Come as a group and reap the rewards

Come as a group and reap the rewards

Come as a group and reap the rewards – that’s the message from organisers of next month’s CRE Midlands 23 (8-9 Nov).

From bishop to bell-ringer, vicar to verger, a day at CRE Midlands 23 (Cranmore Park, Solihull) will be one of rich discovery. You’ll meet 170 charities, missions and church suppliers displaying everything from clergy clothing to customised keyboards. A series of 50 talks and presentations will cover issues of practical concern like faith sharing and fund raising, holiday clubs and homelessness.

Rachel Jenkins, pastor at the Church at Junction 10 in Walsall, said: ‘As a staff team we are coming to the exhibition to look at the latest products and services available to us as a church. We will journey together and use it as part of working creatively, finding solutions for the context in which we minister.’

In the late 1970s Pastor John Price and his family followed a call to establish a worshipping community at Junction 10 of the M6, miraculously acquiring the site to build a church that reached out to the wider community. His successor Jon Bentley, built on this legacy, moving the church towards a foundational expression of church and mission. Following Jon Bentley’s tenure, a new eldership was appointed to lead the church.

Meanwhile Revd Jeremy Alcock, from St Martin in the Bull in Birmingham, has bought his own ticket and ordered six more for his congregation.

CRE event director Brett Pitchfork said: ‘It is impossible for one person to discover all our exhibitors and talks programme has to offer in one day. That’s why we encourage churches to bring a leadership team and focus on specific areas of responsibility. Best of all, your tickets are valid over both days.’

Entry to CRE Midlands is just £3 each for a group of three or more, if your tickets are bought in advance from here (£8 on the door).

Cartoon by Canon Taffy Davies

Book your ticket for CRE Midlands 2023 here from as little as £3

Organisations looking to book a stand should contact James Batterbee 0161 250 2306 (E: james@creonline.co.uk) or Carol Malpass 0161 250 2467 (E: carol@creonline.co.uk)

Click to view the latest floorplan and price list for available stands