Franklin: Be informed before you take sides
Before taking sides in the debate about Franklin Graham we need to do our theological homework.
That will be Rev Dr David Hilborn’s challenge to visitors at next week’s CRE Midlands (4/5 Mar, Stoneleigh Park, nr Coventry).
Hilborn, principal of Moorlands College, will speak on ‘Fake theology: even more dangerous than fake news?’ (12pm, Wed 4 Mar).
‘Headlines tell us that secularisation is on the march but theology still matters and is much disputed in the public square,’ said Hilborn. ‘Debates continue about American evangelicals’ support for Donald Trump while Franklin Graham gets “no-platformed” by local UK councils. Abusive practices are exposed with alarming frequency in religious networks, but analysts diverge on whether such practices are distinctively “spiritual” or just falsely “spiritualised” forms of common bullying and manipulation.’
Hilborn, previously principal of St John’s College, Nottingham, will recall momentous claims made following signs of local renewal that supposedly heralded national or international revival. Similarly, certain testimonies of healing anticipated a major wave of healing.
‘Biblical promises of wellbeing and prosperity get curdled into dubious financial practice and even fraud,’ he will argue. ‘Well-meaning attempts at co-operation between different faiths on peace and justice issues become fractious when interfaith prayer and worship enter the picture. So, theology still matters in the civic as well as church context.’
How do we discern authentic theology from ‘fake’ theology in a world where the line between genuine and ‘fake’ news is getting ever-more blurred?
‘I will explore biblical answers to these questions and suggest practical ways forward for Christians today,’ said Hilborn, who will speak as part of The Study Zone at CRE Midlands. The zone gives visitors of all ages an opportunity to choose a theological learning opportunity suitable for their lifestyle. Colleges in the Study Zone include:
* Capernwray Hall
* London School of Theology
* Cliff College
* Oak Hill
* Moorlands College
* Spurgeons College
Taste & See: New programme gets to root of eating guilt
The lives of a lot of people in our churches are secretly ruled by food.
So says Professor Deborah Lycett of Taste & See, a unique blend of fact and faith helping to bring freedom to lives ruled by food, dieting and emotional eating.
‘Many of us feel guilty and ashamed whenever we eat or step on the scales,’ said Deborah (pictured below), who teaches in the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences at Coventry University. ‘This unhappiness makes them want to eat more and they find themselves in an endless cycle of dieting, overeating and feeling miserable. But God wants to set them free! He wants them to taste and see that he is good and that food is good, too!’
Designed with and for churches and developed out of research at the university, Taste & See, exhibiting for the first time at CRE Midlands, is a 10-session audio-video, small-group programme that anyone can run!
‘The programme is not about dieting but learning to eat in response to our body’s natural signals of hunger and fullness, rather than in response to our emotions and what we see or smell!’ said Deborah. ‘The Christian principles of love, acceptance and freedom with responsibility fit well with this and are included in the programme.’
Scientific evidence suggests that for many people, diets are unsustainable in the long-term and yo-yo dieting is associated with a sense of failure which impacts on quality of life. Evidence also suggests that programmes which help us to become spiritually healthy, as well as physically and emotionally healthy, may play an important role in helping with eating or weight problems.
‘Lots of the evidence so far comes from America,’ said Deborah. ‘We want to find out whether this type of programme could potentially be helpful to people in the UK.
• Taste and See are on stand C14 at CRE Midlands
Buy a hamper, give one free: New food bank project launched at CRE Midlands
Buy a retail hamper from your church for £30 – and a meal hamper, comprising 15 fully-balanced meals, will be donated free to local families facing food insecurity.
That’s the creative thinking behind Farming Food Bank, a radical new initiative launched at CRE Midlands by The Giving Stream Limited.
‘We have the farm, butchers, chefs, equipment and expertise to produce food,’ explained Giving Stream’s Colin Kaye. ‘Churches have congregations and a local feeding programme or plans to launch one. This project links us all together – working as one.’
So how does it function?
Giving Stream install a walk-in freezer on church premises at the company’s cost, stocking it with two different products – a retail hamper, which can be bought and a free food hamper, used for donations only. Members of the church are encouraged to purchase retail hampers from the freezer at the end of services and mid-week meetings.
‘The retail hampers, if sold through a major retailer at a lesser quality, for example, containing preservatives, would retail at around £40,’ said Colin. ‘We retail the hampers at £30.’
Every time a retail hamper is sold a free meal hamper is donated to the church. The church can then use the free meal hampers to feed people who are hungry within the area it serves.
‘We have full control of stock levels and provide a card reader for ease of purchasing,’ said Colin. ‘We monitor sales and stock levels through the Food Parcel Automated System (FPAS) and replenish both the retail hamper and free meal hamper – doing it all in the name of Jesus.’
The retail hamper, for example, consists of meat products, steak burgers, sausages, meatballs and seasoned joints of meat. The hampers are complete and sealed, so no order making is required – ‘you just pick up the box, scan the card reader and go!’ The produce has been farmed to the highest welfare standard. Livestock is free-range, fed a natural diet, no routine antibiotics have been administered and full ingredient traceability is available with one simple scan.
The free hamper contains enough for 15 fully-balanced meals. As well as high-quality meat products straight off the farm, the hamper also contains vegetables and potatoes, enabling the person in need who receives the hamper to put full balanced meals on the table. It is also produced to the same high standard as the retail hamper, producing a high-quality gift.
A video explaining the Farming Food Bank can be seen here.
‘We passionately believe that it is possible to do good and make money at the same time and if this was a common structure, the world would look a lot different to the way it does today,’ said Colin.
• Giving Stream Limited are on stand P61 at CRE Midlands 2020
Photo: The free hamper (pictured) contains enough for 15 fully-balanced meals
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Worship: How to take it from the heart to the street
You are invited to journey with Chris Bowater and friends at CRE Midlands – as they take worship ‘from inside to outside’, from the heart to the streets.
Three stirring sessions from 11am (Thu 5 Mar) will feature Chris Bowater and special guests Lou Fellingham, Sandra Godley and Roger Jones.
‘Together we will explore the “inside” story of our journey in worship that has resulted in an “outside” commitment – to mission and a calling to influence society,’ explained Chris, a father of the modern worship movement.
The day will culminate at 3pm with an inspirational session of sung worship, led by the team.
‘Be part of it all before you rush into the traffic – and all that awaits at home!’ said Chris.
The Worship Thursday team
Chris Bowater is a long-established composer and a widely-acknowledged father of the modern worship movement.
Lou Fellingham is a songwriter and worship leader, and an ever-present in the music industry for the past 20 years. She has recorded five albums and is known for her prophetic edge and distinctive voice.
Sandra Godley With MOBO nominations and multiple awards to her name, Sandra has made her mark over the last decade by climbing the music charts and lending her gifts to encourage and help others, including the Gosp-Ability choir who will sing at the opening of the exhibition.
Roger Jones is an internationally-recognised composer, teacher, leader of CMM (Christian Music Ministries) and receiver of 2019 Thomas Cranmer award from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
• Worship Thursday takes place in the Inflatable Theatre from 11am at CRE Midlands
For a full schedule of events at the exhibition click here
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Meet the ‘Lions’ who can make your idea a roaring success
If you’ve ever dreamed of pioneering a church, starting a business or launching a new social enterprise, one CRE Midlands exhibitor may offer you the help you will need.
Drawn from every sphere of influence including church, commerce and community, the Lions are Christian men and women impacting society who are ready to pass on their expertise to others. They connect Christian pioneers and entrepreneurs with passionate people who help lay firm foundations for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
‘We are searching for 16 dedicated delegates to join us for six weekends at The Belfry Hotel in Birmingham,’ said one Lion, Chris Spicer (pictured). ‘Besides being an opportunity to connect with like-minded people over coffee and around a meal table, each delegate will experience an interactive learning environment that is more living room than classroom in style.
‘For those who dare to apply, joining the Lions could help you turn a good idea into a powerful reality – and help change the world as we know it.’
Chris will speak at CRE Midlands on Embracing Entrepreneurial Thinking (3pm, Thu 5 Mar).
‘Among a number of issues, I’ll be discussing the relationship between the church and entrepreneurs,’ he said, ‘and how to identify the difference between a “God idea” and a “good idea.”’
• The Lions are on stand P14a at CRE Midlands 2020
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Meet the lady who loves socking it to us
Margaret Wyllie has been socking it to us for 20 years and intends to go on blessing thousands of feet worldwide – including those of actress Sally Phillips (right) who opened CRE National 2018.
The idea for Holy Socks came to Margaret ‘in a wee place called Skelmorlie’ but it was several years before this determined lady, from Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, finally found a manufacturer.
‘Our first six designs were, aptly, made by a company called Angell Hosiery Ltd!’ she recalled. Jonah in the Whale, Daniel with the Lions and the Loaves and Fishes are still among the most popular products. Their ‘Not a pair of socks’ range is appreciated by customers with a sense of humour. Pharaoh’s Cows, with seven ‘well favoured’ on one sock and seven ‘ill favoured’ on the other, was the first – ‘Sheep and Goats following on, naturally!’
‘We like to have a range of serious, funny and “in the middle” subjects but always with a story, poem or meditation which carries the good news of Jesus,’ said Margaret. ‘Then there’s the Good News Sock which we’re bringing to CRE Midlands.’
The company first exhibited at CRE in Edinburgh and the event has played a big part in Holy Socks’ first two decades.
‘It’s always enjoyable to meet people and hear why they are buying our products – and who for!’ said Margaret.
Her footwear has been sported in Mongolia, Brazil, on the top of Kilimanjaro and by cyclists in Iona and the Arctic Circle. ‘Our kilt socks have even been to Russia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Canada and India,’ said Margaret. ‘But then, getting around is natural for socks, isn’t it?’
• Holy Socks are on stand E16 at CRE Midlands 2020
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Full-on week for the Fullers
Next week will be a full one for the Fullers.
On Monday (2 Mar) Paul Fuller, owner of Fullers Finer Furniture, and son Oliver will be presented with the prestigious Furniture Makers’ Company, Master Certificate in Furniture Making – an award sponsored by City and Guilds and City of London. Oliver will be presented with the Apprentice Certificate in Furniture Making.
Each application is assessed by a panel of representatives from the Furniture Makers’ Company and the applicant must provide evidence of achieving an appropriate level of responsibility within the industry and having a technical knowledge in the relevant sector.
The presentations will be made by the Lord Mayor, Alderman William Russell.
Based in Weston-super-Mare, Fullers Finer Furniture was established in 1985. From humble beginnings the company is now recognised as a major supplier of quality furniture to churches and other places of worship.
From bespoke items to their award-winning, gas height-adjustable Canterbury and York lecterns, and from restoration work to a complete refit, their dedicated team provides a personal, comprehensive service.
‘The recognition of our individual skills and experience means a great deal to us,’ said Paul. ‘The fact that we will both be presented with our respective certificates at the same ceremony will make it a truly memorable day. I feel proud to have two generations of award-winning furniture makers in what is a family business and look forward to what the future brings.’
• Fullers Finer Furniture are on stand D16 at CRE Midlands 2020
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Sharing faith: Tim helps us go timid-free
For almost nine out of 10 of us who lack confidence in sharing our personal Christian testimony, help is at hand.
The new Living & Telling course from CRE Midlands exhibitor Agapé UK is a series of 10 free videos created to help Christians communicate their faith – naturally, helpfully and as a way of life.
Agapé UK’s Tim Moyler and Dave Pegg of the PACE Trust were challenged by research from the Evangelical Alliance suggesting 87 percent of UK Christians lack confidence in sharing their spiritual journey with others.
‘Over the past few years we have developed the course in Exeter and it seems to transform the lives of those who attend,’ said Tim. ‘Leaders of churches and organisations across the country began asking us if they could run the course, too, but it was all on bits of paper, video clips and in our heads!’
Time and Dave realised that Living & Telling had to become a series of highly-interactive videos.
‘As the project got underway many brilliant communicators such as Phil Knox, Matt Summerfield and Grace Wheeler offered to join the team and present a session,’ recalled Tim. Living & Telling was launched at CRE National 2019 and Tim reports having more than 250 helpful conversations with church leaders about the course at Sandown Park.
‘Many have been in touch to say they are already running the course with house groups,’ said Tim. Agapé UK will profile Living & Telling at a seminar at CRE Midlands (3pm, Wed 5 Mar) and guide visitors through their brand-new website.
‘The videos are easy to run and can be downloaded free of charge,’ said Tim. ‘A beautifully-produced, low-cost workbook has been produced for each group member. Come to the seminar and we will give this to you, free of charge.’
• Agapé UK are on stand B13 at CRE Midlands 2020
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Is your church building underinsured?
As many as 80 percent of non-household buildings in the UK are underinsured – many of them churches, according to CRE Midlands exhibitor Access Insurance
‘Some people believe that, because the building will never be totally destroyed, it is not worth insuring for the full amount,’ said James Hill of Access. ‘They assume they only need recompense for the damage done but that is rarely the case. Many insurance policies have an “average” clause, designed to ensure the buildings are insured for their full value. Such a policy means that if you insure only 50 percent of the value of the building you will only receive 50 percent of any claim, regardless of its size.’
Access will introduce church leaders to their online valuation service at CRE Midlands – a safe haven for many churches and charities anxious not to face potential damage without proper cover.
‘We also find the insurance value of many church properties remains unchanged for years –with the value of the building rising considerably above the insurance figure,’ said James. ‘This would prove disastrous in the case of severe damage. If you think you may face problems like these come and talk to us.’
• Access Insurance are on stand F15 at CRE Midlands 2020
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The new you will be wearing bamboo
Clerics sporting clothes made of biodegradable bamboo could soon be de rigueur – if one CRE Midlands exhibitor’s ideas catch on.
Lottie Sparey, 34, is founder of Lottie’s Eco, a husband and wife team from Worcestershire who make clergywear from organic bamboo.
‘It is Lottie’s first CRE and we are excited to welcome her unique collection to the exhibition and specifically our presentation on the first day – Clergy on the Catwalk,’ said event director Brett Pitchfork. Lottie began the company after working in South Africa for Playtex and Wonderbra.
‘I have a passion for creating something that is beautiful and comfortable. 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 in Leicester and became interested in creating next level clothing that would look great and also protect the planet.’
She first discovered the qualities of bamboo in South Africa.
‘It is an amazing product, replenishing itself once cut within a year,’ she said. ‘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.’
Clergy on the Catwalk at CRE Midlands (11am, Wed 4 Mar, Inflatable Theatre) will also feature a wide variety of formal and informal ecclesiastical clothing from leading designers like Hayes and Finch, Collared clergywear and designer Rev Naomi Nixon, new CEO of the Student Christian Movement. In her spare time, Naomi makes clerical tops and dresses to sell in Coventry’s St Clare’s at the Cathedral.
• Lottie’s Eco are on stand D13 at CRE Midlands
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