The 3Generate annual gathering of Methodist young people takes place over the weekend 23-25 November 2018. This will be the biggest 3Generate yet, the event having tripled in size over the last four years with 1,750 young people and volunteers from across the UK coming together at Pontins in Southport.
The theme for this year’s 3Generate is courageous. The young people, aged 8 to 23, will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of workshops, including ‘Do God and Gaming Go Together?’ and ‘The Reality of Gang Violence’; a powerful session led by young people from the Methodist Church of Mexico. Other highlights include the comedian Rob Thomas, the ‘Life Exhibition – a multi-media experience that helps children explore the life of Jesus and his relevance today – and ‘1000 Letters’, a project to share faith stories across generations.
Elections for the new Methodist youth representatives and Youth President take place at 3Generate, before they begin their term of office next September. The Youth President candidates have created promotional videos and will take part in campaigns with hustings over the weekend before the young people vote. The announcement of the Youth President will be made in the days after the event.
The current Youth President, Jasmine Yeboah from Tottenham, north London, was elected at last year’s 3Generate, and said: “The theme for my year in office is courageous and we aim to empower the young people to be Courageous for Christ in their everyday lives, which is reflected throughout this year’s 3Generate programme. There will be a variety of fun and exciting activities for children and young people. We are also encouraging all young people, regardless of their age, to engage in conversations which tackle the serious issues facing society today, such as street and gang violence, racism and mental health.”
Penny Fuller, the Methodist Church Children, Youth and Family Coordinator with responsibility for 3Generate, explained: “3Generate is a big undertaking and is only possible thanks to the generosity of our volunteers who give up their time and the churches, circuits and districts who support the children and young people in attending.”
Jude Levermore, Head of Discipleship and Evangelism, commented: “3Generate offers the children and young people associated with Methodist churches a chance to come together and explore their faith and the issues that concern them. Growth is not all about numbers, but it is hugely pleasing to see this event growing. Our children and young people are courageous examples to those of us from the older generation of how to live out Our Calling. They are responding to the gospel in exciting ways and living out their faith in challenging times, it’s a privilege to be part of a church that offers that.”
• Follow 3Generate on social media using #3Generate and #Courageous
• Watch the videos from the candidates for Youth President here.
• You can watch 3Generate live over the weekend on the Youth President’s Facebook page.
