Dobson's departure--effective at the end of February 2010--is just the "third chapter in a transition that began in 2003," when he stepped down as Focus president, said Jim Daly, Focus' president and CEO. Daly added that it was a mutual decision between Dobson and Focus' board of directors--which he left as chairman in February--to leave the radio show.

His resignation was a personal decision and not related to the business, said Deanna Gimelli, who with her husband, Joseph, bought the Cincinnati-based chain for almost $2 million in August. The couple will play an active role in the leadership of the company, with no immediate plans for a successor to Simmons, she added. "Our desire is to be hands-on, and we will be working alongside the existing personnel."

Bought by a private equity firm from Standex International in 2006, Berean grew to 26 stores but cut the number by a third as it hit cash flow problems in the last year. The former owners of a California winery, the Gimellis bought the 18-outlet chain--which dates back to 1934--after it had filled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June.

"We definitely do not see any need to close any stores," Gimelli said, "and we believe that Berean will be growing." The couple first became aware of Berean as customers of one of its Southern California stores.

Gimelli said that she and her husband knew that they had entered the Christian retail world at a challenging time, but "when God calls you to walk in faith, that's what you do. We really believe that it's about getting the Word of God greater distribution."

Simmons has an extensive background in Christian retailing. He spent 10 years at Cedar Springs Christian Stores in Knoxville, Tenn. Simmons joined Bible Factory Outlet (BFO) in 1999, and under his leadership the chain grew significantly. BFO later closed a number of its stores after his departure and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2007. He joined Berean in January 2005 as vice president of merchandising and marketing, and was promoted to president in September 2007.

His resignation as president and CEO of CBA after a quarter of a century was announced by the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based group Friday evening. No reason was given for his leaving.

More than 20 suppliers--including Thomas Nelson International, Kregel Publications, Integrity Music and Warner Press--have so far signed on for the Virtual Christmas Showcase. Besides highlighting products and specials, the online event includes interviews, new release spotlights and other offers. The virtual show has drawn more than 1,800 visitors from more than 50 countries since it began Sept. 30, with more than 5,000 page views.

In The Flo Show Creates a Buzz, Flo (Vicki Lawrence) gets her own TV talk show. After insulting every guest on her show, she realizes that she needs to apologize for the mean things she said. The 13th episode in the popular series teaches children a lesson about asking for forgiveness.

"Our main purpose, above all else, is to know Him more," said singer-songwriter Mark Hall.

Author Janine Suter, who refers to her writing as "Dr. Seuss meets Henry Morris," said she was pleased to be able to share foundational truths in a new way. "I really wrote ... to show that it could be done. ... God's truth can be presented in a popular ‘storybook' style without being untrue to the text," she said.