Laura’s lessons for traumatised teens
Laura Newall’s course on self-esteem in girls and boys was hot off the press when she opened for business in February – but this brand-new resource touched a nerve-end with visitors at CRE South West.
Exeter-based Laura (pictured far left), was ‘absolutely bowled over by the large number of connections I made at the exhibition and the encouragement I got from so many people.’
In 2014 she went out to Uganda to teach girls and women how to recognise their abilities and self-worth. A life-changing experience, it inspired her to do something similar in the UK.
‘I had been trained as a primary school teacher and my dissertation was on self-esteem in children, so there was already something to go on,’ she explained. Her course for girls and women went down well so she produced a similar course for boys – ‘I have two sons and a daughter – all now grown-up – and knew the problems both faced.’
The new initiative, though well received by a number of schools, churches and other groups, was halted because of Covid-19.
‘It is a face-to-face course which needs a personal link,’ said Laura. ‘Now we are back to nearly normal, things are beginning to take off. Teenagers’ mental health has taken a nose-dive in the pandemic, so it is more important than ever.’
The Inspire Project aims to empower, encourage and equip people to become everything they were created to be by helping them discover the truth about their value and identity as well as God’s purpose for their lives.
‘It is for any person, regardless of whether they have a Christian faith,’ she said. ‘The courses can be used to encourage and equip those already in the church or as an evangelistic tool to reach out to those who are not.’
The courses are primarily targeted towards young people between the ages of 14-18. However, by adapting or changing certain activities, they can also suit children in primary school and people of any age.
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Photo: Laura Newall (left) at CRE South West
To the Sandown foyer, on a wing and a prayer
For the first time visitors to CRE National 2022 will be greeted by a full-sized Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) plane in the foyer.
‘At every exhibition people tell us mission is a key area they are looking to resource in their churches,’ said event director Brett Pitchfork. ‘We thought it was time to put it centre stage!’
In February, 15 organisations from the South West Agencies Network (SWAN) exhibited at CRE South West alongside MAF, under the title Mission on the Map.
‘Over two days in Exeter, a steady stream of visitors came through Mission on the Map,’ said Mike Frith of OSCAR (pictured far left), ‘giving rise to conversations about all aspects of mission, enquiries about serving and supporting and some fantastic networking opportunities.
‘It also enabled many of these organisations to connect/reconnect with their existing contacts/supporters in the south west. One mission organisation reported 55 connections over the two days, significantly more than most places where they exhibit.’
‘The success of the venture in Exeter has prompted us to run a similar zone at Sandown Park – this time in pride of place, above the steps in the entrance foyer!’ said Brett.
United Beach Missions, Church Mission Society, OSCAR and OMF are among the organisations already taking part in Mission on the Map at CRE National 2022. Other agencies considering taking a stand should contact the CRE sales team on 0161 240 4500.
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App happy Joanne creates God for Kids
When Joanne Gilchrist’s three daughters were growing up she created activity-based devotions to do with them at bedtime – and the end result is God for Kids, a brand new app for families everywhere.
‘I tested my ideas using paper, colouring pens, questions, puzzles and pictures – and added a big dose of fun,’ explained Joanne, from Sheffield. ‘The girls really enjoyed learning about God in this way.’
Her ideas were so successful she created the free app that involves children and parents in all sorts of adventures, in places like deserts and outer space. They learn more about God’s attributes as they go along.
‘At first I thought of writing a book,’ she explained, ‘but an app is far more appropriate these days. It can be used by a family or the children alone, but each session has a question for youngsters to ask a parent so they are involved in some way. God for Kids was also created so parents themselves learn basic things about God.’
Joanne has now begun to produce small books to accompany the course.
‘These take a bigger view and go a little deeper into exploring questions children ask,’ she said. Her daughters are now 13, 11 and four and the older two help create the various stories with voice-over parts.
Joanne was also sparked into action when helping on an Alpha Course where she found parents perplexed by questions their children were asking. The app and other material she produces aim to help in all these situations.
• Ruach Resources Stand R8 at CRE National 2022
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High hopes for High Leigh
The new premium bedroom accommodation wing and redeveloped Sycamore conferencing suite at High Leigh Conference Centre is now open.
‘We completed work during the pandemic on the construction of the new accommodation wing,’ said Christian Conference Trust’s Mark Rowe. ‘It features 38 environmentally-friendly bedrooms, powered by solar panels and air source heat pumps. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning, luxurious mattresses and elegant bathrooms. The new wing includes several accessible bedrooms and connecting family rooms.’
The redeveloped tower and Sycamore Suite features four new high-tech meeting rooms with views of the extensive gardens, an 80-seater air-conditioned conference hall and an elegant servery and lounge.
‘The new centenary tower houses a large lift, making the stylish first floor conferencing suite fully accessible to all our guests for the first time,’ said Mark.
Combined, these new facilities are available as Signature at High Leigh, a high-end experience for groups of between four and 80 delegates. Guests can use the new luxury facilities for day meetings and residential events.
The Christian Conference Trust (CCT) has three centres:
- The Hayes in Derbyshire, their largest conference centre on the edge of the Peak District with accommodation for up to 400 delegates
- High Leigh in a rural setting in Hertfordshire with conference facilities for up to 220 delegates
- Belsey Bridge in East Anglia, a budget residential centre on the Suffolk/Norfolk border offering group breaks for up to 100 people
• The Christian Conference Trust are on stand C1 at CRE National 2022
Photo: High Leigh Conference Centre
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Racial justice: Lord Boateng to speak at CRE National 2022
Lord Boateng will speak at CRE National 2022 as part of the exhibition’s ongoing discussion on the Windrush legacy.
In July 2021, Lord Boateng was appointed chair the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Racial Justice Commission, to scrutinise the Church of England’s policies, practices and culture in relation to racial justice.
The Commission reports to the archbishops every six months, with recommendations to help them fulfil their commitment to identify and root out systemic racism in the Church.
On his appointment, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: ‘Lord Boateng is of Ghanaian and Scottish origin, and was the UK’s first black cabinet minister, when appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury in May 2002.
‘After serving the House of Commons, he served as the British High Commissioner to South Africa from March 2005 to May 2009. He was introduced as a member of the House of Lords in 2010. We are grateful to Lord Boateng for taking up leadership of the commission.’
Lord Boateng said: ‘Racism is a gaping wound in the body of Christ’s church. Our mandate as a commission is not only to bind but to heal.’
Photo: Lord Boateng
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Corn again Tim to open CRE National 2022
Comedian Tim Vine will open CRE National 2022 – ‘as long as I have a red ribbon between two free standing poles and a large pair of scissors!’
Tim’s journey to national fame began in 1995 with his show The Tim Vine Fiasco which won him the Perrier Best Newcomer award at the Edinburgh Festival. In 1996 he returned with a sell-out show called The Tim Vine Shambles. In 1997 he became the first man to appear on Channel Five, following the Spice Girls and co-hosting This is Five with Julia Bradbury, the very first show on the station.
In 2000 he performed in the Royal Variety Show and from 2001 to 2002 appeared in two series of ITV’s The Sketch Show which won a BAFTA. In 2004 he broke the Guinness world record for the most jokes told in an hour (499). More TV appearances followed in the award-winning sitcom Not Going Out (BBC1), from 2006 to 2012. In 2010, Tim won the Dave television award for Best Joke at the Edinburgh Fringe, the only person to have won it twice.
In 2017 Tim Vine Travels Through Time was broadcast on Radio 2 with the world of Robin Hood recreated at Pinewood studios.
Other TV appearances include BBC’s Live at the Apollo, QI, and Celebrity Mastermind. He is a regular on Celebrity Squares (ITV) and Countdown’s Dictionary Corner (Channel 4) and has appeared in several pantomimes. He has also released two books The Tim Vine Joke Book (2010) and The Tim Vine Bumper Book of Silliness (2013).
He is also a Christian.
‘My mum and dad went to an Anglican church a stone’s throw from our house,’ he told Premier Christianity magazine. ‘In fact, I remember my first words, who threw that? Belief in God felt natural. I always enjoyed singing “Oh, how good is the Lord”, and all those great ones like “When the road is rough and steep, fix your eyes upon Jesus.”’
He made a personal decision about faith when he was ‘about 12, at one of those Pathfinder camps’ and, while it remains important to him to this day, he is a little bit suspect about people who appear to have all the answers – and jealous as well.
‘I saw someone on telly who said, “I never have any doubts about my faith.” You think to yourself, it would be lovely to be that cast-iron all the time because that must utterly transform the way you live your life.’
Tim will open CRE and then be interviewed by Steve Legg, editor of Sorted magazine.
• Sorted magazine are on stand Y3 at CRE National 2022
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Photo: Comedian Tim Vine, who will open CRE National 2022
CRE South West: no other way to reach so many in just two days
As Covid-19 restrictions are lifted churches will have to learn a whole new way to present Sunday worship.
So said Simon Thomas, a former Blue Peter and Sky Sports presenter, at the opening of the Christian Resources Exhibition at Westpoint, Exeter (Feb 23-24).
‘When you are leading a service or preaching online it is difficult to decide whether to look at the congregation or the camera but unless you look at the camera those watching cannot feel fully involved,’ said Simon. ‘If you forget about your online audience very soon you will not have one.’
Helping churches develop broadcasting skills was one of the key themes of the exhibition with many visitors attending practical seminars on related subjects. Simon also talked about the death of his wife, Gemma, from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) – four days after being admitted to hospital in 2017. Subsequently, he launched the Gemma Thomas Fund to raise awareness and money for research. He is now president of Blood Cancer UK.
‘I want to make sure that more people are made aware of the signs and symptoms of all blood cancers so we can improve early diagnosis and give people a fighting chance,’ he said.
Simon paid his first visit to CRE at Sandown Park as a 12-year-old, taken by his late father, a vicar.
‘The event has advanced so much,’ he said. ‘There is something here for every aspect of church life. It really is a must for Christians.’
CRE South West attracted 1521 people (1257 visitors and 264 non-visitor attendees) – numbers which delighted the organisers after the impact of Covid-19.
‘Running an event in the face of a pandemic is a nerve-wracking experience so we are grateful to all our loyal exhibitors and visitors,’ said CRE owner Steve Goddard. ‘In fact, the atmosphere last week was as upbeat as we have ever known with a sense of release and purpose after two years behind closed doors.’
‘It was good to be back together again and exhibit our plane!’ said MAF’s Kevin Crook. ‘We were so encouraged to see a large number of people showing real interest in our work, many of whom had never even heard of us.’
Mike Frith of OSCAR said: ‘We had a steady stream of visitors through Mission on the Map and many great conversations.’
Tim Moyler of Agapé UK, said: ‘There is no other way we could have reached so many leaders and organisations in just two days. Many said our Living & Telling course was just what they were looking for. Our national director was amazed at how many unexpected and fruitful conversations she had.’
‘We were genuinely delighted with the reception we received,’ said David Saint of Action Planning. ‘Although it was inevitably quieter than the national exhibition, we had a large number of very positive conversations. I’m pretty sure we came away with more leads from two days in Exeter than three days in Esher – and we were pretty pleased then, too!’
‘CRE is always an excellent platform for meeting quality contacts,’ said Chris Dunphy of ChurchEcoMiser. ‘Although the past few years have been anything but “normal”, the team know how to attract the right people and this was one of the best exhibitions we have ever done.’
These positive comments were endorsed by visitors.
‘I just want to say a HUGE thank you to all. The event was very well set out and organised, the seminars engaging and informative,’ said Liz Moore, a life coach. ‘It was lovely to network with people I hadn’t seen for a long time – and new people, too. Well done, CRE!’
Rev David Coffey, of Upton Vale Baptist in Torquay, told BBC Radio Devon: ’It’s fascinating to see the number and range of exhibitors at CRE. It reminds you how churches of all denominations form a huge marketplace. Gone are the days churches can go it alone.’
Simon Preece, church warden at St Andrew’s, Kenn in Devon, said: ‘I was so excited and almost overwhelmed by it all with people so willing to exchange ideas.’
• CRE National 2022 will take place at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, 11-13 October. To book a stand click here. Visitor tickets will be available from May 2022.
All smiles now, but it took 30 days to find safety
When fighting broke out in their village in South Sudan, Victor and his three brothers were forced to leave – not knowing whether their parents were alive or not.
For 30 days the boys walked tirelessly in search of safely, eventually arriving at a refugee settlement in Northern Uganda. Through the work of CRE South West exhibitor World Vision, Victor, his brothers and many more like them have found shelter and safely.
All four boys have now been fostered by another refugee family living in the same area and are receiving food and water. Thanks to Angela, their foster mother, they are part of a loving family.
‘Sadly, Victor’s story is not the only one of its kind,’ said World Vision’s Simon Gibbes. ‘An estimated 250 million children and young people currently live in countries affected by armed conflicts. We are fighting for children like Victor every day, to ensure they have access to clean water, food, a safe place to sleep and the chance of a future.
‘Inspired by our Christian faith, we have been working alongside refugee families living in Northern Uganda since fighting broke out. We help children, of all faiths and none, in some of the world’s most dangerous places. We are thrilled to be exhibiting at CRE South West this year, sharing our work with churches throughout the south west.’
A free devotional guide will be available at the World Vision stand and visitors will find out how the charity’s Matthew 25 Discipleship Challenge can help them discover God’s heart for the poor. This is also the subject of a seminar led by Simon at CRE South West (12pm, Wed 23 Feb).
‘Families and individuals are invited to take part in seven days of small challenges, bringing to life Jesus’ call in Matthew 25:35-40,’ said Simon. ‘These daily activities are designed to give people a glimpse into the realities faced by many children, like Victor and his brothers.’
• World Vision are on stand B21 at CRE South West
Book your tickets to CRE South West! – and save up to £5
Seminar Guide – See the complete guide to seminars at CRE South West 2022
Your invitation – See an online version of the CRE South West 2022 brochure
Our next exhibitions
CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter
CRE National 2022
11-13 October 2022
Sandown Park, Surrey
Competition celebrates Queen who’s served us right
Primary school children are being challenged to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by entering a competition run by a CRE South West exhibitor.
Kerry Evans, head of Open the Book, said: ‘The Queen values the stories in the Bible and has lived a life of service to the nation. We are linking these two aspects in the competition. We want children to use a Bible verse that talks about the importance of service as their inspiration and illustrate it by submitting a drawing, poem, a short story of no more than 500 words – or even a comic.’
Any suitable Bible verse can be used but examples given are 1 Peter 4:10: ‘Each one, as a good manager of God’s different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God’, Acts 20:35: ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving’ and John 12:26: ‘And my Father will honour anyone who serves me’.
The competition starts on March 1 2022 and entries must be submitted by email up to 5pm on April 29. Ten winning entries will each receive an individual copy of the Family edition of the Good News Bible, and copies of Queen Elizabeth II: The Queen Who Chose to Serve by Alison Mitchell and Emma Randall for each of their classmates.
The book, published by The Good Book Company, is an inspiring children’s biography of Queen Elizabeth II highlighting the Christian faith that has underpinned her 70-year reign, chronicling key moments in her life.
Open the Book is part of the Bible Society and winning entries will be published in the Bible Society’s Word in Actionmagazine.
Terms and conditions can be found here.
• Open the Book will be on the Bible Society stand D26 at CRE South West
Book your tickets to CRE South West! – and save up to £5
Seminar Guide – See the complete guide to seminars at CRE South West 2022
Your invitation – See an online version of the CRE South West 2022 brochure
Our next exhibitions
CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter
CRE National 2022
11-13 October 2022
Sandown Park, Surrey
‘Martock massif’ head for Westpoint, Exeter
Martock Christian Fellowship are packing the church minibus next week and heading for a day of discovery at CRE South West.
From previous visits, fellowship leader Phil Reed (pictured) knows it will be a valuable experience and a dozen people from the church have bagged a seat on the bus.
‘It’s a wonderful opportunity to travel together and share quality time – something that has been lacking over the past couple of years,’ said Phil.
Those travelling from Martock in Somerset to Westpoint represent a range of activities within the church family –treasurer, administrator, communication officer, pastor, worship leader and others in charge of pastoral care.
‘Some have never been to a CRE, a few have been to the national exhibition in Surrey but all are looking forward to what Exeter has to offer,’ said Phil. ‘Our fellowship is beginning to open up after lockdown and we are all looking for fresh inspiration. We are hoping to find new input and resources. Many are looking forward to the seminars, too. Those of us who have been before always found them inspirational, challenging and very worthwhile.’
‘The event is designed specifically to give advice and encouragement to key decision makers in the local church,’ said Steve Goddard, owner of CRE, ‘so it’s always encouraging to see church leadership groups at the exhibition. I am confident that members of the “Martock massif” will be among those who get the most out of the event, pooling ideas over coffee throughout the day.
‘And it’s not too late for more church groups in the region to come out of Covid isolation and get together for a day of inspiration and insight.’
Book your tickets to CRE South West! – and save up to £5
Seminar Guide – See the complete guide to seminars at CRE South West 2022
Your invitation – See an online version of the CRE South West 2022 brochure
Our next exhibitions
CRE South West 2022
23-24 February 2022
Westpoint, Exeter
CRE National 2022
11-13 October 2022
Sandown Park, Surrey