Laity Sunday is scheduled for October 19, 2025
From Martha Stokes, Conference Lay Leader
Laity Sunday is a special Sunday defined by General Conference “to celebrate the ministry of all Christians” (The Book of Discipline – 2016, ¶ 264.2). Traditionally observed on the third Sunday in October, Laity Sunday is one way we express the deep conviction that all are called to participate in God’s mission and live this calling through the ministry of the church. Ministries of the laity include lay leaders, lay servants, lay speakers, lay ministers, lay missioners, deaconesses, home missioners, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, The Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis, missionary service, and so many other significant forms of ministry.
The theme for Laity Sunday is set for each quadrennium (4-year cycle) by the Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders. For 2025-2028, the Laity Sunday themes come from Together By Grace with a scripture focus of Ephesians 3:14-21.
The 2025 theme is Be Strong in the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Click here for materials from Discipleship Ministries.
Or the liturgical resources for the third Sunday are beautifully worded and may fit well with your worship plans. Click here to view.
You might also want to look at other resources following the Common Revised Lectionary for Year C, Proper 22(27) – Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost.
If you like to plan well in advance, the quadrennial Laity Sunday theme for 2025-2028 is Together By Grace with a scripture focus of Ephesians 3:14-21.
- 2025: TOGETHER BY GRACE! – Be Strong in the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16)
- 2026: TOGETHER BY GRACE! – Be Grounded in Love (Ephesians 3:17)
- 2027: TOGETHER BY GRACE! – Behold Love’s Breadth and Depth (Ephesians 3:18)
- 2028: TOGETHER BY GRACE! – Be Filled with God’s Fullness (Ephesians 3:19)