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ByDave Hall

Half a million join Advent journey

An estimated 500,000 people are currently on an Advent journey with a Real Advent Calendar, according to Meaningful Chocolate pioneer David Marshall.

‘That number is made up of 150,000 children and other family members,’ said David, who founded the company 10 years ago. ‘Nearly 500 calendars have also been donated to a food bank scheme.’

It all began when the former communications director saw the wrapping on an egg that said ‘Easter is a season of chocolate and loveliness.’

‘I was shocked that a commercial company would make such a claim that was just not true,’ he recalls. ‘I couldn’t find anyone making an egg with any religious significance so I came up with the idea of a fair trade egg which told the original story.’

At first it was just a paragraph on the box. Now each egg comes with a 24-page activity booklet proclaiming the Easter story in full. The first egg was produced in time for Easter 2011. Supermarkets refused to sell it and major sales went through churches and church schools. Now more than a million eggs are produced and some supermarkets have begun to stock the product.

Six years ago David vision’s expanded to include Advent calendars – again using Fair Trade chocolate and proclaiming the real message of Christmas. The eggs and calendars are produced under Fair Trade regulations and the packaging contains no plastic and is fully recyclable. The company has donated more than £250,000 to charitable causes.

Who’s exhibiting at CRE Midlands 2020
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ByDave Hall

At last! Mission resources go centre stage

Running alongside CRE Midlands (4/5 Mar 2020) will be the first-ever Mission Resources Exhibition (Wed 4 Mar 2020).

Hosted by Mike Frith of OSCAR (pictured right), the one-day exhibition celebrates the organisation’s 20th birthday. It will feature more than 25 specialist organisations and up to 500 individuals from mission agencies and mission-minded churches, providing a unique networking opportunity.

‘This could be the largest gathering of the UK mission community in the past 20 years,’ said Mike. ‘OSCAR is the online hub that brings together mission stakeholders from across the Christian community – which means we’re uniquely placed to host the event. While the internet helps us achieve a great deal, rarely do we get an opportunity to share resources and build relationships. Face-to-face meetings are as important as ever, maybe even more so as opportunities to meet are fewer. Who knows, this may be the start of something more regular on the calendar.’

MRE will be located in a building next to CRE Midlands 2020 at Stoneleigh Park. Entrance will be free for all attendees. Those who book online for MRE will also be able to book for free admission to CRE Midlands.

Featured exhibitors include:

• Access Underwriting
• AFVS (Advice For the Voluntary Sector)
• All Nations Christian College
• Big Church Day Out
• Christian TEFL
• Durbin plc
• Ichthus Motor Services
• Key Travel
• Kingdom Bank
• Lee Abbey
• Mission & Relief Logistics Ltd
• OSCAR
• Redcliffe College
• Salt Insurance
• Shunem Trust
• Stewardship
• Syzygy
• Talent Trust Consultants
• Thrive Worldwide
• Whitefield Christian Trust
• WRS Limited Insurance Brokers

Register for MRE (Wed 4 Mar 2020 only) free of charge

Who’s exhibiting at CRE Midlands 2020
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ByDave Hall

Bishop welcomes return of CRE to NAEC, Stoneleigh Park (4/5 Mar 2020)

The Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth (pictured above), has welcomed the return of CRE to the Midlands for the first time in five years (NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, nr Coventry, 4/5 Mar 2020).

‘I’m delighted that more than 100 specialist organisations will once again bring their skills, services, ideas and resources to Stoneleigh Park,’ said Bishop Christopher. ‘I encourage people from all church traditions to enjoy a day of rich discovery.’

Often dubbed ‘the ideal church show’, everything from computers to communion wine, puppets to pulpits, will be on display. A series of seminars, given by both regional and national experts, will cover issues of vital concern to local church leaders and members of all kinds – from parish magazine editors to treasurers, youth workers to worship leaders. 

The Gospability Choir, created by Coventry singer Sandra Godley and made up of more than 20 people who have overcome mental or physical health problems, will help open the exhibition (10am, Wed 4 Mar). Gospability sang at Windsor for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle before the couple’s wedding last year.

Clergy on the Catwalk will follow – a presentation of the latest in clerical clothing, from formal vestments to round-the-parish leisurewear, modelled by ordained ministers. Several theological colleges will form a Study Zone, for people of all ages interested in lifelong learning – from short courses to doctorates, summer schools to evening classes. 

On the exhibition’s second day (Thu 5 Mar) long-established composer Chris Bowater leads a day-long conference on corporate worship.

‘Battles over musical styles, levels of volume, kinds of instruments and old versus new – they’ve gone on for decades,’ said Chris, a father of the modern worship movement. ‘Ironically, in heaven worship unites us! So what is it we fight over – and why?’ Attempting to answer these and other allied questions forms the basis of CRE Midland’s Worship Thursday. Chris will be joined by several leading songwriters and worship leaders representing different traditions and styles.

‘Local churches face a multitude of questions and the exhibitions will offer some vital lightbulb moments,’ said CRE event director Brett Pitchfork. ‘Experts will fill every aisle, guiding visitors through the complexities of local ministry. Located in the heart of England, Stoneleigh Park offers thousands of free parking places in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.’ 

Up to 2500 local church leaders and members, representing all major denominations, are expected to visit the two-day event.

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ByDave Hall

Acts of God and man: Is your church sufficiently insured?

In today’s litigious world, churches face risks far beyond property damage.

‘They should regularly consider the situation and be comfortable that they have sufficient insurance and risk management arrangements in place,’ says Russell Hickman, church specialist at Access Insurance.

Access serve over 2,500 churches in the UK, providing advice on getting the right cover in place, as well as helping in the event that a claim needs to be made. From the last 1,000 claims Access have helped church clients to make, several stand out as warnings to other churches.

‘In one case a woman fell down a flight of stairs after the lights were turned out, in an apparent attempt to encourage people to leave the premises. The compensation she received for her injuries was over £70,000,’ recalls Russell. ‘Thankfully the church had adequate insurance.’

In another, cameras were damaged as volunteers packed them away. The £5,500 claimed was paid out quickly and the projection, recording and broadcasting was able to continue. Often claims happen due to outside sources totally beyond the control of the church. In one instance, Access assisted a client after a hit-and-run driver caused severe damage to their building. Repairs costing over £13,000 (22 per cent of the church’s income) were paid for.

‘It’s best to consult and take advice from an expert when arranging church insurance,’ says Russell. ‘The feedback we get is that we understand the context in which churches operate and pay attention to detail. Probably the fact that I’m a church secretary helps me immensely!’

The faith of Access’ leaders informs the way that business is conducted. By 2025 Access aim to give £500,000 to charity each year. They are also in the process of setting up a fund churches can apply to for small grants for community, outreach and evangelism projects.

• Access Insurance are on stand F15 at CRE Midlands 2020

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ByDave Hall

Franklin Graham: ‘Only Jesus Christ offers lasting purpose’

Sixty-five years after Billy Graham’s first historic UK missions his son, Franklin, will conduct eight evangelistic meetings around the UK in 2020 – with the London launch this year on Saturday 26 October.

In an advance message, Franklin said: ‘Two-thirds of people in the UK say they are unfulfilled and nearly 20 per cent struggle with constant loneliness. Only Jesus Christ offers lasting purpose, in this life and for eternity. He is our only hope – and you can reach your community with his love.’

Franklin has devoted his life to proclaiming the gospel and serves as president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). His first evangelistic event with the ministry was in 1989 and since then he has held 197 events in 188 cities and 51 countries.

The tour, which will feature a message from Franklin and live music from Michael W. Smith and Planetshakers, doesn’t start until summer 2020. However, visitors to CRE National 2019 will be invited to the London launch (7pm, Westminster Chapel) on Sat 26 Oct 2019, where they can find out how to be a part of the tour and the build up to it.

‘We are calling on those attending CRE National to get involved by spreading the word of the tour in their churches and local communities, praying for revival, and then inviting others to the event,’ said Jeremy Meyer of BGEA (UK).

The list of other launch meetings across the country are:

Birmingham, October 19, 10.30am, Edgbaston Stadium, B5 7QU

Cardiff, October 22, 7.30pm, All Nations Centre, Sachville Avenue, CF14 3NY

Glasgow, October 15, 7pm Double Tree by Hilton, Cambridge Street, G2 3HN

Liverpool, October 25, 7pm, Liverpool Football Club, Anfield Road, Anfield, L4 0TH

Milton Keynes, October 24, 7pm, MKCC, Strudwick Drive, MK6 2TG

Newcastle, October 16, 7.30 pm, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, Bottle Bank, NE8 2AR

Sheffield, October 17, 7pm, St Thomas Philadelphia, 6 Gilpin Street, S6 3BL

• The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association are on stand S27 at CRE National 2019

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ByDave Hall

Glad tidings! Christmas Comms Clinic launched at CRE

If you’re tired of doing the same thing every Christmas at your church, the first-ever CRE Christmas Comms Clinic is for you!

CPO, who have supported churches with communications for more than 60 years, are offering visitors a free 20-minute consultation with a member of their friendly and knowledgeable team at CRE National 2019.

‘Your church has a hugely exciting piece of news to share,’ said CPO’s Jo Swinney. ‘We want to help you be the best at welcoming visitors to hear the Christmas message.’

Many churches are scared to change what they have always done because of limited time and budgets – but CPO do not believe these are barriers to communicating well. 

‘What you want to do with your 20-minute consultation is up to you,’ said Jo. ‘We recommend you bring along examples of previous Christmas outreach resources, ideas for this year, or if you are super organised, your design concepts. Whether you want to talk about printed resources, your website or digital resources as a whole, we’ll be delighted to help you plan for this pivotal time of the year.’

There are only 36 consultations available over the three days of CRE National 2019. If you are interested in meeting with our team please email CPO and they will let you know what slots are available. 

‘To avoid disappointment, get in touch as soon as possible as these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis,’ said Jo.

• The Christmas Comms Clinic is on stands E1/E2 at CRE National 2019
• CPO are on stand S81 at CRE National 2019

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ByDave Hall

Ecclesiastical architecture: time we understood its subliminal messages

There is a liturgy behind gargoyles, grotesques and gothic flying buttresses – do we really understand the agenda in the ecclesiastical architecture we admire and cherish?

That will be Dr Sanjee Perera’s question to visitors at the first-ever Ladies’ Day (12pm, Thu 17 Oct) at CRE National 2019.

‘Power and its values are celebrated throughout our historic church buildings,’ she will contend. ‘Feudalism, monarchy and elitism are intermingled with raptures of the divine. Concepts of womanhood and beauty are splashed on glass and masonry – as virtuous, demure, chaste, pale, gentle and genteel.’

Dr Perera, a research fellow in Cognitive Ecclesiology at the University of Birmingham, Philosophy, Theology and Religion department, will call for a fresh understanding of the history of our churches, country and culture. 

‘The fabric of a church, whether it is the pews, rood screens, altar, font, all speak to a liturgy – the story of our salvation. It is a door to the divine, it is an invitation. The pews say: “Come sit with us, lay down your burden and hear the good news”. The table says: “Come eat together as a family”. The font tells us we are washed clean.’

Dr Perera will explore the whitewashed cognitive impressions, values and meta-narratives that are subliminally imposed on us, – when we are on our knees, at our most vulnerable – and how these shape the values of a congregation’s collective conscious. She will take CRE visitors on a journey ‘through Victorian stained glass and alabaster angels in verdant graveyards’, to examine how goodness, holiness, beauty and virtue became synonymous with whiteness, and how this becomes a double burden for women and minority ethnic Christians.

In a programme of special presentations and seminars, Ladies’ Day at CRE will subvert the racecourse stereotype of ‘big hair and bling’ and, instead, highlight the contributions of women in church and society, especially those who have been forgotten or neglected.

The Bishop of Dorking, Right Rev Jo Bailey Wells, will speak on women in leadership. Project 3:28’s Natalie Collins, will speak on sexism and Rachel Gardner, director of Youthscape, will offer a new vision for women and inspire visitors to see that vision realised in our churches, communities and families.

• See the Ladies’ Day schedule here

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ByDave Hall

Time to glimpse Jesus through Eastern eyes

When Ethiopian pilgrims could no longer make the treacherous journey to Jerusalem, they built Jerusalem in Lalibela – with churches hewn out of rock.

And now a first-time exhibitor at CRE National 2019, Tadele Travel, will be at Sandown Park to tell visitors about two pilgrimages to this area of startling imagination and beauty.

‘It is not until you catch a glimpse of Jesus through eastern eyes that it dawns on you just how much more there is to following him. Ethiopia is a place that changes you,’ explained Andrew Proud, former Bishop of Reading and previously area bishop for the Horn of Africa in the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East.‘We want people who will return, not only having fallen in love with Ethiopia, her people and her faith, but with their own faith refreshed.’

Christianity arrived in Ethiopia in the third century, but it has been a Bible land for far longer. Surrounded by mountains and difficult terrain to the north, east and west, Ethiopian Christianity is untouched by the Enlightenment, and only latterly by waves of reformation and revival. Forty-five per cent of her people are Ethiopian Orthodox, oriental orthodox, shaped by Edessa and Alexandria, rather than Constantinople or Rome.

Girma Tadele grew up in Lalibela, an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. He has taken people to the holy sites for years. Together, he and Andrew lead groups there on pilgrimage. 

‘We love to go because each time we see Christ in a new way,’ said Andrew. ‘We are still changed by the place, and others are changed, too.’

Next year two pilgrimages are planned by Tadele Travel.

‘There is still room on both,’ said Andrew. ‘Join us. We’d love you to share the journey.’

• Tadele Travel are stand S79a at CRE National 2019

Photo: Richard Hancock LRPS

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ByDave Hall

Cashless collections? It’s on the cards (and smartphones)

The end of cash-only collections is nigh – thanks to two companies at CRE National 2019.

Givt, from Holland, will demonstrate state-of-the-art technology that allows worshippers’ smartphones to pick up a signal from a beacon placed in a collection plate. 

‘As soon as the user indicates that he wants to give, the smartphone searches for the signal,’ explains Givt director Sjoerd van Oort. ‘The giver simply moves his smartphone along the collection device and indicates how much he has chosen to donate.’

Most importantly, no-one knows who has given and how much. 

‘We believe that giving is fundamentally different from paying,’ says Sjoerd. ‘With Givt, the donor remains completely anonymous to the collecting organisation.’

Following the company’s debut at CRE National 2018, 17 churches in the UK began piloting Givt, among them Gas Street in Birmingham and the parish church of Walton-on-Thames. 

‘In the Netherlands people give much more with our solution than with cash,’ says Sjoerd. ‘We are finding it to be true in the UK as well.’

This year, the company is offering churches an early bird special. 

‘Those that adopt our solution at CRE will not be charged for any use until the end of the year,’ says Sjoerd. ‘They will also receive a very special reward. Come to the Givt stand to find out more!’

Meanwhile, UK-based Tubular Systems Ltd will display a kiosk which sits permanently in a church, accepting contactless donations but also credit and debit cards. The seven-inch touchscreen with customisable display graphics, can be personalised for any church. Elegant and eye-catching, the kiosk fits neatly into church buildings and can be moved to fund-raising events outside the church. 

‘Installation is super fast as communication is taken care of with a built-in SIM Card,’ explained Tubular Systems’ Kevin Egglesden. ‘You can also customise donation amounts, e.g £5, £10, £20 and £30. We are very proud knowing that our kiosk will soon be helping local churches generate donations for the many excellent activities in which they are involved.’ 

• Givt are on stand S110 at CRE National 2019
• Tubular Systems Ltd are on stand B9 at CRE National 2019

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