MISSION AND PURPOSE 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
BOOKMOBILE OPERATION/ FEBRUARY FOOD SALE 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.
Alberta Adventist Conference - Town Hall Meeting Report 2021
ABC Christian Store Report
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!
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