LifeWay Christian Stores recently acquired three Christian Light Books, Gifts, Music previously owned by Brethren in Christ Media Ministries, the publishing and retail arm of the Brethren in Christ Church denomination.

Brethren in Christ approached LifeWay Christian Stores earlier this year about purchasing the three stores in Chambersburg and York, Pa., and Hagerstown, Md., LifeWay officials said.

"Hoping to focus more on denominational publishing and printing, we decided to look for an organization to run these stores that would be ministry-focused and like-minded with our vision and values," said Roger Williams, executive director of Brethren in Christ Media Ministries.

"Knowing LifeWay's enthusiasm for Christian bookselling and drive to impact the kingdom by providing biblical resources, we knew the stores would be in very capable hands as a part of the LifeWay family," he added.

LifeWay, which already has a store in Baltimore, signed a letter of intent in July to acquire the three new locations, and the stores reopened as LifeWay Christian Stores Sept. 15. The chain operates 145 stores in 24 states.