Welcome to Rural Mission Sunday 2026
Thank you for registering.
This year, our focus is on Thankfulness for those in our Rural Communities. Together, we want to look closely at our villages, hamlets, and valleys to recognise and celebrate the “Unsung Rural Stars” who keep our communities alive.
From the farmers working the land to the local shopkeepers, volunteers, and neighbours who watch out for one another, rural life thrives because of these unsung individuals. We invite your church and wider community to use this day – Sunday 12 July 2026 – as an opportunity to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’. (If a different day works better, feel free to switch to this.)
Below, you will find a range of resources that will be helpful to plan your service, host community events, and share stories of gratitude. From our fully downloadable resource pack to thank you cards that you can buy from us to send, we hope these materials inspire current relationships, create new connections and lead to celebration both within and beyond your church walls.
Downloads
Click here for the full resource
Rural Mission Sunday 2026
Ideas and resources for a service to mark Rural Mission Sunday in your church and community, including prayers and practical hints and tips on thanking the unsung stars of our communities!
For the additional Discovery sheet, click here –
Community Discovery Sheet – Rural Mission Sunday 2026
Additional Supporting Resources
To order sets of Thank you cards priced at £15 per pack (including free delivery to UK addresses), please click here
Find below a Downloadable poster, and graphics for your website and Social Media pages to promote your event
Click here for the Rural Mission Sunday 2026 Poster to print and display
Click here to download the graphic 1200 x 900 px in PNG format
We will be posting Rural Mission Sunday updates on The Arthur Rank Centre Facebook page so please add your stories and pictures here.
Please use #RMS2026 and like and follow The Arthur Rank Centre to stay in touch!
Supporting the Work of The Arthur Rank Centre
Every resource we create is provided entirely for free so that cost is never a barrier for rural churches. As a small charity, we rely heavily on the generosity of the local fellowships we serve to keep this vital work sustainable.
Because this year’s theme focuses on “Thanking the unsung rural stars in our communities,” we would be deeply grateful if you would consider using your celebration to support our ongoing mission.
Here are three simple ways your church can give back on Sunday 12 July or a suitable date of your choice:
1. The Thanksgiving Notice
During the church notices or just before the final blessing, please consider sharing this brief message with your congregation:
“The materials, prayers, and toolkits we used to shape today’s service were provided entirely for free by The Arthur Rank Centre. They are a national charity dedicated to supporting rural congregations, farming networks, and countryside communities across the UK. If you would like to help them continue resourcing churches like ours, please consider making a contribution in the retirement collection today, or donate directly online at arthurrankcentre.org.uk/donate.”
2. An Action Day Collection
If your church is has been inspired by this to host a community action day, such as a village tidy-up, a barbecue, or an afternoon tea to thank your local volunteers, you can keep the event free but place a clearly marked donation basket or a printed QR code linking to our donation page on the tables.
3. Send a Church Contribution
If your PCC, elders, or leadership team has a dedicated mission or outreach budget, please consider making a direct donation on behalf of your church to help us equip other rural fellowships across the country.
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To donate online: Visit arthurrankcentre.org.uk/donate
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To donate by cheque: Please make cheques payable to The Arthur Rank Centre and post them to our office address.
Thank you for partnering with us to celebrate and support the lifeblood of our rural communities. We hope you have a truly wonderful Rural Mission Sunday!
If you need any technical assistance or further pastoral support as you prepare, please contact us at info@arthurrankcentre.org.uk.
