CRE: organisers gear up to meet again – in person [
ALMOST 18 MONTHS after the doors closed on their last exhibition, the organisers of the Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) embarked on a campaign to promote the first post-lockdown show – CRE National 2021 – which takes place from 12-14 October at Sandown Park in Surrey. As part of the promotional campaign, more than 30,000 brochures were posted to potential visitors, offering a special ‘Welcome Back!’ message. A comprehensive, three-day programme is scheduled, helping churches respond to changes and opportunities brought about by the pandemic. New resources will be available in financial management, fundraising, new technology, social media, streaming, worship, creative arts, home groups, mission, youth and children's work. Expert advice will be on hand in more than 50 seminars and special features. Significant numbers of online congregations are now streaming church services, so a special feature under the heading Mission Worship will feature musicians like Graham Kendrick and Lucy Grimble considering
how to bring together the physical and the digital. “Hundreds of churches have harnessed new technology during the pandemic, reaching countless thousands who would never darken their doors on a Sunday,” said CRE owner Steve Goddard. “A number of specialist exhibitors who help churches with live streaming on a weekly basis will help others take the next steps. While the ‘old normal’ might feel comfortable, this ‘new different’ is the future.” Another special feature will see the exhibition exploring the legacy of
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