About 250 Methodist young people aged between 8 and 25 gathered together last weekend (15-17 November) at the Pioneer Centre in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, for 3Generate 2013, the Methodist Youth Assembly. Together they made important decisions which will affect the life of the Church.
The theme was the call to love God, love yourself and love others (Matthew 22.34-40; Mark 12.28-31).
In different sessions they engaged with issues such as stress, conflict, bullying and self-esteem, as well as focusing on the Street Child World Cup, mental health and forgiveness. There was also a chance to speak out about issues relating to life, community, the world and the Church.
Alongside this there were acts of worship, diary room sessions, graffiti boards and animation to capture the young people’s voices, as well as activities like archery, high wires and parachute games.
During the weekend Megan Thomas from Kerry, Powys in Wales was elected as the Methodist youth president for 2014-2015. She will represent children and young people within the Methodist Church and speak out on their behalf. About her role, Kerry said, “I want to help the Methodist Church use one of its greatest resources, which is the youth. I don’t want any Methodist young person to feel that their age silences them.”
From The Methodist Church of Great Britain
(original URL here: