The United Methodist Church will observe Laity Sunday October 18, and churches in Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey are invited to celebrate that special Sunday—on any convenient Sunday in October—with the theme “Stand Up & Speak Out.”

Drawn from Proverbs 31:8-9, the theme refers to a wisdom teaching that King Lemuel's mother taught him -- to speak out in the face of injustice against others and to use his position and power well.

Though we may not all carry royal titles, 1 Peter 2:9 calls the people of God “a royal priesthood.” As God’s people, we—laity and clergy alike—are called to stand up and speak out against injustice and to live out our faith in the roles we have, whether as a parent, friend, coworker, church member, or citizen.

The United Methodist Book of Discipline (¶ 127) reads: The ministry of the Laity flows from a commitment to Christ’s outreaching love. Lay members of The United Methodist Church are, by history and calling, active advocates of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

EPA&GNJ churches now have new resources to help them promote and celebrate Laity Sunday, using a special edition of Breakthrough Worship Resources, the free, time-saving series of resources and best practices created to help congregations break through ordinary patterns and revitalize their worship. Use Breakthrough Laity Sunday resources to help your church make this Sunday truly special.

These resources—including worship liturgy, preaching ideas, slideshow and social media graphics—focus on how God's call to stand up and speak out for justice as an expression of God’s love to those we meet along life’s path.

Whatever ministries your church’s laity are involved in—preaching, praying and participating in worship, leading church and community meetings and activities, visiting homebound members and neighbors, caring for church facilities and furnishings, tending to church gardens, preparing meals, serving on mission trips, and so on—Laity Sunday is a perfect time to celebrate all that they do and hope to do in witness to the love and liberating gospel of Jesus Christ.