Daily Digest - January 9, 2015

"I am always surprised and moved by the strength of faith and trust in God of the people in these (local European) communities — especially in this environment that is changing rapidly." — Bishop Patrick Streiff.

Q&A: A United Methodist network of faith in Europe

FRANKFURT, Germany (UMNS) — United Methodists in central and southern Europe span 16 countries and cultures but work together as one central conference. Volker Kiemle of The United Methodist Church in Germany spoke with Bishop Patrick Streiff about the conference’s characteristics and challenges. To read the story in English, use your web browser’s translate button.
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Movie ‘Selma’ sparks reflections on church, racism

ASBURY PARK, N.J. (UMNS) — Seeing the movie “Selma” with his family and an interracial group of viewers at a theater in Harlem brought back personal memories of the Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights march for the Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell. Caldwell reflects on that experience and how the film offers faithful United Methodists a chance to consider what the church can learn from the film and its own history.
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Dreamers now eligible for United Methodist college loans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Dreamers — young adults who were unauthorized immigrants brought into the United States as children — are now eligible for United Methodist loans for higher education. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is accepting loan applications until May 5, 2015, for spring and summer enrollment.
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Churches still assisting in Michigan after headlines fade

DETROIT (UMNS) — Five months after record rainfall flooded three Michigan counties, United Methodists are still repairing damage in homes in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The United Methodist Committee on Relief has approved a $100,000 grant to support continued flood relief efforts and 17 churches in the Renaissance District are still engaged in repair and restoration.
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Chuck Knows Church launches new show Jan. 12

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — “Chuck Knows Church,” an online video series by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, is expanding to a new series. This time, Chuck is on “The Committee” working to save the congregation. In the series, debuting Jan. 12, the fictitious Park Grove Community Church has lost its way, lost its pastor and is closing its doors ... unless, despite itself, it finds a new way of doing church with the help of Chuck. The original Chuck Knows Church series also will continue.
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Visit Chuck Knows Church

Looking ahead

Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.

Sunday, Jan. 11
Human Trafficking Awareness Day — Worship resources from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society for the day. Resources for fighting human trafficking every day from United Methodist Women.

Sunday, Jan. 18
Human Relations Day — Special offering this Sunday, the closest to the observance of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, will focus this year on the rehabilitation of youth offenders. The United Methodist Book of Discipline describes Human Relations Day as a call "to recognize the right of all God's children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with each other." Resources from umcgiving.org.

You can see more educational opportunities and other upcoming events in the life of the church here.