Visitors
Welcome to news about the up and coming Exhibitions. This page will be regularly updated so make sure you keep coming back to find out the latest from the exhibition and the exhibitors.
Pam Rhodes to host Prom Praise
at the Christian Resources Exhibition in Telford
The Christian Resources Exhibition is pleased to announce that Pam Rhodes will be hosting Prom Praise as the grand finale of the Telford Exhibition in October.
The All Sould orchestra under the baton of Michael Simpson will be joined for this special celebration by guest artists Geraldine Latty and Stuart Pendred.
For more information and how to book tickets click here
A New School Year
Governers Go Back To School Too!
With the new school year about to begin over 300,000 school governors will also go back to school to make decisions that will affect the education of the nation's children. Many Christians are, or could become, governors of their local school. 
Be inspired and learn about the transformational role Christian governors can have in schools - during the Heart of England Christian Resources Exhibition at the International Centre, Telford in October. With the new challenges and opportunities the government is driving forward, this is an important time for the Christian voice to contribute to the future of local schools. 
Education Consultant Mike Simmonds, the visionary behind a brand new website http://www.transforminggovernming.org.uk/ will be presenting his seminar at 3.30pm on Thursday 21st October. If you are concerned about education and the future of children, this one is for you. Discover how Christians can make a difference.
You can also meet Mike on the GOvernor Ministries Stand No: F13 during the exhibition. To find out about the seminar programme click here
CRE with Saltmine Theatre Company prudly present an evening of drama
The Screwtape Letters as you have never seen it before
Original text by C S Lewis - 
This award winning satirical comedy is set in Professor Screwtape's study in the timeless dominion of Hell. The play follows his attempts to train two junior devils, including his protégé Wormwood, in the fine art of temptation. He sets them to work on human subjects living in wartime England, who are unaware that they are being used as objects of his devilish schemes to secure their downfall. The reputation of Screwtape, depends on the success of his students. Will evil triumph over good?
Friday 22 October 7.30 pm (Doors open at 7.00pm) Ironbridge Suite, International Centre, Telford
Ticket Prices: In advance price £8, on door price £9
Included in the advance price is a complimentary ticket to the CRE exhibition valid for all three days.
Academy For Improvement
Were you born with preaching skills or are they developed?
Many feel called to share the good news but have never had the benefit of training in the skills required. Even the Prime Minister and the President of the United States have had specialist training to improve their ability to present their message.
If we are to fulfil the great commission faithfully then we should do it to the best of our abilities and the College of Preachers, an organisation who are passionate about good preaching and representative of all denominations, are presenting a workshop to demonstrate the key skills required to preach effectively.
This ACADEMY FOR IMPROVEMENT workshop at the Heart of England Christian Resources Exhibition, International Centre, Telford on Friday 22 October at 2.00 pm is designed to both equip and inspire your preaching. There is a booking fee for this workshop.
To book a place or to find out about all the workshops please click here
Thinking Through Your Future Technical Chalenges
Don't let great worship be spoiled by poor equipment
With the move to more advanced equipment in Churches it is vital to properly understand the equipment and what is available.
Brian Hilson, founder and leader of b & h will be presenting free seminars every day at CRE Telford. These seminars provide an excellent opportunity for leaders and decisions-makers to understand more of -
- The fundamentals of sound systems in worship situations
- AV in worship - making the best use of technology
- How to design and specify integrated technical facilities for Church projects
- Top tips for the effective use of technical facilities in worship
For the full listing including times of the seminars please click here
Mind & Soul Conference At Telford CRE In October
HELP...I have a pastoral crisis!
What do you do when there is a pastoral crisis? There is not just one answer but five says Will Van Der Hart one of the keynote speakers at the Mind & Soul Conference that is being held on Friday 22 October during the Heart of England Christian Resources Exhibition at The International Centre Telford.
The Mind & Soul Conference will feature four keynote addresses on subjects ranging from ‘What to do if we pretend we don't have emotions', through to ‘the challenge of forgiving'. In addition there will be a selection of six seminars covering subjects like ‘dealing with self harm', ‘spirituality and mental health', as well as ‘integrating faith and mental healthcare'.
Registration is from 9.15 am with the programme commencing at 10.00 am through to 4.40 pm and allows time to visit the Christian Resources Exhibition which is open until 6.00 pm on Friday. Tickets on line and in advance £20.00 or purchased on the day £24.00 gives free entry to the exhibition for all three days of CRE.
For more information and to purchase tickets click here
Congregational & General Insurance Launch A Photography Competition
Faith through a camera lens
Would you like the chance to win quality photography equipment for your local community group, meet iconic photographer Don McCullin and see your work presented in one of London's leading art galleries, as well as being featured at the Heart of England Christian Resources Exhibition at the Telford International Centre.
If the answer is yes and you are 18+, then look out for national photography competition Faith through a lens, launching this week!
Faith through a lens is encouraging people across the UK to submit photos that reflect faith in their local community. Globally-renowned photo journalist Don McCullin will lead the judging panel and select ten finalists to see their images assessed in November at the Whitechapel Gallery in London. A winner and two runners-up will be chosen and their nominated community groups will receive top photography prize packages.
You can get more information and details at http://www.faiththroughalens.co.uk/ . So get snapping!
Lacey Theatre Company at the Heart of England CRE
12-year old boy goes missing
this could be the headline in any newspaper today but was part of a story written two thousand years ago and is dramatized in a new production called 'The story so far' which will be performed by the Lacey Theatre Company on Friday 22 October 12.00 at Telford during the Heart of England Christian Resources Exhibition. 
The 12 year old boy ends up being found in the most unlikely of places - but what was he doing there? and why?
This one woman show starring Elin Jeynes explores the person and character of the world's greatest storyteller - but who was he? All part of the Unistage Arts Theatre programme at the Heart of England CRE and included in your entrance ticket.
Click here to buy tickets for the Heart of England Christian Resources Exhibition.
ACADEMY FOR IMPROVEMENT COMES TO TELFORD
Developing the skills of your worship band
This workshop is designed to give church worship teams a whole range of practical, usable tips to help improve their individual musicianship and band skills. The session will address issues such as ‘playing together more tightly’, ‘communication’, ‘stage placements’ and even ‘ideas for improving rehearsals’. This ‘top tips’ style seminar should give each of your musicians plenty to take away, practice and discuss.
Presented by Andy Chamberlain and Tim Martin of Musicademy, who have produced over 50 different instructional DVDs specifically for musicians involved in worship. Both have a very established pedigree in Christian worship.
The workshop is on Saturday 23 October from 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm and costs £20.00 + vat per delegate (includes complimentary coffee and entry into the exhibition, tickets are valid for all three days)
To find our more about the Academy seminars click here
Love your neighbour -
but does that include the French?
Michele Guinness and her husband had always believed they would live in France one day - but were stunned nonetheless when a series of minor miracles made the dream of buying a house there a reality. Nothing, however, was straightforward.
Michele will have you on the edge of your seat either crying or laughing as she shares the frank and funny account of the ups and downs of a three month sabbatical spent in their new home.
Due to the popularity of her seminar at the Sandown CRE in May, the author and speaker Michele Guinness will repeating her seminar at the Telford CRE on Thursday 21 October 2.00 pm
If you cannot wait till then it is possible to buy a copy of her seminar on our website, along with over 75 other seminars from the speakers like Adrian Plass, Stuart Townsend, David Pawson and the popular Francis Chan best selling author from America. Click here to order any of the seminars.
58% of young men do not feel comfortable in Church
So says the results of a survey conducted by Christian Research on behalf of sorted magazine. The survey data was launched at the Sandown Exhibition by Tony Stamp from the Bill who highlighted that the younger the age group the more uncomfortable they appear to be in traditional churches, especially those who are 18 - 24.
It is easy to conclude that the young are just turning away from God as a whole, yet 57% did say that they had a religion with which they associated themselves.
Only 9% of young people who defined themselves as Christian were very comfortable with singing in the Church and more worryingly still is that 59% of this age bracket did not consider themselves Christian compared to 85% of over 65's.
The good news in the survey is that the majority of men would be happy to have a conversation with a Vicar but not in the settings of a Church.
Christian Research will be giving seminars at the Telford exhibition but further information about their work can be found at www.christian-research.org.uk
Jobfile launched at CRE
Jobfile is a one stop shop for recruitment and was launched at the Sandown Exhibition. This new online recruitment bureau is now available through the Christian Resources Exhibition website. Click here
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The benefit of the new service is that there is no waiting for a magazine to be published as the advert will be published immediately and then will be viewed by the 1,000's who visit our website regularly at very affordable prices.
If you are looking for a new career then you will know that the jobs shown are from companies that share your Christian values and there are also posts for volunteers who want to know how to help further the work of ministries or charities.
If you want to place a job or find our more please click here
If you want to see the jobs and volunteer posts available please click here
CRE Telford will end on a high with Prom Praise
Prom Praise is an exciting and vibrant mixture of church service and concert: blending hymns and worship music with an orchestral backing. Singers, choirs, and solo musicians provide contributions to the events to create an atmosphere of celebration at each Prom Praise concert.
Prom Praise has a long history - 2007 marked the 30th Anniversary of these remarkable events, and was celebrated by a very special Easter Gala Prom Praise at the Royal Albert Hall.
Telford will be a major celebration especially when the Orchestra invites the audience to stand and join in to sing some favourite hymns and worship songs.
For more information click here
Revolutionary product launched at Sandown will be shown at Telford CRE
Have you ever wondered how you could mount a projection screen for the words to be displayed but not block out the amazing stain glass windows of the Church?
Cunnings Recording Studios have solved this with a screen that can become invisible at the flick of a switch.
The screen is coated with an LC film which, when a current is applied to is, can turn completely transparent. The screen can therefore be made almost invisible during the services quickly and easily using the RF remote control. This allows the ornate stained glass window to be viewed at any time during the service.
To see this product in action please visit the Cunnings Recording Studio on stand E8 at the Telford Exhibition.
Heart of England Christian Resources Exhibition
CRE is Returning to the TIC Telford in October
After a very successful in 2008 the Christian Resources Exhibition is looking forward to returning for the next three years to the TIC at Telford.
Stand bookings are already exceeding expectations, and some fanastic seminars and workshops are being planned. The Arts and Theatre programme will be as entertaining as ever, and we will be bringing the Museum of The Book which was such a hit at Sandown.
Benefits of booking in advance
If you buy your tickets in advance you not only speed up your entry on the day, but you also receive a free gift and more importantly you are booked in for the chance to win either a brand new Kia 1.4 Super Mini courtesy of Autosave or up to three chances to win a £400 holiday voucher courtesy of Richmond holidays
CRE Seminars to buy or to download
What a great year for seminars
If you missed any of the seminars or just want to hear some of the seminars again we are offering a new service where you can buy or download the seminars from our website.
There was standing room only as Adrian Plass spoke on Jesus - a very bad role model, whilst Stuart Townend kicked off the seminars with a talk on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Joel Edwards spoke on the need for Mercy for the poor, whilst Kua Wee Sing enthralled the audience with the amazing growth of the bible in China.
International best seller Francis Chan spoke about the Crazy Love one can have with Jesus, and the Rev David Pawson gave an enlightening talk on the 5 Covenants of the Bible.
Mother and daughter Michelle and Abby Guinness both gave seminars but Michelle Guinness might strike a current cord with her talk on "Love your neighbor" - but does it include the French.
This is only a very small sample of the 75 seminars available, to see the full list click here
Visitor Figures Rise Again - But Content of Event is Backbone, Say Exhibition Organisers
Visitor figures rose again - but the increasing significance of the event in the church calendar is even more encouraging.
That's how organisers of the International Christian Resources Exhibition reflected on another successful event at Sa
ndown Park (May 11- 14). The number of visitors increased from 12433 (2009) to 12754 (2010).
'In the face of a major recession, many secular exhibitions have dramatically reduced in size or ceased to exist,' said event director Steve Briars. 'For CRE to have grown over the past three years is a real achievement.
'While we are well known as the place for new pews, vestments and Sunday School resources, our seminar and arts programme is at the cutting edge of church life and provides a vital and practical backbone to the event.'
More than 3300 people attended seminars - a 30 per cent increase on 2009. Special features on Messy Church, a new Sports Zone (looking ahead to church involvement in the London Olympics) and an historic Bible museum proved especially popular.
CRE returns to Telford in the Autumn (Thur 21 - Sat 23 Oct 2010) before the first East of England Christian Resources Exhibition in 2011 (Thur 24 - Sat 26 Feb).
'Christians Need To Get Out And Vote...
and then become a political missionary'
Or so
says Andy Flanagan the new Director of the Christian Socialist Movement. Andy believes that Christians should see politics as a mission ground and stop shouting from the sidelines.
By the time of the seminar at CRE a new government will have been elected - but Andy's sights are set on 2020. He believes Christians could make a major difference to the outcome if they saw the need to play an active part. Especially the youth of today, ‘they see themselves as partners in God's restoration. They are just as comfortable lobbying a supermarket to stock fairly traded goods or in the town hall as a local councillor'.
Andy Flanagan, who is an accomplished worship leader and song-writer will prove how you can mix politics and religion during his two seminars at the Christian Resources Exhibition on Thursday 13 May. These seminars are free with your entry ticket to the event.
Holiday Vouchers For Prebookers
Win A Holiday Voucher With Richmond Holidays
Four winners will each receive a £400 holiday voucher courtesy of Richmond Christian Holidays.
Each day at 4.30pm on the Spotlight stage, a prize draw will take place. There will be a daily winner who has pre-registered and visited the exhibition on that day.
Richmond Christian Holidays offers skiing, watersports, beach and other summer holidays + their wintersun collection. Click here to book tickets.
Visit http://www.richmond-holidays.com/ for more information
New for 2010 CRE Academy of Improvement
Writing and Producing Effective Newsletters
Facing the daunting task of editing a Church or organisations new
sletter or being forced to read a poorly written and produced newsletter? Then you will know how important this workshop will be for you and your organisation.
This practical and hands-on workshop will inspire and equip anyone involved in the production of newsletters. Key topics covered will include - knowing your readers, selecting the right material to transform the newsletter and of course writing exciting copy.
The workshop is lead by Dorothy Steward who is a very experienced editor and a member of the Association of Christian Writers.
To buy a ticket for this workshop - please click here.
Unistage Arts Theatre
Saltmine Theatre Tackles Social Concerns
Saltmine Theatre believes that through entertaining and thoug
ht-provoking performances you can stimulate discussion and encourage consideration of faith.
This is done by touring and visiting churches, schools and theatres with dynamic productions celebrating the good news of Christ and tackling social concerns, Church and community productions include CS Lewis' ‘The Screwtape Letters' and ‘Faustus', a contemporary adaptation of Marlowe's classic Dr Faustus.
Saltmine perform twice at CRE on Thursday 13 and once on Friday 14 May in the Unistage Arts Theatre.
For more details visit their website at www.saltmine.org
Worship & Discipleship
What It Means To Be A Worshiping Disciple
Stuart Townend, writer of In Christ Alone and one of the most rec
ognised modern hymn writers delves into the role that worship plays both in an individual believer and that of the gathered church.
God's call on the worshipper is much more than a series of songs or a weekly church service. Once we understand what it means to be a worshipping disciple we will find worship becomes central to all we are and all we do as Christians.
Stuart's leads one of the opening seminars at CRE on Tuesday 11 May at 11.00 am. Cost of seminars are included in your ticket.
CRE 1st Open Golf Tournement
As part of our new Sports Zone, CRE is launching it's first ever CR
E Open Golf Tournement using the Stableford Scoring System.
Teeing off at 5.00pm on the Wednesday 12th of May the 9 hole golf course is situated in the centre of Sandown Park Raceourse. Entry price is only £10.00 including green fees, and clubs can be rented at the race track.
Great prizes will be on offer to top golfers, but even if you are more of a novice you are still welcome.
If you want to participate please email the Tournament Organiser Mark Blythe at marke@mccfc.org.uk
New for 2010 CRE Academy of Improvement
Innovative Income Generation
Traditional forms of fund raising are fatigued and not producing the returns they once were. In the midst of economic recession there are a new generation of sophisticated donors and investors looking for new ways to leverage what God has put in their hands for good. This workshop is designed to enable you to be more effective in your fund raising.
Presented by Matt Bird, who is the founding director of the Make It* Happen Group and fellow director Duncan Parker.
The seminar is Tuesday 11th May from 10.30 am - 2.45 pm in the Imperial Suite and the price of £65.00 + VAT includes lunch.
Click Here to book your ticket for the seminar and free entry into CRE for the four days.
ClearXChange
New Revue from Riding Lights
Riding Lights Roughshod company tours with 'high energy' theatre that has a spiritual edge and will be performing at
this years Sandown Exhibition.
With bucketsfull of entertainment, Riding Lights Roughshod will be presenting highlights from their new revue, CLEARXCHANGE - a wonderfully atmospheric show - topical, funny and guaranteed to make you sit up and enjoy that 'thinking feeling!'! A warming, sustainable blend of wit and wisdom.
Riding Lights Theatre Company brings a unique blend of theatre with a spiritual heart.
They will be performing twice on Wednesday 12th in the Arts Theatre.
An Evening with Pam and Rachel
In Conjunction with Premier Radio
Wednesday 12th May 8.00 - 10.00 pm Tingle Creek
Join Pam Rhodes and Rachel Gardner for an evening of music and conversation as they host the Authors & Artists Evening in this chat show style show.
pam and Rachel will be meeting and talking to special guests from the world of music to street ministry. Guests include Les Isaacs, the founder of Street Pastors; singer Cathy Burton former lead singer of the popular band Blueberry and Tara Mathew award winning singer from Canada.
other guests include the graphic designer of the Manga Bible, Siku, the author of the bestselling boo Deluded by Dawkins, Andrew Wilson, and Australian rock band, Sons of Korah.
Entry into this event is free but strictly by ticket only. Please click here to book your tickets.
76% Commit to Jesus Before they are 20
This is an amazing fact that brings the urgency and relevance to the Youth Day at Sandown Park on Thursday 13th May
In a day of seminars and events led by Gavin Calver, National Director of Youth for Christ, and his team of speakers they will be
encouraging youth and church leaders to reach out to young people in their local areas. Currently Youth for Christ meet 300,000 young people each month - in schools, churches, groups, prisons, on the streets, through sport, drama, theatre and music.
The seminars and events are free for all visitors to CRE and are being run in the Youth ad Children's Zone on the first floor.
Thursday is late night closing till 7.00 pm so you will still have time to visit the whole show.
CRE Launch the Academy of Improvement
Academy Focus
As part of CRE's commitment to equip and empoew the Church we are launching our new ACADEMY OF IMPROVEMENT with six workshops at Sandown.
Rediscover Preaching
Standing up in front of others and sharing the Good News faithfully, engagingly, convincingly, relevantly; its called preaching. Is that what you feel called to do but require some start up skills or if you preach regularly in need to brush up and refresh your techniques? Either way this workshop is designed to both equip and inspire your preaching!
To find out more about the full Academy programme click here and to book click here
Messy Church at Sandown
The phenomenon of Messy Church has been spreading around the country bringing a fresh view on "how to do Church". A
imed at families it proves that Church can appeal to all ages and that it can even be fun!
The day will be led by Lucy Moore and other Messy Church leaders, and whether you're thinking about starting one or have been running one for some time, this will be a fabulous day with plenty of opportunity to pick up new ideas and sare yours, discover what other Messy Church leaders are finding useful, meet the Messy Church team from BRF, and have your say in how the national scene of Messy Church develops.
To register for Messy Chruch visit
www.messychurch.org.uk/cre2010registration
Audio & Visual Technology Seminars
Are you building or refurbishing a church and want the sound and video to glorify God?
Is your worship being hampered by the technical facilities in your Church?
Do you receive complaints that menbers of your congregation cannot hear God's word?
At CRE this year B & H are providing free seminars for the duration of the exhibition on all aspects of sound, video and technical refurbishment and their staff will be present to give much needed advice.
Whatever your role in church - leadership, worship or technical there will be something for you plus hands-on technical demonstrations. All presented in the Paddock View, above the Premier Pavilionthroughout each day from Tuesday to Friday.
From Banned Book to Best Seller
China's churches are so full they're bursting at the doors. Hundreds of thousands of people are coming to faith each year. And 
they are all desperate to get their hands on a Bible.
At this years CRE you can hear the astonishing inside story of what's really happening in China's churches and how the Bible is changing lives today from a man who's seen it.
Kua Wee Seng, co-ordinator of the United Bible Societies' China Partnership says that 2010 is 'a time of opportunity' for the Church in China. 'Everyone wants a Bible', he says. Hear him on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and hear how Bible Society is bringing the Bible to the people of China.
'The second lesson today is found in Luke chapter 19, reading from verses 28 to 40
- and can be watched on the big screen behind me.'
Thanks to Big Book Media, you'll never drift off during the Bible reading again! Dramatised and filmed on location using the latest digital technology, Big Book has brought the Bible to life, especially for use in worship services.
As the film runs on a large screen, you can read the relevant scripture yourself - or simply watch the film with a pre-recorded voice over.
"We are delighted that British actor Selva Rasalingam plays the part of Jesus in each film and his dedication to the role has been unfaltering," said Big Book's Robbie Wilson. "At every turn, our aim is to make films of high impact, high quality, and ultimately high integrity. Such wonderful stories such as those found in the New Testament do not need sensationalising, and we merely see our project as an opportunity to bring the Bible to the audience in a new and exciting way - as real, living stories."
Big Book produce their Gospel films and clips in accordance with the Revised Common Lectionary and aim to provide users with a film to match main Gospel readings throughout the three-year cycle.
The Complete Easter Story is now available - including Jesus entering Jerusalem in triumph (Luke 19:28-40), The Last Supper (John 13:1-17) and The Empty Tomb (John 20.1-18).
"We add new readings on a monthly basis," said Robbie Wilson. "Check our website regularly to view the latest additions and make sure to register your details with us to be kept up to date with new releases and special offers.
"We are delighted to be part of this year's CRE event, and hope to be play a part in the next 25 years of the exhibition's success. Please come and say hello. We're always happy to talk about the filming process, the future plans of the company and the Gospel films themselves."
Big Book Media will be at International CRE, stand no L11
The Power of Kid's visiting the Exhibition
Dave Carlos, was manning the Friends and Heroes stand at CRE, Sandown last year, when a loud, young voice was heard in the distance, "Friends and Heroes, I love Friends and Heroes!"
A small figure dashed over to the stand, pushed his way through two older ladies who were trying to decide whether the series was suitable for their Sunday School, and stood, totally engrossed, watching the episode of Friends and Heroes showing on their large screen.
The timing couldn't have been better for the decision the ladies had to make.
You can see Friends and Heroes on stand T1
Biblefresh
The Museum of the Book
It is amazing to think that a hardened criminal like Reggie Kray could be transformed by the word of God, but the proof of this will be on show at a special exhibition at this year's Sandown Resources Exhibition.
The Museum of the Bible will have on display for the first time Bibles from some of histories most famous criminals including Reggie Kray - extortioner & murderer, William Tyndale - heretic & Bible smuggler, John Bunyan - outlawed Baptist preacher, Hester Prynne - adulteress, and even Elvis Presley - who spent time in jail.
Even the personal copy of Albert Pierrepoint, England's leading executioner, will be on show. Apparently his Bible was tucked into his coat pocket each time he attended to an execution, including the 200 Nazi war criminals he hung after W.W.II.
The Sports Ministries Zone - New For 2010
Learn how to maximize the benefit of the Olympics
Sport is played and followed by millions of people in the UK. With the 2012 Olympics, the 2014 Commonwealth Games and possibly the 2018 World Cup taking place in the UK, sport has never had a higher profile.
The Sports Zone at CRE will enable you to see how sport can help your church engage with your community.
Get information from people with years of experience of sharing the good news of Jesus with sports people.
For details of seminars click here.
Sons of Korah perform at the Unistage Arts Theatre
Wednesday 12th May 2.30pm - 3.30 pm
CRE is delighted to welcome from Australia the top Christian group - "Sons of Korah" who will be performing on the Unistage Arts Theatre.
Sons of Korah began in 1994 with three musicians who were studying together at theological college in Victoria, Australia. Since then they have recorded five albums and have toured extensively around Australia and New Zealand, and more recently in America and the UK.
Their unique style has impacted tens of thousands of people with the spirituality of the psalms; music as a means of reflection on the word of God.
Admission to the performance is included within your four day entrance ticket.
Exhibition aims to reclaim life-transforming message of world's most influential book
It's the most provocative and influential book ever published - and reclaiming its life-transforming message will be at the heart of the National Christian Resources Exhibition (May 11-14 2010, Sandown Park Exhibition Centre, Surrey).
Biblefresh, a partnership of more than 50 UK agencies, festivals, colleges and denominations, will inspire people to engage deeply with Christian scriptures. The initiative, one of several featured at CRE, heralds next year's national celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible - first published in 1611.
Several speakers will call on visitors to re-connect with some of the Bible's more provocative passages. CRE speaker Dave Hopwood believes the "good book" should come with a warning sticker.
Under the title "Reading the Bible - the dangerous book for blokes", Hopwood will explain how much of the Bible is the account of flawed humans muddling along, doing their best to follow God.
"Sometimes they are doing their worst, too - as we all do," he explains. "There are some great stories in there and I try to tell them in a funny, punchy way. I take my steer from the Old Testament prophets."
Andy Flannagan, new director of the Christian Socialist Movement, sees the Old Testament in particular as full of characters who mixed faith and politics.
"The life of Jesus was also intensely and intentionally political," contends Flannagan, who will speak at CRE on Thursday 13 May (3.30pm). "Could we begin to see politics as mission? Isn't it about time we stopped shouting from the sidelines?"
Going centre stage will be Abby Guinness who specialises in adaptating and performing Bible passages. She plans to launch her new book at CRE - a collection of 26 monologues telling Bible stories through the eyes of key characters' wives. Abby will perform in the Unistage Arts Theatre at Sandown Park on Friday 14 May at 12.30pm.
"My book starts with Mrs Adam who has just given birth," explains Abby. "It ends with Mrs John, just back from Patmos, with the manuscript of the book of Revelation in her hand. Along the way it covers major events like the nativity, crucifixion and resurrection."
Abby, who will also speak on "Bringing the Bible to life from the page to the stage", hopes her one-woman show will be performed in secular theatre venues throughout 2011 - "I'll take it to the Edinburgh Fringe if I can find a way to afford it!" she says.
Launching Biblefresh, the Bishop of Durham, Rt Rev Tom Wright spoke of the transforming effect of the Bible. "The Bible is there to enable us to be the people of God for the world, the people through whom God's story becomes the world's story," he said. "Bible readers, Bible prayers and Bible understanders are world transformers." CRE event director Steve Briars believes Biblefresh will add an entirely new perspective to the exhibition.
"We are pleased to be a Biblefresh partner to support the vision of taking the most published book and making it the most read book," he explains. "CRE is an event not to be missed."
Other special zones include Church Technology, Sports, Mind and Soul, Churches For All and Children and Youth. Featuring up to 500 exhibitors, and with 13000 visitors expected, CRE is more than an exhibition. There are more than 60 seminars, workshops and a full theatre programme scheduled over the event's four days.
Advance tickets can be booked by visiting http://www.creonline.co.uk/. For a group booking form (five or more) phone CRE on 01793 418218.
Humble Church Magazine given major Showcase
Facebook and Twitter may have revolutionised the way we communicate but the "humble" church magazine will grab the headlines at the International Christian Resources Exhibition in May
The Association of Christian Writers (ACW) are now receiving nominations for best church and community newsletter. The winner will demonstrate excellence in writing, information and layout.
"Content that engages with the community will be considered commendable and originality will be a ‘plus'" said ACW chair Lin Ball.
A second award will go to the writer of a resource that best conveys Bible truths in creative ways.
Both awards will be presented at the Christian Resources Awards gala evening (11 May 2010) at the International Christian Resources, Sandown Park (11-14 May 2010).
"These awards represent what ACW is all about - encouraging Christians who write to be creative in promoting biblical values, overtly or more subtly," said Lin. "If you know of a church or community newsletter that deserves recognition or a publication that presents God's word creatively, please nominate it."
Steve Briars, event director of CRE, said: "We are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome ACW to our awards evening."
Publications can be of any length and in any format and issued between 1 January and 31 December 2009. There is no charge for entering the award. Submissions must be received by 28 February 2010.
For full details of the award criteria and the nomination process, please visit ACW's website: http://www.christianwriters.org.uk/
Catford Calls for stronger relationships at launch of Christian Resources Together
SWINDON - 21.01.10
LET'S be apprentices of Christ - but without Sir Alan Sugar as our role model.
That was James Catford's call to Christian Resources Together, a gathering in London of more than 120 Christian retailers and suppliers from across the UK (Tue 12 Jan).
The launch event, facilitated by Christian Resources Exhibitions, aimed to create a more effective structure to support Christian retailers and suppliers after IBS-STL UK, the largest distributor and chain of bookshops in the country, went into receivership - causing shock and turmoil.
"We're undergoing seismic change. We're in the middle of a grieving process, mixed with denial and anger," said Catford, chief executive at Bible Society. "If our relationships are not strong we'll reduce the complicated to the simplistic - and that won't help. We need better relationships."
Catford also alluded to challenges facing authors who are finding it increasingly hard to sell their books in reasonable numbers.
"It's often because we don't have a relationship with them," he suggested. "Partnership comes out of relationship. We should always offer bucket loads of encouragement to one another. There's room for challenge, yes but only occasionally and when really necessary. Sir Alan Sugar is not our role model! We can be distinctively different if we cut out the judgemental attitude. We want to see a strong church but we are only going to get there with each other.”
Echoing Catford's call for partnership, Steve Briars, event director of the Christian Resources Exhibition, explained how Christian Resources Together will provide support, fellowship and training for Christian retailers and suppliers. This will be reflected through a 24-hour retreat at the High Leigh Centre in Hertfordshire (Tue 4/ Wed 5 May 2010) and a Retailers and Suppliers Day at CRE, Sandown Park (Tues 11 May). Consideration is also being given to other events at future CRE's - Telford in October 2010 and Peterborough in February 2011. These events will include training opportunities for retailers and suppliers and the hosting of annual trade awards.
"Many of us warmly remember the early years of the Christian Booksellers' Convention - its spirit and friendly atmosphere," said Briars. "We don't want Christian Resources Together to be just another trade body but one that brings a sense of partnership to serve Christian retailers and suppliers."
Ian Metcalfe, chair of the Christian Suppliers' Group, expressed his gratitude to CRE for stepping into the breach when CBC was no longer viable to run .
"CRE has brought all the strands together," said Metcalfe. "The key thing now is to provide what the booksellers want and need. We must get behind these new initiatives and make them work."
* To find out more about Christian Resources Together and planned events for retailers and suppliers to be held at High Leigh and CRE Sandown Park email Steve@creonline.co.uk or visit www.christianresourcestogether.co.uk
