CRE News

ByDave Hall

New ways to invite people into the joy of Easter

As the world slowly emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, Christian charity Lifewords are offering a range of four Easter resources – free for churches, organisations and individuals. 

Using the Bible’s own words to journey through the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, they are designed to invite people into the new hope and joy that Easter holds. 

Available in print, digital and downloadable formats, the resources can be used by individuals, groups and in family contexts.

‘People chat about them on Zoom with friends, put them in food parcels and give them away,’ said Elizabeth King, supporter engagement lead at Lifewords. ‘Teachers can take students through the Easter story and churches can use them in services and for outreach. Each highlights part of the Bible narrative and together they tell the whole story.’ 

The Easter Journey – This 20-page booklet takes us from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. A vibrant and colourful resource, it brings scriptures to life with bold illustrations and graphics. A series of eight animations for The Easter Journey can be viewed online.

Day Three: Believe the Women – Through compelling contemporary illustrations, Day Three: Believe the Women is a 28-page booklet that tells the story from the perspective of the women that were with Jesus through his journey, and to whom the glorious news of his rising was given. New for 2021 is a series of animations to view and share, and a longer version that churches and individuals can also download and use.

One Friday – One Friday is an illustrated, 32-page booklet with powerful watercolour paintings by artist Jenny Hawke. It captures the moments leading to the crucifixion through the 14 Stations of the Cross. Produced as part of the One Friday campaign, hundreds of churches have now reached and engaged their communities in new and creative ways through this resource. 

Witness: Easter Voices – This credit-card sized, 12-page concertina-style resource expands to reveal nine quotes – ideal for giving away to anyone hearing the good news. Through the voices of those that were present, Witness: Easter Voices gives a short introduction to the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Click here to order any of these free booklets (available in packs of 10).

Lifewords was founded 133 years ago as Scripture Gift Mission and provides over a million printed resources to people in some 45 languages and 70-90 countries every year, and digital resources to more than 200.

Lifewords are on stand S40 at CRE National (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey)

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

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Your new 60-page products and services guide. Nothing beats reading it!

ByDave Hall

‘Miserly’ Chris is the wizard of warm

A new, all-electric heating system has proved to be a winner with urban as well as rural churches.

ChurchEcoMiser was originally designed for country churches where gas was either unavailable or expensive and oil the only alternative. Now the system is winning plaudits from a wide range of ecclesiastical properties and those buying electricity through a ‘green’ supplier find it is also carbon neutral – allowing some churches to install solar panels which had previously been refused.

Chris Dunphy

Designed by Chris Dunphy, who launched Christopher Dunphy Ecclesiastical Ltd 40 years ago, the system has no boiler, no flue and no noxious gasses.

‘Many of the 1000-plus churches that I have dealt with over the years are Victorian or medieval where protecting the fabric of the building is as important as heating the people, so it can be a challenging but very rewarding task,’ he said. ‘This system is virtually maintenance free, compatible with solar panels, silent in operation and warms the fabric and congregation.’

ChurchEcoMiser and Christopher Dunphy Ecclesiastical Ltd are on stand S7 at CRE National (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey)

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

CRE News

Click here for CRE News

Your new 60-page products and services guide. Nothing beats reading it!

ByDave Hall

Your journey ends with Searchlight

Puzzling over service ideas for Mothers’ Day and Easter?

Searchlight Theatre have a package that not only saves you time but also provides a dramatic boost to your presentations.

It includes three short, cleverly-crafted sketches from the Searchlight team – each dramatically and humorously developing a different aspect of the Easter story. There is also a 20-minute message, All Stations to Easter, from CRE National 2021 speaker Jeff Lucas. Look out, too, for some bonus material for Mothers’ Day. You’ll find a 20-minute talk by Jeff and a moving song on video from Searchlight, visually accompanied by a performance from members of the cast.

Jeff, an international author, speaker and broadcaster with 26 best-selling books to his name, gives a clear message for each occasion. 

‘This is a resource for churches that have struggled to provide fresh, accessible material for online services over the past 12 months,’ said Searchlight’s David Robinson. ‘We hope it will provide a real boost.’

The complete package is available for £49. Click here for more details

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

CRE News

Click here for CRE News

Your new 60-page products and services guide. Nothing beats reading it!

ByDave Hall

Insure your house and bless your church

Every time someone takes out a fresh home insurance policy, Ecclesiastical donates £130 to the church of the customer’s choice.

More than 2000 churches have already benefitted – one of them being St Marks & All Saints Churches in West Parley, in the diocese of Salisbury. With Covid-19 playing a part, treasurer Derek Warner is expecting a shortfall of between £15,000 and £18,000 for the year. Ecclesiastical Insurance’s recent Trust130 donation of £650 went into general funds – a welcome addition.

‘We have had no congregations, so no collections,’ said Derek. ‘But even more importantly, we have lost all our income from church hall lettings and survived by eating into our capital. The Trust130 money is absolutely vital – we’re very grateful to Ecclesiastical.’

Trust130 was launched in 2017, to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the founding of the company and, to date, the company has given more than £430,000 to 2,283 churches around the UK. There is no limit on the number of donations which can be made.

Ecclesiastical are on stand S149 at CRE National (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey)

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

CRE News

Click here for CRE News

Your new 60-page products and services guide. Nothing beats reading it!

ByDave Hall

Rejoice in your second choice

Much-loved Bible teacher and author Jeff Lucas will open CRE National (Oct 12-14 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey) and introduce visitors to the biblical story of Daniel and friends, deported and forced into a form of lockdown.

You can see his video inviting you to the exhibition here.

‘There are so many lessons we can learn from the experiences of Daniel,’ said Jeff. ‘In fact, much of the Bible is written from lockdown, whether it’s Daniel, Joseph, Esther or the apostle Paul. Their stories show us how to thrive rather than just survive.’

His new book Singing in Babylon (David C Cook) is subtitled ‘finding purpose in life’s second choices.

‘With CRE South West moved, for a second time, to Feb 23/24 2022, we are right on board with the message!’ said CRE owner and MD Steve Goddard. ‘However, more than 70 per cent of the floor space has already been sold for CRE National 2021 at Sandown Park and we look forward to celebrating the first steps on the long road back to normality.

‘While the internet has been a lifeline over the past 12 months, people still want to meet the person behind the product – because face to face beats mouse to mouse, every time.’

The Association of Event Organisers has worked closely with the Government to suggest timely best practice in light of Covid-19. With this in mind, new measures at CRE may include foot pedal-activated hand sanitisers, decontaminating spray, protective screens at visitor registration, messaging reminders, one-way systems and socially-distanced seminar rooms, toilets and breakout areas.

‘Who would have thought all this would be necessary 12 months ago?’ said Goddard. ‘But we are grateful to friends who have prayed for and joined us on an unexpected journey. Our prayer is that, as we look back, we will see how a greater good has come from these extraordinary days – and that being prepared to make the best of second choices made all the difference.’

DC Cook are on stand FC8 at CRE National (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey)

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

CRE News

Click here for CRE News

Your new 60-page products and services guide. Nothing beats reading it!

ByDave Hall

CRE South West at Westpoint, Exeter: new dates 23-24 Feb 2022

With a ban on large public gatherings in place for the foreseeable future, the organisers of CRE South West have postponed the exhibition until early next year (23-24 Feb 2022).

‘With the impressive roll out of the vaccination programme, things are certainly looking more hopeful for us all,’ said exhibition owner Steve Goddard. ‘However, we think it will be a while yet before large-scale indoor events will be sanctioned. With this in mind, we thought it best to make an early decision to postpone CRE South West until 2022, to ensure the event has the best possible chance of being successful.’

Jeff Lucas
Jeff Lucas

Finding purpose in life’s second choices is the timely theme of a new book by Jeff Lucas (pictured), a much-loved Bible teacher and author, who will open CRE National (12-14 Oct 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey). Jeff will introduce visitors to the biblical story of Daniel and friends, deported and forced into a form of lockdown. 

‘There are so many lessons we can learn from their experiences,’ said Jeff. ‘In fact, much of the Bible is written from lockdown, whether it’s Daniel and his friends, Joseph, Esther or the apostle Paul. Their stories show us how to thrive rather than just survive.’ See a short introductory video from Jeff here.

‘With more than 70 per cent of the floor space already sold at Sandown Park, we look forward to an event where, together, we celebrate the first steps on the long road back to normality,’ said Goddard. ‘While the internet has been a lifeline over the past 12 months, people still want to meet the person behind the product – because face to face beats mouse to mouse. Every time. In fact, nothing beats trying it on, tasting it, sitting on it, hearing it, discussing it and comparing it. Nothing beats CRE!’

The Association of Exhibition Organisers has worked closely with the Government to suggest timely best practice in light of Covid-19. With this in mind, new measures at CRE may include foot pedal-activated hand sanitisers, decontaminating spray, protective screens at visitor registration, messaging reminders, one-way systems and socially-distanced seminar rooms, toilets and breakout areas.

‘Who would have thought all this would be necessary 12 months ago?’ said Goddard. ‘But we are grateful to friends who have prayed for and joined us on an unexpected journey. Our prayer is that, as we look back, we will see how a greater good has come from these extraordinary days – and that being prepared to make the best of second choices made all the difference.’

Our next exhibitions

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

ByDave Hall

Now it’s Boxing Day all over Christmas

There are subscriptions for tea, gin and the like – why not one for Christian books?

‘I bought a sock subscription for my dad and loved knowing he was going to get a new delivery from the suppliers every month,’ said Joy McIlroy, creator of Faith in a Box. ‘Then I thought… wouldn’t it be great to create a subscription service for Christian books!’

With Faith in a Box you receive £100 of books and gifts for just £17.99. The books lead you through the season of Advent and Christmas.

‘Lockdown and furlough gave me opportunity to take stock, pray and dream,’ said Joy. ‘I sent a tentative email to the St Andrew’s Bookshop team who were busy getting creative about getting Christian books into people’s hands. The team had also been thinking of a book subscription service. So began Faith in a Box… with me on board!

‘We imagine friends encouraging one another with a subscription as a gift, church members blessing their leaders with the Think box, grandparents signing up for the Growing Family box for their children, and book lovers treating themselves to some great bargains.’

Joy, the St Andrew’s Bookshop team and publishers Hodder & Stoughton believe the project will help people discover new books. With shops closed and major events cancelled in 2020, getting the word out about new Christian titles has become increasingly difficult. 

‘By signing up to Faith in a Box, subscribers can get better access to the best products being released and some great bargains,’ said Joy. ‘But, more than that, we hope to see lives changed in a way that only books can. We hope to inspire, captivate and encourage readers! It has been really exciting planning these boxes and we hope that they will be received with the same excitement.’

Click here for more information about Faith in a Box.

• St Andrew’s Bookshop are exhibiting at CRE South West 2022 (23-24 February 2022), Westpoint, Exeter) and CRE National 2021 (12-14 October 2021, Sandown Park, Surrey)

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

ByDave Hall

Discover Jesus and justice with a bunch of ‘ordinary radicals’

A three-day online ‘retreat in daily life’ for lovers of Jesus and justice is planned for the new year (6-8 Jan 2021), designed to fit alongside your day-to-day responsibilities.

That’s the promise of Resilient Discipleship: Embodying spiritual rest when the world wants us to zoom – from Red Letter Christians UK. Led by a variety of ‘ordinary radicals’, this mini-retreat will be a moment to breathe and develop healthy patterns of spiritual nourishment in the strange times we live in. Participants will receive a pack by post containing a few items to help with this quest and will be encouraged to explore local spaces (where restrictions permit) to discover the sometimes-hidden reflections of glory all around us.

‘We will also enjoy daily reflections from experienced Christian activists, bringing us some spiritual food to chew on as we take some time out to allow God’s Spirit to lead us in re-creation,’ said Naomi Bennett.

Red Letter Christians UK is a relational network for those who want to live for Jesus and justice. It aims to be an open-handed network for people already living out a Jesus-centred approach to poverty, injustice, exclusion and social need in our communities.

‘We’re not interested in calling people OUT of existing churches, organisations or networks – we want to play a part in helping forge new and deeper connections amongst like-minded Jesus followers,’ said Naomi. ‘Our great desire is to inspire those who might be new to this vision of Jesus and justice, whether young or old, churched, un-churched or ex-churched. We’d love to help you meet co-conspirators and embrace what we believe is an essential part of a compassionate life lived with Jesus.’

Click here for more information about Red Letter Christians.

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

ByDave Hall

Beyond Covid at Christmas: hope meets real lives

A free Bible resource has been created for churches and individuals approaching Christmas during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Produced by Christian charity Lifewords, The True Light connects the Nativity with the realities of Christmas 2020

‘As the global pandemic rages, the usual festive trappings will be overshadowed by sadness and uncertainty – even with the hope of vaccination,’ said Steve Bassett, creative director at Lifewords, a regular CRE exhibitor. ‘We’ve created a resource that responds to our shared struggle and pain and speaks of the true light meeting us in the hopes, dreams and disappointments of our daily lives.’ 

A print and digital resource, with a 20-page booklet and online conversation, The True Light asks the question: ‘How does the true light find you this Christmas?’ Hard-hitting contemporary collages frame scripture episodes of how the true light came – to shift workers, grieving mothers, lost young people and those fighting injustice and fleeing oppression. 

‘Through this resource we invite people to consider how the true light finds them this Christmas,’ explained Lifewords’ Elizabeth King. ‘In the original nativity story, hope meets real lives. We are encouraged that, whatever the situation, the true light is coming – and we are not to be afraid.’

You can use the resources individually, or share the story with your church, friends and neighbours.

Click here to order your free The True Light booklets (in packs of five).

Image: Collage artwork by Jadan Reeves-Bassett

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

ByDave Hall

In the darkest of years, the gift of light

In this darkest of years, a new film can be used by churches and individuals to reflect the wonderful news that God sent light into the world (John 1.9). 

Produced by Stew Smith, CPO’s new chief creative officer, Share The Light is a Christmas present to us all from the organisation.

‘When Stew joined us in August, he was asked to address the question “What will Christmas 2020 be like?”’ said Alan Hare, CPO’s chief executive officer. ‘Three months later we have his answer! We are delighted to invite you to join in our Share The Light campaign.’

The film shows Christians spreading light and bringing hope and love into our world. They do that in many ways – with friends and family, at work and in their communities.

‘The film has had an extremely positive reaction,’ said Alan. ‘The CEO of one well-respected Christian charity described it as “absolutely stunning. It grabs your heart and is a work of art… executed to perfection.”’

Churches and individuals can also personalise the campaign by using a QR activation code that links to the film and to up to two different weblinks or to a page with a specific message.

‘Some churches have already used this to link to their home page and/or their live stream page,’ said Alan. ‘Alternatively, it can link to a page with a Christmas message for everyone who has that QR code.’

A range of social media clips can also be used to share the campaign more broadly and swiftly.

To see the film click here

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021
12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey