CRE News

Time for the voice of experience on your fund-raising journey

While your church’s income may have taken a hit, the pandemic has provided you with a timely opportunity to give clear, direct talking on fundraising to members and supporters, say Action Planning.

‘If you are planning an appeal to pay for an improvement, or are already involved in such an initiative, you might now be asking if it has any meaning in the context of the pandemic,’ said Sean Tully, Action Planning’s lead associate for church capital fundraising. ‘Or you might be asking if this is the ideal time to push ahead with a capital appeal at all.’

With more than three decades of experience in helping not-for-profit organisations, Action Planning are taking the past 12 months into account when advising on major projects.

‘We have the privilege of talking on a weekly basis with churches the length and breadth of Britain,’ said Sean. ‘From the rural village church looking to install toilets and a kitchen, to the inner-city church completely rebuilding its premises to include housing accommodation and community facilities – and everything in between – we can help.

‘Our team of experienced, Christian fundraisers understand how you are feeling. We have walked the journey that you are on, or something very similar, and have learned the importance of “Committing to the Lord whatever you do, [so that] he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3). Above all, we understand that the one thing every church capital appeal has is a community of faith, of place and, as the last 12 months have shown, of hope.’

Contact Action Planning to arrange a free, no-obligation chat about your project.

Action Planning are exhibiting at CRE National (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey)

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Sound advice: ignore the end user at your peril

Your morning service is about to begin and the technologically-literate person who operates the AV equipment is not available – what do you do?

Andy Pidsley, managing director of APi Sound and Visual, believes the end user is the most ignored factor in most installations – but arguably the most important. 

‘No matter the quality of the equipment, everything hinges on whether your users know how to operate it properly,’ explains Andy. ‘It is important to find out who is available to form a small team operating the AV.’

Often there is someone who has a greater understanding of what is required.

‘We call them Super Users – great to have around when things go wrong!’ says Andy. ‘However, I suggest your system is designed around the average level of ability so everyone is comfortable operating it. If your Super User is unavailable, you won’t be left floundering.’ 

Nowadays there are some great products that allow you to achieve great sound and images and still keep the user interface really simple. Many also automatically reset to the default settings so you never get caught out if changes have been made by previous users. 

‘A crucial part to our installations is a thorough handover with training and full after-sales support,’ said Andy, ‘so that all users feel confident using the system. Because of APi Sound and Visual’s many years of experience and technical know-how we can look at your project and tailor it to completely suit your church – and most importantly, your users.’ 

Click here for more information

APi are exhibiting at CRE National (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey) and CRE South West (23-24 Feb 2022, Westpoint, Exeter)

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Empty stage leaves entertainment industry ‘in meltdown’

Artistes and performers from the West End and across the UK have created a special video helping us pray for the arts and entertainment industry.

‘After the devastating effect that Covid-19 has had on our industry, the weekend of the BAFTA Awards (April 11) presented us with a welcome reminder that we need prayer more than ever!” said Chris Gidney, director of Christians in Entertainment. ‘As a commercial producer, writer and performer myself, I know how pressurised working in the business can be at the best of times but this year’s pandemic has caused huge destruction on people’s health, careers and creativeness – and we are still not sure when it will all get back to some sort of “normal”. 

‘Some commentators in the media have suggested the entertainment business is in meltdown. This may be over dramatic but the crisis has certainly enabled people to see that showbiz is not all glitz and glamour and millionaire celebrities.’

The short video – created by Christians in Entertainment, Theatre Chaplaincy UK, the Arts Centre Group (celebrating 50 years in 2021) and The Catholic Association for Performing Arts – features performers, artists and creators presenting a prayer which can be watched here.

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The secret is neat and discreet

Looking to enter the age of streaming in a traditional place of worship? ICS Furniture may have the perfect and subtle answer.

St Paul’s, Slough, is located just north of the town centre and was built more than 100 years ago. Of traditional high Anglican style, it is faced internally and externally with stunning red brick and stone columns.

‘By creating a new main entrance in the south wall of the side chapel, the chapel and chancel has become a new foyer and hub for the building,’ explained Martha Clancy, market development manager at ICS. ‘The nave remains as the worship space with a new dais and seating. This creates more usable space and a better organised building.’

Designed by fellow CRE exhibitors JBKS Architects of Oxfordshire, the traditional church pews were replaced with the ICON 40 chairs (main picture) from ICS Furniture. The chair answered the need to create a more usable space. The intentional mixture of chairs with cross carvings and plain backs adds a further style dimension to the project.

And ICS also designed and crafted a discreet, eye-friendly sound desk (pictured above) to house the equipment required during services and events –a much-needed resource in this new age of services streamed live on the Internet.

ICS Furniture and JBKS Architects are exhibiting at CRE National (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey)

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Pray through May for young people in search of hope

A new poll has found a rise in spiritual openness among young people during the pandemic.

The survey, conducted by Savanta ComRes and commissioned by YourNeighbour, found that more than two in five 18 to 34-year-olds in the UK have prayed more often since the start of the pandemic and that one in three have read the Bible more often. The study involved 2,065 respondents and was conducted as part of the YourNeighbour Give Hope campaign running throughout Lent. 

Dr Russell Rook, the co-founder of YourNeighbour, told Premier Radio: ‘Two in five young people have been praying more, 31 per cent have looked in the Bible to see if there’s some useful advice and guidance there. More than one in four have tried out church online. Maybe they wouldn’t have gone to the church at the end of the road but felt they could do it on their laptop, phone or iPad.’

In May, Youth for Christ are hosting a month of prayer for young people, called Pray Through May. 

‘The month will be constructed around a prompt word that changes each day and forms the basis for asking the Holy Spirit to guide us in prayer,’ said Bethan Lawler, YFC’s national prayer coordinator. ‘You will also receive a short, helpful devotional and video for further inspiration.’

National Prayer Day, an online event on the 30 April from 10am to 2pm, will kickstart the initiative with several contributors, including many from YFC’s local centres, along with Mike Andrea from 24-7 Prayer and Canon J. John.

Click here to find out more about YFC’s Pray Through May.

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The new you – in bamboo

Clerics sporting clothes made of biodegradable bamboo could soon be de rigueur – if one woman’s ideas catch on.

Lottie Sparey (pictured) is founder of Lottie’s Eco, a husband-and-wife team from Worcestershire who make clergywear from organic bamboo. ‘True comfort lies in that ahhh… feeling when you put something on after a hard day,’ she said. ‘I was studying contour fashion at De Montfort University and became interested in creating next level clothing that would look great and also protect the planet.

‘Bamboo is an amazing product, replenishing itself, once cut, within a year. A prolific grower, it needs no fertiliser or chemicals and very little water. It is 100 per cent biodegradable, absorbs more carbon dioxide from the air than cotton or timber and releases more oxygen into the environment. Unlike polyester and nylon synthetic fabrics bamboo breathes and has a unique softness which makes for great wearing.’

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Dementia in lockdown: piecing together ‘lost’ lives

A third of people living with dementia felt like ‘giving up’ during lockdown, according to research by the Alzheimer’s Society.

And three in ten went for at least four days without a significant conversation with others.  

‘For carers and churches serving older people, knowing how to support those impacted by dementia can be incredibly difficult,’ said Louise Morse, a cognitive behavioural therapist and expert in dementia. She has written an information pack, Putting the Pieces Together, full of insight into dementia and related illnesses.

As well as practical information, the pack centres on the spiritual well-being of those living with dementia, and those caring for them. It is threaded through with the biblical principle that the person always remains – regardless of cognition or capacity. It also covers information and guidance at the point of diagnosis, support for the caregiver and ways to make the home safe for those living with dementia. 

‘When dementia comes into your life you need all the information you can get – but you don’t have time to read a book about it,’ said Louise. ‘Secular advice springs from the understanding that we are simply the sum of our parts but within a Christian context we are eternal beings in human bodies.’

Click here for more information about the pack which costs £12.

Louise, who works with the Pilgrims’ Friend Society, has also recorded a seminar offering practical and spiritual support for dementia caregivers, on CRE TV. You can watch it here.

• Pilgrims’ Friend Society are exhibiting at CRE National (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey) and CRE South West (23-24 Feb 2022, Westpoint, Exeter)

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Look up from lockdown

Lockdown Lent will be followed by an at-home Easter, so CRE has teamed up with Little Worship Company to dispel the gloom and bring young people some top-quality, seasonal DVDs – for free.

Wonderborn Studios create shows that set out to entertain and engage young people as much, if not more than similar offerings elsewhere – all the while communicating what it is to live like Jesus, i­n peace, hope and love.

And, as a special offer to CRE News readers, you can discover one of their DVDs, for postage cost alone. Bring the order up to £10 – the colouring books and devotionals are also good value – and the postage is free, too!

‘By the time a young person reaches 18 they will have engaged with media – film, tv and games – for 35,000 hours,’ explained Wonderborn’s Duncan Reid. ‘During the same period they will have spent 9,000 hours in school, 2,500 hours talking with their parents and 900 hours in church. With this glaring disparity it’s no wonder that the good news of Jesus is often drowned out, meaning fewer young people are carrying on in faith into adulthood.’

Beautiful, fun and colourful, Wonderborn’s products have young people right at the centre – helping families discover God together.

‘If you know families in your community who would also benefit from this offer, please share it with them,’ said Duncan. ‘While we’re all stuck at home this is a great way to share the freedom that is ours in Jesus.’

• Click here to order your free DVD.

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Your event: the future’s bright, the future’s hybrid

As we enter the new world of hybrid events, one centre is pioneering the perfect solution for your church.

‘At Yarnfield Park you can stay with us and enjoy our spacious leafy green site and comfortable conference facilities,’ explained Yarnfield’s Natalie Hulme. ‘At the same time, those church members unable to join you in person can tune in from the comfort of their own homes.’

The centre offers use of up to three of the latest 4k high-definition cameras, enabling organisers to stream live events around the world.

A spokesperson from the Methodist Diaconal Order said: ‘The staff at Yarnfield Park are professional, friendly and have the most helpful “can do” attitude and are a delight to work with. They have worked closely with us to look at lots of options for our annual convocation to take place as a hybrid event. Best of all, we don’t have to worry about any of the technological aspects and can still achieve a professional, high-quality result.’ 

• Yarnfield Park are exhibiting at CRE National (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey)

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Many Abbey returns: centre re-opens to inspire and restore

Daffodils bloom, lambing begins and the estate comes alive again – for the pandemic-weary Lee Abbey will become a place for renewal and refreshment this Spring.

‘Our doors will open to welcome you, to rest and be restored,’ said Gordon Crowther, the abbey’s warden. ‘We want you to be freshly inspired by encountering this place, the community and the wonders of God.’

Under the government’s programme of lockdown relaxation in April, Tea Cottage will open for tasty cream teas and self-catering units will open to allow visitors to enjoy the area even before residential programmes are possible. 

School visits and outdoor activities at the Beacon Centre will follow and in July the main house will open, to provide opportunity for holidays, group stays, retreats and conferences.  

‘This season has challenged us to simplify,’ added Gordon. ‘Worldwide, we are waking up to the urgent need to live within the means of the planet – to live simply. Our rhythm of life and daily programme will reflect this but we still feel called to offer the same generous hospitality that shares God’s welcome. After the challenges of the past year, we recognise, more than ever, the need to learn to live in community with people from different backgrounds; to live with and learn from each other, the way of Jesus Christ.’

A recent guest (who came between lockdowns) said: ‘…a loving, peaceful, support between members of the community is palpable, in stark contrast to the stress and anxiety that governs much of my own workplace.’

‘So,’ says Gordon, ‘trusting in God, we are preparing to reopen Lee Abbey. We invite you to partner with us, help to build community and be part of the adventure of learning to live with one another and with God. Our hope is that many people will encounter God, have their lives, communities and environments transformed.’

• Lee Abbey are exhibiting at CRE National (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey) and CRE South West (23-24 Feb 2022, Westpoint, Exeter)

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