CRE News

Take the first steps to making friends with strangers

When we come into contact with other faith communities it is not always easy to know what to say – but one organisation is there to help.

For almost 160 years Interserve has been reaching people in Asia and the Arab world. Its aim? To encourage Christians to engage well with people from different backgrounds and belief systems.

‘Through our Associate Church Programme, we support local churches as they work through the challenges and practicalities of presence and gospel engagement among people of other faiths and cultures,’ said Kevin Wren, Interserve’s head of development. ‘If anyone works with people from Asia and the Arab World, we can help.’

The organisation provides access to networking, guidance, consultancy, support and examples of good practice from which to develop effective and long-term, cross-cultural relationships.

‘We want to see lives transformed through an encounter with Jesus Christ,’ said Kevin. ‘We do this alongside the local church in ways that reflect the whole of life – work, rest and play. We look forward to talking to CRE visitors, to show them how we can use our experience and passion to serve them as they engage with people who may not share their convictions.’

• Interserve are on stand A42 at CRE National 2021

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No room on the shelf for ‘real’ advent calendar

For the first time in eight years supermarkets are not stocking The Real Advent Calendar – but it will be available at the upcoming CRE National.

The calendar, made by the Meaningful Chocolate Company, includes a 24-page Christmas story activity book and supports Fairtrade. 

‘No other calendar does this, so its absence from supermarket shelves marks a significant step,’ said David Marshall, founder of the company. ‘We tried our best with Tesco, our usual stockist, but it seems there is currently no room on their shelves for the Christmas story.

‘The calendar is a great way for parents, grandparents and Godparents to share the Christmas story. If you are one of the 60,000 people who usually buy a Real Advent Calendar at Tesco then you need to buy at CRE National or from our website. But order soon. We ran out early last year.’

The Real Advent Calendar costs £4.50 in cases of 18 or as singles. It will be available at the KCLCT stand at CRE National 2021.

• The KCLCT Bookshop is on stand A28 at CRE National 2021

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Welcome in the singled out

At a time when two in every five of UK adults are single, churches should do more to welcome and include them.

So say Single Friendly Church, first-time exhibitors at CRE National 2021.

‘Society is changing and the number of single people is increasing faster than ever before. Many churches are currently missing out on a huge portion of the population by focussing on couples and families,’ explained executive director Amelia Gosal.

The organisation was set up after a survey of more than 3,000 single Christians discovered many felt isolated or lonely in church. Commissioned by dating website Christian Connection, nearly 70 per cent said that being married is the expected and accepted lifestyle in church. More than 40 per cent said their churches ‘didn’t know what to do with them’. As a result, some had stopped attending altogether.

Single Friendly Church invites churches to embrace five steps to welcome and include single adults. Practical changes in key areas, including teaching, leadership and social life, can make a big difference to a single person’s experience of church.

‘We’ve made it easy to make these changes with our simple checklist audit,’ said Amelia. ‘Single people can be dynamic members of your congregation and are vital to the future of your church. We’d love to meet you at CRE and hear about your church. And we’ll send you on your way with lots of practical tips and free resources!’

• Single Friendly Church are on stand S8 at CRE National 2021

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Active listening: the key to dealing with dementia

Person-to-person activities, particularly active listening, are more effective than drugs in reversing depression in people living with dementia. 

That’s one of the findings from a recent national survey and it concords with the view of Louise Morse, a cognitive behavioural therapist. Her Masters’ dissertation examined the effects of caring for a loved one with dementia on close relatives.

As media and external relations officer for CRE National 2021 exhibitor Pilgrims’ Friend Society, Louise helped launch Brain and Soul Boosting for Seniors (BSBS) six years ago. The group resource is invaluable in helping people with dementia through interaction and connection. 

‘It is being used in a range of settings to improve cognition (thinking) and raising self-confidence and spiritual awareness,’ she explained. Developed by Louise and Janet Jacob, a psychogeriatric nurse and care home manager, BSBS is made up of sessions focusing on themes such as celebration and holidays. The sessions encourage participants to connect with their own memories and experiences and create new friendship and memories with their group.

‘Groups are being led by pastoral leaders in churches, outreach workers in sheltered housing, hospital settings, and in private homes with couples,’ she continued. ‘Seeing the difference to patients, one psychiatrist came into the day room to see what was going on!’ 

Janet Jacob, who led the groups in a Pilgrims’ Friend Society independent housing scheme for three years, said: ‘It was so satisfying to see self-confidence returning as people listened to one another. It encouraged them to keep contributing and friendships were formed. People said: ‘I’m not as bad as I thought I was!”’

Pilgrims’ Friend Society has a range of resources which support those ministering to people growing older and facing related issues, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. Louise is leading a seminar about Brain and Soul Boosting for Seniors at CRE National 2021 on (11am, Wed 13 Oct).

• Pilgrims’ Friend Society are stand T7 at CRE National 2021

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‘Unrivalled’ line-up for Mission Worship Wednesday

A song created during the Covid pandemic will be among many introduced at CRE National’s Mission Worship Wednesday (13 Oct).

You are Unrivalled was written by Noel Robinson, one of several major contributors to the day.

‘I am excited about this release, birthed in response to the season we are in,’ said Noel. ‘My heart is that you will be encouraged and reminded of how sovereign God is in our lives. Jehovah Elroi. God knows and sees it all. Nothing is hidden from him. You are not forgotten, cast aside or hidden, but he cares for every detail of your life.’

During this exceptional time, Noel believes the important thing is to put God on the throne of our hearts.

‘It is natural for us to make idols of the very blessings God has given us,’ said Noel. ‘There is a danger that we even make idols of the fear with which the enemy confronts us.’

But what will worship look like, post-pandemic? Does anything really need to change? And with new online congregations now plugging into our offline services, how do we bring together physical and digital? 

Noel will be joined by Graham Kendrick, Helen Yousaf, Lucy Grimble and Rich Butt for Mission Worship Wednesday, sponsored by the KingswayCLC Trust, which runs throughout Wed 13 Oct. It will dig into these and many more questions – equipping you with new ideas and fresh strategies to go again in a new season for church and community.

• KingswayCLC Bookshop is on stand A28 at CRE National 2021

Photo (left to right): Lucy Grimble, Graham Kendrick, Helen Yousaf and Noel Robinson

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Softly does it at St Mary’s

A soft-handed approach was called for when JBKS Architects renewed the interior of an historic Grade 1 listed building.

St Mary’s, Purton, a lovely old church in Wiltshire, needed new heating, lighting and toilets. It had a small kitchen as well – but all of it had to be transformed while many historic elements were protected, including The Last Supper in the ornamental screen behind the altar. A work of 17th century Dutch painter, Jacob Jordaens, it was given to the church by the dowager Countess of Shaftesbury in 1782, stolen in 1994, returned from the United States in 2001, badly damaged, restored and finally brought back to its historic location in 2004!

A church has been in the ancient village since 688, as part of Malmesbury Abbey.  

The current project involved replacing the Victorian bench pews with upholstered stackable wooden chairs, easily re-arranged or cleared away. All the walls were repaired and limewashed. There is new energy-efficient heating and new lighting adds brightness and picks out the ancient wall paintings.

Perhaps the most radical intervention is the inclusion of three glass screens. The biggest is in the west arch, closing off the ringing chamber. Clear glass panels are supported by a powerful oak wooden cross. The other two separate the Lady Chapel as a place of quiet prayer.

Jeremy Bell, a founder member of the JBKS team, said: ‘It has taken years to plan with many problems to overcome, but we were delighted that our work received a high degree of satisfaction from the congregation. One member told me, “You have kept everything that is old and important and added a new sense of excitement.” The work we were asked to do will enable the church to grow and thrive well into the future. It has lost none of its beauty but has gained much-needed flexible space and facilities, for more people to use and enjoy. It is tidy, ordered and peaceful, making one feel good in it, reflecting the message of the Christian faith.’

• JBKS Architects will be on stand H8 at CRE National 2021

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Flourishing home groups given exhibition boost

Covid-19 may have interrupted church worship in a dramatic way but it has also encouraged online home groups to flourish – and a special conference at CRE National 2021 will help home groups of all kinds develop even further.

Publishers SPCK, sponsors of the conference taking place on all three days, will introduce new methods and material for home groups – presented by their best-selling authors.

Julie Wilson, home groups editor, said: ‘Even before Covid-19, a 2018 ComRes survey revealed local churches are more likely to grow, engage with the local community and broaden the perspectives of their members when they run active home groups. While gathering the whole church together on a Sunday continues to be essential, we are also seeing the importance of smaller meetings.’ 

According to a number of surveys, tens of thousands of non-churchgoers have watched church services online over the past 18 months and some have gone on to join online home groups and Alpha courses.

‘We are delighted to give a new look to home group material,’ said Julie. ‘Groups usually have six to 12 members who meet once a week in someone’s home or online, sharing a meal, studying God’s word and thinking through how to apply it in everyday life. Two in every three surveyed said their faith was strengthened by being part of a home group.

‘Having been part of one or other for much of my Christian life, I know first-hand the value of being part of the church community. Something wonderful happens when we meet to discuss the scriptures and God’s will for our lives.’

Julie will lead the home groups conferences at CRE National, from 11am to 1pm each day, with the help of authors Amy Boucher Pye, Lauren Windle, Paul Kerensa, Martin Saunders, Becky May and Phil Knox. There is no extra charge for the conference but pre-booking when you buy your ticket here is essential because of room capacity limits.

• SPCK are on stand D4 at CRE National 2021

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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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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

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