Young Methodists are gathering in Southport this weekend for their annual 3Generate conference.
The event at the town's Pontins holiday camp is set to be the largest yet with around 1,750 young people and volunteers attending. 3Generate has tripled in size during the last four years.
This year's theme is 'Courageous' and participants – aged eight 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.
Current youth president Jasmine Yeboah from Tottenham, north London, was elected at last year's 3Generate. She 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.'
Jude Levermore, the Methodist Church's 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.'
