Brothers and Sisters in Christ, on behalf of the wardens and vestry, I want to inform you of the future ministry of the Advent's book store.
You may be aware that for several years the book store has been operating at a significant financial loss and has been sustained by our annual operating budget. About ten months ago we formed a special committee, chaired by Jon Harbuck, to analyze the operations of the book store both from a ministry and business perspective. This included comparing notes with other retailers, book store managers, and Episcopal book stores across the country.
In November 2009 the commission reported their findings to your dean and vestry with the suggestion that we either close it or restructure it and move it from its present location. At its January 2010 meeting the vestry approved a carefully drawn plan to substantially reduce the overhead, become more specialized and move the book store to a place on the main floor in the hallway leading into Clingman Commons.
Several important things to note:
1. Consideration has been given to times of heavy traffic flow coming in and out of Clingman Commons.
2. The funds required to make the move and set up shop for this new location will not come from the operating budget or the endowment fund, but from a special gift given to the Advent.
3. This move will free up much-needed space currently being used by the book store.
4. As we will be relying on a team of Advent volunteers, Cindy Funderburk will be the only employee. (Sandy Bowron and Gil Kracke will be helping us coordinate the transition.)
We believe you will like the architectural plan by vestryman Pete Pritchard. It will be tastefully done and the décor of the Advent will not be compromised. We are planning a “grand opening” sometime before summer with a new look and vision for our book store.
In all things we seek to glorify Jesus Christ.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving; and pray for us also, that God may open to us a door for the Word…” (Col. 4:2,3).
Here are four PDF files with "before and after" photos and architectural computer simulation views:
facing porte cochere from clingman.pdf
facing 6th avenue.pdf
from 6th avenue garden entrance.pdf
facing clingman.pdf
