CRE News

Big wave of mission to hit UK beaches

With his mission active on 700 UK beaches this summer, Tim Howlett just loves to be beside the seaside.

‘We are getting back to a more normal time after the pandemic,’ said Tim, executive officer of CRE exhibitor United Beach Missions. ‘Already 600 missions are booked and after the exams, when more volunteers come forward, I expect the 700 target will be reached.’

Tim, 54, went on his first beach mission in 1984 in St Ives and has had sand between his toes ever since. In 2010 he quit his job in IT to work full time with UBM which has been growing since the first team ran a mission in Rhyl in North Wales. Today, it operates in about 35 locations in England, Wales, Ireland and continental Europe.

Last year those attending the beach missions were far more likely to engage in spiritual conversations, reports Tim – despite the problems created by Covid-19. Even out of the summer season the organisation is still active. So far this year there have been a number of city centre events in places like London, Oxford and Cambridge – plus a Victorian extravaganza in Llandudno.

Each one, he said, was ‘very encouraging with a lot of talk about Christian things. People were very responsive to our message’. He believes that will continue this summer. Missions are also planned in Italy, France and Switzerland – despite the latter having no beach! ‘We would usually be operating in Spain and Portugal but are unable to this year,’ he added.

For the first full year back in business since the pandemic, UBM are hoping to get 900 or so volunteers.

‘However, we need that figure to be nearer 1,000 so we can increase the size of our teams and expand the work,’ said Tim.

Anyone wanting to volunteer for a mission this summer can find details here.

• UBM will be exhibiting in Mission on the Map, on stand A6 at CRE National 2022

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

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Primark and the Passion: Saltmine bring Easter to Norwich high streets

More than 1,400 local shoppers forsook the city centre high street and went to church over Easter – to see the final resurrection scene in a dramatic passion play.

The 80-minute contemporary performance was put on in various sites in Norwich by CRE National 2022 exhibitor Saltmine Theatre Company who partnered with Celebrate Norwich and Norfolk on Easter Saturday.

‘Not many people see what happens inside church but this was outside for everyone to see and experience. I enjoyed it,’ one shopper told the local evening newspaper.

Norwich-born Freddy Goyner was back in his home city to take the lead role.

‘It’s a big responsibility to play Jesus and bring a bit of what I know and believe the Son of God to be,’ he said.

The cast included 12 professional actors from Saltmine Theatre and about 40 actors, singers, and musicians from various local churches. The action took place twice in different locations, concluding with the resurrection in St Peter Mancroft Church. It had to be performed three times to accommodate all those wanting to see it.

Saltmine are available to perform at churches, schools, theatres and festivals with custom-designed sketches, national productions, issue-based theatre and workshops, or a range of programmes suitable for all kinds of settings and occasions. The Dudley-based theatre company has been reaching people with the gospel for more than 40 years using the creative arts.

‘We aim to reach all ages, teaching people about real life issues and inspiring faith, hope and love,’ said Rachael Orrell, Saltmine’s chief executive officer. ‘As we cautiously and gratefully celebrate surviving the covid-19 pandemic, our work will continue to evolve and diversify.’  

The company will perform samples of their work at Sandown Park in October.

• Saltmine Theatre will be on stand R1 at CRE National 2022

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

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Puzzled by parables? Let the penny drop

Jesus’ parables are given a fresh perspective by theologian Michael Penny in a new, fascinating 30-minute talk on CRE TV.

Learning from Preposterous Parables is an intriguing glimpse into the reason Jesus used this form of communication. While many share the view they are ‘simple stories illustrating a moral or spiritual lesson,’ Michael explains how such an interpretation causes confusion when reading the parable of the shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-9) or the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:1-9). In the latter case, the disciples actually had to ask about the parable’s meaning.

At 79, Michael, a leading Bible teacher for many years and author of many study books, points to other simple reasons for parables that could lead to confusion and misunderstanding. He explains how Miles Coverdale (1408-1569), on the publication of the Coverdale Bible in English, realised that once people could read the words themselves, things could be misinterpreted.

Coverdale, says Michael, grasped the right method of approach. ‘It shall greatly help you to understand scripture,’ said Coverdale, ‘if you mark not only what is spoken or written but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where. To what intent, with what circumstances, and considering what goes before and what follows.’

Michael, administrator and editor of The Open Bible Trust, amplifies this advice as he examines several popular parables. His talk on CRE TV will benefit ministers, preachers and anyone who wants to understand the Bible better.

• Michael’s talk, Learning from Proposterous Parables, can be heard here on the CRE TV

• The Open Bible Trust will be on stand F5 at CRE National 2022

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

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Tributes flow in as ‘Mrs CRE’ is called home

Diana Home, who had the original vision for CRE in the early 1980s, died earlier this month after a six-month battle with cancer.

While her late husband, Gos, got on with the vital nuts and bolts of the exhibition, Di always saw beyond its business side. The event was a means to an end, bringing new and sometimes radical ways for churches to extend the kingdom of God in today’s world.

‘For decades she was “Mrs CRE” and we will miss her infectious personality, sense of humour, generous spirit and determination to see a vision realised,’ said current CRE owner Steve Goddard. ‘To her it wasn’t just about inventive projects and systems. A people person, she would often be seen “chatting” the gospel to bemused exhibition venue staff and praying with them when the opportunity presented itself.’

Long-standing exhibitor Juliet Hemingray said: ‘Diana was a very supportive friend who truly cared for us all, a wonderful mother hen who nurtured many an exhibitor. Thank you, Lord for loaning us Gos and Di, a wonderful couple.’

Peter Bell, of Starfish Malawi, was also sad to hear of Di’s demise. ‘She was an inspirational person and always had time to chat to exhibitors,’ he said. ‘Praise the Lord for her life of service.’

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

Our next exhibitions

Denial and delay on racism in churches ‘must not go unchallenged’

The Archbishops’ Commission for Racial Justice has published the first of six reports on how to implement cultural and structural change within the Church of England – and its chair, Lord Paul Boateng, will be at CRE National 2022 to discuss the project to date.

In a foreword, Lord Boateng said it was a painful process as the examination of racism was often met with denial and delay, which ‘must not go unchallenged’. The commission is asking for a minimum of £20 million to be set aside to deliver the 47 recommendations of the earlier taskforce report From Lament to Action, adding that it was disappointing ‘how little thought has seemingly gone into utilising existing funding streams’.

It is also advocating fundamental change to the process for removing statues and memorials associated with the slave trade. It says the guidance is inadequate and incomplete and does not give sufficient consideration to the communities impacted, or the authorities in charge of the buildings. The consistory court process is too expensive and the chancellors/judges should be drawn from a more ethnically-diverse pool and receive diversity training.  The commission expects each diocese to develop a racial justice strategy by the end of the financial year.

Welcoming the report, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt Rev Justin Welby said: ‘It identifies the difficult and long path to eradicating the pain and injustice felt by so many but provides us with hope that, through the commission’s work, these issues will be addressed.’

Roy Francis, who will join Lord Boateng at CRE National to consider the commission and the Windrush legacy, said: ‘This initial report is timely and lays before us some of the issues the church and society must seriously confront. It offers some immediate, practical and workable solutions and I look forward to hearing Lord Boateng when he speaks on the commission’s findings at CRE in October.’

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

Our next exhibitions

Bishop Bev welcomes CRE debut in Liverpool next year

The Bishop of Warrington has welcomed news that Liverpool will host CRE North for the first time next year (3-4 May 2023).

‘The event will showcase current Christian work and ministry, spotlight justice initiatives and draw us into the marketplace of Christian resources,’ said The Rt Revd Beverley Mason. ‘There’ll be much to do and see and it will prove a fun and interesting day whether you come on your own or with friends and colleagues.”

CRE North 2023 will take place in the Exhibition Centre, a purpose-built venue in a stunning waterfront location on the banks of the Mersey. Liverpool city centre, two famous cathedrals and numerous places of historical and cultural significance are within walking distance.

‘We couldn’t ask for a better place to hold the event,’ said CRE owner Steve Goddard. ‘With our registered offices in nearby St Helens it really is a homecoming and we have already received a warm welcome from local church leaders and members alike.

‘Our last exhibition in the north was at Event City, Manchester in 2019. The pandemic disrupted our plans but we are now delighted to announce our return to the region.’

There are 1450 parking spaces available in the on-site Kings Dock car park, with accessible bays and electric charging points on every floor. Lime Street station is just a short taxi or bus ride away with direct services to London that take a little over two hours.

‘In line with our other regional exhibitions, we expect half the visitors to be CRE first-timers – providing a fresh audience for our 140+ exhibitors,’ said Steve. ‘And for organisations that have struggled from the effects of Covid-19, our new CRE Bursary is an option to help them meet the costs of a stand.’

• Potential exhibitors are invited to contact the CRE sales team: Carol on 0161 250 2467 (carol@creonline.co.uk) or James on 0161 250 2306 (james@creonline.co.uk). Visitor registration will open in early autumn.

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

Our next exhibitions

Homeless people grateful for any pod in a storm

Towns as far apart as Barnstaple and Sheffield are among the first to use a unique resource to help homeless people.

Amazing Grace Spaces, exhibitors at CRE National 2022, are creators of the emergency pod containing a bed, chemical toilet and a USB socket for charging a mobile phone – providing accommodation for the user until a permanent home can be found. The Salvation Army, who run two Lifehouses for homeless people in Sheffield, have also installed two pods as part of a pilot scheme to provide temporary support. And in two months they proved their worth.

Andy Parkinson, manager of the Lifehouses said: ‘The pods are aimed at people who are not quite ready to come off the streets. They may have more complex needs such as mental health issues, offending history or addiction, which means they are not as well suited to a communal environment.

‘The pods provide a warm and safe place to sleep while The Salvation Army and local council tackle some of the reasons why the occupiers have become homeless. In two months we have seen a real difference in the two clients placed in them.’

In Barnstable, four newly-created demountable pods, which can be erected outside or inside a building, have been installed thanks to funding from North Devon Council and Freedom Community Alliance. They will provide safe overnight accommodation for four rough sleepers at any one time.

Councillor Nicola Topham, lead member for housing on the North Devon Council, said: ‘The pods offer a safe haven for some of the most vulnerable members of our community while the Enhanced Outreach team continues to work with each person to get them the help they need, long term.’

Stuart Johnson, from Llanwern, Newport, started Amazing Grace Spaces with his wife Caroline in 2015, after some years working with various charities to help the homeless. He is keen to find churches prepared to donate a car parking space on which to locate a pod.

‘The pods are not the final answer, but while someone is waiting for permanent accommodation, they are safe from bullying or injury or losing the few possessions they may have,’ he said. ‘They also give members of a church the opportunity to minister to them in a loving and caring manner.’

• Amazing Grace Spaces are on stand B4 at CRE National 2022

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

Our next exhibitions

CRE hits the long and winding road to Liverpool

For the first time in its 38-year history the Christian Resources Exhibition will hit the long and winding road to Liverpool.

CRE North 2023 takes place at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool, on 3-4 May.

The purpose-built venue is in a stunning waterfront location on the banks of the Mersey. Liverpool city centre, two famous cathedrals and numerous places of historical and cultural significance are within walking distance – including the Beatles Story.

‘We couldn’t ask for a better place to hold the exhibition,’ said CRE owner Steve Goddard. ‘With our registered offices in nearby St Helens it really is a homecoming and we have already received a warm welcome from local church leaders and members alike.

‘Our last exhibition in the north was at Event City, Manchester in 2019. The pandemic disrupted our plans but we are now delighted to announce our return to the region.’

‘It’s great to hear Liverpool is hosting CRE North 2023. The event will showcase current Christian work and ministry, spotlight justice initiatives and draw us into the marketplace of Christian resources,’ said the Rt Revd Beverley Mason, Bishop of Warrington (above). ‘There’ll be much to do and see and it will prove a fun and interesting day, whether you come on your own or with friends and colleagues.’

There are 1450 parking spaces available in the on-site Kings Dock car park, with accessible bays and electric charging points on every floor. Lime Street station is just a short taxi or bus ride away with direct services to London that take a little over two hours.

‘In line with our other regional exhibitions, we expect half the visitors to be CRE first-timers – providing a fresh audience for our 140+ exhibitors,’ said Steve. ‘And for organisations that have struggled from the effects of Covid-19, our new CRE Bursary is an option to help them meet the costs of a stand.’ 

Potential exhibitors are invited to contact the CRE sales team: Carol on 0161 250 2467 (carol@creonline.co.uk) or James on 0161 250 2306 (james@creonline.co.uk). Visitor registration will open in early autumn.

Find out more

Please click the links below to view the floor plans and price list for CRE North 2023:

 
 

Let your garden grow their future

Proud of your garden? Why not twin it with an African family’s life-saving allotment?

It’s a new initiative from Ripple Effect, recently renamed from Send a Cow, a charity started in 1988 when Christian farmers answered an appeal from Ugandans desperately short of nutritious food after a long civil war. The original vision was simple and practical: sending cows to Ugandan families whose livestock had been lost. But that simple project has blossomed, enabling determined families to learn how to grow enough food on a small plot of land, to feed their family and also provide enough to sell for other necessities.

It has now grown beyond Uganda to five other African countries – Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and Zambia.

Ann Hatton, Ripple Effect’s church development executive, said: ‘We are a farming expertise charity, teaching smallholder farmers – most of them women – how to improve the productivity of their land so they can provide for their families. Our training work has evolved and starts with essential social development, tackling the sharing of work and responsibilities within families. We also cover health and safety issues, including how to deal with Covid-19.’

Renamed Ripple Effect this year, the organisation no longer sends cows to Africa – whatever livestock is placed is sourced locally. But UK Christians are now invited to twin their garden and plant hope for a family in Migori, in Kenya. A £60 donation provides three years’ training in sustainable organic farming. From a small kitchen garden, families develop business skills to build a future with wider opportunities.

Donors get the pleasure of helping to give a new start to a family in rural Kenya and also receive a wooden plaque to mount in their own garden – a vegetable-growing guide from no-dig expert Charles Dowding.

‘Some wildflower seeds also give you a colourful annual reminder of the practical support you have given to others,’ said Ann. Click here to find out more of the project.

‘We were so thrilled to be at CRE South West in February and meet old friends and make many new ones,’ said Ann. ‘As a result, many families in Kenya will get the skills and support they need to change their lives.’

• Ripple Effect (formerly Send a Cow) are on stand F8 at CRE National 2022

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 – and save up to £5

Laura’s lessons for traumatised teens

Laura Newall’s course on self-esteem in girls and boys was hot off the press when she opened for business in February – but this brand-new resource touched a nerve-end with visitors at CRE South West.

Exeter-based Laura (pictured far left), was ‘absolutely bowled over by the large number of connections I made at the exhibition and the encouragement I got from so many people.’

In 2014 she went out to Uganda to teach girls and women how to recognise their abilities and self-worth. A life-changing experience, it inspired her to do something similar in the UK.

‘I had been trained as a primary school teacher and my dissertation was on self-esteem in children, so there was already something to go on,’ she explained. Her course for girls and women went down well so she produced a similar course for boys – ‘I have two sons and a daughter – all now grown-up – and knew the problems both faced.’

The new initiative, though well received by a number of schools, churches and other groups, was halted because of Covid-19.

‘It is a face-to-face course which needs a personal link,’ said Laura. ‘Now we are back to nearly normal, things are beginning to take off. Teenagers’ mental health has taken a nose-dive in the pandemic, so it is more important than ever.’

The Inspire Project aims to empower, encourage and equip people to become everything they were created to be by helping them discover the truth about their value and identity as well as God’s purpose for their lives.

‘It is for any person, regardless of whether they have a Christian faith,’ she said. ‘The courses can be used to encourage and equip those already in the church or as an evangelistic tool to reach out to those who are not.’

The courses are primarily targeted towards young people between the ages of 14-18. However, by adapting or changing certain activities, they can also suit children in primary school and people of any age.

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 – and save up to £5

Photo: Laura Newall (left) at CRE South West