Sanctuary Sunday
Held during the week around 20 June (World Refugee Day).
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Remembrance Sunday
Held on the 2nd Sunday in November.
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Rural Mission Sunday
Rural Mission Sunday provides a real opportunity for rural churches to celebrate who they are and give thanks for their wider community.
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Sea Sunday
Traditionally held on the 2nd Sunday in July.
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Student Sunday
Traditionally held on the 3rd Sunday in February.
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Women Against Violence Sunday
Traditionally held on the last Sunday before Advent.
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World Aids Day
Marked on 1 December.
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Easter Offering
For over 100 years, the Easter Offering service has been a key fundraiser for the Methodist Church’s World Mission Fund.
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