Yearly Archive 2019

ByDave Hall

How your home can be a haven of hope

No leader worthy of the name can look the other way while men, women and children are held against their will.

So said Theresa May, addressing the UN International Labour Organisation in Geneva, days before she stepped down as Prime Minister.

The Global Slavery Index estimates there are 136,000 people in slavery in the UK at any one time.

‘The duty of fighting slavery doesn’t simply belong to world leaders,’ said Jared Hodgson, co-founder and CEO of Hope at Home, a national Christian charity fighting the cycle of modern slavery and human trafficking. ‘God calls his church to set the oppressed free.’

Providing the opportunity for churches to practically live out God’s call, Hope at Home, exhibitors at CRE Midlands 2020, equip Christians to host adult survivors in their homes for an agreed time period.

In 2018, 6,993 people were rescued from exploitation in the UK and taken to a safe house – but there is no statutory provision after leaving the house. Many survivors become destitute and extremely vulnerable to being re-trafficked.

‘We step in at that point, preventing homelessness, and place them with our well-trained hosts who provide a room, a family, love and acceptance,’ said Jared. ‘We support our hosts and work in partnership with agencies who support the guest (survivor). Our collaborative approach provides the best platform on which guests can rebuild their lives.’

Several guests have found employment and their own homes.

‘One guest looked for a night shift job because she couldn’t sleep,’ recalled Jared. ‘After a few weeks with her hosts, she slept so well she decided to find a day job instead! Another guest celebrated her birthday for the first time at the age of 42. As her hosts sung to her and presented her with a birthday cake, tears rolled down her face. She felt loved and valued.’

• Hope at Home are on stand P5 at CRE Midlands 2020

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE National 2019?
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ByDave Hall

New book lights path from spiritual abuse

A book published this month attempts to discover what the term ‘spiritual abuse’ really means and how to prevent it in our churches.

In Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse: Creating healthy Christian cultures (SPCK), authors Dr Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys draw on a combination of extensive research, individual testimonies and years of hands-on experience – concluding that recovery is possible.

‘Findings from a new study highlight big gaps in our understanding around the topic,’ said Justin Humphreys. ‘Recognition that coercive controlling behaviours do, in fact, occur in churches and other religious settings has begun to take place, but many more steps are necessary to understand and address the issues. Common factors include control through misuse of scripture, claims to divine authority, pressure to conform and enforced accountability. Individuals may be isolated and compelled to secrecy and silence.’ 

Oakley and Humphreys consider the link between theological ideas and harmful behaviours and how leaders can create opportunities for spiritual and emotional flourishing.

‘Writing a book that is honest and clear about spiritual abuse while also being open and responsible about its complexity is a great gift to the Church, and beyond,’ said The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham. ‘Lisa and Justin have succeeded in doing this; that they do so with winsomeness and humility simply adds further to this gift.’


Author, speaker and broadcaster Jeff Lucas said: ‘Spiritual abuse disguises itself masterfully, and preys not only upon the vulnerable but also the most passionate in the faith. Lisa and Justin have created a vital resource in this unique, timely and accessible book. It exposes the culture created by bullying leaders with clarity and compassion and calls us towards health and freedom.’

Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse: Creating healthy Christian cultures (SPCK) is published on Thursday 20 June.

• Thirty-one Eight are on stand S49 at CRE National 2019
• SPCK are stand FC26 at CRE National 2019

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ByDave Hall

Marilyn on song for first-ever Ladies’ Day at CRE

One of the most popular performers at CRE returns to perform during the exhibition’s first-ever Ladies’ Day (CRE National 2019, Thu 17 Oct).

‘I want to encourage women to know what a dynamic impact they can have in the kingdom of God,’ said Marilyn. ‘Society needs nurturers and us ladies can help to bring more tender heartedness back in to our world showing what God’s love is really like.’

Blind almost from birth, Marilyn Baker began to write and sing her own songs in the early 1980s, releasing a series of albums which aimed to draw people into God’s healing presence.

Word spread and soon churches were inviting her to do evangelistic and encouragement concerts. She gave up her job as a music teacher and started ministering full time, travelling extensively in Britain and many parts of the world. A familiar performer at Spring Harvest and other major Christian events, Marilyn quickly became Britain’s top-selling female gospel singer.

In 1986 she was joined by Tracy Williamson, whose gifts in speaking and prophecy enriched the music with a new dimension. Marilyn’s recordings and Tracy’s books enabled them to reach an even wider audience.

As well as concerts, Marilyn and Tracy undertake church encouragement weekends, workshops and conferences. They minister to large or small groups or in elderly people’s homes and prisons. Wherever they are, the focus of the ministry remains the same.

‘Our heart is to see people entering into joy instead of mourning, beauty instead of ashes, praise instead of despair,’ said Marilyn.

‘We want them to understand the intimacy of God’s tender love and be empowered by it to reach out to others, that they too may be healed and changed.

‘He has been wonderfully faithful guiding and providing for us over all these years and has brought so much transformation to individuals and groups. We are excited about what lies ahead in his plans for us.’

Marilyn will perform in CRE’s Arts Theatre and during Cindy’s Sofa at lunchtime on Thu 17 Oct. Ladies Day at CRE will focus specifically on issued surrounding women in areas of work, community, church and family life.

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE National 2019?
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ByDave Hall

Now first contact needn’t be the last

First contact with families approaching churches for a wedding, baptism or funeral need not be the last – thanks to new online software that helps develop lasting relationships with parishioners.
 
The Life Events Diary, a free resource for Church of England churches and developed in partnership with iKnow Church, streamlines administration for classic rites of passage. 
 
‘Every family that approaches a church for a wedding, banns reading, a baptism or a funeral begins a journey with that church,’ explained iKnow Church’s Kyle Cottington. ‘For the family, it can be a time of big emotions and questions. You will want to care for them and make their service the best it can be. Behind that are a huge list of tasks, not just to plan the services but to keep in touch with the families afterwards and encourage them to stay connected. That’s what Life Events Diary is all about.’
 
Life Events Diary:
 
• Records legal and personal data of families safely and securely
• Reduces duplication of data-collection and data-entry
• Prints out key information about a service in relevant formats
• Customises, records, and tracks service fees
• Never forgets a significant date for pastoral care, or an opportunity for follow-up after a service, with email reminders
• Shares data, tasks and messages with others in the church to help you direct, delegate and coordinate, wherever you are
 
• Live Events Diary is available on stand S95 at CRE National 2019
• iKnow Church/Church Edit are on stand S94

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE National 2019?
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Photo: Helen Batt Photography

ByDave Hall

Introducing a grand way to improve your church communications

Every church in the UK should be equipped with great communications tools – and a new award scheme has been launched with deserving churches receiving up to £1000 to make it happen.

CPO chief executive Laura Trenee believes churches have a world-changing message of hope – but often fail to deliver it effectively.

‘Our vision is to see every church in the UK equipped with great communications tools,’ she said. ‘We understand the limitations of budget and time and are delighted that our Church Comms Improvement Project will offer support to those who need it.’

Anyone can nominate a church for support here. All that is needed is the name of the church, its address and a photograph or web address to demonstrate why it needs help.

Awards are to the value of between £50 and £1000, in the form of fully-funded resources and support, depending on the need – such as a new or redesigned website, a brand identity, a set of invitations or posters or even a new noticeboard. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Mon 1st July.

CPO is a registered charity, and has received seed money for the fund. Donations to enable the project to continue can be made at give.net/churchcommsimprovement, to ensure a sustainable fund for churches that most need help in design and communications.

Based in Worthing, CPO has been working to support the UK church in its communication for more than 60 years.

• CPO are on stand S81 at CRE National 2019

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE National 2019?
> Book tickets for CRE National 2019

ByDave Hall

‘Three-in-one’ Bethlehem bauble is back

Hand-blown by Muslims, hand-painted by Christians, shipped by Israelis – the ‘three-in-one’ Bethlehem Bauble is returning to CRE National 2019.

Each bauble arrives on a bed of straw in its own presentation box along with a certificate of origin. No plastic is used – and it’s made from recycled materials!

Founded by Ros Pollock whilst posted to Jerusalem with the UN, Bethlehem Baubles aims to provide a grass roots, fair living wage to a struggling community.

‘Christmas should be about giving something special to the ones we love and connecting with the things that really matter,’ said Ros. ‘In an age of mass production and commercialisation, Bethlehem Baubles offers you the chance to return to these simple origins and renew the authentic spirit of the season. We’ve paired up with Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans (BFTA) who work closely with Muslim and Christian communities at an individual level in order to produce a unique gift with a direct and meaningful impact. Together we can make a difference for these skilled artisans.’

With a unique design for the collection each year, Ros believes Bethlehem Baubles have the potential to become an intrinsic and abiding part of the Christmas experience – perfect for stocking fillers and ‘that tricky relative who you never know what to get.’

• Bethlehem Baubles are on stand S102 at CRE National 2019

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE National 2019?
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Photo: Eleanor Bentall

ByDave Hall

New woodland centre sustains legacy of Watchman Nee

A new Christian conference and training centre, inspired by the works of classic authors Watchman Nee and Witness Lee, is under construction in outer London.

The Amana Trust, owners of a centre near Romford and a bookshop in central London for many years, have purchased a 17-acre woodland site within the M25 and 10 minutes from the Central line tube station. Easily accessible but removed from the busyness of London, the centre will be available for groups of up to 300 people in stylish wooden cabins, most with ensuite bedrooms and several with meeting spaces.

Watchman Nee’s classics include The Normal Christian Life and The Spiritual Man. In addition, the complete works of Watchman Nee comprises a mostly unknown 62 volumes. More than 15,000 pages of Watchman Nee’s ministry was continued by his closest co-worker, Witness Lee, whose ministry was even more extensive.

The Amana Trust endeavours to help believers grow in the Christian faith, both personally and in groups. Their events include weekend retreats, week-long training and a two-year full-time residential course.

• The Amana Trust are on stands S51 and S52 at CRE National 2019

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE National 2019?
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ByDave Hall

No cash? No problem. Tubular Charity Kiosk will debut at CRE National 2019

A church in North London is the first in the UK to trial a ground-breaking donation kiosk – on show at CRE National 2019 (Oct 15-17).

Tubular Systems Ltd have designed and built the kiosk which aims to take churches and charities into the digital era.

‘It’s the 21st Century version of a collection plate and we are very proud of it,’ said Tubular Systems’ Kevin Egglesden. ‘Even in the first few weeks of the trial there has been a positive response at the trialling church in terms of increased giving via Apple and Google Pay.’

The Tubular Charity Kiosk, which can remain accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, not only accepts contactless donations but also credit and debit cards, including chip and swipe – meaning no donation need be missed. It also comes with live telemetry reporting, so donations and power downs can be viewed at any time and anywhere through a PC or mobile phone app.

Designed and built in the UK, the kiosk takes up very little space yet will draw attention through its brightly-lit light box that can feature the church’s logo.

Tubular kiosks include a seven-inch touchscreen with customisable display graphics, personalised for each church. Fabricated from mild steel, the kiosk will stay robust for many years. Elegant and eye-catching, it fits neatly into church buildings or can be moved to fund raising events organised by the church.

‘Installation is super fast as communication is taken care of with its built-in SIM Card and the unit only requires one power socket,’ explained Kevin. ‘You can also customise donation amounts, e.g £5, £10, £20 and £30.

‘We are very proud knowing that a British-designed and manufactured kiosk will soon be helping local churches generate donations for the many excellent activities in which they are involved.’

• Tubular Systems Ltd are on stand B9 at CRE National 2019

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE National 2019?
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ByDave Hall

Study Zone at CRE: Deepen your learning, sharpen your skills

The success of the first-ever Study Zone at CRE North in March has prompted two encores – at CRE National 2019 (Sandown Park, Surrey, 15-17 Oct) and CRE Midlands 2020 (Stoneleigh Park, nr Coventry, 4/5 Mar).

A number of stands will be located around a bespoke seminar/presentation area, where participating colleges will contribute a range of carefully-targeted ‘TED’ style talks each day – on subjects concerning study at every level, from short courses to doctorates, summer schools to evening classes, residential or online. Participating colleges will also contribute key speakers to CRE’s main seminar programme.

Rev Dr David Hilborn, principal of Moorlands College, said: ‘The CRE Study Zone is a great reminder that theological colleges are among the most important resources for the church and mission. In our secularised culture it’s more vital than ever that leaders and disciples are thoroughly grounded in God’s Word and effectively equipped for fruitful ministry. I look forward to being part of CRE’s Study Zone again, with friends and colleagues from many different places of learning. Together, we can show thousands of church leaders and members how to deepen learning and sharpen skills.’
 
Brett Pitchfork, CRE’s event director, said: ‘The Study Zone makes theological learning accessible to thousands of potential students of all ages. With a limited number of stands available at both venues, we urge colleges to book as soon as possible.’

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE National 2019?
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ByDave Hall

5-4-3-2-1… Paul and Fiona will get CRE National 2019 under way

Paul Jones and Fiona Hendley will be special guests on the opening day of CRE National 2019 (Wed 15 Oct).

Original lead singer of legendary band Manfred Mann, Paul also presented The Blues Show on BBC Radio 2 each week for more than 30 years.

He and Fiona, a former West End and TV actress, first met while performing at a show in the National Theatre.

‘Our roles meant singing songs to each other and staring into each other’s eyes, proclaiming undying love, twice nightly for two years or so,’ admitted Paul. ‘And the inevitable happened.’

Fiona, an accomplished actress and singer, has worked in all areas of show business from her acclaimed TV series Widows (for which she won Personality of the Year Award) to leading roles at the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. She has starred in many West End productions including the highly-praised and award-winning musical City of Angels. She has sung on many show recordings and has a collection of gold discs that rival Paul’s.

Paul came to faith from a background of intellectual arrogance. In 1968, he argued against Billy Graham with Cliff Richard on TV, convinced he had won the argument. Yet all his immense success in show business could not remedy the failure within himself. Fiona sought God from an early age, thinking that she was a Christian, but was surrounded by deception (including spiritualists and mediums). She too hoped that success in show business would bring her happiness.

They will be at CRE National 2019 to relate how each of them found true happiness and real faith.

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE National 2019?
> Book tickets for CRE National 2019