How isolated villages were just waiting for Goddard
Many churches in rural areas were closed in the early 1960s – but Pastor Herbert Goddard was determined to do something about it.
At the same time Christian missionaries were returning home and could not afford suitable accommodation, so Herbert, also a director of a building contractors, revamped a disused church and built accommodation nearby. This was then offered to missionaries who took over the running of the church. It led to the formation of the Datchet Evangelical Fellowship which later became Rural Ministries, an exhibitor at CRE National 2019.
Herbert, a former president of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, died in 1981 but his vision to keep the Gospel alive in the countryside remains.
‘Every rural community is different, and we understand this,’ said Rev Simon Mattholie (pictured), chief executive officer of Rural Ministries. ‘Rhythms and seasons play an important part, along with a strong sense of history and the importance of a local place of worship. We want to help people see their community from a different perspective, to see what God is already doing among them and then join in.
‘Geographically, 93 per cent of the UK is rural, and home to about 12 million people. However, with “urban” being the main focus for many denominations, this sizable remnant is often left behind.’
Simon, who has served in a number of rural churches and for the past six years has lived in a smallholding, understands the loneliness of rural ministry. At CRE he wants to let people living in these isolated areas know support is available.
‘We want to speak to anyone whether they are a small mission initiative or a diocese supporting a rural parish,’ he said. ‘We want to hear their stories of encouragement and tell them ours.’
Life in the countryside has many benefits – a beautiful environment, a strong sense of community and proportionally fewer instances of ill health. But the low population densities and distance between residential and commercial centres, can bring challenges for those living, working and witnessing in the countryside.
Isolation through lack of public transport, networks of people or available resources is often a common theme. It can exist in villages near larger towns, where it is common for all the attention to be focused on supporting initiatives in the town.
‘Rural Ministries recognises and understands these, and many other issues, not least the impact they have on church life. We are here to help,’ said Simon.
• Rural Ministries are on stand FC5 at CRE National 2019
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Finding the good in grief
Through TV, radio, social media, YouTube, films, newspapers we are bombarded with death and dying – so how should we respond?
Rev Canon Dr Sandra Millar (pictured), head of projects and developments in the Church of England, will lead a seminar at CRE national 2019 (11am, Thu 17 Oct) to explore how we can best deal with the effects of bereavement and serve communities in grief.
Dr Millar will present insights into recent research by an innovation consultancy around how we remember loved ones online. She will also share information on how the bereaved expect and want to be kept in touch with – and for how long.
‘I will also introduce visitors to a wide range of resources available to churches through the Church Support Hub and Church Print Hub – all tailor-made to increase the number of ways we can reach and support bereaved people,’ she said. ‘And I will lead a discussion on the Church of England’s unique role in ministering to the bereaved – at the very heart of our vocation.
‘Very often we will not know what happens to those we meet, whether wider or warm contacts. They may light a candle in a cathedral or a small church when on holiday; years may go by until the next occasion triggers big feelings, big questions, big thoughts. But we can touch many lives every week, sowing seeds of the good news of God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ, and known in love, hope and grace in life’s big moments.
‘We have the privilege of meeting people and journeying with them, locally and nationally, in prayer and in person. Let’s recognise and value all whom we meet.’
• Rev Canon Dr Sandra Millar will speak on Death, Dying and Bereavement (11am, Thu 17 Oct)
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Introducing the throw-away microphone that’s catching on fast
Throw a microphone at people and catch their imagination.
That’s the thinking behind a new, cube-shaped device that will be flung to the far corners of seminar rooms at CRE National 2019.
The Catchbox, available from CRE National 2019 exhibitor Clarity in Sound Light and Vision, is a cunningly-disguised portable microphone that enables members of an audience to pose questions through the venue’s sound system. A brilliant ice-breaker, the Catchbox can then be tossed, safely, to another member of the audience for the next question.
‘We have found people happily speak from where they are and when they pass, or throw it around, there is usually laughter,’ said Rev Alison Davis, minister at Geddes Place United Reformed Church, in Bexleyheath, Kent.
Alison, who recently celebrated 25 years since her ordination, bought a Catchbox after first seeing it on display at CRE. Clarity believe many other churches will improve congregational participation through the device. Best of all, there is no need for anyone to wander round, microphone in hand, especially when the person waiting to use it may be hemmed in by other people.
‘It is easy to get the Catchbox to the right person, you just throw it!’ said Clarity’s Yvette Faris. ‘It can be adapted for most sound systems and has a foam cover which means it will take being dropped.’
The casing can also have the name of the church or organisation printed on it making it ideal for conferences or regular group meetings.
Clarity will welcome visitors to their stand at CRE National 2019, to talk about all manner of sound and lighting issues in churches or community buildings. Their expertise is in the design, supply and installation of tailored flexible audio visual (AV) systems that are simple to use, including sound, lighting, projection and interactive screen solutions.
• Clarity in Sound Light and Vision are on stand S120 at CRE National 2019
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Beyond Brexit, hit the road to growth
Brexit uncertainty is one of the reasons why hundreds of charity professionals will attend a series of free events this autumn.
Charity Bank, an exhibitor at CRE National 2019, have invited trustees, directors, CEOs and managers of charities, churches and social enterprises, to the half-day conferences entitled Road to Growth.
‘We’re hosting these events as part of our mission and commitment to support the social sector,’ said Ed Siegel, chief executive of Charity Bank. ‘We’ll be looking at how political uncertainty is impacting the sector and how charities and social enterprises are responding. We’ll also reveal the latest on funding and grants, regulation, technology and governance.’
Taking place in towns and cities as far apart as Edinburgh and Tunbridge Wells, Road to Growth comes at a time of change and challenge. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) will present an update on the state of the sector and specialists will engage with the audience in unpicking challenges and opportunities.
‘We expect attendees to leave with practical insight and guidance to help their organisations survive and thrive in a changing world,’ said Ed Siegel.
As well as the NCVO, Road to Growth is being delivered in partnership with a wide range of national and local social sector partners, including the National Lottery Community Fund, Directory of Social Change (DSC) and Access, The Foundation for Social Investment.
Each event will be hosted from 9.00 – 12.00 at the following places:
- Edinburgh, 12th September at the Greyfriars Charteris Centre
- London, 18th September at Mercers’ Hall
- Tunbridge Wells, 26th September at The Spa Hotel
- Leeds, 3rd October at St George’s Centre
- Reading, 8th October, The Meadow Suite at the University of Reading
- Derby, 16th October, at YMCA Derbyshire
- Manchester, 17th October at GMCVO
To find out more and register, click here.
Charity Bank is the loans and savings bank for charities and social enterprises. It uses its savers’ money to provide much-needed loans to small and large organisations working to drive positive social change – bringing benefits for people, communities and the environment.
• Charity Bank are on stand S103 at CRE National 2019
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Who wants to see a million shared?
It’s the colourful outreach tool that has sold almost one million copies every year for the past six years.
Good News is used by churches of all denominations – a colourful, breezy publication features stories about celebrities and ‘ordinary’ people, showing how the Christian faith transforms lives.
Run by a small team as a registered charity, Good News started from scratch in 2001 and now sells more than 77,000 copies every month, with the Christmas edition rising to more than 106,000.
‘We are not publicising these sales figures to crow about them but to let local congregations struggling to reach their communities know that other churches have found a way to do it,’ said editor Andrew Halloway (pictured). ‘Good News distribution is a tried and tested method. We give the glory to God as we support the Church in its task to reach the unchurched.’
The team receive a regular flow of responses from readers who have made faith commitments and from churches who relate how Good News provides opportunities for meaningful conversations.
One user in Orpington, Kent, said: ‘Praise the Lord that you keep the paper interesting to non-church folk. I deliver it to a number of people who live nearby and out of 80 people I’ve asked so far, more than 70 per cent like to read it.’
• Free sample copies will be available on the Good News stand S42 at CRE National 2019
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Bishop Jo to speak at first-ever Ladies’ Day
Hats, big hair and bling may be stock-in-trade but one Ladies’ Day at Sandown Park will subvert the stereotype.
In partnership with Mothers’ Union and Project 3:28, CRE National (15-17 Oct 2019), will devote its final day, Thu 17 Oct, to issues faced by women in today’s world.
‘In a programme of special presentations and seminars, our Ladies’ Day will highlight the contributions of women in church and society, especially those who have been forgotten or neglected,’ said CRE owner and managing director Steve Goddard. ‘It has been 25 years since the first woman was ordained by the Church of England – and this provides an ideal opportunity for reflection.’
Rooted in Christian tradition and biblical values, a panel of specialists will consider issues like gender stereotyping and the barriers women face in achieving their potential.
The Bishop of Dorking, Right Rev Jo Bailey Wells (pictured), said:‘I’m thrilled to hear what is planned and to be invited to speak. Our church is built on the leadership and service of women, even though so much of this has been unrecognised for centuries. I rejoice that this is changing and long to empower all God’s people in the ministry to which God calls each of us. Saying “Yes!” is the best thing I ever did – an adventure of faith that I’m still discovering.’ Bishop Jo will speak at 1.15pm on Ladies’ Day, Thu 17 Oct.
Project 3:28’s Natalie Collins, who will speak on sexism, said: ‘Although the Gospel is liberating for both women and men, too often Christian culture limits women and colludes with the harm done to them. More broadly, the #metoo movement has shown harm to women is depressingly widespread. How great that CRE is responding and equipping churches to empower and liberate women!’
Among several artists contributing to the day will be Saltmine Theatre Co, presenting Chosen, a play about the life of Mary Sumner, founder of the Mothers’ Union and a duologue and monologue from a passion play about Mary Magdalene. Musicians will include Marilyn Baker, Christine Asamoah and Daughters of Davis.
• Ladies Day is Thu 17 Oct at CRE National 2019
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Social media: how your church can make the most of it
In a seminar during the first-ever Ladies’ Day at CRE National 2019 (Thu 17 Oct), Jo Swinney director of church communications at CPO, will consider the effect of social media on the mental health of women and girls, and the potential for women (and men) to use new technology of all kinds for good. Jo is a writer, author and regular speaker at women’s retreats and events including the Gathering of Women Leaders.
‘Although there are fewer women than men working in technology industries, they communicate more through social media,’ said Jo. ‘Churches are increasingly seeing the potential and impact of new media for their outreach.’
CRE owner and managing director Steve Goddard, said: ‘In a programme of special presentations and seminars, we’ll aim to will subvert the Ladies’ Day stereotype, highlighting the contributions of women in church and society, especially those who have been forgotten or neglected. It has been 25 years since the first woman was ordained by the Church of England – and this provides an ideal opportunity for reflection.’
Rooted in Christian tradition and biblical values, a panel of specialists, co-ordinated by Natalie Collins of Project 3:28, will consider issues like gender stereotyping and sexism, and the barriers women face in achieving their potential.
Among several artists contributing to the day will be Saltmine Theatre Co, presenting Chosen, a play about the life of Mary Sumner, founder of the Mothers’ Union and a duologue and monologue from a passion play about Mary Magdalene. Musicians will include Marilyn Baker, Christine Asamoah and Daughters of Davis.
* CPO are on stand S81 at CRE National 2019
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Celebrating 20 years of Bibles, bedsheets and tea towels
It started with a small group of mostly newly-retired people in Bedford ‘performing’ Bible stories in local schools – 20 years later Open the Book involves more than 17,000 volunteers reaching some 800,000 children every year.
Finding Bob Hartman’s Lion Storyteller Bible proved a turning point – with props and costumes helping to bring the stories to life. Roll on a couple of decades and there’s now an army of no-longer-working ‘Tims’, ‘Junes’, ‘Daves’ and ‘Brendas’ sporting bedsheets and towels in school assemblies across the country – so children can hear and experience Bible stories and truths.
Open the Book, exhibitors at CRE National 2019, present a three-year rolling programme to schools, telling Bible stories in chronological order – meaning that, each year, children hear 33 Old and New Testament stories.
Julie Jefferies, head of Open the Book, says: ‘Our success is due to the simplicity of the storytelling, a high fun factor and the dedication and creativity of so many volunteers’. It’s also true that schools love it. More than 95 per cent of those questioned said they believed Open the Book had a positive impact on school life.
The project has also proved to be a strategic stepping stone with more than a quarter of the churches involved in Open the Book going on to launch a Messy Church. Now, under the supportive and enabling wing of Bible Society, the organisation is going from strength to strength, though there’s still a long way to go if they are to achieve their aim – bringing the Bible to life for every child in every primary school in England and Wales. That means reaching more than 18,000 schools with 4.5 million children.
Open the Book staff will be at CRE National at Sandown Park encouraging visitors to become volunteers.
• Open the Book are on stand S106 at CRE National 2019
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Goodbye gremlins, hello problem-free acoustics
The end of the one-man, church sound system operation is nigh – along with those pesky gremlins.
An annual MOT of your system, along with emergency repairs and training for several volunteer operators at once, is part of a new Beat the Gremlins scheme launched in March at CRE North by Novum AV. It has already been taken up by many churches.
‘We have instituted silver, gold and platinum packages for sound and vision systems in any church with the option of a thorough check on one, three or five-year contracts. We make sure the system works and that any hiccups are dealt with quickly on an emergency phone call system,’ said David Sharpe, installations manager of Novum AV, a Midlands-based company with a history of installing new systems and sorting out problems in established ones throughout the UK.
‘Churches are now able to trust their system to be problem-free. If something does go wrong we will provide expert help to put things right. We can also offer training facilities in churches where we use a particular system, providing extra helpers when the expert is on holiday or ill.’
One of the constant complaints from volunteers is ‘gremlins in the system’.
‘There has been quite a remarkable uptake by churches to our Beat the Gremlins scheme,’ continued Dave. ‘Some installations even allow us to remotely monitor the health of the system so we can let you know about certain problems and repair them before they are even noticed. We understand the pitfalls of working in historic churches, listed buildings or new builds – especially when that means making the screen and speakers “disappear” into the fabric of the building to protect the building’s aesthetic charm.’
Novum are committed to retaining the visibility of stained-glass windows, or elegant carvings, and at the same time enhancing the experience of worship and the communication of the gospel message.
‘Our dedicated team specialises in managing projects and carrying out sound and video installations on a daily basis,’ said David. ‘They have a passion for delivering systems with minimal impact and maximum efficiency and clarity. Our new maintenance packages give churches the support they need by forming on-going relationships, not just installing a system and letting people fend for themselves.’
• Novum AV are stand S55 at CRE National 2019
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Former church warden scoops prestigious energy award
A CRE exhibitor has won the Industry Expert Award in the 2019 Energy Live News consultancy awards – the first time it has been given to an independent operator.
‘I was thrilled and delighted,’ said Andrew Silley (pictured above, centre), who started his company, Independent Utility Specialists, eight years ago in his dining room in Amersham. ‘The award usually goes to someone within a large company so it was a real surprise.’
The news will also delight many churches and companies whose utility bills Andrew has helped to reduce. A former churchwarden, he knows the problems faced by treasurers given confusing offers by competing companies.
‘Only yesterday I was in touch with a church who wanted to switch energy supplier but were told they were under contract for a further year,’ he said. ‘I knew it couldn’t be the case and now they are saving money by moving to another provider.’
Andrew, a popular exhibitor at CRE, has built up a wealth of knowledge about the various energy companies and how to switch from one to another.
‘Householders can change quite easily now,’ he pointed out, ‘but it is more complicated for churches and companies. Church volunteers often have other jobs and do not have enough time to understand the problems of switching accounts and take the easy way out, leaving things as they are. But with my experience I can make the switch easier, look after the complicated paperwork, and save them money in the process. It also leaves them more time to attend to Kingdom matters.’
The name might be Silley but Andrew’s business is certainly not. A visit to his stand at CRE National 2019 might result in your church saving a lot of money.
• Andrew Silley is on stand S45 at CRE National 2019
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