Seventh-day Adventists shared a message of whole-person health and practical Christian service with church leaders and ministry teams at the Church Resources Exhibition (CRE) 2026, held at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey, on 14 and 15 October.
The two-day national event brought together more than 150 exhibitors offering resources for worship, mission, youth work, technology, church buildings, governance and community outreach. Founded in 1985, CRE has developed into a major gathering for churches and Christian organisations seeking practical ideas, trusted partners and opportunities to collaborate.
The 2026 programme also featured leadership and building-resources conferences, alongside worship and music sessions. Ticket proceeds supported charitable causes, extending the event’s community impact beyond the exhibition floor.
Promoting whole-person health
Among the exhibitors were Manna House proprietors and Seventh-day Adventists doctors Lucille and Arthur Fifield. Their ministry partners with churches and Christian organisations to develop health initiatives that combine practical service with care for body, mind and spirit.
At the Manna House stand, physical therapist and chef Jeannette Sataney Pascal offered visitors complimentary five-minute back massages. Many recipients described the experience as “amazing”, while others asked about the restorative health and lifestyle residential programmes offered by Manna House.
BUC resources open conversations
Sharon Platt-McDonald, Adventist Community Services, Health Ministries and Women’s Ministries Director from the British Union Conference (BUC) attended the exhibition with departmental secretary Jackie Ramharacksingh.
They shared ministry packs with exhibitors and visitors, including Health Ministries and Adventist Discovery Centre resources, seasonal booklets and the leaflet Your Friends, the Seventh-day Adventists. The materials created opportunities to explain the Church’s work and to explore how local congregations can serve their communities more effectively.
Encouraging encounters
Conversations throughout the exhibition revealed several positive connections with Adventists. One exhibitor said that Hacksaw Ridge and its portrayal of the Sabbath inspired him to learn more about Seventh-day Adventists and start attending a local church. Visitors to the Manna House stand also praised the Adventist emphasis on whole-person health.
Reflecting on the event, Ramharacksingh said meeting Christians from a range of traditions had been “a blessing”.
Meeting and greeting those of varying Christian beliefs, and gathering with hundreds of dedicated, like-minded people, was a blessing. — Jackie Ramharacksingh |
Faith expressed through service
CRE 2026 demonstrated that effective Christian witness is strengthened when spiritual ministry is paired with practical support. The exhibition highlighted ways churches can respond to poverty, isolation, mental-health needs, family pressures and local development while building relationships across denominations.
For the BUC team, the event reinforced the value of equipping congregations to become visible hubs of compassion and social action – serving people beyond church walls and reflecting God’s love in everyday life. This is mission impact.
Further information: Manna House at CRE 2026