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D I S C U S S I O N P A P E R S & A R T I C L E S
Methodist Conference Online - Youth Report
Michael Lemanu, Tauiwi Children, Young People and Families Ministries
Methodist Conference 2021 online was a highly interactive experience filled with many firsts and new norms for Te Hāhi to experience. COVID led to Conference taking place in a virtual space where young people are, in all honesty, more comfortable than in the pews of a church. And so, this years Conference gave a chance for young people to be heavily involved, display their competency, and tell stories in engaging ways.
Conference Music Team
A massive piece of the Conference puzzle is music – Methodism after all is, as they say, born in song. With the logistics of Conference being online, a team of musicians from across the Connexion was assembled with the task of recording hymns and songs for Conference services, devotions and breaks. This team put in a huge amount of work, with music being recorded in Christchurch, Auckland and a socially-distanced 409 converted recording studio. Our team included trained musicians, creative artists and performers within the industry who have travelled the world honing their craft. Our Hāhi was blessed to have them be part of making Conference feel a bit like Conference, whilst having a new age modern sound and quality at the same time.
Online Youth Service
Another big part of Conference for young people was the online Connexional Youth Service, which was streamed live via Methodist TYTANZ on Facebook. For the first time in recent memory, the Conference agenda had an allocated time in the day-to-day for youth, as opposed to an unofficial side event. The organising committee put in many hours of work in preparation for this, bringing together content of contributions from Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch. Picking up on President Andrew’s message of life in all its fullness (John 10:10), our theme was “keepin’ it 100” which was a celebration of life, young energy and spirit that has endured during the last 2 pandemic affected years in particular.
Conference Business
Coming to Conference itself, there continued to be strong youth involvement. From the sharing of COVID stories, to testimonies in Prayer Breakfast and contributions towards workshops and thematic discussions. Using social media platforms, youth delegates regularly updated young people on Conference business and explanations of different reports and processes. Discussions from leaders of the church (via the awesome chat feature that made Conference the most interactive) constantly discussed the role of youth within the life of the church. Questions around board representation, young presbyters coming through, the state of youth ministry and more were constantly discussed throughout Conference week. These conversations were encouraging, challenging and empowering – the challenge ahead now is to ensure transformative action comes from them.
I want to acknowledge all young people who contributed towards the various events and occasions of Conference 2021. As I reflect back to last year at Conference 2020 from behind the organ, Conference 2021 felt like a step in the right direction – albeit from behind a screen this time. As we head into preparation for our Bi-centenary celebrations at Conference 2022, we will continue to advocate for the voice of young people to not only be heard but also to be seen and transforming the life of the church as we know it.
Acknowledgements to the many young people who were involved in Conference 2021 –
Music Team:
Ivan Fuimaono, Wesley Machee, Jerry-Moses Roebeck, Elizabeth Salesa, Eseta Lemanu, Valeti Hoeft, Siu Williams-Lemi and whānau, Toa Siulangapo.
Youth Service online and Contributions:
‘Amelia Takataka, Osaiasi Kupu, Anaseini Nuku, Setu Pio, Janice Auva’a, Rachel Hickling, Maumi Taukolo, Ramona Misilei, William Toduadua, Make Puamau, Alofa So’olefai, young people from Lower North Island and FLK Christchurch.
For all music recorded at Conference:
YouTube: Methodist TYTANZ
Or www.missionresourcing.org.nz/song
For a full replay of our online youth service and other material:
www.facebook.com/MethodistTYTANZ
Conference Music Team
A massive piece of the Conference puzzle is music – Methodism after all is, as they say, born in song. With the logistics of Conference being online, a team of musicians from across the Connexion was assembled with the task of recording hymns and songs for Conference services, devotions and breaks. This team put in a huge amount of work, with music being recorded in Christchurch, Auckland and a socially-distanced 409 converted recording studio. Our team included trained musicians, creative artists and performers within the industry who have travelled the world honing their craft. Our Hāhi was blessed to have them be part of making Conference feel a bit like Conference, whilst having a new age modern sound and quality at the same time.
Online Youth Service
Another big part of Conference for young people was the online Connexional Youth Service, which was streamed live via Methodist TYTANZ on Facebook. For the first time in recent memory, the Conference agenda had an allocated time in the day-to-day for youth, as opposed to an unofficial side event. The organising committee put in many hours of work in preparation for this, bringing together content of contributions from Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch. Picking up on President Andrew’s message of life in all its fullness (John 10:10), our theme was “keepin’ it 100” which was a celebration of life, young energy and spirit that has endured during the last 2 pandemic affected years in particular.
Conference Business
Coming to Conference itself, there continued to be strong youth involvement. From the sharing of COVID stories, to testimonies in Prayer Breakfast and contributions towards workshops and thematic discussions. Using social media platforms, youth delegates regularly updated young people on Conference business and explanations of different reports and processes. Discussions from leaders of the church (via the awesome chat feature that made Conference the most interactive) constantly discussed the role of youth within the life of the church. Questions around board representation, young presbyters coming through, the state of youth ministry and more were constantly discussed throughout Conference week. These conversations were encouraging, challenging and empowering – the challenge ahead now is to ensure transformative action comes from them.
I want to acknowledge all young people who contributed towards the various events and occasions of Conference 2021. As I reflect back to last year at Conference 2020 from behind the organ, Conference 2021 felt like a step in the right direction – albeit from behind a screen this time. As we head into preparation for our Bi-centenary celebrations at Conference 2022, we will continue to advocate for the voice of young people to not only be heard but also to be seen and transforming the life of the church as we know it.
Acknowledgements to the many young people who were involved in Conference 2021 –
Music Team:
Ivan Fuimaono, Wesley Machee, Jerry-Moses Roebeck, Elizabeth Salesa, Eseta Lemanu, Valeti Hoeft, Siu Williams-Lemi and whānau, Toa Siulangapo.
Youth Service online and Contributions:
‘Amelia Takataka, Osaiasi Kupu, Anaseini Nuku, Setu Pio, Janice Auva’a, Rachel Hickling, Maumi Taukolo, Ramona Misilei, William Toduadua, Make Puamau, Alofa So’olefai, young people from Lower North Island and FLK Christchurch.
For all music recorded at Conference:
YouTube: Methodist TYTANZ
Or www.missionresourcing.org.nz/song
For a full replay of our online youth service and other material:
www.facebook.com/MethodistTYTANZ