FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2024
‘ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE’: WESLEY’S EMPHASIS ON LOVE IS FOCUS OF HERITAGE SUNDAY 2024
History course, podcast, liturgy, video and more available now
Madison, N.J. – Methodism’s founder John Wesley has been called a theologian of love, writing and preaching about love as the heart of true faith. Heritage Sunday resources will highlight Wesley’s emphasis on love in its 2024 theme, “Rooted and Grounded in Love.” Heritage Sunday traditionally is recognized the third Sunday in May (May 19 this year), but congregations may choose to commemorate the special Sunday at any time.
“The people called Methodists cannot easily be defined. When we seek to celebrate our heritage, we recognize that we represent different cultures, varying theological interpretations and may not agree on some issues. However, at our core, we know that God’s love is a common denominator and that we are to be beacons of this enduring love to all we meet,” says Dr. Ashley Boggan D., general secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH.) “This Heritage Sunday, all of us at the General Commission on Archives and History thank you and your United Methodist congregation for how you live out God’s love in the world. Our hope is that in honoring our past, we may envision a future where all of God’s children know they are loved and valued.”
The General Commission on Archives and History has partnered with other United Methodist general agencies to provide a number of resources to local congregations in recognition of this special Sunday in the life of our denomination. All Heritage Sunday 2024 resources are available at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
Below are details about the 2024 Heritage Sunday resources.
Free history course with introductory video
"Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots" is a free, in-depth, four-module online course that examines Methodism from the earliest days to the present. The course is perfect for small groups, confirmation classes, new member classes and anyone interested in learning more about our denomination. View the introductory video here to learn more.
Worship resources
The General Commission on Archives and History has partnered with Discipleship Ministries to produce liturgy, sermon notes and hymn suggestions for Heritage Sunday. Find all the resources at this link.
A previously-released volume of Heritage Sunday liturgy titled “To Remember and Celebrate” can be downloaded here.
Pew cards, produced by UMCGiving, are available for download at this link.
Bulletin inserts featuring quotes on love from John Wesley are available to be downloaded and printed. You can access the resource here.
'Un-Tied Methodism' podcast
From the archives, we share a popular episode of GCAH’s “Un-Tied Methodism” podcast, hosted by Boggan, with guest the Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote. Chilcote, a renowned Wesley scholar, discusses his book, “Multiplying Love: A Vision of United Methodist Life Together.” During the conversation, Chilcote asserts that in a world that is radically divided, we don’t need a bold witness, but, rather, a gracious witness that is centered on holiness connected to love and not law. Watch for a re-release of the podcast on May 9. (The podcast link will be shared at GCAH’s social media accounts and at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.)
Heritage Sunday explainer video
A video produced by United Methodist Communications explains why we celebrate Heritage Sunday and the importance of this special Sunday for all United Methodists. The video, which is available for download, can be viewed here.
Media contact:
Crystal Caviness
ccaviness@umcom.org
615-306-3401