3Gen 2023

3Generate is the children's and youth assembly of the Methodist Church, which aims to create an inclusive and diverse space for the prophetic voice of children and young people to emerge and be heard. It enables them to speak courageously, and listen to God and each other.

Through the 3Generate process, children and young people are equipped to become participants in advocacy, change and growth and have an impact in their local Methodist communities.

3Generate calls the Church to listen to, and be in relationship and dialogue with and amongst, children and young people, so that change can happen together as a community.

For the last few years, our Circuit has seen a group of young people and their leaders join with others across our District (and Connexion!) in attending the 3Gen weekend.

This year's event was again in the NEC, Birmingham. Camp sites were erected inside one huge events hall so each group could have their own space. A short walk away, in a second hall, activities such as climbing walls, mobile caving units, and an indoor cinema were erected. Tech areas provided virtual-reality interactive demonstrations, as well as mobile apps and games for major consoles, all created by the Methodist Church as part of missional development. An indoor silent disco, a coffee bar with open mic, and a drama room all attracted young people of every age. There was also an art and crafts area, a reflective space within a pop-up church, an eco-hub, and much more. A food hall was also set back from an open 'park' area. A third hall housed Big Worship events.

Our group this year consisted of 14 young people and 6 leaders. Our thanks to those within the Circuit, who helped subsidise the cost, and to the District for providing free transport over the weekend. We had various comments from the Young People themselves:

"I enjoyed the VR and also the silent disco"
"Really enjoyed the caving, apart from the smell of cheesy toes!"
"I enjoyed the drama quiz a lot"
"Loved the Silent Disco!"
"I enjoyed 3Generate because it felt good to be with the other people from our church, and others from around the country. I liked finding out what is happening for the young people across the Methodist Church."
"Can we go for a week next year?"

We will certainly be looking forward to taking the Young People again next year!

Details on all things 3Gen can be found here.