CRE News

ByDave Hall

Preachers before Paul: why we should celebrate the very first Christian missionaries

Saint Paul and the ‘big’ missionaries grab the headlines but we can learn a lot from the less-celebrated apostles in Acts.

‘We need to think carefully about our audiences,’ maintains Mike Penny, founder of the Open Bible Trust. ‘Why didn’t the apostle Peter go to any Gentiles, other than Cornelius? Should we be as selective in whom we witness to? Philip seemed to be doing a good job in Samaria so why did he need help from Peter and John? And taking principles from these apostles, what help do we need?’

In his seminar at CRE North, Mike will also consider the speech of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

‘We need to ask where he went wrong and learn from him,’ said Mike. ‘And who formed the churches in Rome, Spain and Egypt? Did some of the 3,000 saved on the day of Pentecost take the message back to their own cities? We should do likewise. There is no need to go abroad today to reach people for Christ.’

Looking for that ‘missing something’ between deep theology and daily reading notes sparked the Open Bible Trust into being.

‘A group of us set out in the 1980s to encourage people to widen their interest in the whole Bible,’ said Mike. The newly-formed trust created a bi-monthly magazine, Reach, which offered a number of Bible studies and opened up biblical books in an easy-to-understand manner. Several more publications followed. A former director of maths and business studies, Michael spent nine years as the minister of a church in America. Now 75, his vision has not dimmed and his seminars at CRE are usually oversubscribed.

• The Open Bible Trust are on stand A15 at CRE North

• Mike Penny will speak on Missionaries before Paul (12pm, Thu 14 Mar)

> Book tickets for CRE North

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE North 2019?
> Who’s exhibiting at CRE Sandown Park 2019?

ByDave Hall

Introducing Mr and Mrs Looyah (and their son Hal)

A team of award-winning programme makers and business executives have come together to launch a new discipleship resource called Little Worship Company.
 
Their range of products will help children and grown-ups discover God together, through easy to use DVDs, devotionals and a digital App called ‘The Little Worship Company World’. Aimed at 0 to 6-year-olds, the interactive resources are based on a curriculum suitable for churches and schools.
 
‘Each DVD is hosted by Hal and his parents Mr and Mrs Looyah!’ explains Jo Sunderland of Wonderborn Studios, makers of the series. ‘The Looyahs take children through a journey of worship and scripture, helping them explore God and their identity in him, grounded in biblical truths.’
 
Grown-ups are invited to make use of an all-age devotional, with activities and crafts for adults and children, helping them both grow in faith together. The App also offers prayers and songs.

Led by Toby Hughes, a former technology and media entrepreneur, the Wonderborn team is made up of an advisory panel, expert consultants and in-house development, production, digital and marketing teams.

• Little Worship Company will be on stand C32 at CRE North

> Book tickets for CRE North

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE North 2019?
> Who’s exhibiting at CRE Sandown Park 2019?

ByDave Hall

Bolton beware! Rev Hilary’s on the round up

Rev Hilary HowarthA Methodist minister wants to take dozens of church members to CRE North – to celebrate her first five years in office.

Rev Hilary Howarth (pictured) of the Triangle Community Methodist Church, Bolton, visited the last CRE at Event City five years ago.

‘It was so brilliant I know it can make a lot of difference to church life,’ she said. ‘Our departmental leaders and helpers will get fresh ideas. We are working on our vision for the next five years and the resources on show at CRE will be a real inspiration.’

A local preacher for many years, Hilary became a minister in 2002 and served in Chorley and Northwick and Winsford circuits before returning to her roots in Bolton to lead The Triangle Community – three fellowships that came together to form a new church.

When CRE opens on March 13, Hilary wants to be there with at least 50 people – ‘so we can share together as a group and get even more out of it.’ The first day of the exhibition appeals to her because it will be open until 8pm – giving some people time to attend for a few hours after finishing work.

‘I’m passionate about growing healthy churches where Christ is central to our faith,’ she said, ‘and our love for him is expressed in relationships we share not only with those in the church family but within our communities and wider world.’

As a supporter of Bolton Wanderers FC, she may also spend a little time visiting Christians in Sport, Ambassadors Football, Sports Chaplaincy UK and the C of E Ministry of Sport.

> Book tickets for CRE North

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE North 2019?
> Who’s exhibiting at CRE Sandown Park 2019?

ByDave Hall

Global mission update at CRE North 2019

Children’s charity World Vision are inviting church leaders to a special lunch presentation on the first day of CRE North (Wed 13 Mar).
 
Attendees will hear how two thirds of British adults fail to see the positive difference the Church is making globally or locally, according to the UK Church in Action report commissioned by World Vision UK in partnership with insight specialists Barna Global.
 
While 52 per cent of all Christians interviewed agree the Church has a positive impact in their communities, less than half (or 49 per cent) believe this is happening on a global scale. The study also found that 81 per cent of non-Christians don’t believe or don’t know how the Church is making any difference whatsoever to society.

‘Along with Barna Global, we are inviting church leaders to come and hear the latest research which gets to the heart of what social justice and mission mean today to church leaders and Christians,’ said Justin Bloomfield, the charity’s church relationships manager. ‘The report will enable attendees to better understand World Vision’s distinct calling to support churches in global mission. We hope to be able to help them improve strategies and partnerships. It is also a fantastic opportunity to meet with other local church leaders from the region with shared interests.’
 
A complimentary lunch and refreshments will be served and attendees will also receive free entry to CRE North. Spaces are limited so if you are a Christian leader email Justin Bloomfield or call Ally Wenham on 01908 244590 by Friday 1st March.
 
• World Vision are on stand A16 at CRE North 2019 and stand S41 at CRE 2019

> Book tickets for CRE North

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE North 2019?
> Who’s exhibiting at CRE Sandown Park 2019?

Photo ©2017 Jiro Ose/World Vision. Distribution at Imvepi refugee settlement, Uganda

ByDave Hall

Your goal – using sport to reach your neighbourhood

Let’s get out of our church buildings and join in with our local communities through sport.

That’s the challenge issued by Rev Tim Hastie-Smith, national director of Scripture Union England and Wales. If we do, maintains Tim, we will be able to ‘offer hope, build meaningful relationships and share God’s good news.’

Tim was commenting on Mission through Sport, in which SU supports churches as they go into local parks and MUGA’s (Multi-Use Games Areas) to run weekly detached sports projects, as well as non-residential and residential sports camps. Training, resources and ‘how to’ guides have all been produced to best support churches in running exciting, simple yet safe sports activities. SU are at CRE North to show churches how it all works.

Several other exhibitors, including Christians In Sport, Sports Chaplaincy UK and the C of E Ministry of Sport, will show us how to make the most of other opportunities – previewing National Sports Sunday (19th May 2019).

• Christians in Sport (Sports Ministries UK) are on stand A36 at CRE North

> Book tickets for CRE North

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE North 2019?
> Who’s exhibiting at CRE Sandown Park 2019?

ByDave Hall

Sit down, sit down for Jesus

Tens of thousands of people recline on his chairs daily but Gavin Duignan will never forget the moment a pontiff graced one of his carved creations.

Pope Francis entered the Apparition Chapel in Knock on an historic morning last August, perched on Gavin’s chair and prayed silently for a few moments. Specially-commissioned, the chair had been designed by Gavin of Irish Contract Seating (ICS) Furniture.

For many weeks the project was quietly worked on by skilled craftsmen at ICS in Dromod. Gavin delivered the chair himself to Knock just before the visit, calling it ‘one of the proudest moments of my career.’

ICS was started by Gavin’s father Charlie Duignan and still operates out of the same premises. Now employing 18 staff members, the company have completed over 3000 projects to date including the complete seating refurbishment of Knock Basilica in 2016, Christchurch Cathedral, as well as bespoke pieces for St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Ground Zero in New York.

The company has diversified into seating for public places, schools and conference facilities. One ICS design has just been named as a finalist in the Irish Design Institute Awards 2018. The ICON 40 chair (see below) was picked from over 350 entries to the competition.

The ICON 40 chair

‘It’s a great honour to have a chair nominated for an Irish Design Institute award and it means that the ICON 40 now ticks all the boxes for both functionality and aesthetic appeal,’ explained Gavin. ‘For now we must sit tight (sorry!) and see what happens on January 24th.’

• ICS are on stand B1 at CRE North 2019 and stand S142 at CRE 2019

> Book tickets for CRE North

> Who’s exhibiting at CRE North 2019?
> Who’s exhibiting at CRE Sandown Park 2019?

ByDave Hall

No room at the inn – and Event City

Sold out signs went up just before Christmas with more than 130 organisations taking all the original space earmarked for CRE North (Event City, Manchester, 13/14 Mar 2019).

The first exhibition in the north for five years will be opened by Irish singer and former MEP Dana. A choir from St Leonard’s C of E school in Padiham, Lancashire will serenade the former Eurovision Song Contest winner with ‘All Kinds of Everything – for your church and you.’

The Bishop of Bolton, Rev Mark Ashcroft, will speak on church growth in areas of deprivation. In a world dominated by Brexit, Andy Flannagan from Christians in Politics will lead a discussion on how churches can help bridge the divide and bring people together again.

There will also be more than 20 free seminars on a range of practical subjects from job searching to safeguarding.

Special features include CRE’s first-ever Study Zone where representatives from eight colleges will guide visitors through the academic maze, offering one-to-one consultations on all aspects of theological study. There’s the Compassion Experience, a walk-through African slum and the biggest exhibit in our 33-year history (bar the odd inflatable church!) Not forgetting a special focus on social engagement and sports projects, a youth and children’s work trail – and entertainment in our first-ever Inflatable Theatre, hosted by the redoubtable Rev Cindy Kent MBE.

‘Entry to the show is just £4 if you book in advance here,’ explains CRE event director Brett Pitchfork. ‘That’s a saving of 50 per cent on the day-of-entry cost of £8. Groups of three or more can pre-register for just £3 each.’

And there’s good news for organisations who still want to take space.

‘Through subtle manipulation of the floor plan, we’ve been able to squeeze another eight stands into an already packed hall,’ said Brett. ‘So do call Carol (0161) 250 2467 or James (0161) 250 2306 soon, if you have not yet booked a stand for your organisation at CRE North.

‘We look forward to welcoming everyone to Event City, whether they travel by car, train – or donkey.’

ByDave Hall

Tackling taboos: Sarah calls for honest conversations about sex

With relationships and sex education statutory in schools since September, Sarah Smith (pictured) will be at CRE North to help Christian educators deliver this important topic in schools, churches and other youth settings.

In her seminar ‘A Guide to Growing Up: how to have honest conversations with young people about puberty, sex and God’ (date and time tbc), 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 North exhibitor Lion Hudson, and features detailed chapters on topics such as masturbation and same-sex attraction. A Guide to Growing Up 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.’

* Lion Hudson are on stand B7 at CRE North 2018

ByDave Hall

Which voice? It’s your choice

Providing quality Christian artists for your church event – that’s the thinking behind CRE North exhibitor Ministry of Music.

‘School missions, worship services, youth outreach, café churches, conferences, festivals and training workshops/seminars. We do the lot!’ said founder Mike Maidment.

With more than 20 years’ experience in Christian music and events, Mike is in an ideal position to work alongside artists and event organisers. He is supported by an experienced team including bookings manager Kim Dopson, an artist review team and a group of trustees. To date they have facilitated more than 450 Christian events.

A number of Mike’s artists will perform in Cindy’s Theatre, including Voices Beyond (pictured), a Manchester-based gospel collective of singers and musicians passionate about sharing the good news through a unique sound which appeals to both Christians and non-Christians.

‘Ministry of Music is a great “one stop” resource to help churches find the right musicians for the right event,’ said fellow musician Bryn Haworth. ‘It’s also great to see a place where new artists can bring their musical talents and put them to good use through the wider church. This kind of platform has been missing for many a year.’

* Ministry of Music are on Stand D40 at CRE North

ByDave Hall

Bus of blessing gives hope to homeless people

A re-purposed tour bus, providing emergency shelter and support to vulnerable adults in Greater Manchester, will be on display at CRE North.

‘Our 14 berths mean 5,110 nights off the street in one year,’ explains Embassy bus founder Sid Williams. ‘It’s a creative response to an urgent need. Homelessness is growing and finding new beds or building hostels takes time and significant investment.’

Before launching the project, Sid consulted with people who work with homeless people and assessed the immediate need on the streets.

‘Our first vehicle is for vulnerable males,’ he says. ‘With more funding, other buses could be deployed in future to help more groups. We would love to meet people at CRE North who share our vision.’

The bus is staffed with a skilled permanent manager and a team of highly-trained and caring volunteers – though more are always needed. It provides safety and rest to help people face the process of finding permanent accommodation and restoration. It also gives them a place to make connections to other organisations and agencies, empowering them to get back on their feet.

‘We provide physical, mental and spiritual rest and care with a Christian faith-based focus,’ concludes Sid. ‘Have a look around the bus outside Event City and then come and talk to us on our stand.’

* The Embassy Bus will be stationed outside the entrance to Hall 1 at Event City with representatives of the project on stand P7