OUR SOCIAL CHANNELS ARE CHANGING!

There are some exciting changes taking place to our social media channels. To keep up to date with EVERYTHIING children, youth and family ministry related – including 3Generate – there’ll be just one place you need to be! Join our brand new The Well Community on Facebook to be informed, resourced and equipped.

FRIDAY 6 TO SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023,

THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM

GET YOUR 3GENERATE TICKETS!

If you haven’t already booked your tickets, there is still plenty of time to get involved! 3Generate 2023 will bring groups of children and young people together from churches across the Connexion to grow in faith and speak out on the issues that matter to them.

We know many of you already value spending time with young people at 3Generate. Whether it’s a couple of children and young people or a larger group, 3Generate can be a significant milestone in their life and faith and well worth the time and effort to help them be there. But if you need to know more, why not watch some of the videos on our new ‘Why bring a group to 3Generate?’ YouTube playlist on 3GenTV.

District Ambassadors are always happy to help with queries and assisting groups to get booked in. If you don’t know who your District Ambassador is, ask your district or email us.

We do hope that you and your group are planning to join us again this year for 3Generate 2023. Visit the 3Generate web pages to find out more and reserve your place from next week!

JOIN OUR BRILLIANT DELIVERY TEAM

Craig has returned to the 3Gen team year after year. What keeps bringing him back? Hear what he has to say about why volunteering makes a real difference for him and watch his short video here.

There are loads of great stories from our volunteers on a dedicated playlist on the 3GenerateTV Youtube channel. Why not speak to someone you know and invite them to join the team? 3Generate is better with friends!

Volunteers make the 3Generate world go round! Each and every one really matters. That’s why we do everything we can to make sure volunteers feel loved and valued. We never want our 3Generate volunteers to be out of pocket, which is why we cover all travel expenses and provide accommodation and food. This includes a dedicated refreshments lounge so there’s nothing to think about over the weekend. All you need do is turn up and volunteer! You’ll also receive a free t-shirt and hoodie!

Did you know there are plenty of different roles at 3Gen? If you’ve volunteered before, you might fancy trying something new. Perhaps you know someone who would be a great fit for one of the many opportunities.

APPLY TO BE PART OF THE 3GEN DELIVERY TEAM HERE

WE NEED YOUR THOUGHTS!

Are you aged 18-30 and have 5 mins to spare?

Please take a look at our survey. This will help us to hear a range of views and opinions of young adults as we continue to plan and develop Young Adult ministry within the Methodist Church.

Are you a minister, chaplain, youth worker, young adult worker, volunteer?

We would also like to capture your thoughts about Young Adult ministry at this time. We would be grateful if you could take the time to fill in this short survey. Your views will be helpful as we continue to plan and develop ministry with young adults in the Methodist Church.

THANK YOU!

OFFER FOR DISTRICT OR CIRCUIT YOUTH EVENTS

In March, the London District welcomed children, young people and their group leaders to its annual youth and children gathering; where they explored eight powers young people have to be Agents of Change in the world. You can read about the day, which was facilitated by three of our Youth Reps, here.

These materials have also been used at the Sheffield District's Youth Day and in the children's stream at Yorkshire North and East's Flourish event.

If you'd be interested in using some of these materials at your own event, or even having a member of the team help to facilitate sessions around the topic of harnessing your power as an Agent of Change, please contact Lynne Norman.

LOOKING FOR METHODIST YOUTH PRESIDENT 2024/2025

Those interested in this post need to be between the ages of 18-23 and a member of the Methodist Church by the start date of 1st August 2024.

This is a great role and opportunity to travel around the UK and overseas, to learn new skills and leadership, and be the face of the younger generation of the Methodist Church.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY HERE

ENCOURAGE PEOPLE IN YOUR CHURCH

TO TALK TO YOUNG PEOPLE!

Research has shown that children and young people really value conversations with adults and feeling connected with their wider church family. That’s why, at Conference this year, Methodists were encouraged to take a moment to talk to a young person in their faith community. For many adults, talking to a teenager maybe a daunting prospect. If this applies to people in your church why not invite them to one of the upcoming Youthscape Essentials taster sessions to help build rapport with young people? Find out more about more and register here.

INVEST SOME TIME IN YOU AND YOUR MINISTRY

WITH YOUTHSCAPE ESSENTIALS

If you’re wanting to grow your confidence and skills working with young people in churches and community projects then this programme is just what you’re looking for. Youthscape Essentials offers the opportunity to spend time in community with other workers and volunteers, exploring together insights into the lives of young people, relevant skills and character development. It’s a perfect course for anyone involved in or interested in developing ministry with young people (aged 11-18). The material has been developed and piloted in a Methodist Circuit in partnership with Youthscape. Find out more about more and register here.

12 FULLY FUNDED PLACES AVAILABLE!

Would you like to see the young Christians in your community developed into humble, discerning, authentic, courageous leaders? The Leadership Year is an exciting opportunity for 18-30 year olds across the Connexion, who want to invest time in developing their leadership abilities. It is aimed at those who may just be starting out in a leadership role, or who are wanting to be involved in leadership, which may be within a church setting, or outside the Church.

Centred around three residential weekends, with evening online gatherings and the opportunity to meet with a coach, it is a chance for your young leaders to be in community with other young adults, to reflect on what it means to be a Christian leader (in church, secular workplaces, and local community) and to develop characteristics needed for self-aware, visionary, resilient leadership. One former participant reflected that it had “Given me new ideas on how I can be a faithful leader and equipped me to work better with others, especially those who are different to me.” There are 12 fully funded places available. If you know someone who might be interested please encourage them to apply.

14 - 16 YEAR OLDS NEEDED FOR YOUNG RESEARCH TEAM

The Your Faith, Your Online World project will create resources, made up of films and discussion tools, to help young people explore the topic of how they translate their values or beliefs into their online behaviors and choices. The project is a collaboration between the Quakers, the Methodist Church, the Baptist Union, the Moravian church, the Institute for Children, Youth and Mission (CYM).

The project team want to use online focus groups to collect views, experiences and opinions of young people, before going on to create the videos and resources later in the summer. Short (60-90 minute) online focus groups are being held across multiple cities with young people from different backgrounds to give insights on this topic. They are looking for young people, aged 14-16, to be trained in research and facilitation, and help develop the focus groups.

If members of your youth group would be interested in taking part in this initiative and you would like to know more, please email Karen Allen in the Methodist Safeguarding Team.

EXPLORE

Explore is an opportunity for any member of the Methodist Church in Britain to take a breath, step back, and consider how they are called to respond to God's call through worship, learning and caring, evangelism or service.

You can sign up at any time of year and when you do so you will be offered:

1. Reflecting with an Accompanist
2. Journaling your experiences
3. Shadowing people involved in work of the kingdom of God
4. A range of learning & development resources and support to dip in an out of
5. Being part of a group who learn together on a 9 month course

To find out more, watch the video above or visit the website.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK IN 2023!

All courses take place online.

Places on these courses are prioritised for Methodist leaders, workers, volunteers and parents. If you are not Methodist and would like to attend a course, please contact Lynne Norman and she will ensure you are added to a waiting list.

Space on the course is severely limited and so you are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Participants will need to attend all four sessions and complete approx. 1.5 hours of self-guided learning between sessions and ahead of session 1.

The cost of attending the course is £35. This covers the price of the course materials (which will be posted to your home address) and the Eventbrite fees. This training has a recommended retail price of £300 and we are offering it for a heavily subsidised price to those working for the Methodist Church. You can find out more about MHFA training here.

There is just one more opportunity to join a course in 2023:

Tuesday 31 October, Thursday 2, Tuesday 7, Thursday 9 November 2023 (2pm – 4.30pm)

Click here to book your place on the October/November course

If you have any questions, please contact Lynne Norman.

TRAINING AND EVENTS

Saturday 1 July 2023, St. Thomas, Swansea

FLARE: Faith, Leadership and Resources Exhibition

A one-day conference from the Children, Youth and Families Team of the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon. With a resources marketplace and a programme of speakers, including Rick Otto from New Wine Kids Ministries, speaking on Discipling Children and Young People. Find out more and book.

Wednesday 5 July 2023, online event

Positively Rural webinar

Positively Rural is an online community hosted by the Yokrshire plus region of the Methodist Learning Network, but open to anyone involved in rural ministry. Join the team and guests, Deacon Eunice Attwood (Methodist Church at the Margins Officer), Dr Chris Shannahan and Dr Stephanie Denning of Coventry University's Centre for Trust, Peace & Social Relations. Hear more about two research projects: Life on the Breadline and Rural Hidden Hardship and how they help inform our local rural contexts. Join the conversation around rural poverty, the impacts and how we, as Christians, can respond. Register here.

Thursday 6 July 2023, online event

New Places for New People Hubs: The NPNP story so far and how you can begin

More and more places across the Methodist Church have begun discerning a vision for a New Place for New People by listening to God and to their communities. Open to everyone, this NPNP Hub is an opportunity to hear testimony from a variety of contexts and sizes, told by those pioneering and supporting them. And of course, the next steps you can take towards discerning what it might be in the community you serve. Find out more and book.

Friday 7 to Sunday 9 July 2023, Dynas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan

Walk Humbly - Student Christian Movement national gathering

In Micah 6:8, God asks us to ‘act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God' - this weekend will consider how to put this into practice through speakers, workshops, worship and fellowship. The keynote speaker this year is Ashwin Thyssen, a junior lecturer in the Department of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology at Stellenbosch University. There will also be two members from the devolved nations sharing their experience of student Christianity and life in Scotland and Wales, as well as workshops led by members and special guests from Women and the Church and The Council of Christians and Jews (tbc). This event is open to all SCM members and any student studying at a UK institution of Higher Education, or who has graduated from one within the last three years. Find out more.

Saturday 8 July 2023, online

Every church a growing church - mission planning for all

A Zoom conference providing inspiration, practical tips and bespoke help to discern a really useful church or circuit mission plan. Find out more and book.

Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 July 2023, University of Reading (by invitation) or online

The Power of Youth Work: Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future

In celebration of the 2023 Year of Youth, the National Youth Agency is delighted to be invited by the Commonwealth Secretariat to host the 4th Commonwealth Conference on Youth Work. It will provide a platform to celebrate and strengthen the impact of youth work across the Commonwealth. Virtual attendance is open to everyone and is free, with the ability to join the majority of sessions including keynote presentations and breakout groups. Sessions cam also be accessed online after they have ended. The conference will explore the youth work theory and practice that supports the education and development of young people worldwide. It will consider how we can learn, innovate and build networks to grow youth work across the globe. Register here.

Tuesday 11 July 2023, online

Talking to kids about decision-making

This is a free Facebook live event for all parents, carers and those involved in children’s lives, organised by Parenting for Faith. How do help our children make godly, faithful decisions as they grow up and gain independence? There will be 30 minutes input, followed by optional 30 minute discussion – why not gather a group to watch together? Head to the Parenting for Faith Facebook page at 8pm on the above date. All sessions are recorded and can be accessed after the event from that same page.

Wednesday 12 July 2023, online event

National Parenting Initiative - Event for everyone!

Be encouraged about ways your church can support and empower families in your community, and see them flourish!  Featuring Kids Matter, Connected Lives, Who Let The Dads Out? and Parenting for Faith. Register here.

Thursday 13 to Friday 14 July 2023, Durham

Growing younger, going deeper: deeper in theology, bolder in vision, stronger in confidence

For those who want to deepen their theology of different aspects of growing faith in children and young people, through engaging with fresh and rich insights in this area, who desires to see how to connect theological research with their context to build a bolder vision for their community of faith, and who seeks to develop their own training and strengthen their confidence in enabling schools, churches and households to collaboratively enable faith to grow in children and young people. Find out more and book.

Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 July 2023, Llandudno (see also 6-8 June)

Godly Play core training course

Find out more here. This event is residential and the cost is £460, including two nights' accommodation. Book for Llandudno here.

Wednesday 19 July 2023, online

Teaching Parenting for Faith to your team

This free training for children’s, youth and families’ leaders is delivered by Parenting for Faith in their dedicated Children’s, Youth and Family Leaders Facebook group from 1pm. How do we excite and inspire our team of volunteers with a long-term approach of parenting for faith? There will be 30 minutes of input, followed by an optional 30 minute Zoom chat with others. The teaching segment will be recorded and can be accessed after the event at the same link.

Thursday 20 July 2023, online event

National Youth Agency Supper Club: the participation of young people in safeguarding

The participation of young people in safeguarding puts them front and centre in the development of safeguarding processes. It involves young people in the design, delivery and evaluation of services, policies and practices. This approach ensures that young people's views are taken into account and that their voice is heard. It also helps to create a better understanding of the risks that young people face and the challenges they need to overcome in order to stay safe. Register here.

27 July to 17 August 2023, John Wesley's New Room, Bristol

Wonderful world of books

This summer, stories will be jumping off the pages into the New Room. Exploring favourite children’s books with a different story read each week, followed by a fun craft activity and then a trip to explore the museum. Plus, a museum trail available throughout the summer holidays. Find out more and book.

Tuesday 19 September 2023, online

Talking to kids about the media

This is a free Facebook live event for all parents, carers and those involved in children’s lives, organised by Parenting for Faith. How do we help our children to be discerning when it comes to what they consume online? 30min input, followed by optional 30min discussion – why not gather a group to watch together? Head to the Parenting for Faith Facebook page at 8pm on the above date. All sessions are recorded and can be accessed after the event from that same page.

Saturday 23 September 2023, Bristol (also in Sheffield on 5 October)

National Estate Churches Network Conference 2023

The theme for the conference is ‘God With Us: Sharing our journey’, with opportunity to share examples of God at work and good practice in estates ministry, as well as practical workshops and fellowship. Conversations will include starting out in a new church, longevity in ministry and moving on well. Find out more and book here.

Saturday 30 September 2023, online event

Exploring digital

Join together with Methodists from all over Britain for a special digital gathering. Learn from key individuals who've mastered the digital world on how to connect and share the Gospel online. The event will feature insightful keynotes, group discussions and an expert panel. Find out more here.

Thursday 5 October 2023, Sheffield (also in Bristol on 23 September)

National Estate Churches Network Conference 2023

See details for 23 September or click here.

Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October 2023, NEC Birmingham

3Generate children's and youth assembly

See articles in Well News or click here.

Thursday 12 October 2023, Birmingham

Beyond conference

Frontier Youth Trust and CURBS are hosting a learning day for those interested in connecting with children and Young people BEYOND the walls of the Church. Most children and young people no longer have a connection to a local church. The old patterns of ministry to children and young people within our walls has to change. The day will create space for youth and children's work practitioners to share stories from their practice. A collection of speakers will deliver short Ted talk style presentations followed by roundtable discussion. Find out more and book.

Friday 20 October to Sunday 22 October 2023, Cliff College

Community organising

Beginning at 6pm with dinner on the Friday evening and ending after lunch on the Sunday. This course is a starting point for anybody interested in community organising. It will help develop an understanding of what community organising involves and what it looks like in the real world.  Participants will start to explore how people come together so that they can understand and take action on their concerns to build community and overcome social injustice. Find out more and book here.

Tuesday 31 October, Thursday 2, Tuesday 7, Thursday 9 November 2023, online

Youth Mental Health First Aid training

(Also running in June 2023)

See article above or book here for the October/November course.

Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 November 2023, Staffordshire

The Forge gathering

This is a three-day fun and inspiring retreat for all children’s, youth and families’ workers (paid or unpaid). You will be refreshed, laugh, have fun with those who ‘get it’ and be inspired by relevant teaching, Spirit-filled worship and the chance to share ideas with others. £185. Find out more and book here.

Friday 12 to Sunday 14 2024, Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre
Whole Hearted - Evangelism & Growth Conference

The Evangelism and Growth team have felt for a while that we need to gather people across the Methodist Church who have a sense of the hopeful future that the Holy Spirit is leading us to. So we have created the 'Whole Hearted' weekend event, which aims to open us to the bigger picture of God's mission in the world today. Places on the conference, including all accommodation and food costs, are fully funded, but a deposit will be required at the time of booking. This deposit will be returned in full after the weekend to all who attend. As well as residential bookings for the whole weekend, there are also day tickets for Saturday 13 January. Register for a place here.

You may like to pass this email on to others in your church who may find it interesting.

With best wishes
Methodist Children, Youth and Families Team

Email: childrenandyouth@methodistchurch.org.uk

Website: www.childrenandyouth.org.uk  

Twitter: @childrenyouth  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/672242077973308