Monthly Archive September 2021

Exhibition handbook prepares the way for Sandown return

For the first time the CRE National handbook has been posted out free, five weeks before the exhibition – giving 11,000 former visitors an opportunity to plan their visit in detail.

The 64-page publication lists stand numbers and contact details for the exhibition’s 170 exhibitors, along with QR codes for their respective websites. It also includes details of the seminar and special events programme for all three days.

‘After the disappointment of postponing last year’s CRE National, we wanted to do something to bring us right back into focus – to the benefit of both exhibitors and visitors alike,’ said event director Brett Pitchfork. ‘We often hear people tell us they wish they had seen the full programme and exhibitor list before coming to Sandown Park because there is always too much to see and too many people to meet. While many return for more than one day, others cannot spare the time, so early sight of the handbook allows for strategic planning.’

The organisers have also put the entire handbook online – see above. Late additions to the list of exhibitors and event programme will be available at front of house during the three days, along with the floorplan.

‘We are especially grateful to our advertisers and sponsors who have supported the early publication of the handbook,’ said Brett. ‘Please make a point of mentioning where you saw their product or service when contacting them!’

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How much is that Bible in the window?

The best book we offer is the Bible!

So says Simon Attwood of Chapter Two – and he’s in good company.

The psalmist David writes: ‘The law of the Lord is perfect’ (Psalm 19:7). The Apostle Paul says it’s able to make him ‘wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus’ and that it’s all ‘breathed out (inspired) of God’.

‘He gives a list of reasons why we need to read it in 2 Timothy 3:15, 16,’ explains Simon. ‘Human authors like to get good reviews for their books. These are superlative because the Bible is divine. Praying to his father the Lord Jesus says: ‘Your word is truth’ (John 17:17). That was 2,000 years ago but it still resonates today.’

We live at a time when Daniel’s even earlier words ‘knowledge shall increase’ (12:4) can’t be denied.

‘Yet people have little or no certainty in their lives,’ maintains Simon. ‘They’re looking for answers to the most basic questions but distrust so much of what they read and hear. That makes it a privilege for every Christian bookshop to supply the Bible – in our case for over 40 years.   

‘The “best book” has changed so many lives down the centuries. It still does today, when read prayerfully and carefully. But our advert says ‘Books you can trust’ because we also stock new and second-hand books designed to help children and adults understand the Bible better and put it into practice in their lives. We also specialise in supplying it in over 100 languages.’

If you’re looking for a Bible and want a good translation, Simon invites you to head over to the Chapter Two stand at CRE National 2021 and see what’s on offer.

‘We can’t resist one more review,’ says Simon. ‘It’s “the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23)!’

• Chapter Two Books are on E17 at CRE National 2021

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

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Tabloid headlines Gavin’s heart for the hungry

Coventry Foodbank has served over 200,000 people over the past 10 years and founder Gavin Kibble has been recognised with an MBE for his vital work.

The September/Harvest edition of Good News outreach newspaper, exhibiting at CRE National 2021, features the inspiring story behind the project.

Gavin, formerly a highly-paid executive, sensed a calling from God.

‘I knew I had to give up working as finance director of a multi-national company to help fight poverty,’ he tells Good News.

Setting up a Christians Against Poverty debt centre he soon encountered a Nigerian couple who had no food or baby equipment for the child they were imminently expecting. 

‘They had half a lettuce and a can of tomatoes in the fridge – that’s all,’ recalls Gavin.

The incident opened his eyes to the need for a food bank, which he started in 2011. In its first year, Coventry Foodbank grew from just two to 11 distribution centres. 

The full story is told in September’s Good News, along with the testimonies of celebrities and ordinary Christians that fill the pages every month, including the founders of Noah’s Ark Zoo, featured on BBC TV’s Songs of Praise on 29 August.

At just 15p per copy, Good News makes a great give-away for sharing the good news of Jesus and is used by churches, evangelists and individual Christians across the UK.

• Good News are on stand D5 at CRE National 2021

Image: The Harvest 2021 issue of Good News evangelistic newspaper

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Window of opportunity opens for historic care home

The College of St. Barnabas has deregistered its nursing wing and now operates exclusively as a residential care home.

The college was founded by former missionary Canon William Cooper who described himself as ‘a broken man’ from the physical hardships he endured during his ministry in the Australian outback and wilderness of Canada. Back in Britain, he came across other former missionaries and older clergy living in abject poverty and ill-health, most notably in the Brighton Workhouse, and he determined to do something to alleviate their suffering.

Last year marked the 125th anniversary of the founding of the college and Fr Barry Thorley said: ‘St Barnabas has been a life-saver. I’m no good at trowelling sentiment but it’s hard to exaggerate how much this place means to me.’

On a personnel level, chairman-designate Revd David Williams will soon be taking over the reins from interim chair Mr Keith Luckhoo, who has been filling the role since former chair of trustees, Sir Paul Britton, stepped down earlier this year. 

In addition, Revd Derek Chandler has recently taken up the new post of chaplain, part of a structural change which sees the disappearance of the traditional offices of warden and bursar. Longstanding bursar and latterly chief executive Paul Wilkin retires in October. 

‘In thanking Paul for more than 20 years of unstinting, loyal service we wish him a long and happy retirement,’ said the college’s Simon Attwood.

The college council have appointed Mr Monty Erskine to succeed him as chief executive officer. Monty will be joining from All Souls Langham Place where he has been serving as director of operations.

‘We thank our many friends and assure you that the college is in good heart, facing the future with confidence and hoping that you will continue to support our mission to care for elderly members of our church,’ said Attwood.

• The College of St. Barnabas are on stand A18 at CRE National 2021

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China: one door closes another opens in Bible distribution

A Chinese court may have sentenced four Christians to a total of 13 years in prison for selling Bible audio players – but that hasn’t stopped Chinese Church Support Mission (CCSM) bringing similar resources to Christians under immense pressure.

According to Premier Radio, Fu Hyunjuan, 43, Deng Tianyong, 50, Feng Qunhao, 45, and Han Li, 40 run Life Tree Culture Communications in the southeast city of Shenzhen. It produced and sold electronic players which had the Bible recorded in them. 

Fu, head of the organisation, has been sentenced to six years in prison and fined 20 million Chinese Yuan (£2 million). 

One of CCSM’s key means of support is the supply of SD cards (above) containing thousands of resources including multiple versions of the Bible, devotional material, videos, audio files, printable Sunday School material, Bible studies and discipleship material.

The Micro SD Cards are sent to Christians who can use the material and copy the cards for others. There is also a smartphone app – AppSTER – which provides similar help with training, evangelism and renewal material.

All these are provided thanks to the giving of Christians in other countries. 

In the UK CCSM, exhibiting at CRE National 2021, provide material for prayer support and the facility to give financially to enable provision to be extended to those worshipping in China. The organisation currently aims to provide one million of the Micro SD cards by the end of 2025.

• CCSM are on stand U1 at CRE National 2021

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

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Stream team at your service

Offering exceptional image quality for streaming services in low light – that’s the advantage of a camera system installed by one CRE National 2021 exhibitor.

APi Sound and Visual have been busy fitting cameras throughout the pandemic – including St Andrew’s Church in Cullompton, Devon (pictured).

The system provides two-camera streaming with integrated switcher and streamer. The cameras are both high-definition remote pan, tilt and zoom type. One has been fitted on the gallery face and the second on a pillar with a thin strap for fixing so that DAC approval was not required. 

‘The main benefit of these cameras is that they offer exceptional image quality even in low light, a frequent problem in many churches,’ said APi’s Andy Pidsley. ‘The supplied joystick remote control has a number of pre-set memories so that commonly-used shots can be quickly recalled, with the joystick allowing fine control.’

A four-input switcher and combined streaming unit makes the whole process of selecting a source for the projector and stream simple and removes the need for an additional computer to perform the streaming function. The illuminated controls clearly show the current source and also allow more advanced functions such as superimposing words over images. The unit doubles as a recorder and will record to a USB device. 

A 22′′ monitor shows a four-way split of the different input sources available to the mixer. Finally, a small microphone on top of the rood screen picks up singing and other ambient sounds – just for the streaming audio. 

APi Sound and Visual also provide installation training with on-going telephone support as and when needed.

• APi Sound and Visual are on stand J6 at CRE National 2021

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

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New directory champions church creativity

The national lockdown has accelerated the churches need to communicate in engaging ways.

So says the creator of the Christian Creative Directory (CCD), launched in April. 

‘The aim of the directory is simple, to champion creativity in the body of Christ,’ said founder Josie Gamble. ‘We’re here to help bring creative energy to your organisation, church and ministry.

‘We want to see the creative culture of the UK church strengthened and if this directory can play a part in that, we will be very happy.’

From animators to actors, blacksmiths to bloggers, dancers to drone pilots – they’re all in the directory. And CCD has also advertised creative opportunities posted by organisations. These have already attracted applications resulting in key appointments. Christians Against Poverty (CAP), for example, needed a writer for a new children’s book.

‘We posted a freelance job on CCD and were blown away by the huge number of enquiries and the quality of applications received!’ said a spokesperson for CAP. ‘We’re delighted with the person we’re now working with. We would highly recommend CCD to other Christian charities and organisations looking for freelance creatives. We’ve already posted another opportunity!’

Josie’s original vision was to have a network, directory and awards.

‘With the first two firmly launched we will turn our attention towards hosting national Christian creative recognition awards to champion creativity in the UK church,’ said Josie. ‘So watch this space!’

• Sign up with CCD now, using a special CRE code CCDCRE, and you will get three months free

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

Windrush: looking back, looking forward at CRE National

With Black Lives Matter in the headlines and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s call for diversity in church and society, CRE National 2021 will run a unique, three-part series on the Windrush Legacy.

Sponsored by the Pentecostal Credit Union and Good to Give, both first-time exhibitors at CRE, the initiative will be presented by Roy Francis, a former BBC TV Songs of Praise producer, music consultant and author of Windrush and the Black Pentecostal Church in Britain (Filament Publishing).

It is more than 70 years since the Empire Windrush brought hundreds of Caribbean immigrants to Tilbury docks to work in the UK. The initiative encouraged an estimated half-a-million people to follow within 30 years.

‘There are a lot of misunderstandings about Windrush,’ said Francis. ‘CRE National is the ideal place to celebrate what Windrush Christians brought to Britain and the impact their inheritors – African Christians – are now having on the country.’  

Part 1 – Windrush: Words and Song (11.30am, Tue 12 Mar)

The first presentation will look back at the music Caribbean Christians brought to Britain in the 1950s and 1960s. Produced by Roy Francis and featuring the Ken Burton Singers, the presentation will show how choruses and songs made popular by the Billy Graham Crusades, ‘Gentleman’ Jim Reeves, American spirituals and Edwin Hawkins (in particular ‘Oh Happy Day’) influenced Caribbean worship and remain a fitting legacy of black Pentecostal faith today. Ken Burton is an international choral and orchestral conductor, singer and instrumentalist, who arranges extensively for BBC TV’s Songs of Praise and The X Factor, in which he did choral arrangements for One Direction, Robbie Williams, Christina Aquiera, will.i.am and Rihanna. 

Part 2 – From West Indian to Caribbean Christianity (12pm, Wed 13 Mar)

A mixed bunch arrived in Britain in the 1950s and 1960s – ordinary workers, pastors, nurses, teachers, students and members of churches. They came to help rebuild Britain and brought their liturgy, music and songs. Rev Les Isaac OBE of the Ascension Trust and co-founder of Street Pastors, will show how West Indians established their churches in Britain – and assess their legacy.    

Part 3 – African Churches and their Worship (2pm, Thu 14 Mar)

Why are there are so many African-led churches in Britain today? What do they believe, what is their purpose and why are they growing so fast? What is ‘Reverse Mission’ and why is it central to their theology? Rev David Shosayna, former Regional Director of The London Baptist Association and a speaker, theologian and African minister, knows this church community intimately and will offer many of the answers.

• Pentecostal Credit Union (PCU) are on stand U7 at CRE National 2021

• Good to Give are on stand U6 at CRE National 2021

• Filament Publishing are on stand O5 at CRE National 2021

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