Castle Gate bookshop is closedThe bookshop in Castle Gate, Nottingham, which the Congregational Federation leased to Wesley Owen Books and Music in 2008, has closed in the face of financial problems and the failure of Wesley Owen's computer system. The shop was leased by the Federation, which previously ran it for some years but was unable to make it profitable.
The hope had been that the shop could continue under new ownership to sell Christian books and music, supported by a cafe which shared the premises. This facility has also closed, at least for the time being. If the lease cannot be assigned the Federation will lose a rental income of around £10,000 pa.
Federation General Secretary Michael Heaney said it was sad that the last Christian bookshop in Nottingham was no longer able to trade. One reason was that it was now easier, and in some cases cheaper, for people to buy the books they needed via Amazon.
Wesley Owen is a trading division under the evangelical organisation 'IBS-STL UK' formerly 'Send the Light'. It says a failure to introduce the new computer system had caused cash flow problems, excess stock and distribution difficulties. An intermediary was now trying to sell its operations.
Marion marks 21 years ministryA fun time was had by all at a celebration of 21 years ministry by Marion Hartwell at Long Itchington, Warwickshre. A busy service involved a choir, prayer, communion, and tributes by Lucy and Rebecca, her two youngest children. Memories were shared of Marion being locked into the church, marriage proposals, embarrassing carnival costumes and a multitude of friends met. We considered the effect the chapel has had on many lives.
We thanked God for making the impossible possible, and looked to the future effect on the lives of others. Marion has been important in all this work and we look forward to what she has planned for the future.
Stapleton Road marks long ministry with a memorial windowA memorial window has been dedicated in the refurbished foyer of Stapleton Road church, Bristol, to commemorate the life of the late Pastor David Thomas, who died in 2008 after serving there since 1977.
The window contains the image of a daffodil to recognise Mr Thomas's Welsh origins. The dedication was led by Dr Janet Wootton.
The church has also honoured Mrs Edna Partington (89), who celebrated the 70th anniversary of her membership. She was presented with flowers by five years old Destine Benjamine one of the younger Junior Church members (see Page 14). The service was led by Mrs Pam Dix, a member of the ministry team.
A powerpoint presentation by Mr Chris and Mrs Liz Napier illustrated the life of the church, which they have been researching. It also showed references to Mrs Napier, and the images have been transferred into a book as in the 'This is your Life' programme, and presented to her, along with a copy of her family tree.
New minister settles at CumnockCumnock Church, Ayrshire (218 members, 98 children) has a new minister. David Hamill (46) from the Church of the Nazarene, Carrick Fergus, Northern Ireland, was inducted on February 12. He succeeds Jason Boyd, whose ten year ministry closed in 2008 when he moved to Witney Church, Oxford.
David is pictured with his wife Isobel, and daughter Lauren (7). He hopes to be ordained on completion of a course at the Nazarene Theological College, affiliated to Manchester University. For the past three years David has been pastor of a newly-planted church in Northern Ireland while working with a charity caring for disabled people.
The Church of the Nazarene is an international evangelical denomination in the 'Wesleyan holiness tradition', and has 1.8 million members in more than 155 world areas. In the UK there are 90 churches, administered from two districts. Each local congregation is regarded as a 'faith community'.