Open the Book: making school assemblies meaningful and memorable
More than 4000 UK churches are reaching hundreds of thousands of school children every year – bringing Bible stories to life in creative ways.
Open the Book is a network of storytelling teams, made up local volunteers, who present short, scripted stories in simple costumes at school assemblies. One of the Bible Society’s key resources for churches, the project brings more than 90 Bible stories to life.
‘We aim to make the Bible accessible, enjoyable, meaningful and memorable,’ said Rachel Cully, team lead for OtB. ‘We engage a congregation in mission, no matter their age or stage of faith and support, serve and forge relationship with local schools, increasing both the children and storytellers’ biblical knowledge. The project also connects generations, Christian traditions and even wider communities. Everything is provided – training, support and resources. Our storytellers love being part of OtB.’
As Jenny a school chaplain from Doncaster said: ‘We have great fun – there’s so much laughter getting dressed up and rehearsing.’ One storyteller got the men in her congregation involved by asking them to donate a bright tie. She sewed them together to make Joseph’s coat!
‘I work with many churches struggling to engage with schools, and to many of their problems this is the answer,’ said Rev Huw Thomas, Sheffield Diocesan Director of Education. ‘Open the Book is a gem of a resource.’
- Open the Book are on stand S15 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Total church access: let experts do the audit
Churches requiring an access audit need look no further than one of CRE’s longest-standing exhibitors.
MEB Design, exhibitors at the very first CRE in 1985, are now able to assess a building, an environment or a service in terms of its accessibility and inclusivity – to ensure the protected characteristics identified by the Equality Act 2010 are not discriminated against. The audit identifies barriers to access and how to mitigate such barriers – a key part of any project and design process. The final report can assist with the development of an action plan to improve a building’s accessibility and inclusivity.
‘We canhelp to develop and work with the client brief, offering advice on reasonable adjustments which are cost-effective and deliverable within an identifiable and accountable timescale,’ said MEB Design’s Maggie Forrester. ‘If this is an area we can help you with, or if you are unsure about next steps, we would be happy to have a conversation with you at CRE 25, to help you determine a course of action.’
MEB Design – with three offices in Kent, Oxford and South Bank, London – have recently used an access audit, as well as their heritage expertise, to facilitate the planning application for Putney Methodist Church (pictured).
- MEB Design are on stand B10 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Customise your collections
Digital giving methods may be on the rise but one company will be at CRE 25 to emphasise the enduring value of physical offertory envelopes.
Lockie Limited, operating under the brand Lockie Church, has been a cornerstone in the printing industry for more than 60 years, specialising in the manufacture and supply of church collection envelopes, charity envelopes and related stationery.
‘Our experience in church and charity envelopes fills a unique niche in the printing industry,’ said Lockie’s Tim Hunt. ‘We recognise the historical and cultural significance of offertory envelopes, a tradition rooted in early Christian communities where believers contributed money, livestock or agricultural produce to support church ministries. They provide a tangible and personal way for congregations to contribute.’
Recent upgrades in print machinery allow for colour print facilities and customers can now fully customise their church envelopes to incorporate church details, custom images, text and verses.
‘Available with full colour designs and a selection of box colours and print specifications, the bespoke finish is completely down to the customer’s imagination!’ Tim told CRE News. ‘Whether you’re running a small parish or overseeing the ordering for a diocese, understanding these options can streamline your operations and enhance your community’s giving experience. We stand as a trusted partner for parishes and charities across the UK.’
- Lockie Church are on stand I2 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk