Social engagement is growing theme at CRE with a number of exhibitors specialising in reaching out to marginalised people.
Street Pastors are a good example, with trained volunteers from local churches who patrol town and city centres on weekend nights listening, caring and helping. All work in collaboration with police, local councils and other statutory and voluntary agencies, and have been recognised as making a significant contribution to ensuring the welfare of those enjoying the ‘night-time’ economy.
Meanwhile, Green Pastures buy property for churches and Christian charities so they can house homeless people in their area. The charity provides all the paperwork, expertise and ongoing support to operate a successful supported housing project. Through their network of more than 55 partners (churches and Christian charities), they house and care for more than 930 people in the UK.
A visit to CRE is vital if you and your church want to find out how to learn from and join forces with key ministries such as these.
Main photo: Hannah Beatrice
Photo of homeless man by Matt Collamer on Unsplash
Don’t let limited budgets dampen those dreams! CRE is the best place to seek professional advice on all church-based financial matters.
A vital area of concern is VAT and key questions include:
• Do I really have to pay that much VAT?
• Can I reduce it within the law while maintaining integrity?
• With such complicated rules, how can I be sure that I won’t have to pay more VAT at a later date?
Les Howard of vatadvice.org says: ‘The rules concerning the purchase, construction or development of land and property are complex,’ explained Les, who has more than 25 years’ experience in VAT, including a spell working for H M Revenue & Customs. ‘Professional advice should always be sought and as early as possible. It may be that the VAT consequences of a proposed project will have a significant effect on its viability.’
In today’s litigious world, churches also face risks far beyond property damage. Russell Hickman, church specialist at Access Insurance, said: ‘They should regularly consider the situation and be comfortable that they have sufficient insurance and risk management arrangements in place.’
Vestments have been an important part of worship for millennia and with more and more women now entering ordained ministry, designers are giving them a 21st century make-over, retaining the ceremony and solemnity of any church occasion while introducing fresh designs in dynamic colours.
CRE boasts a number of award-winning artists who specialise in garments for every occasion, bringing colour and beauty to creative worship in parish churches and great cathedrals, in chapels and mission halls throughout the land.
Most designers also supply a range of everyday wear for clergy of both genders. When women were first ordained into the Anglican church, they demanded more style in the kind of clothes they could wear around the parish. Male clergy have followed suit and clerical shirts now come in a much wider selection of fabrics.
At CRE, you have the opportunity to see what is on offer – and try it on for size and style!