Latest news - Page 20 of 69 - Christian Resources Exhibition

ByDave Hall

Called to mission? Take your first steps

Facing redundancy because of Covid-19 lockdowns, some people have taken the opportunity to join a mission organisation.

Mike Frith, 56, who set up the One Stop Centre for Advice and Resources (OSCAR) 20 years ago, is the person to whom many have turned for advice and direction. At CRE South West (February 23-24, 2022) he will cover the subject in a seminar: Called to mission? Take your first steps (1pm, Thu 24 Feb) – one of 30 scheduled during the exhibition’s two days.

‘My six-point talk will identify useful processes to go through when making such a life-changing decision,’ said Mike. ‘Whether you want to move into mission work permanently, or just looking for a gap year or summer role, there is always a lot to be considered – quite apart from identifying the organisation who will benefit from your experience and skills.’

One woman decided she would retire early during the lockdowns – ‘and now works part time for three mission agencies!’ said Mike, who spent 10 years as a pilot in Africa with Mission Aviation Fellowship, flying mission workers to and from isolated areas. He has now spent the past 21 years advising people on job vacancies, using his vast experience to give sensible, useful advice to those considering a change in occupation.

Mike will also play an important part in Mission on the Map – a focused area at CRE South West profiling mission-related opportunities, resources and advice.

It follows the success of the first Mission Resources Exhibition at CRE Midlands (March 2020) and will include a number of organisations connected with South West Agencies Network (SWAN), including OMF International, Church Mission Society, Christian TEFL, WEC, France Mission, Mission Africa and Mission Aviation Fellowship.

• OSCAR are on stand P20 at CRE South West

Book your tickets to CRE South West! – and save up to £5

Seminar Guide – See the complete guide to seminars at CRE South West 2022

Your invitation – See an online version of the CRE South West 2022 brochure

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2022
11-13 October 2022
Sandown Park, Surrey

ByDave Hall

Gideons become Good News for Everyone

Gideons UK became Good News for Everyone in November – reflecting the organisation’s continued mission to spread the Christian message.

As well as distributing scriptures to hotels, schools, hospitals, residential homes, prisons, the armed forces and emergency blue light services, Good News for Everyone are utilising fresh ways of getting the Christian message across to the public – and will be at CRE South West (February 23-24) to explain how visitors can join them in the task.

What began in 1908 as an association of Christian businessmen placing bibles in hotel rooms has evolved into an expanding mission to provide scriptures to all people in nearly every facet of life. So well-known is Gideon’s Bible that it even features in a Beatles’ song, Rocky Racoon.

Covering 10 regions across the UK, members based in the south-west will represent the ministry at Westpoint – telling of the many opportunities they have to go where others are not always able to go.

Rick Hillard, regional director in the region, said: ‘During the pandemic we produced and distributed HOPE magazines – many to the NHS. Following this we produced a New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs for key workers who have served the population faithfully through Covid-19.’

Visitors to CRE South West will view the variety of scriptures and resources Good News for Everyone use to share the gospel – and hear of the many testimonies received. 

‘We will also explain ways we support churches, chaplaincies and other Christian organisations,’ added Rick, who has devoted more than 30 years’ service to the mission. ‘During the pandemic we have delivered material to every prison in the region. Our team look forward to chatting to CRE visitors in February.’

• Good News for Everyone are on stand B5 at CRE South West

Book your tickets to CRE South West! – and save up to £5

Seminar Guide – See the complete guide to seminars at CRE South West 2022

Your invitation – See an online version of the CRE South West 2022 brochure

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2022
11-13 October 2022
Sandown Park, Surrey

ByDave Hall

Realising the vision, phase by phase

A significant endeavour with a Christian heart at its centre – that was the vision put before CPL Architects for an ambitious project in Stoke Gifford. 

Members of St Michael’s, a growing Anglican church on the northern edge of Bristol, achieved their ambitious plans by phasing the construction into manageable elements, to suit funds raised.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Revd Justin Welby, dedicated the building shell in 2014 and by May 2015 the first phase was opened. The internal fit-out elements were completed in a series of phases to suit available funding. 

The energy-efficient design, constructed on the footprint of a dilapidated former Victorian farm, includes a double-height entrance foyer, reception point and church office, toilet and shower facilities, contemporary triple-height auditorium with passive ventilation, LED lighting, flexible seating at ground floor level, tiered balcony with AV facilities, baptistry integrated within the dais, seminar suite, creche, meeting rooms, commercial kitchen and a suite of offices! 

‘If you have an ambitious vision for a significant church and community project and would like to discuss how phasing can be a viable solution, please see us on our stand at CRE South West,’ said CPL Architects’ Philip Winch.

• CPL Architects are on stand C31 at CRE South West

Book your tickets to CRE South West! – and save up to £5

Seminar Guide – See the complete guide to seminars at CRE South West 2022

Your invitation – See an online version of the CRE South West 2022 brochure

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2022
11-13 October 2022
Sandown Park, Surrey

ByDave Hall

Blessing Bethlehem, bauble by bauble

Handmade and packaged by a community that really needs support, they are striking a chord with people tired of the commercialisation of Christmas.

Offering a different design each year, Bethlehem Baubles have become an intrinsic and abiding part of the season – a perfect stocking filler and ideal for that tricky relative difficult to buy for! 

One of the Bethlehem artisans at work

‘In spite of Covid-related difficulties, our team of wonderful local artisans managed to complete this year’s order and ship them (by sea) in good time,’ said Ros Pollock, founder of Bethlehem Baubles Ltd. ‘We introduced a no-plastic packaging policy as the boxes are robust enough to protect our baubles and so far we’ve not seen any breakages at all! A big change from the old days!’

Now in their 10th year, the baubles are supporting more than 38 families in and around Bethlehem.

‘We love their enthusiasm and I know how much they appreciate all the orders from CRE visitors,’ said Ros. ‘We’re delighted by this year’s new colour and designs – we hope you are too!’

Click here for more information

Book your tickets to CRE South West! – and save up to £5

Seminar Guide – See the complete guide to seminars at CRE South West 2022

Your invitation – See an online version of the CRE South West 2022 brochure

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2022
11-13 October 2022
Sandown Park, Surrey

ByDave Hall

Giving in pandemic remains ‘resilient and cheerful’

In spite of COVID-19, the ongoing effects of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and, more recently, the ethics of direct debits altered by energy companies hit by financial squeeze, charitable giving to churches is alive and well.

That was a key message from speakers and exhibitors at CRE National 2021 (Oct 12-14).

‘We’re here to talk about generosity,’ said Grant Forrest, chief executive of the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS). Forrest spoke animatedly about what he describes as the emergence of Generation G – ‘not defined by age or other strict demographic, but by a desire, a willingness to give. And not just to give but to give generously,’ he emphasised. ‘It’s perhaps a difficult time to be talking about giving, but nevertheless what we’re seeing first-hand is evidence of increasing generosity. And that is about the link between the giver and the receiver.’

PGS, with its values of community, relationship and generosity is designed to be an extension of each local parish church treasurer’s team, to ease the process of giving and ‘be the catalyst for Christian philanthropy.’

Reacting to the pandemic, PGS introduced a phone line to augment the online and paper-based means of facilitating regular giving. The telephone operators have proved valuable in providing pastoral support to donors during a time of great uncertainty. Via this channel alone, from its introduction in April 2020 to date, more than 4,500 new direct debit mandates have been initiated, grossing in excess of £300,000 per month.

In Anglican churches supported by PGS, charitable giving has remained resilient throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

‘It’s important to us that direct debits are seen to be used as a safe, ethical way,’ added Forrest. ‘But it’s also about reframing the “ask” of the donor and communicating needs cogently, regular giving and speaking more openly about generosity is the backbone…. a gamechanger’. In a Q&A, Revd Dan Henderson, vicar of St Andrew’s Church, Hove concurred: ‘You could see the change [in his congregation] between giving being a “chore” and something we “had to do” to becoming a joy.’

Alternative means of engaging donors were also explored in the CRE workshop led by David Lynch and Alice O’Brien from the UK arm of Dutch tech firm Givt.

‘In the Christian community,’ said Lynch, ‘giving is considered to be an act of worship. But with the challenge of hybrid church – where congregations may not be meeting physically together, or where antiviral practices require a rethink of major touchpoints – we have children today who don’t see the act of giving’. Donating may still be occurring via BACS transfer or card payment, but when unseen, the ‘trigger’ to give may not be as tangible.

Givt is therefore deploying technology to recreate the physical deed of giving. An app-based solution using a combination of Bluetooth-enabled ‘beacons’ in traditional collection plates and QR codes which can be displayed or projected in places of worship, Givt is a flexible and easy-to-use tool that does not even require the donor to have internet access at the point of giving.

‘What we find,’ said O’Brien, ‘is that as the options to give increase, so too does the generosity of the donor. Givt is here to compliment other forms of giving, and we want to be part of the conversation about how and when people are minded to give.’ And it seems to be working. In 2020, Givt report that just under two-thirds of 18-25s gave through a mobile app.

Forrest concluded: ‘While the buildings may have been closed, it’s been about the missional impact of generous giving in parish churches. That’s allied with the ongoing need for financial resilience. And all with a heartfelt desire to continue the work of transformational ministry and its practical impact in local communities right around the country.’

ByDave Hall

Celebration at Sandown Park as CRE returns

A post-lockdown celebration was how thousands of visitors to the Christian Resources Exhibition viewed their visit to the event at Sandown Park, Surrey this month (Oct 10-12 2021).

Steve Goddard, owner of CRE, said: ‘People arrived with more purpose than I have ever known ­– to discover fresh, innovative ways to re-build their churches following the trials and tribulations of the past 18 months.’

Archbishop George Carey at CRE
Archbishop George Carey speaking at CRE

As one visitor commented on leaving: ‘I simply cannot believe there is so much happening in the church and so many organisations offering specific help. It has been a wonderful day.’

Visitor numbers totalled 2395 across the three days, plus 605 registered exhibitor staff giving a total of 3000.

‘As expected there were lower visitor numbers because of the pandemic,’ said Steve, ‘but the excellent quality of enquirer encouraged dozens of exhibitors to re-book for next year.’

Lord George Carey launched the second instalment of his memoirs – The Truth Will Set You Free – and spoke about the family trauma when his then 51-year-old son, Mark, was arrested for allegedly abusing a girl, when he was only 12. 

‘When police said they were taking no further action it was a great relief. The claim had been total nonsense,’ said Lord Carey, ‘but it left Mark out of the ministry for two years, unsupported by his diocese who then suggested he attend a safeguarding course. That was 25 years ago and we have learnt so much since.’

Lord Carey was delighted with the return of the exhibition and considered how the church might continue to come out of the pandemic. He said: ‘I want our clergy to go out and be more vibrant in their preaching and teaching. There is a long way to go but we have to give the world a greater vision of hope.’

Most seminars attracted good numbers, particularly those covering technical issues to do with live streaming. An initiative providing new resources for home groups was particularly well attended, too. The Christian Resources Together book awards, held at CRE for the first time, attracted 110 publishers, retailers and associated personnel.

Jeff Lucas flew in from the USA to lead a series of studies on the book of Daniel and its significance in the light of Covid-19 and lockdown. Roy Francis, who led an initiative looking at the Windrush legacy, said: ‘It was a wonderful opportunity to talk about the arrival of Christians from the Caribbean and Africa who changed the face of Christianity in the UK.’

CRE South West takes place at Westpoint, Exeter (Feb 22-23 2022) and CRE National returns to Sandown Park next year (Oct 11-13 2022).

ByDave Hall

First solo concert at CRE for Martin Smith

Martin Smith, former front man of rock and worship band Delirious? will be in concert at CRE National on Wed 13 Oct* (11.30am, Cindy’s Bar).

Between 1994 and 2009, as principle songwriter for Delirious?, Martin toured everywhere, from Peru to Poland, Uganda to the USA, China to the Czech Republic. Whether it was a cathedral or a mainstream music festival, Delirious? plugged in and played, supporting Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams in the process and playing in their own right everywhere from Glastonbury, Wembley Stadium to the Roxy, LA.

As a solo worship leader, writer and producer, Martin has been involved with almost every aspect of the new worship movement. From Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble? to Waiting Here For You, I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever to History Maker, Martin’s songs have connected with generations of worshippers. Married to Anna, father to six children and part of the Bright City worship team at St. Peter’s, Brighton, Martin continues to write, tour and lead worship. 

* NB This replaces the concert at CRE originally scheduled for Tue 12 Oct at 3pm

Book your tickets to CRE National! – and save up to £5

Seminar Guide – See the complete guide to seminars and special features at CRE National 2021

Welcome Back – See an online version of the CRE National 2021 ‘Welcome Back’ brochure

Our next exhibitions

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE News

Click here for CRE News

Your new 60-page products and services guide. Nothing beats reading it!

ByDave Hall

Coffee king Darren spills the beans

Darren Rayner loved catering so much that when the opportunity came to join Kingdom Coffee he went one better – within a few years he bought the company.

Now 55, with a wife, sons and a brother-in-law all in the family business, he is delighted with the way it is beginning to pull out of the Covid-19 disaster.

‘We are a company that is sustainably focused and committed to a strong belief in continuous improvement,’ he said. ‘We are passionate about doing all the good stuff that supports our planet now and in the future.’

Darren and his family team have seen the company, exhibiting again at CRE National 2021, soar to being one of the UK’s largest suppliers of Fairtrade certified coffee, both in whole bean and ground. The company roastery is involved in new initiatives such as owning an export company in Colombia – to get the best quality beans at a fair price for farmers and customers.

The coffee and tea are sold according to a long list of alternatives giving customers, churches or individuals, an opportunity to select a strong or weak variety and other choice options.

‘We are the only roaster in the UK that has invested heavily in removing the harmful emissions from the roasting process,’ he said. ‘This is done by including a catalystic converter which takes out some 96 per cent of these gasses. We believe that waiting and developing the right packaging and doing it without effecting the product has always been very important. We now have the answer – a more environmentally-friendly alternative with a high-barrier film designed to maintain the delicate and aromatic notes of our freshly-roasted coffee whilst having the added advantage of being widely recyclable.’

He is proud to be partners with the UK’s largest Fairtrade tea brand – ‘a tea bag that believes, like we do, that every cup counts. It was the first tea company in the world to make all the heat-sealed teabags unbleachable, non-GM, plant-based and fully biodegradable.’

• Kingdom Coffee are on stand A15 at CRE National 2021

Our next exhibitions

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE News

Click here for the CRE National 2021 handbook

Your new 64-page products and services guide to CRE National 2021. Nothing beats reading it!

ByDave Hall

Sir Cliff: ‘Worship is worship’, not a show

The church should support entertainers but be very careful not to turn church services into a show.

So says Sir Cliff Richard in an exclusive interview for CRE National 2021, to be aired in Cindy’s Bar (1pm, Wed 13 Oct). It’s part of a day celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Arts Centre Group (ACG).

Cindy Kent
Cindy Kent, host of Cindy’s Bar at CRE

For decades, the arts were considered a poor choice for serious-minded Christians – until a small group of musicians, actors and broadcasters, including actor Nigel Goodwin, Sir Cliff and Rev Cindy Kent MBE, formed the group in 1971, supporting artists to be ‘fully professional and fully Christian’. Still going strong, Rev Cindy, CRE’s ‘queen of conversation’, will host this special day-long event looking at the world of entertainment and the local church. 

Speaking of the need for the ACG, Sir Cliff points out his frustration with the media towards his Christian faith all those years ago, some writers suggesting he could not be an entertainer and a Christian. Meeting with other Christians in the world of entertainment helped him deal with the issue.

Cliff Richard

‘Church music was hymns and carols, solely for use within the church,’ he says, ‘but over the years the church has had to change and fortunately has changed quite well, though it still gets stuck sometimes.’ He admires many churches in America, for example, fully utilising their members’ gifts but he is also well aware that services can become ‘almost a show.’

Several other guests representing the arts will be guests on Cindy’s Sofa. At 3pm Frank Williams (vicar in the original Dad’s Army) and Sue Hodge (‘Allo ‘Allo) will be the guests of Chris Gidney from Christians In Entertainment. And there will be a special focus on encouraging the next generation of aspiring performers, broadcasters, authors and journalists. 

So where next for the church, the arts and the ACG?

‘It is impossible to know. We can only travel the road we are on,’ says Cliff. But he points out that at 81 years of age he is certainly looking for someone to take over his role!

Cliff’s The Great 80 Tour is on the road from Thurs 7 October. Find further information on last-minute ticket availability.

Cliff’s performance of The Great 80 Tour at the Royal Albert Hall will be filmed and broadcast live to over 500 cinemas throughout the UK on Wednesday 27 October and then two encore screenings on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October. Find a cinema near you.

• The Arts Centre Group @ 50 takes place on Wed 13 Oct at CRE National 2021

Photo: Alan Olley

Our next exhibitions

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE News

Click here for the CRE National 2021 handbook

Your new 64-page products and services guide to CRE National 2021. Nothing beats reading it!

ByDave Hall

Pip and Jim’s: what a difference a chair makes

St. Philip and St. James’ church is located in the leafy, regency suburb of Cheltenham. Built in 1882 by renowned ecclesiastical architect, John Middleton, the church is Grade II* listed and a fine example of Gothic Revival in a Decorated style of architecture. Affectionately known as Pip and Jim’s, the church boasts the first columbarium space in the country. 

‘The church’s congregation is a young and vibrant one which is expanding,’ said Trinity Church Furniture sales agent Mike Seward. ‘For over 16 years the congregation dreamed of creating a more flexible space, in service of the local community. The vision was for a church that would be open and busy seven days a week with church services and events, as well as community groups, meetings and celebrations. ‘

To allow the building to cater for these increasing requirements, the church commenced a reordering project which has been dubbed the largest in the diocese since Gloucester Cathedral. To replace the pews, Trinity’s Theo Chair was specified. The chair’s linking design allows for both straight and curved row layouts. Coupled with the chairs lightness and ability to stack 30 high on trolleys put Theo in perfect alignment with the new demands of the space. When space is needed in the nave for activities, the chairs are quickly and easily stacked on their trolleys and wheeled over to be neatly stored in cupboards. 

‘We have been supplying furniture in the UK and internationally for over 40 years,’ said Mike Seward. ‘The relationships we have made over this time have helped many places of worship create wonderful spaces that enable a greater and more flexible use of the building and thus serve the wider community.’ Working in the furniture industry for nearly 20 years Mike has focused on the ecclesiastical sector for more than seven years. He lives in Surrey and is an active member of St John’s Church, Crawley.

• Trinity Church Furniture are on stand O4 at CRE National 2021

Our next exhibitions

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE News

Click here for the CRE National 2021 handbook

Your new 64-page products and services guide to CRE National 2021. Nothing beats reading it!