FRIDAY 6 TO SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023,

THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM

3Generate tickets still available!

Thank you to all the group leaders that have now booked for 3Generate, we have nearly 1200 children and young people registered, which is really great. We do still have tickets available for 3Generate this year. If you haven’t yet managed to organise your group or are still considering coming for the first time, please do not worry, please contact 3Generate by email  and let us know what you are planning. This will really help us to plan 3Generate well and be ready to welcome the children and young people of the Methodist Church to the NEC in October.

WHY COME TO 3GENERATE?

Watch the video below (less than a minute) for one leader's story...

JOIN THE BRILLIANT 3GEN TEAM

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! 

WHY VOLUNTEER AT 3GENERATE?

Watch the video below (less than 5 minutes) to hear enthusiastic stories from just a few of our wonderful team members...

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 TEAM HERE

YOUNG ADULT VOLUNTEER STREAM AT 3GENERATE

If you are aged 18-25 then you can be part of the young adult volunteer stream at 3Generate. This will be a great opportunity to meet new people your own age and feel connected to that community, as well as work alongside people of all ages as a volunteer at 3Gen. All meals, accommodation (indoor camping) and travel expenses will be covered.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY HERE

LOOKING FOR METHODIST YOUTH PRESIDENT 2024/2025

!!APPLICATIONS CLOSE NEXT WEEK!!

This varied and challenging job will give an individual the opportunity to represent and speak on behalf of children and young people within the Methodist Church. There will be opportunities to travel, attend and plan events, be involved in developing new creative ideas, meeting and talking with children and young people. Alongside that the successful candidate will be speaking at Methodist Conference and other appropriate committees, influencing the decision-making of senior staff by sharing the opinions and priorities of children and young people. It will be a busy, exciting and rewarding year!

• Must be aged 18-23. £23-26K.
• Home-working or London office.
• Closing date Tuesday 8 August 2023.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY HERE

12 FULLY FUNDED PLACES AVAILABLE!

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, or outside, a church setting.

Centred around three residential weekends, with evening online gatherings and the opportunity to meet with a coach, it is a chance for 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. There are 12 fully funded places available.

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

FREE ONLINE COURSE STARTING IN SEPTEMBER!

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.

OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE FOR A WORD IN TIME

A Word in Time is the daily online Bible study from the Methodist Church. Each week sees a series of scriptural reflections, written by a different writer or group of writers from all around the Connexion (the Methodist Church in Britain). The hope is to include as many different voices as possible (including those of young people) and it is always great to find new contributors - and this is where you and your group might come in!

If your youth group would be interested in working together to write for one week of A Word in Time, then please email Lynne Norman to find out more. The Bible passages are set for you, based on the lectionary readings for the week. Each day's reflection should be around 300 words and include a few questions for the reader 'to ponder'. 

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!

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.

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

Wednesday 9 August 2023, online (two times available)

Youth work tea break: The Commonwealth and international perspectives

Following July's Commonwealth Conference on Youth Work, join one of these free online reflective sessions with like-minded practitioners to continue the conversation! Attendees will consider how we, as practitioners, can start a conversation that explores global youth work approaches through the sharing of collective practice and experiences. Find out more and register.

Friday 11 August 2023, online

Becoming a trauma-informed Church

A virtual training event designed to equip church leaders and lay people with a deep understanding of trauma and its impact, as well as a practical application of Trauma-Informed Care principles within the context of the church. Find out more and book here.

Thursday 14 September, Goldsmith's College London

Faith, intersectionality and the future of youth work

Join faith-based and secular providers of youth services to build lasting partnerships and re-imagine a better future for young people. Find out more and register.

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.

Tuesday 19 September 2023, Durham (also in Reading and Leeds on 9 October, online on 19 October)

Introduction to schools ministry training from Scripture Union

Featuring sessions on: collective worship, clubs, year-round support, how to serve your school well, the key to developing local partnerships, ensuring a relational and long-term approach. Find out more here and book for Durham here.

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 above or click here.

Monday 9 October 2023, Reading (also in Durham on 19 September, Leeds on 9 October, online on 19 October)

Introduction to schools ministry training from Scripture Union

See information for 19 September or find out more here and book for Reading here.

Monday 9 October 2023, Leeds (also in Durham on 19 September, Reading on 9 October, online on 19 October)

Introduction to schools ministry training from Scripture Union

See information for 19 September or find out more here and book for Leeds 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.

Saturday 14 October 2023, Manchester

Crackin Good Church

This free event is a gathering to promote new Christian communities at the margins. It’s for anyone who is a part or want to be a part of a community at the margins. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Deacon Kerry Scarlett, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, will be speaking at the event. Find out more and apply for tickets.

Thursday 19 October 2023, online (also in Durham on 19 September, Reading and Leeds on 9 October)

Introduction to schools ministry training from Scripture Union

See information for 19 September or find out more here and book for the online course here.

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.

Saturday 21 October 2023, York

Joined Up North conference

A day packed with workshops and resources for all those involved in mission and ministry with children and young people in churches, schools and communities. Find out more and book.

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

Youth Mental Health First Aid training

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 24 to Sunday 26 November 2023, Birmingham

Into God Knows What - National Youth Ministry Weekend

Youthscape’s annual conference is back, reflecting where we have been in recent years - the pandemic, institutional challenges around trust and leadership, the rapid development of technology (especially AI) etc. and where we might be headed. Find out more and book.

Friday 12 to Sunday 14 January 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.

Friday 2 to Sunday 4 February 2024, Eastbourne

Refresh - Hand in Hand conference

Annual children's ministry conference, with a mix of keynote sessions, seminars and a lively exhibition. Be inspired, challenged and encouraged as you meet with other children’s leaders and hear from leading practitioners.  Find out more and book.

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