6 October 2025 | By Dave Hall
With prisons constantly in the news, churches in the UK need to support the vital ministry of prison chaplains.
The Good News newspaper, an evangelistic monthly paper run as a charity, is there to help them. Good News provides more than 3,000 free copies to prison chaplains in 107 of the country’s 142 prisons – paid for by supporters who donate to the ministry. The papers are packed and posted by volunteers at a north-east church.
Phill Bounds, who leads Good News’ prison ministry, told CRE News: ‘The newspaper is used in a variety of ways, including through cell visits and in the chapels and libraries – a great way of opening a spiritual conversation. Many inmates enjoy reading the paper and begin to explore the Christian faith.
‘We often receive requests from prisoners for more information or someone to write to them. We have a dedicated Christian counsellor with prison ministry experience who responds and answers their questions.’
Former Government ministerJonathan Aitken, now patron of Prison Fellowship UK, recommends Good News for prison work.
‘I admire the excellence of the Good News paper,’ he said. ‘It is well written, well produced and a valuable journalistic bridge-builder between the Christian and secular worlds. I am a regular reader and always enjoy reading it. I am particularly glad to know that Good News reaches many ex-offenders.”
As for the prisoners themselves, here’s what two have to say about Good News.
‘Thank you for your newspaper. I fully read all your articles and in a time of need it brought me much joy to hear of your amazing stories. This year I have chosen to take a real leap of faith and leave my past behind me.’
‘I am writing to congratulate you on your spiritually-uplifting publication, which I enjoy every month. The articles are always of interest to me. I am working, with the help of God, on what brought me here.’
Phill Bounds added: ‘Please pray for staff and chaplains who frequently face physical violence. We thank God for gifts for our prison ministry, both large and small, which help us send Good News free of charge to Christian chaplains.’
See a complete list of exhibitors at CRE 25
CRE 25 is Wed 15 and Thu 16 Oct
Book your ticket here for as little as £3
6 October 2025 | By Dave Hall
Your church car park should serve your congregation and visitors, without wasting time on unauthorised parking.
So say Gemini Parking Solutions, who are in business to help churches get on with serving the community rather than policing precious parking spaces.
‘Our approach ensures adequate spaces for church members and visitors – so they can attend services and activities without parking stress,’ said Gemini’s Richard Campion. ‘We can help create a safe, welcoming parking environment – a positive first impression for all who visit.’
The company can also protect against unauthorised use – keeping spaces available for key personnel.
‘We ensure professional management with zero disruption – allowing the church to focus on ministry, not parking issues,’ said Richard. ‘We can also create an additional revenue stream to support your church’s mission – monetising unused spaces ethically, with no upfront costs.’
See a complete list of exhibitors at CRE 25
CRE 25 is Wed 15 and Thu 16 Oct
Book your ticket here for as little as £3
6 October 2025 | By Dave Hall
Providing support for safeguarding, property matters, funding and navigating times of crisis – that’s how The Congregational Federation can help your church.
At CRE 25 for the first time in a number of years, it provides support, fellowship and learning for some 200 independent UK churches run by their members and will promote its Thirty by 2030 campaign.
The federation also creates opportunities for fellowship and learning via courses, events and other resources, always mindful of protecting the independence and unique identity of each member church.
‘At our 2025 National Assembly we welcomed City Chapel UK into membership,’ Yvonne Campbell (pictured) the federation’s general secretary, told CRE News. ‘We appreciate the vitality and strong Christian witness it promotes and look forward to supporting the church in its work and mission. We are keen to extend that welcome to other churches who would wish to join us for mutual support and encouragement.’
The Congregational Federation is there for:
You can pick up an information pack and talk to federation representatives at CRE 25.
See a complete list of exhibitors at CRE 25
CRE 25 is Wed 15 and Thu 16 Oct
Book your ticket here for as little as £3
6 October 2025 | By Dave Hall
Helping faith-based organisations clarify who they are, strengthen their brand and communicate with confidence – that’s Bara Studio’s mission.
Based in Bristol, Bara Studio is a creative agency with a clear purpose – partnering with churches, charities and Christian organisations to grow their impact through creative strategy, excellent design and powerful websites. The team brings together strategists, designers and storytellers who believe that creativity is a calling with every project shaped by a commitment to people, planet and purpose.
Their work includes the full rebrand of Baby Basics, the national baby bank network supported by the Princess of Wales, and the development of a new identity for Woodlands Church Family (pictured), one of the largest evangelical church networks in the country.
‘The strategic workshops helped us as a leadership, staff and volunteer team to discover our vision and values, and translate these into a visual identity,’ said
Dave Mitchell, senior leader of the church. ‘The updated logo has a flexibility to serve a growing movement and can be applied distinctively in local congregations. The creative brand system allows us to express our individuality but also our togetherness.’
Bara Studio is now making it even easier for churches and charities to access high-quality branding with the launch of the Charity Brand Accelerator – a proven programme designed to help organisations produce strong creative assets more confidently. You will find out more at the Bara stand at CRE 25.
See a complete list of exhibitors at CRE 25
CRE 25 is Wed 15 and Thu 16 Oct
Book your ticket here for as little as £3