Each year, the Methodist Church holds an Easter offering dedication service organised by ‘Methodist Women in Britain’. The tradition of the Easter Offering dates back to 1883 when women in Manchester collected £32 from ‘Christmas pennies’ at family gatherings on Christmas Day at lunch for Missionary work overseas. In March 1884, the London Districts distributed Easter envelopes and collecting bags asking for a penny a head and just over £100 was collected.

From this success, the idea grew and by 1900 the amount totalled £1,655. In 1903 Easter offerings were extended to all country chapels. ‘Let us bear in mind,’ they wrote, ‘the importance of the "Littles"’’.

Through gifts great and small, the Easter Offering has become a significant feature of the World Church. In 1986, the Bicentenary year, it totalled nearly £200,000. Throughout the country, effort focuses on the annual envelope collection for the Fund for World Mission through the Easter Offering and the associated service of dedication.

This reflects the long history of commitment to overseas work by the women of Methodism, and the recognition that local specific relationships with overseas projects and World Church in Britain partnerships are given broader meaning by a national focus. The theme and service are different every year.

via Ann Done