ABC Christian Store Report

MISSION AND PURPOSE

BOOKMOBILE OPERATION/ FEBRUARY FOOD SALE

The idea of an Adventist Book Centre has been a key element within the Seventhday Adventist Church from its earliest beginnings. Church pioneers quickly recognized the need and engaged in printing materials, not only for the spiritual nourishment and growth of its members, but to reach beyond its doors into the surrounding communities. In the spirit of the pioneers, the ABC Christian Store, formerly Adventist Book Centre, continues its mission to church members and seeks out new avenues for reaching into the larger community around us.

STAFFING

In 2001, when I first began working at the ABC, we had about 12 employees. Over the years, several things have happened that have had an impact on staffing needs. Today, we have only six employees:

Penny Van Petten Part-time Janitorial (also bags bulk foods)

Sol Arizelle Agdon Part-time Sales Associate

Ruby Casipe Head Sales Associate/Order Desk/ Customer Service/Shipping

Ken McPherson Bookmobile Operator

Laurie Stickle Assistant Manager/Accountant

Larry N. Wilton Manager The ABC Christian Store in Alberta continues to operate a successful bookmobile program. Ken McPherson, who has been looking after that program since February 2002, is in Edmonton and Calgary with the bookmobile each month. Since the beginning of COVID, the bookmobile has visited other areas in both the Alberta and Man/Sask conferences in April, July, and October. Except for Regina and Winnipeg, the bookmobile normally visits those areas only during April and October. In addition to the regular bookmobile schedule, Ken also drives our delivery truck to drop off prepaid orders during the month of February.

IMPACT FROM OTHER BUSINESSES

Up until a few years ago, the impact on the ABC from other businesses was not felt as keenly as it is in today’s market. We have always realized the success of an ABC is due, in large part, to sales of diverse products. Traditionally, that has been primarily vegetarian and/ or vegan foods. With the increased interest and availability of a large variety of vegetarian/vegan options in the grocery stores, it has become a real challenge to the ABC to remain competitive. Consequently, we have had to broaden our view to include a much wider diversity of products, like, for example, Maison Berger air freshening and purifying products. In recent months, we have included Indigenous artwork, which is doing well for us. When was the last time you thought of the ABC as a place to shop for kids’ bikes and scooters? Now you can!

ABC Christian Store Report

EQUIPMENT PURCHASES

Since the last Town Hall meeting, we have had to purchase a new truck for the bookmobile. In October 2020, the need arose to replace the one we’ve had for nearly 20 years. The cost of doing that was in the neighborhood of $28,000.00. We are currently undergoing some repairs to the trailer portion of the bookmobile as well.

IMMEDIATE GOALS

Please visit us at abcchristianstore.ca. We look forward to seeing you there!

LONG-TERM GOALS

While we continue to view our mission and purpose as one of the ministries of the church, it is with the realization that it needs to be a ministry that supports itself. It is therefore built on a business model and continually seeking new ways and products that can help us achieve our goals.

Over the past year, we have purchased new software that has enabled us to build an e-commerce site for the ABC Christian Store. The initial cost for this is approximately $15,000.00. We have now gone live with nearly all our food products, some of our books and giftware, and are adding new products almost daily.

Submitted by Larry Wilton ABC Christian Store Manager

FINANCIAL

Despite the added challenges brought on by COVID, the ABC continues to hold its own during these very difficult and trying times.

We thank you for your continuing support and are glad for the opportunity to serve.