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Pew, what a scorcher! Heated cushions for chilly churches

As churches face soaring heating bills this winter, a pew cushion that automatically warms up when worshippers sit on it will be introduced for the first time at next week’s CRE National.

The cushion has proved popular in VIP seats at football stadiums, on boats and particularly in the catering industry where some customers prefer to sit outside in all weathers. Anthony Gerard of Sit & Heat has worked for more than 30 years working with designers, architects and catering organisations all over the world.

‘Our cushions have proved their worth in many outdoor settings and I believe churches will find them very useful in these days of rising energy prices,’ he said. ‘The cushion only gets warm when someone sits on it. The heated back and seat receive power via a battery, which has an effective sitting time of three hours. As soon as the seat is free again, the heating turns off after two minutes. Re-charging is easy, too.

‘Despite the fact that the heating is turned on long before the service, the central heating of a church building causes extremely high energy costs. In addition, the central heating of a church building can cause damage to the historic interior. With the Sit & Heat heating system, churchgoers are heated directly with no more unnecessary energy consumption!’

Catherine Ross, the Church of England’s Open and Sustainable Church Officer – a role which includes energy efficiency – said: ‘Using approaches such as heated seat cushions, which heat the people not the whole church space, can, in the right circumstances, be a great way to cut both the energy use and carbon footprint of a church.’

• Sit & Heat are on stand J4 at CRE National 2022

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After bereavement: how churches can offer light and hope

Churches can have a huge role to play in helping grieving people recover.

So says Rev Cassius Francis (pictured below), project co-leader and church trainer with CRE National exhibitors Loss and Hope, a Christian coalition offering resources to help churches support bereaved families.

With many years’ experience ministering to those who have suffered bereavement, Cassius will speak at CRE National (2pm, Wed 12 Oct) on the need for Christians to provide support – and how Loss and Hope can help.

‘Our vision is that no bereaved person in the UK should be unable to find support when they need it,’ he said. ‘The pandemic and subsequent lockdown periods have exacerbated the problems of those facing loss because they have often been unable to be with the dying. Many counselling services and avenues of support are still unable to meet the need.’

The Rev Canon Yvonne Richmond Tulloch, chief executive of Loss and Hope, was a co-founder of the charity. After being suddenly widowed in 2008 she found life went into freefall.

‘I’m convinced that light and hope could come through churches,’ she said. ‘Being present in every community, they are ideally placed to help.’

For many years Loss and Hope have been using the Bereavement Journey, a six-session course with an optional session at the end explaining the Christian faith perspective.

• Loss and Hope are on stand E8 at CRE National 2022

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

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Christian Vision: helping churches bridge online and offline

Providing a bridge between the online and offline world and engaging people in meaningful conversations about Jesus.

That’s one of the current aims of Christian Vision (CV), whose overall goal is to introduce people to Jesus and encourage them to become his true followers.

‘Our vision is to reach one billion people with the Gospel,’ said CV UK’s Josh Smith. ‘Over the years we have used numerous strategies and activities – from producing radio programmes to on-the-ground humanitarian and pioneering missions.’ Today, the organisation’s primary focus in the UK is the creation and distribution of digital media across multiple online platforms – introducing people to Jesus as well as equipping and mobilising churches and individual Christians to outwork the Great Commission. 

‘We’re passionate about the local church, and believe it is best placed to build community with non-believers,’ said Josh. ‘CV Outreach connects people who encounter evangelistic content online to a local partner church in their area and around the country.’

Through CV Outreach, the organisation also serves churches by equipping and training them in dealing effectively with responses from non-Christians seeking answers to big questions or looking for prayer and support. All this provides a bridge between the online and offline world and a valuable opportunity to engage in conversations about Jesus.

Through CV Resources, churches can access a huge library of free-to-use digital content and training materials. CV’s Online Evangelism Academy, not yet launched, will show churches how to create simple yet effective digital content to distribute locally on social media. The academy will also give advice on how to deal with ensuing responses.

‘There is a huge opportunity for local churches to build community with their local area in the digital space,’ said Josh, ‘and we are here to support churches in their endeavours.’

CV also equip young adults to share Jesus with anyone in their world through yesHEis, a multi-platform initiative providing evangelistic videos and content to inspire them along their faith-sharing journey.

‘Believing the local church is a huge part of God’s plan to reach the lost, we love to partner with a number of fantastic churches across the UK and around the world,’ said Josh. ‘We are so excited to announce that, as of May 2022, our gospel content has been engaged with over one billion times across the world, which is a big part of our initial vision. This is a huge celebration, and we give God the glory for the role CV has been able to play in this.

‘Although we have reached this milestone, our vision remains unwavering. We are more dedicated than ever to introduce people to Jesus and encourage them to become his true followers. If you are a church or ministry leader who shares our passion for evangelism and would like to partner with us, we look forward to meeting you at CRE National in October.’

Josh will speak on ‘Online Evangelism – Reach your local community in the digital space’ (2pm, Thu 13 Oct)

• Christian Vision UK are on stand L4 at CRE National 2022

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

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Tributes flow in as ‘Mrs CRE’ is called home

Diana Home, who had the original vision for CRE in the early 1980s, died earlier this month after a six-month battle with cancer.

While her late husband, Gos, got on with the vital nuts and bolts of the exhibition, Di always saw beyond its business side. The event was a means to an end, bringing new and sometimes radical ways for churches to extend the kingdom of God in today’s world.

‘For decades she was “Mrs CRE” and we will miss her infectious personality, sense of humour, generous spirit and determination to see a vision realised,’ said current CRE owner Steve Goddard. ‘To her it wasn’t just about inventive projects and systems. A people person, she would often be seen “chatting” the gospel to bemused exhibition venue staff and praying with them when the opportunity presented itself.’

Long-standing exhibitor Juliet Hemingray said: ‘Diana was a very supportive friend who truly cared for us all, a wonderful mother hen who nurtured many an exhibitor. Thank you, Lord for loaning us Gos and Di, a wonderful couple.’

Peter Bell, of Starfish Malawi, was also sad to hear of Di’s demise. ‘She was an inspirational person and always had time to chat to exhibitors,’ he said. ‘Praise the Lord for her life of service.’

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

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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

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Hot summer leads to call-out surge

The hottest August on record led to a record number of lightning storms which kept family firm CES Lighting on full charge.

‘We received half a dozen calls related to lightning strikes on some of the nation’s major churches, when we would normally get no more than a couple,’ said Ryan Slessenger, senior partner in the company. ‘Lightning was not the only problem. Many churches suffered the effects of electrical surges from the lightning, others surges in power from sources outside.’

The company was well equipped to deal with the flood of calls, however, having successfully helped All Saints, Maidstone overcome the major effects of a lightning strike last year which wiped out the church’s lighting system and damaged much of the internal wiring. The church – which lost its spire in 1739 when struck by lightning and was never rebuilt – needed extensive repairs and replacement of the internal wiring.

‘We installed a lightning protection system which directed the lightning into the ground and then installed electrical surge protection devices to protect against another strike, and electrical surges caused by other means,’ said Ryan, who has been with CES Lighting since 1995 apart from two years when he was electrical officer on the mission ship MS Logos 11.

It was an early warning for the requests which came in during August as the severe hot weather resulted in a record number of lightning storms.

‘We were kept busy installing new lighting protection systems and internal electrical work,’ said David Burch, the company’s lighting design expert. He helped in his father’s electrical business as a child before branching out on his own and joining CES Lighting five years ago.

‘Surge protection devices are now a requirement of the regulations for new installations – and are strongly recommended for all existing systems,’ he explained. ‘While the system as a whole is protected, more sensitive electrical items such as audio-visual, lighting dimming systems, organs and clock mechanisms, may want to consider extra protection.’

All CES Lighting’s work during the pandemic is being done using all necessary protection.

Click here for more information

• CES Lighting are exhibiting at CRE National 2021 (12-14 Oct, Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey)

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One small step to effective mission

The beginning of a major church building project can seem daunting but Phil Winch of CPL Architects thinks the simple answer is – take the first step.

Architectural design, technical complexity, site constraints, complex approvals, funding, procurement – what do you when faced with a challenge of this scale?

‘The ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu wrote: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” It’s the same for many churches,’ explained Phil. ‘The beginning of a major building project can often seem like beginning a journey of a thousand miles.’ 

The answer is to put one foot in front of the other.

There is a well‐established process for the design and procurement of building projects, defined most famously by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in the Plan of Work, namely:

• the envisioning and briefing process
• feasibility analysis and research
• option appraisal
• consultation and concept design development 

After this comes statutory and other approvals, technical design and production information. Finally, there’s project procurement, with contractor selection, tendering, construction and handover. 

‘These are all significant steps in the design and construction process to deliver a first class building to meet the needs identified in the initial vision of a church project,’ said Phil. ‘You might say that building design is in fact a journey of a thousand small steps.’

One way in which this scheme can be applied is in the phasing of construction projects where funding is limited or being raised over a period time. 

‘We have been working with members of Dunchurch Baptist Church (pictured) in Rugby,’ said Phil. ‘They have a vision for a new building to replace an old, prefabricated structure. Phase One, the weatherproof shell is now complete, allowing Phase Two, the internal fit‐out work, to proceed under separate contract to suit funding at their own pace.’

Phasing is a simple and yet powerful way of achieving a significant building project, in a series of manageable steps.

‘If you have a vision for a new building project, do let us know if we can help you take that first step,’ said Phil.

Click here for more information

• CPL Architects will be exhibiting at CRE South West 2021 (17-18 Mar 2021) and CRE National 2021 (12-14 Oct, Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey)

Photo: Dunchurch Baptist Church, Rugby

CRE At Home

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Lockdown has been a grind, especially for coffee producers

The pandemic has affected billions across the globe ­– not least the farmers and communities in coffee and tea-growing regions.

‘Fairtrade have been working hard to support producers, farmers and their families,’ said Kingdom Coffee’s Darren Rayner. ‘And during lockdown we’ve found a way to deliver Fairtrade coffee and tea to the home market, so you can enjoy a lovely cup of Clipper tea or Fairtrade coffee while you join your congregation online.

‘We’ve missed seeing everyone at summer events and while a small number of churches have returned to offering socially-distanced tea and coffee, we await a time when we can get back together, sing and freely enjoy a cup of coffee together after worship.’

Kingdom Coffee was founded in 1998 to promote Fairtrade and fairness. More than 20 years on, the company continues to deliver products that are Fairtrade, ethical, sustainable, high quality and yet affordable.

‘Our new range of coffee equipment from brand leading names like Bodum, Hario and Pezzetti will help you produce an excellent cup of filter coffee at home,’ said Darren. ‘We’ve also introduced 500g bags of two of our popular beans – Fairtrade Blue Mountain and Ire Mocha Italia for those that like to grind their own coffee beans!’

For discerning tea drinkers, Clipper were recently praised for their sterling work in offering plastic (polypropylene) free recyclable and biodegradable teabags and string and tagged enveloped teas. Clipper are one of the very few tea companies not to bleach their teabags – so you just great tasting Fairtrade and organic teas – with no added nasties!

For more information click here.

• Kingdom Coffee will be exhibiting at CRE South West 2021 (Westpoint, Exeter, 17-18 Mar) and CRE National 2021 (Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, 12-14 Oct)

CRE At Home

See the CRE At Home resources guide!

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Packer pulls out all the stops

From cathedrals to churches, schools to private homes, one man pulls out all the stops to keep the music flowing.

Tony Packer started Viscount Organs Wales 12 years ago, to coax new life into traditional organs or, where necessary, suggest a suitable replacement.

‘We are a unique, refreshing and dynamic professional team of organists and technicians whose aim is to help people get the very best from their chosen instrument,’ said Tony, 59, who took to playing with electronics as a ten-year-old and moved into the business as an adult. ‘We help from a simple home practice organ to school, church or cathedral! We are the only company to offer high quality instruments custom-built in the UK, at surprisingly modest prices.’

Tony, who has 34 years’ experience in the field, worked in Las Vegas – where such equipment abounds in many guises. Among some of the artists he worked for were Sammy Davis Junior, Willie Nelson and Barbara Mandrell – specifically her giant stage piano that Tom Hanks played in the hit movie ‘Big’. He then returned to ply his trade in the UK music industry.

‘We will ensure that your instrument is perfectly installed, voiced and tonally finished to the highest standard when installed in its new home, combining this with technical support and a solid warranty,’ he said. ‘Our in-house engineers are always available to guide and assist you for any operational, servicing and general maintenance needs.’The company can work in any situation, fully ensuring that social distancing and hygiene are top of the list.

‘In these unprecedented times, why not let us be part of your endeavours to reunite our world in music and singing?’ said Tony. Click here for more information.

• Viscount Organs will be exhibiting at CRE South West (17-18 Mar 2021, Westpoint, Exeter)

Photo: Members of Carmel Baptist Chapel in Pontrhydfendigaid in Ceredigion, Wales with their Viscount Chorum 40 – a very popular model in Welsh chapels.

Join our mailing list to make sure you receive a free copy of the CRE At Home 2020 handbook, which will be posted in October

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2021 – 17-18 March 2021
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021 – 12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey

Flash Gordon to George Floyd: it’s all in Good News

Lockdown meant outreach newspaper Good News published just one edition, rather than its usual four monthly issues – but the September issue is back with a bang.

Having weathered both lack of sales and the closure of its printer, the publishers are thanking God for finding a new printer and returning to monthly publications.

‘As a registered charity we run Good News on a shoestring, existing purely on sales of the paper rather than fundraising, so to miss three issues was a financial hit,’ said editor Andrew Halloway. ‘To see our printer go under was a further blow. But God has taken us through that and many churches who use the paper have kindly given gifts to sustain our ministry.

‘In addition, we took a step of faith in doubling the number of papers we normally give away free to prisons and have seen people also generously support that outreach.’

With the testimony of a professor leading the hunt for a Covid-19 vaccine, stories on George Floyd and racism, as well as a farmer’s testimony as harvest approaches, the September issue is relevant to the times. There is also a sports page, including the testimony of a Nottingham Forest player and an interview with Flash Gordon star Sam Jones – as the sci-fi movie celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Good News is ideal for door-to-door distribution but also works alongside any other form of church outreach. And at only 15p per copy plus p&p, it’s very cost effective.

Click here for more information.

• Good News newspapers are exhibiting at CRE South West 2021 (Westpoint, Exeter, 17-18 Mar) and CRE National 2021 (Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey Oct 12-14)

Join our mailing list to make sure you receive a free copy of the CRE At Home 2020 handbook, which will be posted in October

Our next exhibitions

CRE South West 2021 – 17-18 March 2021
Westpoint, Exeter

CRE National 2021 – 12-14 October 2021
Sandown Park, Surrey