We are very excited to be hosting The Gathering 2010 at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., April 21-23. We are confident that during your time with us you will experience growth, refreshment and a more solid assurance that God has called you to your role in sharing the good news with others through Christian retail.

As we make final preparations for what promises to be a special time of training, fellowship, inspiration and business, let me offer my Top Ten reasons why you must join us, if you have not already planned to do so.

10. Louisville is accessible. We are within driving distance of many areas-St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville and places in between are all within a few hours' drive (or less). You could save a few dollars and carpool with people from your area. We are just off of I-64 and close to I-65. For those traveling from some distance, Southwest Airlines flies into Louisville.

9. The Gathering is back in a church setting, and Southeast Christian Church is equipped and ready. We can provide the space needed for an easy-flow conference. There are separate places for worship, meals, workshops, exhibit floor and the popular author/artist autograph party. Be sure to bring some comfortable shoes! Our facility has elevators and escalators and is very handicap-accessible.

8. Visiting another church with a store allows you to see how others function, but it's also a great time to relax and enjoy. You won't have to worry about the daily operations and behind the scenes-let us take care of you!

7. The times of worship at The Gathering allow us to lay our burdens and prayers at the feet of our King, rejoice in the life we have in Him and bond with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are excited to be able to introduce you to the Southeast Christian Worship Team. Our times of worship will refresh you as we worship together.

6. The exhibit floor will be home to vendors who are committed to you and your ministry. It is a great time to enhance your relationship with key suppliers and learn more about some of their upcoming products. Many of you are in stores that may not have opportunities for face-to-face visits with vendor reps, so be sure to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity.

5. This year for the first time, our education track will also offer classes for church librarians and coffee bar personnel. The workshops are designed to help you grow and enhance your ministry and are presented by those who have "been there, done that."

4. We have diligently scoped out the local accommodations ... and there will be no need to bring flip flops for the shower! The area around the church has several great options for resting your head at night. The businesses have offered us great rates to make it affordable for everyone. Free breakfasts are offered at the hotels so you can get fueled up for your day at no extra cost.

3. The author/artist autograph party is always a highlight of the event, and this year it promises to be a razzle-dazzle experience. We are excited to present the evening in a fresh way that you won't forget-you'll just have to come to experience it! Stay tuned to find out who is coming.

2. How often can you attend your favorite conference at no charge? Free registrations for The Gathering 2010 are still available. You can take advantage of this opportunity by visiting www.vcrc.christianretailing.com and placing a qualifying order.

1. Ultimately, everything we do hinges on relationships. Working in a busy store can make you feel a little separated from what's going on "out there," so The Gathering is a tremendous way to bring it all home.

"I'm not alone!" I exclaimed after my first time at The Gathering. Getting to know other store personnel is like finding family you didn't know you had. The event is large enough to offer new and different experiences, yet small enough to make it possible to develop relationships that can last through eternity.

We are a conglomeration of retailers, suppliers, authors and artists, yet we have one goal in mind-sharing Christ with others through Christian resources. The Gathering is like a little taste of heaven-please, come and experience it with us.

I look forward to seeing you in Louisville!

-Sara Peters is bookstore manager of The Living Word Bookstore at Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Ky.

-To find out more about The Gathering 2010, click here.

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