Daily Digest - July 15, 2015

"A lot of people we encounter have given up on the church. And we just plant the seed." — Eddie Gill of the United Methodist Motorcycle Association.

United Methodist motorcycle ‘gang’

TULSA, Okla. (UMTV) — “I’ve been stabbed twice, I been shot twice, been in prison twice and look where I’m at now, riding a motorcycle for Jesus.” Tim Lawson rides with the United Methodist Motorcycle Association and is just one of the many people who have found peace and a new purpose in the group.
Watch UMTV video and post a comment

UMCMarket.org gets upgrade

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, has relaunched the online shopping portal UMCMarket, using more advanced technology and faster delivery of donations. The site allows online shoppers to donate a percentage of what they spend back to their church or to the United Methodist ministry of their choice.
Read press release
Visit UMCMarket.org

Annual conference as evangelism tool

GLENDALE, Ariz. (UMNS) — Annual conference gatherings can be a disciple-making opportunity. At the end of the Desert Southwest Conference annual meeting, one hotel staffer was overheard asking a group of hotel staff members, “Are you guys ready to become United Methodists? I am — sounds to me like they’re all just a bunch of regular people wanting to make a difference in this world.” Christina Dillabough reports.
Read Desert Southwest Conference report
Read other reports

Katrina survivor now leads 2 Oklahoma churches

OKLAHOMA CITY — Nancy McCullough was an elementary school teacher before she and other New Orleans teachers lost their jobs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The historic storm set off an unlikely chain of events that ultimately led to her pursuing the Lord's call to ministry, reports Carla Hinton of NewsOK.com. The Rev. McCullough now serves as two congregations’ senior pastor.
Read story

Youth 2015 provides resources for future growth

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Nearly 4,500 United Methodist young people attended Youth 2015 in Orlando, Florida, and their experiences will provide youth ministry video resources for years to come. Many youth expressed either hearing or confirming a call to ministry because of the gathering, and others requested to be baptized when they returned home. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries organized the event.
Read press release

New college ministries training director

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Rev. Timothy Moore will join the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry on Aug. 3 as director of collegiate ministry resources and training in the Division of Higher Education.
Read press release

Commentary: 3 myths about young clergy

ASHEBORO, N.C. (UMNS) — As a United Methodist pastor under 35, the Rev. Drew McIntyre says he often encounters misinformation about himself and fellow young clergy. In a blog post for the United Methodist Publishing House’s Ministry Matters, McIntyre tackles the three biggest misconceptions he has encountered.
Read commentary

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.

Thursday-Friday, July 30-31
Drew Theological School presents T.R.A.N.S.: Worship Beyond Borders Summer Music Institute 2015 — Trans: A Latin noun or prefix, meaning “across," “beyond” or “on the opposite side.” Drew Theological School in Madison, New Jersey will present its 10th Summer Music Institute to help worship leaders learn and grow in a community that moves across, beyond and into the opposite side where God's love is found. Details.

Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 13-16
Crossroads: School of Congregational Development 2015 — Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing in Indianapolis will host this United Methodist gathering sponsored by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, Path1: New Church Starts, and the Board of Global Ministries. $425 by July 15; $475 on-site. Details.

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