A husband-wife pastoral team has found a new source of income—baby apparel. In ministry for more than 20 years, pastors Roberto and Marcia Marques last month purchased Little Disciples from Vick Asmerian, who decided to focus on another product line in parent company Klinky.

Formerly senior pastors of Foursquare Gospel Church in Brockton, Mass., the Marques moved to plant a new church for Portuguese speakers in San Diego. As they were praying for a source of income to support their ministry, they learned that Asmerian was thinking of selling the Little Disciples division.

Known mainly for book publishing, Paraclete Press is branching out into gifts. Although the supplier started offering some gift items about four years, it only recently exhibited to the wider gift market at January’s AmericasMart in Atlanta.

As the publishing house of the Community of Jesus, a large Benedictine monastic community, Paraclete has a long history of creativity and the arts from which to draw.

Gift company P. Graham Dunn 11th annual Dealer Conference was held last month at a convention center for the first time, “which brought a greater deal of synergy,” company officials said.

Representatives from approximately 125 stores attended the March 22-23 event at the Buckeye Event Center, located near the company's Dalton, Ohio, headquarters—which had previously been the location of the event.

Harvest House Publishers author Lisa Boalt Richardson was recently awarded the Seal of Approval from The Tea House Times for her tea-themed gift books. 

A certified tea specialist, Richardson’s most recent work, The World in Your Teacup, features photography by Lauren Rubinstein.

Roman is introducing a new Precious Moments Communion Girl figurine, #61654, under its recent licensing agreement.

Carpentree’s new Crossing the Delaware framed art celebrates American heritage with a message that is uniquely Christian: “May the Lord our God be with us as He was with our ancestors. May He give us the desire to do His will in everything and to obey all the commands that He gave our ancestors. 1 Kings 8:57-58.”

Ed Nizynski, vice president—sales, Lighthouse Christian Products Co.

What’s fresh and new in home décor? We have all seen the shift of priorities in families and homes. Families are spending more time at home and together. Home décor items that are warming, reflect one’s personality and pronounce their faith, in all colors, shapes and sizes continue to be fresh. The days of wild colors and trends are less predominant in our eclectic society. We are in an option society and people want it their way, not mine and yours. Following just one trend and/or color will never hit the mass appeal needed today to continue in any business. 

1. Butterfly pop with caterpillar gummy (Scripture Candy) $1.99

2. Thick Mints jar (Scripture Candy) 49 cents

3. Strawberries and Cream roll (Scripture Candy) 99 cents

4. Jelly Bean Prayer Jar (Scripture Candy) 49 cents

5. Sugar Free Cinnamon stick (Scripture Candy) 99 cents

tie 6. Sugar Free Wintergreen Pocket Tin mints (Scripture Candy) $1.99

tie 6. Butter and Cream roll (Scripture Candy) 99 cents

8. Sugar Free Spearmint Pocket Tin mints (Scripture Candy) $1.99

9. Orange and Cream roll (Scripture Candy) 99 cents

10. Sugar Free Wintergreeen stick (Scripture Candy) 99 cents

List based on sales data for March 1-31, 2011, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

The gift category will be on the agenda when Christian bookstore managers and staff from across the country gather in Orlando, Fla., later this month for three days of business and inspiration.

Managing gift, Bible and book categories and creating a successful customer experience are among the issues to be addressed at Christian Retailing's Retailing ReBoot 2011. The event themed “Engaging Without Limits” will take place April 26-28 at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center.

Retailers have chosen the finalists in the 11th annual Retailers Choice Awards, sponsored by Christian Retailing magazine.

Thomas Nelson tops the list with 25 finalists in the running, four of which are in the Gift Book category. P. Graham Dunn also has four gift finalists in the Wall Décor and General Gift Product categories. Other companies who have gift finalists are Kerusso, DaySpring, Roman, Free Press and Lighthouse Christian Products Co.

Abba Oil’s Holy Land offerings are being highlighted in Christian Retailing's Virtual Christian Retailing Winter Show.

Extended through April 30, the show spotlights some of the key new and backlist products from several leading suppliers, including gift companies.

In the feature film Limitless, actor Bradley Cooper plays a struggling author who is given a pill that activates his brain from 20% usage to 100%, when everything starts to make sense to him. If you are lacking clarity and creativity, consider the following ideas and concepts:

Build your own creative leadership ability as an inside-out/outside-in thinker. That means looking outside of the industry for patterns and themes that can benefit your store or company. As in Limitless, business becomes the art of making sense of the lives we influence.

April 30-May 2

The Charlotte Gift & Jewelry Show

Charlotte Merchandise Mart

Charlotte, N.C.

704-365-4152

www.charlottegiftshow.com

May 15-18

National Stationery Show

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

New York City

800-272-SHOW

www.nationalstationeryshow.com

“Don’t ever worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.”

(Matt. 6: 31-33, GWT)

Demdaco introduces ‘Rustic Grace’ crosses

Demdaco’s new “Rustic Grace” line features artistic designs with a old-world feel.

The 2011 introduction features earthy colors infused with turquoise, orange and red shades. The collection of crosses and wall art retails for $13-$64. The turquoise framed cross (pictured) retails for $17.

For more information, visit www.demdaco.com. To order, call 888-336-3226.