3 Generate 2024

Reflections of Local Preacher and Granny, Jane Lloyd, on her recent trip to 3 Generate 2024

I was interested in this event for children and young people as soon as I heard about it. Many of you will be aware that my granddaughter accompanies me when I am preaching but when she does so she rarely sees another young person in the congregation. I really wanted her to be aware that she is not the only young Christian, let alone Methodist, in the universe so I thought this event would be ideal for her. I also did not consider for a moment sending her on her own, so this meant Granny would be going too.

We were able to join with a group going from north Lincoln which also included Brian and Janice's granddaughter. The two girls had met briefly from time to time in the past. We got together with everyone before we were due to go and given a list of things we needed to take. I was particularly concerned about the sleeping arrangements. The event was to be held at the NEC and I have been there on many occasions before so quite how we were going to sleep there was a mystery to me. Apparently it was to be in tents. That did not make my heart sing.

When the day to go arrived I collected my grand daughter from school and drove to Lincoln where a mini bus – with a trailer on the back – was ready to go. Off we went to the NEC. It was when we were there that the scale of the event became apparent to me. It was huge, and once we were registered we set off to find where our tents were waiting for us. The girls bagged a tent together and I realised I was one of the lucky ones as I had been allocated a place in a bigger tent with one other person and a bed. Luxury. We all set off to find something to eat and then enjoy a few of the activities on offer.

We had been given a booklet outlining what would take place over the weekend and we were faced with an impossible choice. There was so much to do. The girls quickly decided that soap making and weaving were for them and I found myself a place at The Well where I was easily visible and could look out for them. It also had lovely filter coffee on tap accompanied by nice snacks so it was just the spot for me.

By about 10 o'clock we were ready for bed, but not everyone was and the noise from 1,600 excited children and young people carried on well into the night. Not a lot of sleep was had but in my waking moments I realised that this was a completely safe space and that I didn't need to hover so intently over the girls.

Saturday dawned and we were faced with a massive programme of events from which to choose what appealed to us. The girls went off to explore and meet up with friends. We joined together for worship led by the Moses Brothers who were wonderful. Grace most particularly wanted to see a performance by Chris Read who she had seen before so we made sure we were at the Arena for that and we all enjoyed it enormously. Off they went again to find badges to attach to the blankets they had been given and also to cast their votes for the new Methodist Youth President. We all enjoyed communion together before it was time for bed again, but this time the hall was much quieter as everyone was clearly worn out.

On Sunday we had a choice of worship activities with which to begin the day. I was hoping the girls would come with me but they didn't see the attraction of the event I had chosen, so at 9 o'clock I went on my own to worship at the Metal Methodist Mosh Pit. I chose it because I couldn't believe what I was reading on the agenda but I was so glad I did. It was unlike anything I have ever engaged in at chapel before and I loved it. The girls, meanwhile, chose a silent disco.

All of us joined together for a final act of worship again with the Moses Brothers and it was wonderful to be together in praise after a special weekend. I was so encouraged by the number of children and young people who were showing an interest in finding out more about Jesus and I loved seeing the girls growing in confidence over the weekend as they were able to make their own choices about what they wanted to do in a safe environment. We had not got on the bus to come home before they were making firm plans to attend next year.