This annual observance gives local and district units a chance to study and reflect on a particular theme each year and to designate funds for ministries related to the theme for the year.
This Year’s Theme
A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial is an opportunity for women to reflect on the gospel of Christ and make an offering that helps sustain ministry around the country and the world. Every year, United Methodist Women members participate in A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial observance. In response to God’s love and grace, offerings collected through A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial support worthy initiatives that relate to each year’s mission focus.
The mission focus for 2020 is "We Rise: Meeting God's Call to Transform Communities," supporting the work of United Methodist Women-supported national mission institutions, international partners and regional missionaries.
Women, children and youth across the world have felt the love of God through A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial funds that have been given to countless women gathered in circles of care. As United Methodist Women members, we bow to meet God in prayer and then rise to give of ourselves that God's vision of an abundant and beloved community for all can be realized. The kin-dom comes as we live into the light of God's vision for humanity, of mutuality and of seeing oneself in the eyes of another.
Host an observance this year or give online to support women, children and youth in your community and around the world.
One hundred percent of the offering will go directly to fund these projects.
A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial brochure
(English, Korean and Spanish in one PDF.)
Get A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial resources through the e-store or download:
Prayer Card Program Order Form Poster
Planning an Observance
We encourage you to commemorate A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial on one day during the first few months of the year.
Be creative. The following ideas offer some possibilities:
- Plan a dedication service based on the order of worship reproduced from the Program Book.
- Download a poster to invite members and others to the dedication service.
- Plan a quiet day or retreat for all members of your unit and anyone interested. Use the appropriate year’s Quiet Day Service in the United Methodist Women Program Book, available through the e-store.
- Plan a prayer vigil for your church or unit using the Prayer Calendar along with the Quiet Day Service.
- Explore with your pastor the possibility of having your United Methodist Women unit lead a Quiet Day Service for a Sunday-morning worship service.
- Prepare a meal as part of a year’s observance.
- Distribute the Prayer Card to members who are absent. Order additional cards to give to friends.