Heritage Sunday is May 17, and this year’s theme — “The Spirit Falls Equally” — lifts up the 70th anniversary of women’s ordination rights in The United Methodist Church.
FAITH GREEN TIMMONS
Michigan Conference Communications
The year 2026 marks a historic milestone — 70 years of women’s ordination in The United Methodist Church. That’s platinum! In recognition of this celebration, the theme for Heritage Sunday this year, set for May 17, is “The Spirit Falls Equally,” which celebrates our shared legacy and inspires continued growth. Extensive efforts are underway to give this anniversary the attention and focus it deserves, as we mark seven decades of the blessings it has brought.
Heritage Sunday is traditionally observed on Aldersgate Day (May 24) or the preceding Sunday, but congregations may choose to commemorate it at any time. Heritage Sunday invites us to reflect on our Methodist heritage, and this year’s celebration offers a key opportunity for your church to reflect on our United Methodist legacy and honor women in ministry.
Here is a helpful summary of educational and worship offerings as you plan church activities for Heritage Sunday:
Worship and Promotional Resources
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women has produced a wide range of prayers, calls to worship, benedictions, and other liturgical materials in multiple languages that churches can use in worship. Download the resource booklet dedicated to the celebration. Anniversary logos and a brief introductory video have been created for use. Download now. Discipleship Ministries also produced preaching notes, hymn suggestions, and other resources. Review and download the resources.
Download Heritage Sunday pew cards from UMCGiving. Heritage Sunday is an Awareness Sunday that highlights specific aspects of United Methodist history or ministry, with no denomination-wide offering.
Heritage Sunday Video
To aid us in uplifting Heritage Sunday, United Methodist Communications created a video that explains why we celebrate and offers meaningful ways for each church to reflect on its significance during worship or in other activities. This brief video, available for download, highlights the significance of Heritage Sunday for all United Methodists. Watch now.
Special Podcast Episodes
On a special episode of the “Un-Tied Methodism” podcast, Dr. Ashley Boggan and Rev. Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain discuss details that influenced the groundbreaking vote 70 years ago, on May 4, 1956, when General Conference voted to give women full ordination rights as elders and full membership in annual conferences. Read this news article to learn more. Women have always influenced the life of the church, contributing in significant ways, including preachers from the beginnings of Methodism. However, it was not until the nineteenth century that those privileges included full ordination. Watch the podcast episode now.
Dr. Boggan is General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives & History, and Dr. Chastain is an Assistant Professor of Christian History and Methodist Studies at Perkins School of Theology. Their expertise invites deep introspection and consideration of the historic outcome.
The “Un-Tied Methodism” podcast also features other episodes that showcase the lives of Methodist women over the decades, leading up to 2026. That means conversations about Susanna Wesley, Sarah Crosby, Dorothy Ripley, and many others whose testimonies are worth hearing. Review a timeline of women in Methodism.
Online Course
An online course titled “Methodist Women Called & Ordained” explores the lives and ministries of Methodist women, both ordained and lay, who answered God’s call to preach, lead, and serve across the centuries.
Enroll now in this course, a collaboration between the General Commission on Archives & History and several UMC general agencies. This effort aims to inspire every local church to celebrate the stories of women who have impacted both the denomination and individual congregations.
Merchandise
A shirt with the 2026 theme, “The Spirit Falls Equally,” is available at Bonfire, with proceeds supporting the UMC’s Ministry of Memory. Purchase now.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the ResourceUMC website and stay tuned to the General Commission on Archives & History’s social media channels (Facebook and Instagram).
This milestone aims to inspire ongoing discussions about women’s roles in the church and encourage continued growth and recognition of their contributions to the United Methodist tradition. For general information about United Methodist history and Heritage Sunday, check out ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.
The publication of this article was made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on August 26, 2026