What is Native American Ministries Sunday?
Native American Ministries Sunday is one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. Native American Ministries Sunday serves to remind United Methodists of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society. The special offering supports Native American outreach within annual conferences and across the United States and provides seminary scholarships for Native Americans.
When do we celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday?
United Methodists celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday on the Third Sunday of Easter.
Can our church celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday at a different time?
Yes! If your local church needs to celebrate a Special Sunday on a different date, that is fine! Do not let the given dates prohibit your congregation from celebrating Native American Ministries Sunday if you have a time conflict.
How does The United Methodist Church distribute the offerings received on Native American Ministries Sunday?
The annual conference treasurer retains 50 percent of the receipts to develop and strengthen Native American ministries within the annual conference. The annual conference Committee on Native American Ministry administers this portion. If there is no Native American ministries within the annual conference, the annual conference treasurer remits this 50 percent to the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA).
The annual conference treasurer remits the remaining 50 or 100 percent of the receipts to the GCFA. The GCFA treasurer distributes net receipts, after payment of promotional expenses, to the administering agencies:
- Scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist schools of theology and schools of theology approved by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church: 50 percent (General Board of High Education and Ministry)
- Expansion of the number of target cities in the Native American Urban Initiative: 50 percent (General Board of Global Ministries)
How do I give to the Native American Ministries Sunday offering?
You can give online to the Native American Ministries Sunday offering at any time.
To give by mail, send checks to:
GCFA
P.O. Box 340029
Nashville, TN 37203
(Please put name of Sunday in note section.)
How can I obtain Native American Ministries promotional resources?
Order free print materials online or call toll free, 800-406-5319. Find downloadable resources and videos here.
Where should a local church send offerings for Special Sundays?
Forward offerings to your conference treasurer’s office.
Where can I find a Native American church?
Native American Ministries Churches Listing (PDF Version)