Why Bible Journal by Paula Ponton
The benefits of Bible Journalling were outlined at a recent workshop organised by Bridge Books:
Engaging creatively with a particular word or verse of Scripture helps to fix it in your mind.
Looking back over a Bible filled with dated, illustrated or annotated passages can give real encouragement to your devotional life.
A dedicated Bible or journal gives you the freedom to experiment with Scripture; whether you draw stick figures, trace an image, use stickers or glue images cut from magazines in the margins - it’s your own personal expression of time spent with God’s Word.
Why not start the New Year with a One Year Creative Expressions Bible which helps you read through the Bible in 12 months? It includes line art to colour and lightly ruled margins that give space for developing imaginative ideas. Dip your toe in the water by starting with the book of Psalms using a wide margined Psalter or a devotional including images to colour.
The range of Bible translations and journalling/colouring formats is expanding all the time and a greater variety of journalling resources are now being stocked: washi tape, stickers, waterproof pens, “how to” books, large or small journals with and without bible verses…
Plus, there is the possibility of more workshops to come - why not add your name to the growing list of those to be notified?
See our Activities page for some ideas, or have a look at our Journalling Bibles.
Bridge Books News - December 2019
This is something that God smiles at
First, ‘Thank you!’ - Thank you for encouraging us with your custom. This ministry is God’s work – to grow his people through Bibles, Books, gifts, cards, teaching resources etc, and to enable others to engage with Him perhaps for the first time. We estimate that at least 70% of all resources that left Bridge Books this year were bought to be given away - and you have been part of this.
Prisoners get theirs, but school children don’t
Over 160 libraries in local hospitals, churches, and schools, including 4 schools abroad have received a box full of great Christian books and resources through Bridge Books. Here is a quote from one school:
“They have completely transformed our array of Christian books and are so up to date and modern that the children are showing signs of interest which we have never seen before.'“
Recently we applied for grants for the 4 Southwest prisons and have been notified they will receive £600 each so providing a very good number of books to go into their libraries and be life changing. However, the 9 schools we applied for didn’t do so well. 4 years ago, we were getting grants for £500 per school. Now because of the success of the national funding scheme the 9 schools will only receive £150 each in this round of grants. This amount will provide a rather small box of books.
What we are asking is for you to pray with us. Please pray that at least an additional £900 (addition £100 per school) will become available as soon as possible to enable us to give each school a really good selection of titles for their libraries, so that many more children will get regular opportunities to read and see Christian Bible stories, parables, Action and Minecraft Bibles in school. Any extra money will be put aside for future grant requests.
“We cannot thank you enough. We now have a special Christian Book Basket the children take out at playtimes and use in our spiritual garden”.
Any financial assistance can be sent to or given into the shop or received into our bank account referencing the Bridge Books Library fund. (08-92-50. Acct no. 68545510). Thanking you in advance for your prayers.
Who can see the future?
Since the start of Bridge Books in 2008 the number of items and value of sales continues to grow. Nearly 25,000 items and over £135,000 in value left us during this past year. Yet, we are not satisfied! The words - ‘Prepare for growth’ has surrounded everything we have done during these past years and God has blessed the work. However, now we feel hampered!
For the past year we, and many of you, have been praying about the future of the ministry – how to be relevant and still be serving the Christian community in 10 years time.
Option 1) Stay where we are. However, we are maxed out with no more room to add more stock and to better display what we have. Plus, we have very limited office space. Only 2 staff can comfortably work in the office area. At present I (Gary) often need to do my admin and marketing from home - no room in the inn for me! We do need to plan to continue to grow, to better serve the Christian community in Devon and beyond, and so will need space for additional staff (and volunteers) to work in the shop. We also have very limited storage area and are using garage space elsewhere. If we are to move it should be by June next year as our rent agreement is due for renewal, with a natural increase in rent.
Option 2) In an ideal world, to potentially future proof the ministry, could the best way forward be to buy rather than rent a suitable premises? Is this feasible? If we did move, whether renting or buying, we could only do it if others came and supported the ministry financially - to cover the refurbishment and extra expenses until the new premises got on its feet. This would mean lots of others getting involved in that vision. Please pray with us that we will hear our Lord’s will, and that others will join us to make His plans happen.
It is still surprising how many do not know
This year we have done more pop-up shops and bookstalls than ever, working with local churches, Conferences, the Diocese, youth camps, Headteachers, Spree and Edge Fest in Taunton and many more. So, we are getting more and more widely known.
We still have our wonderful part-time staff, and Betty our long-term volunteer, plus this year we have had a small group of volunteers coming in to help out for half days when we are out at bookstalls, which we have really appreciated.
We cannot close without mentioning Christmas. As you have seen we again have a wonderful display of Christmas cards and gifts to benefit you and those around you. However, we are still discovering that many in churches are not aware that Bridge Books is here for them or they have not visited us yet. Please will you help by telling others and by asking those who do church notices to make a good mention about the wonderful resources (especially the stock of cards, books and gifts for Christmas), all available at Bridge Books for their own encouragement and in spreading the gospel. The more who visit the shop, means many more receiving the story of Jesus.
Other News
Street Pastors – In October we had a ‘Surprise £1 Dip’ during ‘Christian Bookshop Week’. An additional £110.00 was raised for this valued ministry.
Large Print – One of our best sellers in recent times has been Large print Bibles. Ideal for those whose eyes are getting a little older, and for those preaching/ teaching needing larger print to aid them at the pulpit. Many to choose from.
Take Note – Every two months we have a large selection of fine books, music and films all with very special discounts ranging from £1.00 to £8.00. A new selection is now in with exciting titles and lots of choices for Christmas presents. Come and look.
Events – As mentioned we are involved in over 100 days of outside events, where Christian resources of all types are available to buy. Many people find it very helpful to purchase items at these ‘pop-up shops’. Talk to us if you or your church would like to have Christian resources available for a special event or on a regular basis. Plus, if you know someone who has a car and would like to help with our outside events please make contact.
Hannah Dunnett - Over the years Hannah has continued to produce quality items which are bought for personal benefit or as great gifts. She continues to incorporate Scripture in new designs of cards and posters, coasters, tea towels, note cards, notebooks, bookmarks and more. If you want any of her calendars, including her new slim version come soon. They always sell out.
Bible Reading Notes – They help you get closer to God, gain a better understanding of the Bible and wisdom too. If you aren’t already into a regular rhythm of reading, come in and view the many options.
Have a great Christmas and every continued blessing for the coming year from all of us on the team. Gary and Mary
Bridge Books rising above the high street slump
Grow Magazine included Bridge Books as an independent bookshop rising above the high street slump. With approximately 85,000 people losing jobs from Britain’s high streets, the picture of retail shopping is changing and it seems to be painting a bleak picture.
According to The Booksellers Association, the number of independent bookshops is on the rise. Grow spoke with local bookshops including our very own Paula Ponton who said:
“People who have bought books from the internet find that they can’t read them. They order large print but when it comes, it isn’t what they want so they come to us.”
Paula shared that independent bookshops like Bridge Books can offer a “personal service” that chain retailers and online retailers cannot:
“We can play them CDs they are interested in and we can give recommendations.”
We celebrated our 10th anniversary of Bridge Books in 2018 and aim to have an excellent service for all our customers. This article in Grow’s online magazine is an encouragement for all of us and it is great that independent bookshops are flourishing in the local area.
The article in Grow can be read here: Independent Bookshops Are Rising Above The High Street Slump
Stop Press!
Did you see Bridge Books featured in the August edition of Exeter Life magazine? We were delighted to be featured alongside many other people within our city and it was great to continue celebrating our 10th anniversary in this way.
It highlighted some of the work that we do across the South West from our pop-up bookstalls to our donations to libraries. Of course, none of this would be possible without the continued support of our customers - thank you for being a part of the journey so far!
Celebrating 10 Years of Bridge Books
From left to right: Gary Lee, Margaret Robertson, John Robertson and Mary Lee at the 10th anniversary party
Over 60 people attended the shop's 10th anniversary party including John & Margaret Robertson who opened Bridge Books in June 2008. It was a great encouragement to us all, with food and conversation before heading over to the shop for a time of prayer.
Here is an email we received after the event:
"It was such a privilege to be part of your anniversary tea party and to hear about the shop’s back story. Thank you for the invitation and for ensuring a lovely welcoming atmosphere. We really appreciated being there, chatting to others and understanding a little more of your ministry."
We are continuing the celebrations by offering our customers a beautiful gift book every day in July as a special thank you. Also, for any church group or school who buy ten items, we will be giving another one for free (valid until 30th August 2018). Please come and visit - it's always a joy to see you!
To find out more about what's been happening at Bridge Books, please do read our latest newsletter by clicking here.
Why Read The Bible? by Ruth Clemence
Why Read The Bible?
The Bible is more accessible than ever before here in the UK. You can now get different translations to help you engage and understand it. It has been translated into many different languages. There are Bibles that can be coloured in or used for journaling; many have pictures or provide additional study notes to give you a deeper appreciation and knowledge of what has been written. Many people own more than one or use an app on a smartphone which skips to the exact book, chapter and verse that is needed. However, there is something pretty amazing about flipping through a hardcopy of this incredible text. Here are just three remarkable reasons to read the Bible – there are many more!
Three reasons to read the Bible
1) It points to Jesus - it’s God’s Word to us. When we spend time reflecting on what has been written in its pages, it deepens our relationship with God and we can know Him better. Also, from the beginning in the book of Genesis to the final book of Revelation, there is an overarching narrative that runs throughout the Bible – it all points to Jesus Christ. If we are only looking for Jesus in the New Testament, we are missing the richness and excitement that unfolds right from the start.
2) It’s not about us - the Bible teaches us how to live and how to obey and trust in God. With the uncertainty that life often throws our way, we can know God’s heart for our lives. It deals with some of life’s toughest questions like suffering, life’s purpose, death and life after death. It’s not a book about us – it’s about the Living God. It’s where we can know God and see His love for us. As we read the Bible, it has the power to transform us.
3) Don’t take it for granted - in many parts of the world accessing a Bible is extremely difficult. Owning a bible could result in persecution, imprisonment and even death, yet many risk their lives for it. We are free to buy, open, read and share the Word of God in this country and so let’s not take it for granted.
At Bridge Books, we are passionate about the Bible and have a variety of different translations available in store. We would love to encourage you to engage with the Bible; maybe you own one somewhere, but it’s a bit dusty. Perhaps you have worn out your existing copy and it’s time for a new one. It might even be the first time you have considered reading or buying a Bible for yourself or maybe you would like to buy one for someone else.
Whatever your situation, we would love to help you know what Bibles are available to you. Please feel free to give us a call on: 01392 427171 or email sales@bridgebookshop.co.uk or pop into the shop and we can show you our full selection or order it in for you.
