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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Out of the box thinking inspires Roma communities
Roma communities in northern Serbia are being reached by a local pastor, through Operation Christmas Child and The Greatest Journey – initiatives of CRE National 2019 exhibitor Samaritan’s Purse.
In 2018, Pastor Sasa and his team distributed shoebox gifts to one Roma community and soon after began running The Greatest Journey programme for children who want to discover more about Jesus. Some parents also joined the meetings.
‘The parents really liked how teachers spoke with the children and did activities with them,’ he explained. ‘They were also interested in the Bible stories, because they were easy to understand.’ In fact, the parents were so keen to learn more, that Sasa decided to invite them to a house group meeting and 12 are now attending the group regularly.
In 2019, Sasa once again had the opportunity, following Operation Christmas Child outreach events, to start a class for The Greatest Journey with children from two other villages. Building on what they had experienced the previous year, they invited the parents to come to the class with their children.
In one of the villages a group comprised 10 children and five mothers. Many of the mothers had not completed primary school education and the programme provided them with an opportunity to practice their reading and writing. In the second village, around 50 children attended the class and 10 mothers or grandmothers also came regularly. None of them were believers, but all stayed together for the lessons.
‘Both children and adults enjoyed the lessons and learned the stories, and at the end of each lesson everyone answered questions together!’ said Samaritan’s Purse’s Rebecca Lauder. ‘They opened another house group in the village and the group of believers is now growing. Soon they will officially open a church!’
Since 1990, more than 168 million children in over 160 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Each shoebox gift brings an opportunity for local church partners to share the good news of new life and hope in Jesus.
• Samaritan’s Purse are on stand S43 at CRE National 2019
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Roger Jones: from Aston to Abu Dhabi via Sandown Park
One of the church’s musical institutions will be at CRE National 2019 to inspire and challenge visitors.
Roger Jones (“I’m 71 but don’t feel it”) will introduce one of his new worship songs and encourage CRE visitors to sing it during Worship Wednesday. He wrote the Cantata, Jerusalem Joy, when he was a music teacher at an inner-city school in Birmingham in 1979 and was given a boost in the same year when the former National Christian Education Council asked him to write a musical about Robert Raikes, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sunday schools. More musicals followed – Stargazers, Apostle, David, A Grain of Mustard Seed, Saints Alive, and Greater than Gold – before he was appointed head of lower school at Aston Manor School, now an academy.
That promotion gave him less time to write music so he accepted the challenge of his local church leaders and began composing full time, forming Christian Music Ministries in 1984.
This year the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, presented him with the Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship, recognition for more than 40 years as a composer, evangelist, worship leader and speaker.
‘Music has been a major part of my life,’ said the man who is unafraid to move across the musical barriers. He has written worship songs, hymns and 23 musicals. His two books, Worship Works and Spirit Works, combine to present his all-encompassing passion for worship and renewal.
‘One of the highlights of my ministry was presenting a musical in Israel with Israelis and Arabs,’ he reflected, ‘but later this year I have been invited to Abu Dhabi to lead local singers in my musical Rock – the story of Simon Peter. This was exciting and unexpected and came at a time when I was considering retiring. God had other ideas!’
Just days before joining CRE National 2019 at Sandown Park he will present his new musical Torn Curtain in Tamworth, Staffordshire. The recording of Torn Curtain features renowned singer Jonathan Viera (also at CRE).
‘I am really looking forward to joining the Worship Wednesday panel to share experiences and encouraging those interested in worship,’ said Roger. ‘It will be particularly pleasurable to join with Chris Bowater as we trained together to be teachers. I look forward to meeting many other lovers of music and worship at Sandown Park.’
Worship Wednesday at CRE National 2019
11am What on earth is worship? Chris Bowater, Lou Fellingham, Carla Jane, Roger Jones, Noel Robinson and Roy Francis establish an agreed definition and understanding. Interview and presentation – Lou Fellingham
12 noon Who on earth is worship for? Chris, Lou, Carla, Roger, Noel and Roy discuss our relationship with God and each other. Interview and presentation – Carla Jane
2pm How on earth should we worship? Chris, Lou, Carla, Roger, Noel and Roy discuss differing styles and genres of worship. Interview and presentation – Roger Jones
3pm Worship? Heaven help us! Chris, Lou, Carla, Roger, Noel and Roy discuss how worshipin spirit and truth requires the leading of the Holy Spirit. Interview and worship finale – Noel Robinson (plus Worship Wednesday team)
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Mock ‘n’ Lock’s bookshop blessing
Two regular exhibitors at CRE have doubled the size of their stand – so visitors can discover an even wider range of reading material.
Canaan Christian Ministries in Staines celebrate their 40th anniversary in November – just a year ahead of 39-year-old Manna Christian Centre in Streatham. Shop managers Barry Mockford and Dave Lock have upped the size of their display to offer ‘something for everyone’ with bibles, books, CDs, DVDs, calendars, gifts, cards and communion-related items.
Known as the Blues Brothers because they both support Chelsea FC, ‘Mock ‘n’ Lock’ are promising special offers not usually available in their shops – and cheaper than can be found online.
‘It’s all part of our 40th year celebrations,’ said Barry said. ‘People need to know not everything is cheaper online. We also want them to realise that when they buy from a local independent bookshop, not only are they supporting their local “bricks and mortar” shop in the high street, which is often open when churches are closed, but they can save money as well. As independent bookshops we are there to help and serve the individual, as well as equipping people to live their lives in the way that God intended. But we are more than a bookshop – because we can also offer a listening ear, counselling, help and advice and a prayer centre.’
Barry and Dave are looking forward to many encouraging conversations during CRE National 2019 – and not just about the visit of Newcastle to Stamford Bridge two days after the exhibition.
• Canaan Christian Ministries and Manna Christian Centre are on stand S145 at CRE National 2019
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Advent calendar opens window on world of refugee children
Last Advent, hundreds of children across the UK sent messages of friendship to refugee children.
CRE National 2019 exhibitor Embrace created a Children’s Alternative Advent Calendar where, behind each door, children followed the story of ten-year-old Sami and his family who fled Syria because of the war.
‘Refugee children often feel forgotten,’ said Embrace’s event manager Kerensa McCollough. ‘They don’t know what has happened to their friends, pets and extended family, and they see their exhausted parents struggling to provide food and shelter.’
Each day the calendar reveals a little more of Sami’s story.
‘On one particular day, we asked children to write, colour and send us a postcard with messages of friendship and love which we promised to pass on to Syrian refugee children living in Lebanon,’ said Kerensa.
Hundreds responded and this spring, Heather Stanley (pictured), Embrace’s individual giving and communications manager, visited an after-school club in Lebanon.
‘I was so thrilled to pass on the “thank you” and “we love you, too” messages,’ she said.
The Children’s Alternative Advent Calendar will be available on Embrace’s stand at CRE, along with lots of other Advent gifts and resources for you and your church.
‘Every penny you spend on the calendar supports our Christian partners in the Middle East who provide vital items to refugee families,’ explained Heather. ‘They were able to give away life-sustaining rice, hygiene kits, warm hats, gloves and pairs of sturdy shoes.
‘And our Christian partners are also running healthcare centres, schools, and after-school clubs for refugee children who otherwise would be missing out on their education. The difference you make buy simply choosing our calendar, is amazing!’
‘In a world focussed on “getting”, Sami’s story reminds us that Christmas is about giving hope,’ said Rev Mary Hawes, national children and youth advisor for the Church of England.‘This Advent calendar offers a practical way to give and learn at the same time.’
• Embrace are on stand S151 at CRE National 2019
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Experience the change that made Patience strong
She grew up in an impoverished home but now, with support from her local church and Compassion projects, Patience is taking positive steps away from a life of poverty.
The life story of this girl from Uganda will be told in an interactive audio and visual display at CRE National 2019, demonstrating what life can be like for children living below the poverty line in a developing country.
Taking up 156 square feet of trailer space, the Compassion Experience is free to enter for all attending the exhibition. Inside, Patience tells her story of growing up in an impoverished home. The exhibit goes on to show how she has overcome these challenges with support from her local church, alongside Compassion projects embedded in her community. These both ensured she received a quality education, had enough to eat, was given emotional and spiritual support, and could access medical care if she required.
She is now giving back to her own community, taking positive steps away from a life of poverty.
Justin Dowds, CEO of child development charity Compassion UK, said: ‘When people think of poverty, they often think of the lack of material things, but actually, poverty is the lack of freedom to make meaningful choices. Poverty narrows children’s horizons and undermines their ambitions. Through our holistic child development programme, Compassion stirs hope in children. You can witness that hope coming to life through the Compassion Experience.’
The charity has more than 60 years’ experience of working with some of the world’s poorest children. At present nearly two million children attend Compassion’s church-based projects in 25 of the world’s poorest countries.
• Compassion are on stand S39 at CRE National 2019
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