'A Special Time'
Snapshots of our best event to date
Church bookstore newcomer Kris Jodon was thrilled with the oppprtunity to meet with representatives of other church stores across the country at The Gathering 2009.
A former engineer and systems analyst asked to oversee the new bookstore and coffee shop ministry being launched at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston, Jodon was awarded a scholarship to The Gathering, Jan. 7-9, in Kissimmee, Fla.
There she joined retailers from around the country for the three-day training and trade event sponsored by Christian Retailing magazine. Organized in previous years exclusively for church bookstores, this year's event was opened up to include other Christian retailers, too.
Around 200 store managers, staff and volunteers and almost 90 supplier representatives took part in the event at The Ramada Orlando Celebration Resort & Convention Center.
Jodon returned home "extremely grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to so many people and products in the industry," she said. "I learned so very much and made many contacts who will be helpful to me as I grow the bookstore and my knowledge. God was present and so very generous in the blessings poured out during the week."
Organizers "went above and beyond to nurture a spirit of cooperation and sharing, and to aid in building up and supporting the industry," she commented. "I was impressed with the camaraderie and the value of the entire program."
Jodon offered her personal "Gathering Top Ten," David Letterman-style:
10. Unusual opportunities like the North American premiere of Faith Like Potatoes. Popcorn. Not to mention the fabulous desserts, the chocolate fountains and more.
9. Prizes. The Amazing Race, which saw store managers talking to vendors, placing orders and obtaining signatures toward winning great prizes. Awards, when stores, vendors and others were recognized.
8. Incredibly practical Q-and-A sessions with workshop presenters, speakers and vendors. Each speaker made time for participants to ask about situations, products and more.
7. A terrific opportunity to meet other store managers and share ideas and experiences with managers from a variety of situations, from those with small, new stores to those involved with large-scale operations. There was a willingness among participants to offer ideas and solutions to others.
6. Vendors. Orders. An incredible volume of book and gift products were on hand, providing an invaluable resource to store personnel and giving them the opportunity to see and learn about new and classic products while meeting face-to-face with sales representatives.
5. Inspiring speakers and performers. Wonderful presentations by authors who spoke about their books, their experiences of God and the faith community. Musicians using their talents to praise God. Books and CDs as gifts. The Author/Artist Autograph Party.
4. An instructive and helpful course for prospective store managers taught by three vibrant and well-prepared store managers and covering all areas of store management. Enlightening.
3. Training. Great workshops. Presentations on P.O.S. (point-of-sale) software needs, financial information for stores, tips for small stores and more. Presenters were friendly, helpful and willing to answer questions.
2. Awesome worship. Music and prayers. A special time to pray for all the needs surrounding the Christian book industry, including stores, salespeople, authors, artists and all. A prayer wall covered with photographs and prayers.
1. An all-encompassing focus on God and His Word. Atmosphere of fellowship and sharing. Faith sharing and testimonies. Words of encouragement for store managers.
"Thanks and congratulations to Strang Communications and the Church Bookstore Network for providing an educational and valuable Gathering of information, contacts and fellowship," she concluded. "Special thanks also to those companies who sponsored dinners, authors, products and helped to make The Gathering 2009 a tremendous success." tcb
