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FEBRUARY 2010
Telt and Felt
(Old Scottish saying - "It's better felt than telt")
 160 years ago, in January 1850, a 15 year-old Fenland boy walked into a Primitive Methodist Chapel in Colchester and experienced a life-changing conversion through the preaching of an uneducated Essex man. Less than two years later, at the age of 17, that same boy became pastor of a Cambridgeshire village chapel. His ministry had such dramatic effect that he was invited to be minister of a historic London Baptist Church, New Park Street Chapel on Southwark, when he was still only 19. From there his ministry took off and before long he was preaching to thousands and his printed sermons were being read all over the world.
A new book, C.H. Spurgeon the people’s preacher, produced by CWR, tells the story the great Baptist preacher of the 19th century, while a DVD of the same name gives a feeling for the passion and vulnerability of the man. Spurgeon stood for Biblical truth at a time when Higher Criticism was threatening to undermine many of the foundations of the Christian truth. Both the book and DVD portray some of the battles he fought. Both are available from re:fresh books & christian resources, 23 The Broadway, Tolworth KT6 7DJ. A more detailed review can be found on the shop website.
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A Christian leader’s farewell
 The Radical Disciple is billed as John Stott’s final book. Once listed by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the World, John Stott now lives in a residential community for retired clergymen in Surrey. His latest book reflects his concern for God’s people to live fully-committed lives. In The Radical Disciple, available from re:fresh books & christian resources, he discusses eight often-neglected characteristics of Christian Discipleship – non-conformity, Christlikeness, maturity, creation-care, simplicity, balance, dependence and death.
After the final chapter and conclusion, John Stott adds a “Postscript: Farewell” from which we quote below, with permission, because it is so relevant to the ministry of re:fresh books.
As I lay down my pen for the last time (literally, for I confess I am not computerized) at the age of eighty-eight, I venture to send this valedictory message to my readers…
Looking ahead, none of us of course knows what the future of printing and publishing may be. But I myself am confident that the future of books is assured and that, though they will be complemented, they will never be altogether replaced. For there is something unique about books. Our favourite books become very precious to us and we even develop with them an almost living and affectionate relationship. Is it an altogether fanciful fact that we handle, stroke and even smell them as tokens of our esteem and affection? I am not referring only to an author’s feeling for what he has written, but to all readers and their library. I have made it a rule not to quote from any book unless I have first handled it. So let me urge you to keep reading, and encourage your relatives and friends to do the same. For this is a much-neglected means of grace.
Of course, there are millions of our sisters and brothers in Christ around the world who would dearly love to have books to read to help them grow in their discipleship. Yet they have almost none, while we in the west have more than anybody can read…
from The Radical Disciple, by John Stott. Published by Inter-Varsity Press.
John Stott goes on to talk about the work of Langham Literature and encourages his readers to support this and other ministries of the Langham Partnership, which he founded. However, his words have great - maybe even prophetic - significance at a time when the Christian book trade in this country is going through change and uncertainty.
An article in The Times on January 15 drew attention to the troubles of the Christian book trade under the heading “The Call goes out to keep Jesus on the High Street”. This can be found on-line at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6990136.ece. The writer mentions a fact which many Christians seem to forget – Christian bookshops have a ministry. There are many opportunities to help people with emotional and spiritual needs. Shops are open at times when many churches are closed and they present familiar retail surroundings for people to whom church is an alien environment.
The current difficulties in the trade are not restricted to Christian retailers: In November Borders, the secular bookseller, went into administration, quoting competition from the Internet as a major factor. Soon after this, IBS-STL, the largest distributor and retailer of Christian books in this country also went into administration. It now seems that many of their shops will be saved, although some will reopen with a different focus.
Many Christian retailers, including re:fresh books & christian resources, saw sales plummet in December and January due, in part, to the inclement weather. “We know that it is easy and sometimes (though not always) cheaper to buy on-line” says Marguerite Williams, Manager of re:fresh. “We would like more people to see Christian bookshops the way they view Fairtrade goods, by supporting a local Christian ministry rather than secular internet sites that are driving Christian and non-Christian retailers out of business. Some Christians come to us only when they can’t find their books elsewhere. We would like to be their first resource, not the last resort.”
Support Christian retailers to prevent more closures like this one in January
JANUARY 2010
New books for 2010
A number of new books published in January deal with issues that should concern us all. They are all available from re:fresh books & christian resources in Tolworth Broadway. There is also a wide range of Lent study materials.
The Radical Disciple, yet another book from John Stott, challenges Christians not to be selective in their obedience to Christ. The veteran church leader examines eight neglected areas of Christian discipleship. Meanwhile the recent biography of John Stott by Roger Steer, Inside Story, is also available from re:fresh books.
 I‘m a Christian aren’t I? is a question we all hear from time to time … or sometimes it is expressed as a statement rather than a question. And yet the speaker often knows nothing of the meaning of the cross, has no personal relationship with Jesus Christ and no experience of the work of the Holy Spirit, rarely reads God’s word and rarely goes to church. In I’m a Christian aren’t I? Dan Clark explains what it really means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and points his readers to a life of joy, peace, assurance, deep relationships, contentment and friendship with God.
Love & War may sound an odd title for a book on marriage, but John and Stasi Eldredge’s latest book takes a frank look at the highs and lows of marriage. Drawing on their 25 years of marriage, the authors of Wild at Heart and Captivating look at different aspects of the relationship, each contributing separately to some chapters.
For these and other new titles go to http://www.refreshbooks.co.uk/newtitles.htm.
Lent Courses
Lent begins on February 17, bringing with it a reminder of Jesus’ 40-day fast in the Judean wilderness and challenging Christians to re-evaluate their own commitment to God. Re:fresh books offers a range of Lent study materials suitable for individual or small group use. Some use CDs, audio tapes or DVDs in conjunction with study books.
 Giving it up is the BRF Lent Book for 2010. It challenges us to explore a different kind of “giving up” where we acknowledge our daily dependence on God. This course comprises daily readings and questions for reflection. It is suitable for personal or group use. Encounters with Jesus is a new CWR Cover to Cover guide for Lent. Prepared by Joel Edwards, it provides a study of six people who met Jesus
The York Course for 2010, When I Survey comprises a CD or audio tape with six 14-minute discussion starters covering aspects of the Crucifixion. Separate study booklets are designed for use by individuals within a group. Meanwhile the latest addition to the Life Journeys DVD-based studies by Jeff Lucas, The Impossible Dream, is ideal for Lent. The DVD includes six short talks by Jeff Lucas, filmed in India and focusing on what God has to say about poverty, injustice, oppression and exploitation. Participants’ booklets include daily Bible Reading notes for use during the six-week course as well as discussion starters for a weekly study.
For other Lent studies go to http://www.refreshbooks.co.uk/lentstudies2010.htm.
 Re:freshment for body and spirit
Re:fresh books offers a relaxed and welcoming place where customers can enjoy a free cup of Fair Trade tea or coffee as they browse. Staff are happy to give advice on books that are available and will research the availability of books that are not in stock. A postal delivery service is available for customers who are not able to visit the shop – just call 020 8390 5400 or email shop@refreshbooks.co.uk.
The re:fresh charity of the Year
Re:fresh books has decided to make Christians Against Poverty its “Charity of the Year”, for the second year running, in recognition of the valuable work done by the charity in helping people in financial difficulties. A CAP Centre has recently been established in Tolworth. For details go to http://www.refreshbooks.co.uk/refreshcharityoftheyear.htm.
MAY 2009 NEWS EXTRA
Recognition again for re:fresh in Christian Bookseller Awards
Re:fresh books and christian resources, was runner-up in this year’s Small Retailer of the Year awards, organised by the Christian Booksellers Convention. Re:fresh, in Tolworth Broadway, won the Award in 2006.
 There are more than 550 Christian bookshops in the United Kingdom, the majority of which are classified as “Small”, based on annual turnover. It is unusual for the same shop to be shortlisted in the CBC Awards twice in such a short time. Re:fresh was only in its second year in business when it originally won the Award.
The 2009 Awards were announced at the annual Christian Booksellers Convention held this year at Sandown Park Esher, in parallel with the Christian Resources Exhibition.
The picture shows Marguerite Williams, Manager of re:fresh books & christian resources, receiving the runner-up Award from Michael Welch, Sales Manager of Scripture Union, sponsors of the Small Retailer of the Year Award.
Christian bookshops are not immune to the difficulties currently faced by the retail trade generally. Nevertheless re:fresh saw an increase in sales in the first four months of 2009 compared with the same period last year.
“All Christian retailers have to work that much harder than before and think creatively to stay in business” says Manager, Marguerite Williams. “We face the same sort of competition from large businesses as other small retailers but in our case the principal competition comes from the Internet. One of our challenges is to encourage Christians to see their local Christian retailer as a self-financing ministry rather than just a business. We have fantastic opportunities to minister to people’s spiritual needs and to offer a cup of tea and encouragement to people struggling with personal issues.”
Past news items may be viewed on our News Archive.
Click HERE to view.
A Selection of past news stories appears below
 Re:fresh in the news again
(February 2007)
The February 2007 issue of Christianity Magazine includes a ‘briefing’ article from re:fresh books and christian resources. This looks at the role of Christian bookshops in the modern retail climate. It makes the point that Christian bookshops represent a Christian presence on the High Street and are open at times when most churches are closed!
Fresh veggies from re:fresh books
 (July/August 2006)
After a number of years, the Veggie Tales are back, now on DVD. Aimed at pre-school children, and presenting Biblical stories and concepts in an engaging style, they are also “cult” viewing amongst many Christian teenagers. Titles initially available include:- Josh and the big Wall, Madame Blueberry, Ballad of little Joe, Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Samson’s hairbrush and Rack, Shack and Benny
Re:fresh wins Retailer of the Year Award
(March 2006)
Re:fresh books & christian resources won the ‘Small Retailer of the Year Award’ at the recent Christian Booksellers Convention in Telford.  The Award is one of two awards made each year at the Convention, one for “small” bookshops with a turnover up to £200,000 a year and the other for “large” bookshops. There are approximately 600 Christian bookshops in the UK of which the majority are “small”. Criteria used by the judges include organization and control of business activity, originality and creativity in presentation and marketing activity, turnover growth, customer care, community involvement, stock turn and staff development. The Award is especially pleasing because re:fresh books only opened 18 months ago.
Expanded DVD range
(June 2006)
Re:fresh books has introduced an extensive new range of DVDs for adults and children including Christian biography, teaching materials, movies etc. Topical subjects are The Prize, The Ultimate Goal and More than a game which feature spectacular football action with world-class players discussing their dreams, disappointments and motivation. Childrens’ titles include classics such as Treasures of the Snow and Tanglewoods’ Secret. Classic films such as John Wesley and Martin Luther are available along with biographies of well-known Christians past and present. The evangelistic DVD So, Who is this Jesus? featuring The Bill actor Russell Boulter is an excellent resource for youth discussions or seeker groups (See review on www.refreshbooks.co.uk.)
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