Tackling taboos: Sarah calls for honest conversations about sex
With relationships and sex education now statutory in schools, Sarah Smith (pictured) will be at CRE National 2019 to help Christian educators deliver this important topic in schools, churches and other youth settings.
In her seminar ‘Awkward, but essential: How to talk effectively about relationships and sex in church’ (2pm, Tue 15 Oct), visitors will gain an insight into the relational and sexual health issues young people face today.
‘It is vital that parents/carers and youth leaders tackle topics often seen as taboo and become more effective in talking about bodies, relationships and sex,’ said Sarah, CEO of acet UK, a Christian charity delivering relationships and sex education in secondary schools and training to youth workers, teachers and parents.
Her book A Guide to Growing Up is published by CRE National 2019 exhibitor Lion Hudson and features detailed chapters on topics such as masturbation and same-sex attraction. The book aims to support parents in talking to their children and is an essential guide in any young person’s journey – ‘a guide they can go back to time and again.’
• acet are on stand YZ2 at CRE National 2019
• Lion Hudson are on stand FC10 at CRE National 2019
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Living and Telling: New resource turns ‘scary’ evangelism on its head
A major video-based training course, designed to envision and equip Christians to share their faith naturally as a way of life, will be launched at CRE National 2019.
The initiative goes back to 2007 when Tim Moyler (pictured) of CRE National 2019 exhibitor Agapé UK decided to run a version of a Living & Telling course developed first by David Wilson, also of Agapé UK.
‘I was hearing story after story of young people going to university and falling away from their faith,’ said Tim. ‘I was passionate that this wouldn’t happen to my own kids and other young people in the church. I adapted the course for school leavers. It was just a small group but one of them is now in the leadership team of a church plant in Exeter, another leading a national movement amongst students in the UK.’
In the autumn of 2008, Tim, who lives in Woodbury in Devon, connected with Dave Pegg and together they ran Living & Telling in Exeter. Although pitched at primarily college and university students, it has always attracted people of all ages and is now aimed at churches and groups who are looking to equip Christians to become more confident in sharing their faith.
‘Discipleship is evident throughout the whole course,’ explains Tim. ‘Living & Telling can help people discover a whole new adventure and sense of fun, working with the Holy Spirit in what he is already doing in people’s lives. Instead of it being something scary and off-putting for ourselves and possibly for others, we turn the whole thing on its head. Living & Telling can help people do that. It really does encourage as well as equip Christians to look at discipleship and sharing this amazing news in a fresh way.’
Tim will lead a seminar on Living & Telling at CRE (3pm, Wed 16 Oct).
‘CRE is where we hope to chat with the very people for whom we have made the course,’ says Tim. ‘We hope that our seminar will attract leaders of churches, small groups, youth groups and CUs who are looking for a user-friendly way of getting members to talk about Jesus with those around them.’
Everyone at the CRE seminar will be offered a free copy of the participant’s journal.
‘We will briefly take them through some sample material, explaining what makes Living & Telling different from other personal evangelism courses. The core transferable principles have been used for decades by Campus Crusade International to release tens of thousands of Christians into the adventure and fun of sharing their faith confidently and helpfully.’
• Agapé UK are on stand S118 at CRE National 2019
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UK clergy: Too many ‘struggling in silence with debt’
More than 200 clergy needed help in escaping debts of almost £3m last year.
They were among 459 clergy given a total of £1.8m by CRE National 2019 exhibitor Clergy Support Trust which exists to help clergy in financial hardship. Jeremy Moodey, chief executive officer of the trust and a former banker, admitted he is shocked by the number of clergy who are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
‘Many clergy with families struggle to cover the cost of everyday living,’ he said, ‘and because of the nature of their profession, are reluctant to ask for help.’
The trust and its predecessors have been helping clergy since many lost their jobs in a purge by Oliver Cromwell. A group of businessmen and the sons of clergymen began the support mechanism which was then given a Royal Charter in 1678 by King Charles II. Earlier this year the name was changed from Sons and Friends of the Clergy to Clergy Support Trust.
The trust provides confidential and focused support to clergy facing financial and other challenges, working directly with beneficiaries but also, when appropriate, in partnership with the Church of England and other like-minded organisations. There are 20,000 serving clergy and hundreds more in the Church of Wales, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Church of Ireland and hundreds of retired clergy no longer active in the ministry. A further 1,500 people are training for the ordained Anglican ministry. The trust plays a massive part in providing help and support.
A recent survey showed that 20 per cent of the ordained clergy and 34 per cent of ordinands are ‘struggling’ or ‘just getting by’ financially. Three in every ten ordained clergy with children under 16 admitted having financial difficulties.
‘Clergy are not going to be serving their communities as well as they might if they are worrying about paying bills and not getting a holiday,’ said Jeremy Moodey, who is training to become a vicar. ‘They live in a goldfish bowl in the vicarage and need to get away but often cannot afford to if they have families.’
• Clergy Support Trust are on stand S35 at CRE National 2019
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Youth work: Share the journey
Morethan 1,000 youth workers will gather in November for three days of inspiration, training, teaching and worship – and organisers Youthscape will be at CRE National 2019 to tell you more.
Fifty speakers, worship leaders and entertainers from across the world, including Mark Oestreicher and CRE Ladies’ Day (Oct 17) speaker Rachel Gardner, will be at the National Youth Ministry Weekend in Birmingham. A huge choice of seminars and events are scheduled, ranging from deep theological teaching to practical equipping.
Youth workers will have space to relax, get away from the everyday pressures and recharge, spiritually and physically. They will also meet and talk with others who are facing the same challenges, whether in a rural or urban setting, with a small or large youth group, or in a particular context like a school or mental health services.
Mike Palin, who was at last year’s event, said:‘To know someone else is on a similar journey and has experienced similar things immediately connects us, and through this connection we can offer support and encouragement to one another.’
In addition to the main weekend, there will be an Early Day event, which gives attendees an opportunity to focus on rooting prayer at the heart of their ministry. The day will be led by Pete Greig, one of the best and most experienced communicators on prayer in the world.
For one of a limited number of tickets still available, visit the Youthscape stand at CRE National 2019.
• Youthscape are on stand YZ1 at CRE National 2019
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Spin along to Sandown and hear the Reconciliation DJs
‘LAST night a DJ saved my life’ sang 80s pop trio InDeep – and salvation is the long-term aim of two seasoned disc jockeys returning to CRE next month (15-17 Oct).
One is a pastor, the other a worship leader but together Brian Smith (Anglo Irish) and Eddie McCalla (Scottish Jamaican) are the Reconciliation DJs – with a mission to bring people together through music. Both are life-long jazz fans and specialise in playing soul, r ‘n’ b, blues, gospel and jazz.
‘We like to call it big people music,’ explained Brian. ‘We don’t even think about competing with under 30-year-olds. Most successful radio DJs are aged between 30 and 60. In any case it should be about the music rather than the personality of the presenter. We play very little rap and hip-hop. We offer different styles for almost any function – birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and parties.
‘We like to provide an event for churches who want to reach the wider community. We encourage members to invite not-yet-Christian family, friends, neighbours or workmates to a function where people dance, eat and drink (depending on denomination of course!) – enjoying themselves without drunkenness, drugs or violence.’
Under the motto ‘unity in diversity’, the Reconciliation DJs have their own top quality sound equipment and a tour bus. Talk to them about your event at CRE.
• Reconciliation DJs are on stand E3 at CRE National 2019
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Saving your back for the future
The new Nelson dishwasher is ergonomically designed so the operator doesn’t have to bend – backaches being the most common occupational ailment for church volunteers.
‘Our Advantage Plus AD51 Ergo provides an affordable solution for people who may not need to invest in a pass-through (used by large companies) but who want a comfortable means of loading and unloading a dishwasher,’ explained John Nelson, managing director of Nelson Dish and Glasswashers.
Nelson will introduce the substantial benefits of a commercial catering kitchen to CRE National 2019 visitors. These range from hosting coffee mornings for members of the community, providing snacks for youth clubs or, more ambitiously, hiring out the facilities for functions such as weddings.
Churches that serve any form of food and drink are classed as commercial catering establishments, which means they must abide by the same rules that apply to cafés and restaurants. This helps ensure that a high level of safety and hygiene can be achieved and maintained both for those preparing food and those consuming it. Nelson can provide the advice, designs and equipment a church needs to make sure the kitchen will not only pass the scrutiny of a environmental health officer but will also provide a very real means of increasing church revenue.
‘We recently had our church coffee shop kitchen refitted by Nelson,’ said Sue Massingham, facilities manager at Epsom Methodist Church. ‘Although we knew what we wanted, the space was very restricted, yet the Nelson designers managed to include everything we needed. The team was friendly and helpful which made the whole experience remarkably easy to manage. As our church building is heavily used by both church groups and commercial lets, the new kitchen allows us a greater degree of flexibility – we can now offer hot food for the first time – and has proved a real asset.’
• Nelson are on stand S105 at CRE National 2019
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GoPak: The next generation
It’s the next generation in slick, easy-to-handle tables – displayed by top table manufacturer, Gopak, at CRE National 2019.
Five per cent lighter than previous models, with a simplified folding mechanism, a reduced lip round the edge and improved protective corner mouldings, the new table is a smart addition to the range. With a great selection of sizes, heights and colours, the Contour 25 will still match aesthetically to existing models and fits into a Gopak trolley.
‘Putting up tables has always been a fraught activity in churches – preparing for tea parties, meals, or just spaces on which children can colour,’ said GoPak’s Diane Ponting. ‘If your church or community hall already has one of our tables, the newer models will not be out of place but will be easier to handle and able to take more wear. We think you’ll be tempted by its sheer design and appearance.’
• GoPak are on stand S48 at CRE National 2019
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Brick by brick, Starfish Malawi’s life-saving vision becomes a reality
To the uninformed eye it’s just another half-built brick building – but to thousands of people in the centre of Malawi, it’s a potential life-saver.
CRE National 2019 exhibitor Starfish Malawi already provide essential healthcare for children at their Glad Tidings Orphan Care Centre, but the government medical clinician is not licensed to care for adults. Free healthcare clinics are not close to the villages, which means that any adult who needs medical attention will have to walk 12 kilometres to the nearest free clinic and 12 kilometres back. If they are fortunate they might be able to afford a bicycle taxi, but most will walk. However, the very sick will not be able to walk and many will die from their illness as a result.
‘Two years ago the clinician told us that he feels helpless when he sees a mother who is ill bringing her child for attention, knowing that he cannot care for the mother,’ said Starfish Malawi’s Peter Bell. ‘He asked us if they could consider building an adult health clinic – a big ask!’
After prayerful consideration, Starfish believed that God wanted them to open a free adult health clinic for outpatients.
‘It was a big project but within a few months the project was fully funded,’ said Peter. ‘In May this year the building started. The health clinic will serve four villages where approximately 13,000 people live. We hope to open later this year. God has also provided in an amazing way for the ambulance that Starfish needed to transport the patients. Funds were given and the ambulance is already on site and being used for the children. We are so grateful to God that he has enabled this clinic to become a reality, as it will transform the lives of those who are ill and may well save lives.’
• Starfish Malawi are on stand FC30 at CRE National 2019
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Youth Zone responds to ‘heart-breaking’ report
A quarter of a million UK children are unhappy according to a new report from the Children’s Society.
And another large-scale study of young people, from the Barna Group and World Vision, shows four in ten are anxious about important decisions and uncertain about the future. Only one third say they feel deeply cared for by those around them.
Laura Hancock, national ministries director for Youth for Christ, said: ‘It is heart-breaking to hear of the brokenness many children and young people feel in this generation. They may feel anxious, lonely and disconnected but there is hope. Jesus promises to provide peace, relationship, connection, hope and purpose, and this is what we shall be tackling at CRE National 2019.’
The Children’s Society’s Matt Hussey said the research showed that while young people are feeling more isolated and alone, youth groups were an ideal way to bring them together to promote positive relationships and friendships – and a safe space to talk about issues concerning them.
Sponsored by YFC, the exhibition’s Youth Zone will feature a number of organisations providing churches with the means to reach young people, enabling them to find a new life and meaning in Jesus Christ.
Laura was a former youth pastor in London and outreach worker in local schools, before marrying Andy, youth pastor at Lifecentral Church, Halesowen.
‘The hands and feet to reach youngsters are in the local church,’ she said. ‘I encourage CRE visitors to call in at the Youth Zone where I am sure the organisations there will suggest ways in which a local church can help or get help.’
Exhibitors in the Youth Zone include:
• Acet UK
• Bible Educational Services
• Counties
• Hope UK
• Kisumu Children Trust
• Latin Link
• Pulse Ministries
• Youth for Christ
• Youthscape
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Thirtyone:eight launch new research study into overseas child protection
Following high profile cases such as Oxfam’s conduct in Haiti, safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight are exploring the challenges involved in safeguarding young people in international Christian work.
Missions, charities and NGOs are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of good safeguarding procedures and there is an urgent need to develop better support for those operating overseas. However, more research is needed to develop this support and to form the knowledge needed to enable a full understanding of challenges faced by those in this work.
Thirtyone:eight, exhibiting at CRE National 2019, will work with the University of Chester’s psychology department to launch an academic study into the challenges and training needs for organisations sending people abroad for mission and charity – and those being sent.
Justin Humphreys, CEO of thirtyone:eight, said: ‘We have a strong track record of conducting and commissioning research in order to help with the development of best practice in safeguarding within the faith sector in the UK and overseas. We are particularly excited about this study, which comes at a crucial time amidst growing scrutiny of organisations working with vulnerable groups overseas.’
The research will be conducted by Dr Lisa Oakley, senior lecturer at the University of Chester, and Professor Moira Lafferty, deputy head of the school of psychology at Chester University.
Thirtyone:eight are calling on anyone who is or has been on mission in the past three years, and all Christian mission-sending organisations, to complete an associated questionnaire by 31st October 2019. The questionnaire can be obtained at the thirtyone:eight stand at CRE National 2019.
• Thirtyone:eight are on stand S49 at CRE National 2019.
Image: Courtesy of thirtyone:eight
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