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

the Windrush Generation for the first time, with contributions from Rev David Shosanya – former regional director of the London Baptist Association – together with Roy Francis and the Ken Burton Singers.

Founder-member of the Arts Centre Group, Rev Cindy Kent, will host a special day-long event celebrating the group’s 50th anniversary. Special guests will include Frank Williams, the famously tetchy vicar in the original Dad’s Army TV series, and Sue Hodge from the uproariously irreverent ‘Allo ‘Allo, representing Christians in Entertainment. There will also be a special focus on encouraging the next generation of aspiring performers, broadcasters, authors and journalists.

Aware that many potential visitors are keen to come to CRE but are still COVID-cautious, the organisers have moved part of the exhibition from the main Surrey Hall to the Esher Hall below – allowing the creation of wider aisles. Other possible safety measures will depend on government stipulations at the time.

The emphasis of the whole three days will, however, be on the ‘in person’ nature of the show – and copies of Ecclesiastical and Heritage World will be available for visitors to take away.

As Steve Goddard explained: “Discovering resources online has been especially important during the pandemic, but nothing is better than meeting the person behind the product; the people behind the project. Face to face beats mouse to mouse, every time.”

Entry to the exhibition costs as little as £3 by booking in advance or £8 on the door. To book, or for more information, visit the website at www.creonline.co.uk. q