News

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July 2010 

What are you reading this Summer?

With the summer upon us it is an opportunity for many to relax with a good book on the beach, in the garden or in the countryside.  Why not read a good Christian novel or biography?   Or if you are looking for something deeper, holidays can be the time to look into some aspect of your faith that you have not had time to explore before.

re:fresh books & christian resources in Tolworth Broadway encourages customers to “Take it and Leave it” – Take a good Christian book on holiday, read it, and then leave it for somebody else to pick up and read.  Many holiday accommodations have an area where guests can leave books they have read and pick up books left by other guests.  Novels like The Shack or biographies like Taming the Tiger are ideal for this purpose as they convey the Gospel in an interesting and effective way.

Christian Fiction
Fiction can be an effective way to convey a message while, at the same time, entertaining the reader.   Two years ago The Shack hit the secular market in the USA, topping the New York Times bestsellers lists for a phenomenal 11 months with its powerful examination of the question of God, suffering and evil.  It did not achieve the same general acceptance on this side of the Atlantic but  it was a bestseller in Christian bookshops for many months.    There is a wealth of good Christian fiction from authors such as Francine Rivers, Ted Dekker, Karen Kingsbury, Dee Henderson and, from a previous generation, CS Lewis.

An interesting use of Christian fiction is the TrueColors series of books for teenage girls which uses fiction as a medium to convey messages about subjects such as self-harming, sex and alcohol.  Feedback from a teenage reader indicates that this series does appeal to its target market.  There are twelve books in the series.  For details go to www.refreshbooks.co.uk/booksforteenagers.htm

Re:fresh books & christian resources stocks a wide range of good Christian fiction including the writers listed above.   Its Fiction for a Fiver range offers a variety of books at an economic price while the Summer Sale offers a range of books at reduced price including Francine Rivers’ The Sin Eater and the Sons of Encouragement Omnibus – five books in one.  The Last Christian is a new novel by David Gregory, author of Dinner with a Perfect Stranger.  A story with intrigue and suspense, it is about a woman who returns to America after 34 years isolated in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, to find that Christianity has died out.  See www.refreshbooks.co.uk/summerreading.htm

Christian biography
We can often draw inspiration from the lives of others and there is no shortage of good Christian biography.   Son of Hamas, the story of the son of a Hamas leader who became a Christian, or Hostage in Iraq, the story of Norman Kember who was held captive in Baghdad for four months, are two examples. 

The re:fresh Summer Sale includes some old favourites – The Hiding Place, The Cross and the Switchblade and Run Baby Run – along with new titles like Jonathan Aitken’s, Heroes and Contemporaries, which describes people who influenced the former Cabinet Minister – from Winston Churchill to Nicky Gumbel.

June 2010

A site worth visiting

A new on-line directory of Christian Agencies in Kingston and district is the latest development from re:fresh books and christian resources.

In addition to information relating specifically to books and other products sold in the shop in Tolworth Broadway the re:fresh website, www.refreshbooks.co.uk provides details of local churches, guidance on where to find Alpha or Christianity Explored courses and information on special events in local churches,.   “We are in the business of communication and believe that we can offer a hub for the exchange of information between churches and Christian agencies in the area” says David Williams, who looks after the re:fresh website.

The new ‘Local Christian Agencies’ page is designed to fulfil a need for people who are looking for specialist help with issues such as relationship counselling, debt advice, homelessness and drug advice.  It also provides a link to organisations such as Insight, Oxygen, Street Pastors and Welcare.  It gives contact details, a brief description of the organisation, and details of affiliations to national organisations.  There are also links to other agencies which may not be specifically faith-based but provide important community services. 
See www.refreshbooks.co.uk/localchristianagencies.htm

The Local Christian Agencies page complements the existing ‘Local Churches’ page on re:fresh books’ website.  This gives brief details of churches in Kingston and district, including times of main services, contact information and a brief description of each church, its ethos and affiliations.  Analysis shows that this is one of the most frequently-visited pages on the website. 
See www.refreshbooks.co.uk/localchurches.htm  

What do you do when somebody says they would like to join an Alpha or similar course but your church is not planning to run one for another six months?   The re:fresh website has an 'Alpha and other Courses' page listing not only Alpha and Christianity Explored Courses but Marriage and other similar courses.   This is an opportunity for local churches to cooperate by pointing people to other churches that are running courses when they are not.  See www.refreshbooks.co.uk/courses.htm 

Another new page on re:fresh books’ website lists Church Supplies such as communion wine, communion cups and trays, offering bags, baptismal candles and bookstall units.  This reflects a move to support local churches by stocking items needed in their worship.  “We have researched the market to find quality products at the most competitive prices” says Manager Marguerite Williams “for example our communion trays are elegant mahogany units at half the price of some trays.”   Re:fresh is also offering a range of lockable church bookstall units.  These are high quality units manufactured by the company which provided the original shop fittings for re:fresh books.   See www.refreshbooks.co.uk/churchsupplies.htm

Another recent addition to the website is ‘400 years of the KJV’, a page which lists books, DVDs and other resources which churches, schools or other groups might draw upon in the run-up to the 400th Anniversary of the Authorized (King James) version of the Bible.  This presents opportunities to emphasise the relevance of the Bible within the Christian community and in society at large through competitions, exhibitions, talks seminars, drama and music. 
See www.refreshbooks.co.uk/400yearsofthekjv.htm 

The re:fresh website, which is regularly updated, gives details of new books, DVDs and CDs; special offers; and resources such as small group study materials, Bible study aids and children’s books.   There are reviews of helpful books, useful links, downloads and pages of news.

Other news from re:fresh books
New free magazine: Details of the latest Christian books, music and DVDs are given in a new magazine The Christian Marketplace, available free from re:fresh books.   It is produced by the publishers of Christianity magazine and is not tied to any specific publisher or distributor but draws on the editorial resources of the Christian book trade’s own magazine Christian Marketplace.  The first issue is now available and lists about 200 products together with features such as ‘Editor's Choice’ and book reviews from Christian Marketplace's well-regarded team of book reviewers.  For a copy visit re:fresh books at 23 Tolworth Broadway, KT6 7DJ or email shop@refreshbooks.co.uk

Sale: During July and August re:fresh books has a Summer Sale.  These are genuine reductions on books from stock, not a special purchase sale.  As a result prices are for individual books and once sold they cannot be repeated at that price – first come, first served!

May 2010

Help in life’s crises

We all encounter turning-points in our lives – times of joy and times of sadness, times of gain and times of loss, times of hope and times of anxiety, or simply times of change.  Some of us struggle with things that have happened to us (or that did not happen to us) in the past.  Others just long to be more effective in helping other people who are struggling with issues in their lives.

A number of Christian books published recently look at different crisis points in life.  Many of these are written by people who have travelled the hard road of suffering and loss themselves.  A selection of these is described below.  All are available at re:fresh books & christian resources, 23 The Broadway, Tolworth.

Currently on special offer at re:fresh is CWR’s excellent Insight series, coming out of the counselling ministry of Waverley Abbey House.  The series covers addiction, anger, anxiety, assertiveness, bereavement, depression, eating disorders, forgiveness, perfectionism, self-esteem and stress.  Typically 120 pages hardback, these are all reduced by £2.00 at re:fresh books & christian resources.

Forgiving the Impossible? - From abuse to freedom and hope by Greta Randle.
As a child, Greta Randle was subjected to abuse at the hands of her church pastor.  Trapped, she could see no way out.  Her dramatic story of a journey through revulsion, anger, depression and bitterness has an unexpected ending.  Today, Greta Randle is Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Christian Counsellors and plays a key role in helping other victims of abuse.

Let's Stick Together - The relationship book for new parents by Harry Benson.
40% of British 15 year-olds  no longer live with both parents; one in five children see their parents separate before the end of their first year in school.  The excitement and pressures of parenthood often mean that a couple's relationship is overlooked.   Harry Benson suggests three "good habits" that will help keep love alive and protect a relationship through the pressures of parenting.

Learning to Let Go - Making the Transition into Residential Care by Penelope Wilcock.   "How I wish I'd had this book a couple of years ago!" says Pam Rhodes in the Foreword to this helpful book.  Writing for elderly people and their families, Penelope Wilcock guides her readers through the practical and emotional issues involved in preparing for residential care.  She looks at the difficult questions faced, discusses the marks of a well-run care home and suggests ways in which families and staff can offer the best care, and help an elderly person to retain their identity.

Be Still my Soul - Embracing God's purpose and provision in suffering Edited by Nancy Guthrie.   This is a collection of writings by 25 writers, ancient and modern, on the problem of pain, edited by somebody who has known the heartache through the loss of two children.  The book is divided into three sections - God's perspective on suffering, God's purpose in suffering and God's provision in suffering.  Writers include Joni Eareckson Tada, John Calvin, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Philip Yancey, Helen Roseveare, St. Augustine, Corrie ten Boom and John Piper.

Stories from the Edge - A practical resource for youth workers by Dave Wiles.   The Chief Executive of Frontier Youth Trust presents more than 30 stories of young people at risk, including his own story, to help youth and community workers to a deeper understanding of those with whom they work.  Six chapters look at different themes - dads and lads, fights and drugs, comfort and risk, youth culture and gangs, interpersonal contemplation, and sins and blunders.  Each chapter includes real-life stories, insights and questions to promote thought and discussion.

Another new title that addresses a problem that is all-too-prevalent in Christian circles is Tim Chester’s book, Captured by a Better Vision - Living porn-free.  A book primarily for men, about winning the fight against pornography, it is suitable for those for whom porn is a personal problem or those who want to help them.   The author outlines the extent of the problem in society and in the church and focuses on strategies to beat it - supremely to feed our minds on Christ.

April/May 2010 

Re:fresh books & christian resources is exhibiting at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park between May 11-14 (Stand S103).    A special feature of the display will be books, DVDs and other resources for churches and organisations wishing to mark the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible in May 2011.   Children’s Bibles and books, and teaching resources for churches and schools will also be displayed along with examples from the wide range of Bibles, Bible Study materials, inspirational books, biographies, Christian fiction, DVDs, gifts and greeting cards available from re:fresh.  Some special offers will be available only on Stand S103.

 “I want a Bible”
“I want to buy a Bible” is a great thing to hear from your first customer of the week in a Christian bookshop.    But there was something different about this customer in re:fresh books & christian resources on a Monday morning in March.   He wanted “the latest translation”, he was adamant that he did not want a Bible with study notes, but he was prepared to pay for a good quality Bible.  After some discussion, he bought a leather-bound New Living Translation with thumb index.

After his purchase he was asked politely, “Do you mind me asking why you have decided to buy a Bible?”

“I’m a Muslim and I want to find out about your god for myself” was his response.  “One day we will both have to face God; if you Christians are right, I will be condemned but if Muslims are right then you will be condemned.  So I want to read your Bible and make up my mind for myself.”   He was encouraged to read about Jesus in the Gospels.   He also accepted, as a gift, Malcolm Steer’s A Muslim’s Pocket Guide to Christianity.

Pray for A and others like him who are genuinely looking for the truth and for meaning in life.   He would probably never enter a church.  And if he went to a secular bookshop he would not have the same choice of Bible or be given the same guidance.  And it is very unlikely that the sale would be backed up by prayer for the customer!

Another man visited the shop recently looking at the glassware.  He eventually asked the price of a glass cross explaining that he desperately wanted to buy it as an Easter present for his wife.  The price was more than he had on him and cheaper alternatives did not appeal.  He seemed so disappointed that he was asked how much he could pay and he was sold the cross at a reduced price.  At the same time he was offered a copy of Luke’s Gospel and encouraged to read the story of the cross.  “That’s interesting my name is Mark” he commented – so the offer was changed to a Gospel of Mark!   He was so grateful that he then proceeded to empty the remaining loose change from his pocket and put it into the Christians Against Poverty charity box.

Pray for Mark and others like him who are attracted into re:fresh by the giftware.  This sometimes provides an opportunity for meaningful discussion.  Pray also for people who are given free Gospels – that they will read them and encounter the Saviour.

Meerkats are also attracting first-time customers into re:fresh!   Since becoming a stockist for World Wildlife Fund, re:fresh has enjoyed buoyant sales of WWF’s ‘Plush’ collection of soft toys, in particular the meerkats.   Families have been drawn into the shop by these and other toys in the window and then seen the large range of children’s books, which include some popular and classic children’s fiction as well as high quality children’s Bibles and books from Candle, Lion, CWR and SU.  Meanwhile, it is hoped that new customers will see the selection of normal Bibles and books on issues such as marriage, parenting and debt or books about the Christian faith.

Please pray for the ministry of re:fresh, which involves much more than just selling books and other resources.  Pray especially for perception to know how to help people, including when to speak and when to be silent.   Pray also that when opportunities arise to speak and pray with people, there will be no unnecessary interruptions and that refresh personnel will be on hand to continue serving other customers.

March 2010 

FEBRUARY 2010

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.)