14 November 2013
Young Methodists gather to change and challenge the church
Over two hundred and fifty Methodist young people aged between
eight and twenty three will gather this weekend (15-17 Nov) at the
Pioneer Centre, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, for the
3Generate 2013 Children's and Youth Assembly of the
Methodist Church.
The theme for this year's youth assembly centres around Matthew
22.34-40/Mark 12.28-31: the call to love God, love yourself and
love others.
The
programme for the assembly is streamed into three age groups.
The 'eights to 11s' programme will enable children to engage with a
variety of sessions exploring themes and issues raised at 3Generate
2013, including stress, conflict, bullying, self-esteem. There will
be opportunities to speak out about issues relating to life,
community, the world and church. The sessions will be interactive -
exploring themes through art, drama, and animation - in order to
enable the voices of eight to 11-year-olds to be heard and
expressed in different ways. There will be creative worship, diary
room sessions, graffiti boards and animation to capture the young
people's voices, as well activities such as archery, high wires and
parachute games.
Tamara Wray, Methodist Youth President, said: "3Generate is an
amazing event which is very unique to the Methodist Church. It
provides the children and youth of the Church with a safe place to
voice their opinions and meet other young people across the
connexion. I am very excited for 3Generate as this is where I
started my journey as Youth President last year and for that reason
it will always have a special place in my heart. I have the
pleasure of spending this weekend with the children and youth - the
future of the Methodist Church."
The 'elevens to 18s' will interact through discussions,
activities, and games on themes such as: five ways to change the
world, understanding mental health, and the importance of
forgiveness. The programme will also enable young people to learn
skills such as sign language, bible studies and drama. The
'eighteen to 23s' will participate in various types of worship from
upbeat to relaxed meditation. They will have the opportunity to
participate in the 'Big Questions Debate' and prepare questions for
the Youth President candidates.
The annual 3Generate Assembly coincides with the election of the
next Methodist Youth President for 2014-2015. The main role of the
Methodist Youth President is to represent children and young
people within the Methodist Church and to speak out on their
behalf. The
candidates this year are: Megan Thomas, John Colenutt, Tiras
Dainty-Shire, Jessica Warrey, Holly Wadsworth, Mark Fromings and
Laura Goldsbrough. 3Generate will offer the attendees the chance to
meet the candidates and ask them questions before they cast their
votes.
Penny Fuller, Church & Community Development Coordinator,
said: "3Generate is more than an event: it is a gateway for
children and young people to have their voices heard and responded
to by the whole Church, from their involvement and participation at
the Methodist Conference through to local churches and Districts
running a 3Generate Big SleepOver."
3Generate also calls on young people to stand as
Youth Reps to represent the youth of the Methodist Church on
occasions such as the Methodist Conference, the Methodist Council,
ecumenical youth events and British Youth Council meetings. Every
Rep will be required to voice the concerns of the Methodist young
people, as well as giving them feedback and, when necessary,
calling for change.
Tamara Wray added: "It is going to be a weekend full of worship
which is courtesy of some of the students at Cliff College this
year, fellowship, fun and hearing the voice of the children and
youth. The themes for 3Generate this year are based around loving
yourself, loving others and loving God. Words cannot describe how
excited I am for the weekend ahead."
For more information, please see the Methodist Children and Youth
website.
Ends
Notes: Keep up to date with what's going on at 3Generate by following the hashtag #3Generate2013 on Twitter.