Following a tumultuous year for Christian publishing and retailing, and responding to the success of the first day of prayer at the end of 2009, a second day of prayer has been announced. The date set is the 26th March, with hopes that Churches will also join in on the following Sunday, the 28th. Retailer Joy McIlroy, who spearheaded the the first day is also behind this new initiative. In a letter sent out to members of the Facebook group Christian Authors, Booksellers and Publishers Joy writes:
Hopefully word is beginning to spread through the far reaches of our industry that we are planning another day of prayer, similar to the one we did last September (can you believe it was that long ago?!).
I think it would be an understatement to say that things have somewhat changed since that time, and it has been interesting to see how our prayers have been answered.
Therefore, it seemed an opportune moment to set aside time once again to gather around the country in prayer. An opportunity to respond to the developments pre- and post-Christmas, and also to look ahead to the events organised by Christian Resources Together and cover them in prayer.
We are hoping to do it slightly differently this time, mainly because of the positive response we received from church leaders and those who support their local shops. So here are the all important dates….
FRIDAY 26th MARCH – for those within the trade
SUNDAY 28th MARCH – for churches to join us
What to do next?
Consider if you could open up a space for those in your locality to meet. Last time there were those who weren’t able to meet with others and prayed on their own, in the knowledge that they were spiritually joining with others. But those of us who were able to meet together it was a really special time so I want to encourage you to seek ways to do this.
Begin to talk to your local ministers, and supporters about joining you on the Friday or taking some time in their Sunday morning services to remember us.
The retail industry blog run by Phil Groome, Christian Bookshop Blog, is acting as a focal for this event with regular updates.
See also: Christian Bookshop Blog and Christian Marketplace
Tagged as:
Books,
Christian bookshops,
Prayer,
Publishing,
Recession
The Nationwide Christian Trust have announced a plan to acquire a significant number of the Wesley Owen stores not purchased by either Koorong or CLC (see previous report for more information).
Below is an extract from their press release, which can be downloaded here:
In the weeks leading up to Christmas we waited with bated breath to see the outcome of the announcement that the Wesley Owen chain of bookshops had been put into the hands of administrators. The outcome; a few of the shops were taken over, but 26 were allocated for closure.
There is something really important at stake here because we believe that having a Christian presence on our High Streets is really significant. It isn’t simply the existence of a bookshop that’s important, but rather, we believe that each one represents a mission opportunity; an opportunity to impact the lives of the individuals from within that local community.
Part of the Problem
Up until now, many of the struggling Christian bookshops have retained a very narrow focus, namely they have simply focussed on Christian books and resources, and thereby the predominance of customers have been Christians. This has greatly reduced their viability on the High Street because no matter how attractive the shop front, and no matter how well laid out the stock is, the fact remains, there is little reason why people would chose to go in.
A Way Forward
We believe that by thinking imaginatively and innovatively, these shops could play an increasingly key part for the work of the Kingdom. It is naive to think that any specific model or programme could simply be replicated throughout the country assuming that if it works in one place it will be effective in all the others. However we believe that certain principles can be applied which could bring about a transformation. Part of that thinking includes the possibility of introducing a high quality coffee shop facility, a large lounge area as well as a children’s play zone.
The press goes on to announce a series of meetings around the UK which can be attended by churches, business and individuals who may be interested in getting involved. More information is available on the Press Release.
Tagged as:
Christian bookshops
