We asked what stores do to make the most of the Easter season.

We have a local seminary that writes our Lenten reader and we stock it and make it available for the congregation. This gives great perspective for the holiday and helps people prepare to celebrate our Lord's resurrection. We provide this even if someone can't afford it, asking the congregation to, if possible, give a little more to cover the cost of these that are given away.

We also carry Gregg Gift′s "Legacy of Love" nativities and resurrection collectibles; we keep these out year round. Another great item is the "Resurrection Eggs," which my family uses every year to remind us of the events leading up to the resurrection. This is a family experience that my daughter opens up and now can tell the entire story that goes with each of the items in the eggs.

Thanks for all the great ideas and encouragement The Church Bookstore magazine gives us. It's my favorite, and I read it cover to cover.

Donna Duckhorn
Manager, Northland Bookstore
Northland, A Church Distributed
Longwood, Fla.

We asked how stores handle requests from church members to carry personally produced materials.

We have a product submission policy in place. This was implemented after we had many requests and attending a workshop led by Deb Graham from Prestonwood Bookstore at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas. We basically adapted hers to meet our criteria and got the approval from our senior and executive pastor.

The church receptionist has the policy on hand, and the staff have it in the bookstore. It says:

"Thank you for your interest in having your product carried in the Eastview Christian Church Harvest Bookstore. Due to the large volume of inquiries and product submissions; we adhere to certain guidelines to maintain our business and product integrity. If you would like us to consider your product, please review and adhere to the following guidelines.

"All products to be considered by Eastview Christian Church's Harvest Bookstore must meet the following guidelines and be submitted using the following procedures.

"Books and Music:
1. Published by a national publisher (self-published items not accepted)
2.Represented by a publishing representative or marketing group
3.Fit the mission, vision and DNA of Eastview Christian Church (Mission and Vision on church Web site)

"Gifts:
1. Manufactured and sold by an incorporated company
2. Have a printed UPC code (Universal Product Code)

"All Products must guarantee the following:

1. Full product order fulfillment
2. Replacement of defective items
3. Cash returns on overstock

"If product meets the above requirements, a catalog or sample may be submitted by mail for review and consideration only:"

Lorena Allen
Manager, Harvest Bookstore
Eastview Christian Church
Normal, Ill.