The United Methodist Church, on Human Relations Day, January 14, will celebrate and support, through a special offering, social justice and outreach ministries that “empower all God’s children to realize their full potential as human beings in relationship with one another.”
Through the Community Developers Program, United Methodist Voluntary Services and the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program, this Special Sunday offering aids a multi-racial/ethnic collection of church and community-based projects that strive to bring about justice, reconciliation and human development.
Human Relations Day’s date, January 14, is linked meaningfully to the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his vision of “the beloved community.” But churches should celebrate it and receive the offering on any convenient date in January.
Every contribution makes a difference in this important work for the upbuilding of human lives and relationships. Giving in 2022 totaled $244,058. Learn more at www.UMC.org/HRD. Donate at www.UMC.org/SSGive. Order Human Relations Day Resources to enhance your church’s celebration and offering.
Reaching people with the heart of Jesus
Adapted from an article by Brandon Woolum (November 30, 2023)
A woman went to Better Community Development, Inc., in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was transformed into a vessel for Jesus. She had struggled with addiction for her entire life and was able to find recovery and Jesus within this beloved and supportive community.
Now she works as a faith leader at Theressa Hoover Memorial United Methodist Church and helps women in the community who have completed the in-patient treatment program, to prevent their relapse by encouraging spiritual connection.
“When you strive to be the best version of you that you can be, you start to embrace who God created you to be because you start to get proud of yourself, and God truly shows he’s proud,” she told reporter Caroline Loftin.
Better Community Development (BCD), Inc., is a beautiful example of a community listening to the needs and hearts of the people and responding with faith and love.
With support from a Human Relations Day grant, Better Community Development is lifting up those in their community who need to experience the heart of Jesus. This is just one example of how we can impact the world one person at a time through our generosity.