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Roast, pour, connect, transform

CLO Coffee have produced a free #101 Church Coffee Guide, full of top tips on running a coffee station.

Founded more than 13 years ago by Nick and Linda Castle in Leeds, CLO began out of a desire to see local churches use coffee to connect more meaningfully with local communities.

Linda Castle, co-founder and head roaster, said: ‘A good quality coffee can create a life-changing moment. At church we need coffee stations that match the high street, to create a warm welcome. We’ve seen God use a coffee moment to transform lives.’

We now live in a world where quality high street coffee houses are on every corner.

‘A few tweaks to your coffee (and tea!) can create an experience,’ said Nick. CLO have also operated six high street cafes partnering with local churches to create missional spaces on the high street. They are available to offer consultancy and advice to churches looking to open their own café. To download the free guide visit churchcoffee.co.uk or talk to the CLO team at CRE South West.

• CLO Coffee are on stand A5 at CRE South West

Photo: Linda Castle, co-founder and head roaster of CLO Coffee

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Join Chloe’s class to develop your digital ministry

With a wealth of experience in the communication business Chloe Axford, director of communications for the diocese of Exeter, will share valuable tips in a seminar on developing a digital ministry (CRE South West, 2pm, Thu 24 Feb).

After more than 20 years working in national and regional broadcast news and church communications, Chloe will explore the various digital tools open to churches to help them in worship, mission and engagement with their local communities.

‘So much of our lives are now spent online,’ she said, ‘and churches need to be confident in that space. We need to be using 21^st century communication tools to be telling the eternal story in fresh and relevant ways which will connect with people. This isn’t about having lots of expertise, money, time or volunteers – this is about making the most of what you do have and using digital in a way that is right for where you are.’

The seminar will cover church websites, social media, marketing, working with the media, live streaming and filming church services and other events.

‘Your church website is the first place people will go to find out about your church, but many websites are hard to navigate and missing basic information for people wanting to book a wedding or find out about children’s groups, for example. A few simple changes can make it a powerful part of your welcome and mission. The same is true of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.’

According to a recent report from the Evangelical Alliance, 85 per cent of people using the internet are on Facebook. Of all those on social media 60 per cent are on Instagram and 25 per cent on Twitter, so understanding how best to engage with people on these platforms is vital. 

Chloe also hopes to cover how to write a press release and plan a church event – the kind that will get media coverage.

‘I am hoping that this seminar will be enjoyable, creative and interactive,’ said Chloe said. ‘I want people to be able to ask questions and share tips and ideas – one thing I have learned in my career, is that digital ministry works best as part of a supportive team.’

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

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Renewing your church with respect

Historic churches present problems when it comes to installing audio-visual systems – but there are few which cannot be overcome.

So believes Andy Pidsley, managing director of APi Sound & Visual from Exeter, exhibitors at the forthcoming CRE South West. Andy has been involved in operating church sound equipment for more than four decades and started APi some 20 years ago, following over a decade in the AV industry.

‘Things have been particularly busy in recent months as more churches decided to stream their services,’ he explained. ‘Special services such as christenings, weddings and funerals can also be recorded for absent friends and family to watch. From personal experience, this has been a lifeline for some of our more elderly and isolated members of the congregation.’

APi are able to upgrade existing systems relatively simply, depending upon the age of the equipment, to enable services to be streamed. Simple push-button switching between cameras and dedicated streaming devices, with just start/stop functions, means users can be confident of recording without difficulty.

Installation is not the end of the job. APi also provide training and can deliver broadband solutions.

‘We are accustomed to working in historic and listed churches, so will always provide as unobtrusive an installation as possible,’ said Andy. ‘For example, our unique swinging arm (pictured) designed in-house by APi designers, is well-suited for churches who require screens to be discreetly positioned or hidden when not in use. Even the small details, such as the colour of cable, will be considered. We will always be respectful of your church building.’

• APi Sound & Visual are on stand D10 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

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A marriage made in Devon

With so many beautiful, holy places in which you can make your vows before God, a church is the ideal place to get married.

So says Rt Revd Jackie Searle (pictured below), Bishop of Crediton in Devon, who will speak on the subject at the upcoming CRE South West (11am, Feb 24) – one of 30 scheduled during the exhibition’s two days. Currently, fewer than one in four couples decide to get married in a church. There were 977 weddings in Devon churches in 2018. This fell to about 800 in 2019, and with another sharp dip as the Covid-19 lockdowns began.

Bishop Jackie believes Devon churches will give couples a warm welcome and provide support for them throughout the process. A special website – www.devonchurchweddings.org – gives guidance and advice on the legal stages of getting married and how the church can enhance the Big Day experience. She will introduce these resources during her seminar – one of 30 scheduled during the exhibition’s two days.

Kennedy Purdy, who was married during lockdown in Clyst St Mary Church, near Exeter, said: ‘It’s the village I grew up in and it is a really beautiful old church. We decided to get married in a church because, since I was a little girl, that’s how I pictured getting married, walking down the aisle.’

The Revd Sue Davies-Fletcher, a priest at Westward Ho! said: ‘As a parish priest I want to help couples make their wedding the day they have always dreamed of. It is about encouraging couples not to be afraid to ask the church what they can do and show that a church is so much more than simply a venue.’

The Archdeacon of Exeter, the Venerable Andrew Beane, believes that couples who married in 2020 with limited attendance, might consider a church blessing now that church attendance is not limited.

‘Wedding blessings do not involve any legal paperwork and can be organised by contacting one of our churches,’ said Andrew.

• Rt Revd Jackie Searle, Bishop of Crediton, will speak on ‘How to encourage couples to get married in church’ (11am, Feb 24)

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

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Called to mission? Take your first steps

Facing redundancy because of Covid-19 lockdowns, some people have taken the opportunity to join a mission organisation.

Mike Frith, 56, who set up the One Stop Centre for Advice and Resources (OSCAR) 20 years ago, is the person to whom many have turned for advice and direction. At CRE South West (February 23-24, 2022) he will cover the subject in a seminar: Called to mission? Take your first steps (1pm, Thu 24 Feb) – one of 30 scheduled during the exhibition’s two days.

‘My six-point talk will identify useful processes to go through when making such a life-changing decision,’ said Mike. ‘Whether you want to move into mission work permanently, or just looking for a gap year or summer role, there is always a lot to be considered – quite apart from identifying the organisation who will benefit from your experience and skills.’

One woman decided she would retire early during the lockdowns – ‘and now works part time for three mission agencies!’ said Mike, who spent 10 years as a pilot in Africa with Mission Aviation Fellowship, flying mission workers to and from isolated areas. He has now spent the past 21 years advising people on job vacancies, using his vast experience to give sensible, useful advice to those considering a change in occupation.

Mike will also play an important part in Mission on the Map – a focused area at CRE South West profiling mission-related opportunities, resources and advice.

It follows the success of the first Mission Resources Exhibition at CRE Midlands (March 2020) and will include a number of organisations connected with South West Agencies Network (SWAN), including OMF International, Church Mission Society, Christian TEFL, WEC, France Mission, Mission Africa and Mission Aviation Fellowship.

• OSCAR are on stand P20 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

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Gideons become Good News for Everyone

Gideons UK became Good News for Everyone in November – reflecting the organisation’s continued mission to spread the Christian message.

As well as distributing scriptures to hotels, schools, hospitals, residential homes, prisons, the armed forces and emergency blue light services, Good News for Everyone are utilising fresh ways of getting the Christian message across to the public – and will be at CRE South West (February 23-24) to explain how visitors can join them in the task.

What began in 1908 as an association of Christian businessmen placing bibles in hotel rooms has evolved into an expanding mission to provide scriptures to all people in nearly every facet of life. So well-known is Gideon’s Bible that it even features in a Beatles’ song, Rocky Racoon.

Covering 10 regions across the UK, members based in the south-west will represent the ministry at Westpoint – telling of the many opportunities they have to go where others are not always able to go.

Rick Hillard, regional director in the region, said: ‘During the pandemic we produced and distributed HOPE magazines – many to the NHS. Following this we produced a New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs for key workers who have served the population faithfully through Covid-19.’

Visitors to CRE South West will view the variety of scriptures and resources Good News for Everyone use to share the gospel – and hear of the many testimonies received. 

‘We will also explain ways we support churches, chaplaincies and other Christian organisations,’ added Rick, who has devoted more than 30 years’ service to the mission. ‘During the pandemic we have delivered material to every prison in the region. Our team look forward to chatting to CRE visitors in February.’

• Good News for Everyone are on stand B5 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

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Realising the vision, phase by phase

A significant endeavour with a Christian heart at its centre – that was the vision put before CPL Architects for an ambitious project in Stoke Gifford. 

Members of St Michael’s, a growing Anglican church on the northern edge of Bristol, achieved their ambitious plans by phasing the construction into manageable elements, to suit funds raised.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Revd Justin Welby, dedicated the building shell in 2014 and by May 2015 the first phase was opened. The internal fit-out elements were completed in a series of phases to suit available funding. 

The energy-efficient design, constructed on the footprint of a dilapidated former Victorian farm, includes a double-height entrance foyer, reception point and church office, toilet and shower facilities, contemporary triple-height auditorium with passive ventilation, LED lighting, flexible seating at ground floor level, tiered balcony with AV facilities, baptistry integrated within the dais, seminar suite, creche, meeting rooms, commercial kitchen and a suite of offices! 

‘If you have an ambitious vision for a significant church and community project and would like to discuss how phasing can be a viable solution, please see us on our stand at CRE South West,’ said CPL Architects’ Philip Winch.

• CPL Architects are on stand C31 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

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Blessing Bethlehem, bauble by bauble

Handmade and packaged by a community that really needs support, they are striking a chord with people tired of the commercialisation of Christmas.

Offering a different design each year, Bethlehem Baubles have become an intrinsic and abiding part of the season – a perfect stocking filler and ideal for that tricky relative difficult to buy for! 

‘In spite of Covid-related difficulties, our team of wonderful local artisans managed to complete this year’s order and ship them (by sea) in good time,’ said Ros Pollock, founder of Bethlehem Baubles Ltd. ‘We introduced a no-plastic packaging policy as the boxes are robust enough to protect our baubles and so far we’ve not seen any breakages at all! A big change from the old days!’

Now in their 10th year, the baubles are supporting more than 38 families in and around Bethlehem.

‘We love their enthusiasm and I know how much they appreciate all the orders from CRE visitors,’ said Ros. ‘We’re delighted by this year’s new colour and designs – we hope you are too!’

Click here for more information

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

Giving in pandemic remains ‘resilient and cheerful’

In spite of COVID-19, the ongoing effects of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and, more recently, the ethics of direct debits altered by energy companies hit by financial squeeze, charitable giving to churches is alive and well.

That was a key message from speakers and exhibitors at CRE National 2021 (Oct 12-14).

‘We’re here to talk about generosity,’ said Grant Forrest, chief executive of the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS). Forrest spoke animatedly about what he describes as the emergence of Generation G – ‘not defined by age or other strict demographic, but by a desire, a willingness to give. And not just to give but to give generously,’ he emphasised. ‘It’s perhaps a difficult time to be talking about giving, but nevertheless what we’re seeing first-hand is evidence of increasing generosity. And that is about the link between the giver and the receiver.’

PGS, with its values of community, relationship and generosity is designed to be an extension of each local parish church treasurer’s team, to ease the process of giving and ‘be the catalyst for Christian philanthropy.’

Reacting to the pandemic, PGS introduced a phone line to augment the online and paper-based means of facilitating regular giving. The telephone operators have proved valuable in providing pastoral support to donors during a time of great uncertainty. Via this channel alone, from its introduction in April 2020 to date, more than 4,500 new direct debit mandates have been initiated, grossing in excess of £300,000 per month.

In Anglican churches supported by PGS, charitable giving has remained resilient throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

‘It’s important to us that direct debits are seen to be used as a safe, ethical way,’ added Forrest. ‘But it’s also about reframing the “ask” of the donor and communicating needs cogently, regular giving and speaking more openly about generosity is the backbone…. a gamechanger’. In a Q&A, Revd Dan Henderson, vicar of St Andrew’s Church, Hove concurred: ‘You could see the change [in his congregation] between giving being a “chore” and something we “had to do” to becoming a joy.’

Alternative means of engaging donors were also explored in the CRE workshop led by David Lynch and Alice O’Brien from the UK arm of Dutch tech firm Givt.

‘In the Christian community,’ said Lynch, ‘giving is considered to be an act of worship. But with the challenge of hybrid church – where congregations may not be meeting physically together, or where antiviral practices require a rethink of major touchpoints – we have children today who don’t see the act of giving’. Donating may still be occurring via BACS transfer or card payment, but when unseen, the ‘trigger’ to give may not be as tangible.

Givt is therefore deploying technology to recreate the physical deed of giving. An app-based solution using a combination of Bluetooth-enabled ‘beacons’ in traditional collection plates and QR codes which can be displayed or projected in places of worship, Givt is a flexible and easy-to-use tool that does not even require the donor to have internet access at the point of giving.

‘What we find,’ said O’Brien, ‘is that as the options to give increase, so too does the generosity of the donor. Givt is here to compliment other forms of giving, and we want to be part of the conversation about how and when people are minded to give.’ And it seems to be working. In 2020, Givt report that just under two-thirds of 18-25s gave through a mobile app.

Forrest concluded: ‘While the buildings may have been closed, it’s been about the missional impact of generous giving in parish churches. That’s allied with the ongoing need for financial resilience. And all with a heartfelt desire to continue the work of transformational ministry and its practical impact in local communities right around the country.’

Celebration at Sandown Park as CRE returns

A post-lockdown celebration was how thousands of visitors to the Christian Resources Exhibition viewed their visit to the event at Sandown Park, Surrey this month (Oct 10-12 2021).

Steve Goddard, owner of CRE, said: ‘People arrived with more purpose than I have ever known ­– to discover fresh, innovative ways to re-build their churches following the trials and tribulations of the past 18 months.’

As one visitor commented on leaving: ‘I simply cannot believe there is so much happening in the church and so many organisations offering specific help. It has been a wonderful day.’

Visitor numbers totalled 2395 across the three days, plus 605 registered exhibitor staff giving a total of 3000.

‘As expected there were lower visitor numbers because of the pandemic,’ said Steve, ‘but the excellent quality of enquirer encouraged dozens of exhibitors to re-book for next year.’

Lord George Carey launched the second instalment of his memoirs – The Truth Will Set You Free – and spoke about the family trauma when his then 51-year-old son, Mark, was arrested for allegedly abusing a girl, when he was only 12. 

‘When police said they were taking no further action it was a great relief. The claim had been total nonsense,’ said Lord Carey, ‘but it left Mark out of the ministry for two years, unsupported by his diocese who then suggested he attend a safeguarding course. That was 25 years ago and we have learnt so much since.’

Lord Carey was delighted with the return of the exhibition and considered how the church might continue to come out of the pandemic. He said: ‘I want our clergy to go out and be more vibrant in their preaching and teaching. There is a long way to go but we have to give the world a greater vision of hope.’

Most seminars attracted good numbers, particularly those covering technical issues to do with live streaming. An initiative providing new resources for home groups was particularly well attended, too. The Christian Resources Together book awards, held at CRE for the first time, attracted 110 publishers, retailers and associated personnel.

Jeff Lucas flew in from the USA to lead a series of studies on the book of Daniel and its significance in the light of Covid-19 and lockdown. Roy Francis, who led an initiative looking at the Windrush legacy, said: ‘It was a wonderful opportunity to talk about the arrival of Christians from the Caribbean and Africa who changed the face of Christianity in the UK.’

CRE South West takes place at Westpoint, Exeter (Feb 22-23 2022) and CRE National returns to Sandown Park next year (Oct 11-13 2022).