"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully"

(Rom. 12: 6-8, NIV).

How is the financial downturn impacting your congregation and your store? Which categories are seeing changes in sales. Up or down? What are you doing in terms of inventory, operations and staffing to cope?

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A survey by Junior Achievement (JA) and pollster Deloitte found that a mere 3% of teens see pastors and members of the clergy as role models.

Instead, many reported viewing their parents as role models (54%), while friends (13%), teachers or coaches (6%) and siblings (5%) also beat out clergies as people to look to as examples. Just slightly more than one in 10 (11%) said they don't have any role models.

The survey of teens and their ethical decision making also found that although 80% feel equipped to make moral decisions in the business world, 40% believe they'll have to "break the rules" to succeed in life.

Another 46% think lying to a parent is sometimes acceptable. In addition, a staggering 86% feel more accountable to themselves than to parents or guardians (52%), friends (41%) or society (33%).

"The results of the survey reveal considerable ethical relativism among teens and raises questions about their ability to make good decisions later in life," said Sean C. Rush, president and CEO of JA Worldwide. "We're understandably concerned about these results, but recognize that they do point to a major learning opportunity."

Source: Christian Post

As I gaze at the carpet nearest our checkout counter, my first response is pattern. But as I imagine a store filled with patterned carpet, I might say plain.

Making a decision about flooring has always been a hard one for Betty. I like the feel of cool tile, yet last December when Sister Angela dropped a Christmas ornament and it broke into hundreds of pieces, for a moment I wished we had all carpet. But then when overzealous Clyde-the season's self-appointed wassail maker-spilled a pot full of Christmas cheer, I longed for tile.

For many retailers, the best merchandising approach is "stack them high and watch them fly." But because of their limited space, many church bookstores are not able to promote major new titles by carrying multiple copies. At The Rockpile, the store serving The Rock Church in San Diego, because space is at a premium, the store carries no more than 10 copies of any one title. For church stores with limited display or storage space, fast replenishment is the answer.

When used correctly, lighting can create a pleasant shopping atmosphere that will foster both spontaneous and repeat sales in a store. If you want to brighten up your sales, you must "lighten up" with the right light sources.

The first Church Bookstore Network (CBN) Regional Gathering for church stores and church libraries from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina will be held Friday, June 5, at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga.

Geni Hulsey, president of the Church Bookstore Network, and former manager of The Garden Bookstore at Houston's First Baptist Church

Terri Williams, manager of the bookstore at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas

Martha Brangenberg, manager of Charis Bookstore at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks in Largo, Fla.

Go to: https://www.christianretailing.com/index.php/component/content/article/125-retail-roundtable/18977-retailers-roundtable-church-bookstores-

This week I received an e-mail asking me how church bookstores can best survive the downturn in giving in our churches along with lagging sales. One term came to me-special orders.

Obviously, if we find ways of spending less we will be less of a burden on the church budget. But if we are going to continue to support the ministries of our church and meet the needs of our customers, it is nearly impossible to stop spending, so we need to find that fine line between thrift and providing what is needed. I believe that line is special orders.