Although the SPCK name is still in use over the shops and online, that use is subject to ongoing legal discussions. SPCK have emphasised "that they do not own, manage or otherwise run the Bookshops" (online statement dated 12/11/2007), whilst SSG have declined to comment. In view of the uncertain legal position no link to spckonline.com can be provided at present. Online fulfillment is apparently being provided by St Andrew's Bookshops: again, in view of the uncertainty, prospective customers may be wise to consider shopping elsewhere.

Screenshot 1: Google Search Results for 'ssg online' (02/04/2008 )       Screenshot 2: Google 2nd Warning (02/04/2008 )   Google Help Centre  Information about Malware Warnings  Help for Website Owners  StopBadware.org  Badware Report for spckonline.com 

There are a lot of ‘Christian’ publishers out there who try and cash in on the huge popularity of that one most important book, the Bible. Blatant materialism.

• Former SPCK shops to be auctioned: Report in the Church Times, 25/04/2008
• Former SPCK staff gathering: Noted by Dave Walker, 23/04/2008
• SSG to sell four shops: Report in the Bookseller, 21/04/2008
• Save the SPCK: Dave Walker's ongoing campaign to retrieve something from the rubble

1. To provide a reminder that a get-together of  former SPCK booksellers and other interested parties is planned on Wednesday 14th May, 2pm at The Bear Pub on Esher High Street, just a few minutes walk from Sandown Park Racecourse, where the Christian Resources Exhibition will be taking place. Dave says that he plans to be there, as do I. 
2. To say to any ex-SPCK staff out there who want to go but can't afford the travel expenses: please do get in touch. There is (limited) funding available in the UKCBD Save the SPCK Booksellers Fund; as I write only one person has requested help.

• General: Philip Yancey, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference (9780340909089, Hodder & Stoughton)
• Biography: Richard Taylor, To Catch a Thief (9781903725573, New Wine Press)
• Children's/Youth: Jonathan Brant, YP's Guide To Knowing God (9781853454073, CWR)

that there was indeed "a covenant on the freeholds limiting their use for some time to that of Christian bookselling with a broad multi-denominational stockholding."

that there was indeed "a covenant on the freeholds limiting their use for some time to that of Christian bookselling with a broad multi-denominational stockholding."

Effectively immediately, all former SPCK Bookshops being operated by the SSG trading company are to be staffed by a new management company. Should you wish to continue your employment at the Chester bookshop, you may do so by applying for a position with the new company. The company which will operate the bookshops is ENC Management Company. This is not a transfer of your employment under TUPE. Rather, this is notification to you by St Stephen the Great Charitable Trust that the trading company known as SSG (St Stephen the Great, a limited liability company) will no longer be operating the bookshop. 

SSG (St Stephen the Great - limited liability company) has been terminated as the trading company to operate the bookshops formerly known as SPCK Bookshops.

Effectively immediately, all former SPCK Bookshops being operated by the SSG trading company are to be staffed by a new management company. Should you wish to continue your employment at the Chester bookshop, you may do so by applying for a position with the new company. The company which will operate the bookshops is ENC Management Company. This is not a transfer of your employment under TUPE. Rather, this is notification to you by St Stephen the Great Charitable Trust that the trading company known as SSG (St Stephen the Great, a limited liability company) will no longer be operating the bookshop. 

SSG (St Stephen the Great - limited liability company) has been terminated as the trading company to operate the bookshops formerly known as SPCK Bookshops.

Effectively immediately, all former SPCK Bookshops being operated by the SSG trading company are to be staffed by a new management company. Should you wish to continue your employment at the Chester bookshop, you may do so by applying for a position with the new company. The company which will operate the bookshops is ENC Management Company. This is not a transfer of your employment under TUPE. Rather, this is notification to you by St Stephen the Great Charitable Trust that the trading company known as SSG (St Stephen the Great, a limited liability company) will no longer be operating the bookshop. 

SSG (St Stephen the Great - limited liability company) has been terminated as the trading company to operate the bookshops formerly known as SPCK Bookshops.

Bankruptcy Fraud Bankruptcy, by definition, is when a debtor is declared - either by creditors or his own account - legally insolvent. His property is liquidated and divided among his creditors to pay his debts. But when a debtor falsely claims bankruptcy, attempts to conceal his assets, launches petition mills or files multiple claims, he is committing bankruptcy fraud - a federal offense. Types of Bankruptcy Fraud Concealment of assets, petition mills, and multiple filings are the most common types of bankruptcy fraud. Concealment of Assets Concealment of assets accounts for nearly 70 percent of all fraudulent bankruptcy cases filed by individuals. This type of fraud occurs when a person purposely fails to list every one of his assets on his bankruptcy claim, knowing that creditors cannot liquidate valuables of which they are not aware. Similarly, business owners frequently conceal assets when filing for bankruptcy - they transfer money or properties to their relatives’ or associates’ names so that the assets cannot be confiscated.

According to advice from USDAW (they say they have not had enough time to research thoroughly) a charity registered in Britain cannot be made insolvent through the American courts. USDAW has discovered that the ENC management company consists of the Brewer brothers and one of their wives. As for hiding their assets - the two independent shops have been told to deposit takings in a new bank account in the name of Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust.

Maybe the greatest gift the Christian religion can offer the world right now is to remove itself from the battle for God. Perhaps it's time to release the claim to universal privilege it grants itself as the only "true religion". 

(p.48, A Heretic's Guide to Eternity)

— Phil Groom 

Bankruptcy Fraud Bankruptcy, by definition, is when a debtor is declared - either by creditors or his own account - legally insolvent. His property is liquidated and divided among his creditors to pay his debts. But when a debtor falsely claims bankruptcy, attempts to conceal his assets, launches petition mills or files multiple claims, he is committing bankruptcy fraud - a federal offense. Types of Bankruptcy Fraud Concealment of assets, petition mills, and multiple filings are the most common types of bankruptcy fraud. Concealment of Assets Concealment of assets accounts for nearly 70 percent of all fraudulent bankruptcy cases filed by individuals. This type of fraud occurs when a person purposely fails to list every one of his assets on his bankruptcy claim, knowing that creditors cannot liquidate valuables of which they are not aware. Similarly, business owners frequently conceal assets when filing for bankruptcy - they transfer money or properties to their relatives’ or associates’ names so that the assets cannot be confiscated.

According to advice from USDAW (they say they have not had enough time to research thoroughly) a charity registered in Britain cannot be made insolvent through the American courts. USDAW has discovered that the ENC management company consists of the Brewer brothers and one of their wives. As for hiding their assets - the two independent shops have been told to deposit takings in a new bank account in the name of Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust.

Maybe the greatest gift the Christian religion can offer the world right now is to remove itself from the battle for God. Perhaps it's time to release the claim to universal privilege it grants itself as the only "true religion". 

(p.48, A Heretic's Guide to Eternity)

The former SPCK Bookshops and their associated websites are owned and operated by the Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust(SSG), which acquired the shops from SPCK in October 2006. Unfortunately shops and staff alike suffered in the transition to new ownership, leading to staff departures, branch closures and uncertainty over opening times for those that remain, with at least one branch (Leicester) becoming independent. Previous shop descriptions, opening times and other information has therefore been removed and SSG have been invited to provide up to date details; until this is provided and independently verified, details shown here, whilst offered in good faith, may or may not be valid. Branches reported as closed or slated for closure include Birmingham, Bristol, Canterbury, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Lincoln, Norwich and Sheffield. Customers are strongly advised to phone ahead before visiting these or any other branches. Although the SPCK name is still in use over the shops and online, that use is subject to ongoing legal discussions. SPCK have emphasised "that they do not own, manage or otherwise run the Bookshops" (online statement dated 12/11/2007), whilst SSG have declined to comment. In view of the uncertain legal position no link to spckonline.com can be provided at present. Online fulfillment is apparently being provided by St Andrew's Bookshops: again, in view of the uncertainty, prospective customers may be wise to consider shopping elsewhere. Anyone concerned by SSG's treatment of the former SPCK booksellers and wishing to help is invited to make a donation to the UKCBD Save the SPCK Booksellers Fund. Latest News Google Warns Visitors: Beware spckonline.com Updates on the situation may be found in the UKCBD News Section and in Dave Walker's Blog.

(This notice updated 06/04/2008 )

In October 2006 the former SPCK Bookshops and their associated websites were entrusted by SPCK to the Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust (SSG), under the control of Messrs Philip and Mark Brewer. Unfortunately shops and staff alike suffered in the transition to new ownership, leading to staff departures, branch closures and uncertainty over opening times for those that remain. Reports emerging during June 2008 indicate a deepening crisis: SSG has apparently filed for bankruptcy in the USA whilst ownership and control of the shops has been transferred to a new company — also registered to the Brewers — called 'ENC Management Company'. The Durham and Chichester shops appear to have been reconstituted as independent trading companies but remain under the Brewers' personal control. The SPCK name is still in use over shops and online despite an online statement from SPCK (dated 12/11/2007 but since removed from the SPCK website) emphasising that they "do not own, manage or otherwise run the Bookshops". In view of these uncertainties, anyone considering trading with SSG, ENC Management Company or the so-called independent shops may be wise to seek legal advice first. Latest news and comments on the situation may be found in either this site's blog or Dave Walker's Save the SPCK pages. Anyone concerned by SSG's treatment of the former SPCK booksellers and wishing to help is invited to make a donation to the UKCBD Save the SPCK Booksellers Fund. Disclaimer Information posted here is based upon the best available information at the time. In particular there is no clear information available about which SSG/ENC shops are currently trading: prospective customers are strongly advised to check before visiting.

(This notice updated 12/06/2008 )

In October 2006 the former SPCK Bookshops and their associated websites were entrusted by SPCK to the Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust (SSG), under the control of Messrs Philip and Mark Brewer. Unfortunately shops and staff alike suffered in the transition to new ownership, leading to staff departures, branch closures and uncertainty over opening times for those that remain. Reports emerging during June 2008 indicate a deepening crisis: SSG has apparently filed for bankruptcy in the USA whilst ownership and control of the shops has been transferred to a new company — also registered to the Brewers — called 'ENC Management Company'. The Durham and Chichester shops appear to have been reconstituted as independent trading companies but remain under the Brewers' personal control. The SPCK name is still in use over shops and online despite an online statement from SPCK (dated 12/11/2007 but since removed from the SPCK website) emphasising that they "do not own, manage or otherwise run the Bookshops". In view of these uncertainties, anyone considering trading with SSG, ENC Management Company or the so-called independent shops may be wise to seek legal advice first. Latest news and comments on the situation may be found in either this site's blog or Dave Walker's Save the SPCK pages. Anyone concerned by SSG's treatment of the former SPCK booksellers and wishing to help is invited to make a donation to the UKCBD Save the SPCK Booksellers Fund. Disclaimer Information posted here is based upon the best available information at the time. In particular there is no clear information available about which SSG/ENC shops are currently trading: prospective customers are strongly advised to check before visiting.

(This notice updated 12/06/2008 )

Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust and SPCK share a strong commitment to communicate the richness of the Christian Faith. Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust intend to employ a vigorous marketing strategy for the SPCK Bookshops. "People in our stressful, modern age, care deeply about spirituality and long for a deeper faith. SPCK Bookshops will offer a primary solution to these questions of faith" said Mark Brewer, Chairman of Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust, in a press release accompanying the transaction.  "SPCK will continue into its fourth century with its shops as places where all people, Christian or otherwise, are welcome and given the chance to widen their spiritual horizons." "We are delighted to have found partners with a similarly strong vision and a determination to invest in the mission of presenting the Christian message imaginatively and effectively in an attractive environment", commented SPCK's new Chairman, Bishop Michael Perham in the same press release. Under the new arrangements, SPCK Bookshops will continue to serve the broad and diverse SPCK customer base, and expanding the products that it offers those customers. Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust will also place a major emphasis in online marketing at www.spckonline.com, utilising the internet and harnessing the market power and presence of the venerable SPCK and its 308 year-long history in the U.K. In this way we believe the Bookshops will be both maintained and strengthened, remaining broad and looking ambitiously to a growing future. We believe that this is good news for the whole Christian community. 

• How the Shop was Closed
• How the Shop was (temporarily) Forcibly Reopened

Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust and SPCK share a strong commitment to communicate the richness of the Christian Faith. Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust intend to employ a vigorous marketing strategy for the SPCK Bookshops. "People in our stressful, modern age, care deeply about spirituality and long for a deeper faith. SPCK Bookshops will offer a primary solution to these questions of faith" said Mark Brewer, Chairman of Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust, in a press release accompanying the transaction.  "SPCK will continue into its fourth century with its shops as places where all people, Christian or otherwise, are welcome and given the chance to widen their spiritual horizons." "We are delighted to have found partners with a similarly strong vision and a determination to invest in the mission of presenting the Christian message imaginatively and effectively in an attractive environment", commented SPCK's new Chairman, Bishop Michael Perham in the same press release. Under the new arrangements, SPCK Bookshops will continue to serve the broad and diverse SPCK customer base, and expanding the products that it offers those customers. Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust will also place a major emphasis in online marketing at www.spckonline.com, utilising the internet and harnessing the market power and presence of the venerable SPCK and its 308 year-long history in the U.K. In this way we believe the Bookshops will be both maintained and strengthened, remaining broad and looking ambitiously to a growing future. We believe that this is good news for the whole Christian community. 

• How the Shop was Closed
• How the Shop was (temporarily) Forcibly Reopened

• How the Shop was Closed
• How the Shop was (temporarily) Forcibly Reopened

Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust and SPCK share a strong commitment to communicate the richness of the Christian Faith. Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust intend to employ a vigorous marketing strategy for the SPCK Bookshops. "People in our stressful, modern age, care deeply about spirituality and long for a deeper faith. SPCK Bookshops will offer a primary solution to these questions of faith" said Mark Brewer, Chairman of Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust, in a press release accompanying the transaction.  "SPCK will continue into its fourth century with its shops as places where all people, Christian or otherwise, are welcome and given the chance to widen their spiritual horizons." "We are delighted to have found partners with a similarly strong vision and a determination to invest in the mission of presenting the Christian message imaginatively and effectively in an attractive environment", commented SPCK's new Chairman, Bishop Michael Perham in the same press release. Under the new arrangements, SPCK Bookshops will continue to serve the broad and diverse SPCK customer base, and expanding the products that it offers those customers. Saint Stephen the Great Charitable Trust will also place a major emphasis in online marketing at www.spckonline.com, utilising the internet and harnessing the market power and presence of the venerable SPCK and its 308 year-long history in the U.K. In this way we believe the Bookshops will be both maintained and strengthened, remaining broad and looking ambitiously to a growing future. We believe that this is good news for the whole Christian community. 

• How the Shop was Closed
• How the Shop was (temporarily) Forcibly Reopened

• How the Shop was Closed
• How the Shop was (temporarily) Forcibly Reopened

• How the Shop was Closed
• How the Shop was (temporarily) Forcibly Reopened

• How the Shop was Closed
• How the Shop was (temporarily) Forcibly Reopened

• How the Shop was Closed
• How the Shop was (temporarily) Forcibly Reopened

Shopworkers’ union, Usdaw, has submitted 15 employment tribunal claims against the Brewers, US-based brothers who have taken over a chain of UK bookshops and were seeking to impose a new contract on staff, drastically reducing their contractual rights.

The Union has over 50 members at the bookshops and is expecting that the number of employment tribunal claims will rise.

• Read more

Shopworkers’ union, Usdaw, has submitted 15 employment tribunal claims against the Brewers, US-based brothers who have taken over a chain of UK bookshops and were seeking to impose a new contract on staff, drastically reducing their contractual rights.

The Union has over 50 members at the bookshops and is expecting that the number of employment tribunal claims will rise.

• Read more

The Brewers have declined to respond to repeated requests for comment from The Bookseller. Usdaw said that they also have not responded to the tribunal claims. "If a claim is undefended then the claimants automatically win so we could get a default judgment very quickly, " said Hamilton.

Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Carlisle, Cardiff, Lincoln, London and Norwich are closed Chester and Newcastle are closed but may open two days a week Chichester, Durham, Hereford, Leicester (which is a franchise store), Truro and Winchester are open Exeter and York will open two days a week At Salisbury, all the store's staff walked out this month, but future opening plans are unknown At Sheffield, all staff members were dismissed in February, after which the store was reopened by agency staff. The shop apparently "looks empty" now but future plans are unknown Worcester may open two days per week

The Brewers have declined to respond to repeated requests for comment from The Bookseller. Usdaw said that they also have not responded to the tribunal claims. "If a claim is undefended then the claimants automatically win so we could get a default judgment very quickly, " said Hamilton.

Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Carlisle, Cardiff, Lincoln, London and Norwich are closed Chester and Newcastle are closed but may open two days a week Chichester, Durham, Hereford, Leicester (which is a franchise store), Truro and Winchester are open Exeter and York will open two days a week At Salisbury, all the store's staff walked out this month, but future opening plans are unknown At Sheffield, all staff members were dismissed in February, after which the store was reopened by agency staff. The shop apparently "looks empty" now but future plans are unknown Worcester may open two days per week

The Brewers have declined to respond to repeated requests for comment from The Bookseller. Usdaw said that they also have not responded to the tribunal claims. "If a claim is undefended then the claimants automatically win so we could get a default judgment very quickly, " said Hamilton.

Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Carlisle, Cardiff, Lincoln, London and Norwich are closed Chester and Newcastle are closed but may open two days a week Chichester, Durham, Hereford, Leicester (which is a franchise store), Truro and Winchester are open Exeter and York will open two days a week At Salisbury, all the store's staff walked out this month, but future opening plans are unknown At Sheffield, all staff members were dismissed in February, after which the store was reopened by agency staff. The shop apparently "looks empty" now but future plans are unknown Worcester may open two days per week

The Brewers have declined to respond to repeated requests for comment from The Bookseller. Usdaw said that they also have not responded to the tribunal claims. "If a claim is undefended then the claimants automatically win so we could get a default judgment very quickly, " said Hamilton.

Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, Carlisle, Cardiff, Lincoln, London and Norwich are closed Chester and Newcastle are closed but may open two days a week Chichester, Durham, Hereford, Leicester (which is a franchise store), Truro and Winchester are open Exeter and York will open two days a week At Salisbury, all the store's staff walked out this month, but future opening plans are unknown At Sheffield, all staff members were dismissed in February, after which the store was reopened by agency staff. The shop apparently "looks empty" now but future plans are unknown Worcester may open two days per week

• Friends celebrate book-seller’s life: Worcester Standard, 11/07/2008 (N)
• Save the SPCK: Dave Walker's ongoing collection of SPCK/SSG posts (B/N)
• Tributes paid to exceptional man: Lucy Tatchell, Worcester News, 08/07/2008 (N)
• Steve Jeynes’ memorial service: Doug Chaplin/MetaCatholic, 08/07/2008 (B)
• SPCK Exeter and the rain: Neil Denham, 06/07/2008 (B)
• Hundreds expected to bookseller’s memorial: Claire Fry, Worcester News, 04/07/2008 (N)
• St Stephen the Great liquidates in US: Bookseller, 04/07/2008 (N)
• Worcester SSG / SPCK & Steve Jeynes: Doug Chaplin/MetaCatholic, 03/07/2008 (B)
• Cathedral service for city bookseller: Tim Clarke, Worcester Standard, 03/07/2008 (N)
• City shop boss is found dead: Claire Fry, Worcester News, 03/07/2008 (N)
• SPCK Bookshop saga turns to tragedy: ex-Branch Manager found dead: The Wardman Wire, 29/06/2008 (B)
• An Unorthodox Killing: MadPriest, 28/06/2008 (B)
• In Worcester the SSG / SPCK saga turns to tragedy: Doug Chaplin/MetaCatholic, 27/06/2008 (B)
• SSG tribunal claims mount: Graeme Neill & Jo Young, Bookseller, 27/06/2008 (N)
• ‘Sacked’ shop staff in court action: Lincolnshire Echo, 27/06/2008 (N)
• A New Christian Bookshop for Cardiff: Church in Wales Press Release, 26/06/2008
• Union action to support sacked Chester bookshop workers: Chester Chronicle, 26/06/2008 (N)
• The bare and desolate SPCK bookshops: Telegraph, 21/06/2008 (N)
• Employment Tribunals: Order for Direction - St Stephen the Great:  Employment Tribunals Service, MS Word Document, 20/06/2008 (O)
• spck chester: Peter Owen, Flickr, 20/06/2008 (O)
• Christian bookshop sacks staff by e-mail: Chester Chronicle, 20/06/2008 (N)
• Norwich Christian bookshop stripped of stock: Network Norwich, 20/06/2008 (N)
• Christian bookshop stripped of stock: Eastern Daily Press, 20/06/2008 (N)
• Church Times Reports & Letters Index: Compiled by Dave Walker, 19/06/2008 (B/N)
• Search for new tenants for shop: News & Star, Carlisle, 13/06/2008 (N)
• St Stephen the Great files for bankruptcy: Graeme Neill, Bookseller, 13/06/2008 (N)
• Jobs worry at bookshop: Chester Chronicle, 13/06/2008 (N)
• Norwich Christian bookshop closes its doors: Network Norwich, 13/06/2008 (N)
• Former SPCK Bookshops: Maggi Dawn, 11/06/2008 (B)
• Christian bookshop closes in Chester city centre: Chester Chronicle, 11/06/2008 (N)
• Another one bites the dust: Stuart Turner, Right to Think, 10/06/2008 (B)
• A letter from Tom Arthur in Wales: Mission Connections, 09/06/2008
• SSG Shops pulled from auction: Christian Marketplace, June 2008 (N)
• Former SPCK bookshop, York: Richard and Gill, Flickr, 22/05/2008 (O)
• Robust response from Brewer re SSG Bookshops turmoil: Christian Marketplace, May 2008 (N)
• SSG to sell four shops: Graeme Neill, Bookseller, 21/04/2008 (N)
• SSG to face staff tribunal: Graeme Neill, Bookseller, 03/04/2008 (N)
• Dismissed Christian bookshop staff to go to tribunal: News & Star, Carlisle, 03/04/2008 (N)
• Unholy Row Erupts Over Bookshop Jobs: News & Star, Carlisle, 02/04/2008 (N)
• Quieter month at SSG? - No: Christian Marketplace, April 2008 (N)
• SPCK/SSG News Index: UKCBD News Reports, 06/05/2006 - 02/04/2008 (N)
• Five jobs go as Christian bookshop shuts: News & Star, Carlisle, 31/03/2008 (N)
• Ruth Gledhill on the Church of England Bookstores: SPCK bookshop staff fear final chapter: Sarah Hey, Stand Firm, 21/03/2008 (B)
• SPCK bookshop staff fear final chapter: Ruth Gledhill, Times Online, 14/03/2008 (B/N)
• Bleak month for SSG Staff and customers: Christian Marketplace, March 2008 (N)
• Norwich SPCK still closed as union steps in: Network Norwich, 21/02/2008 (N)
• Bookshop takeover probe: BBC Video, 18/02/2008 (O)
• Norwich SPCK sackings e-mail is revealed: Network Norwich, 14/02/2008 (N)
• Rescue plan for Norwich Christian literature: Network Norwich, 07/02/2008 (N)
• Staff sacked as Norwich SPCK bookshop closes: Network Norwich, 06/02/2008 (N)
• Christian chain closes branches to cut costs: Graeme Neill, Bookseller, 05/02/2008 (N)
• Christian chain mulls franchising: Graham Neill, Bookseller, 22/02/2008 (N)
• Rescue plan for Norwich Christian literature: Network Norwich, 08/02/2008 (N)
• SSG makes The Bookseller “flops” list for 2007: Christian Marketplace, February 2008 (N)
• St Stephen the Great: Hypatia, Parablepsis, 14/01/2008 (B)
• S.P.C.K. Are No More: St Margaret's Church, Brookfield, January 2008 (N)
• More resignations at SSG bookshops: Christian Marketplace, January 2008 (N)
• SPCK bookshop: greycap, Flickr, 12/06/2007 (O)
• St. Stephen's Trust: Restoring Britain's Christian Heritage: Jeffrey Steel, 16/12/2007 (B)
• St Stephen's bookshops fight the Muslim heathen!: Madame Arcati, 16/12/2007 (B)
• The Need to Maintain Critical Dialogue Between Religions: SPCK / SSG Bookshops: The Wardman Wire, 16/12/2007 (B)
• SPCK no more: Martin Sheppard, Diocese of York, 14/12/2007 (N)
• UK news and analysis: People: Stephen Bates, Guardian, 07/12/2007 (N)
• More resignations at SPCK: Graeme Neill, Bookseller, 04/12/2007 (N)
• SPCK's new owners: David Keen, 01/12/2007 (B)
• SSG Bookshop in Leicester goes independent: Christian Marketplace, December 2007 (N)
• The SSG saga goes on: Clem Jackson, Christian Marketplace, December 2007 (N)
• Rescuing Britain's Christian Heritage: Channel | Comments | Video: YouTube, 29/11/2007 onwards... (O)
• SPCK no more: Nick Page, 23/11/2007 (B)
• Leicester SPCK goes independent: Graeme Neill, Bookseller, 15/11/2007 (N)
• SPCK - Leicester: St Paul's Church, Oadby, 08/11/2007 (B)
• Book chain drops SPCK name: Graeme Neill, Bookseller, 07/11/2007 (N)
• SPCK bookshop saga: Thinking Anglicans, 03/11/2007 (O)
• St Stephens the Great and SPCK: Jeffrey Steel, 02/11/2007 (B)
• Schism develops at troubled SPCK: Graeme Neill, Bookseller, 2/11/2007 (N)
• The SPCK saga and Texan "Orthodoxy": Doug Chaplin/MetaCatholic, 02/11/2007 (B)
• Team Members (Bookshop Staff) : OrthodoxJobs.com, November 2007 (O)
• Room515 Blog: tag 'SPCK': Notes from 29/10/2007 onwards... (B)
• St. Stephen the Great Charitable Trust: Orthodox Christian Network, Radio Interview with Mark Brewer, 27/10/2007 (O)
• SPCK: one man and his shop: Ruth Gledhill, Times Online, 17/10/2007 (B/N)
• Christian bookshop loses staff: Bookseller, 16/10/2007
• Christian bookshop staff resign en mass: Ruth Gledhill, Times Online, 15/10/2007 (B/N)
• Concern rising over SPCK bookshops: Christian Marketplace, October 2007 (N)
• SPCK SOS: Nick Page, 06/06/2007
• Outrage as Leading Christian Bookstores to Open on Sundays: Christian Today, 02/06/2007 (N)
• If you go down to an SPCK bookshop today: Ruth Gledhill, Times Online, 21/05/2007 (B/N)
• Work On the Sabbath—Or Else!: Tamar Fox, Jewcy.com, 18/05/2007 (B)
• Orthodox Fundamentalism: Doug Chaplin/MetaCatholic, 18/05/2007 (B)
• Why Christians must work on the Sabbath: Ruth Gledhill, Times Online, 18/05/2007 (B/N)
• Bookshop can supply faiths texts: Worcester News, 06/12/2006 (N)
• Orthodox Organisation Takes Control of British Christian Bookshop Chain: Richard Bartholomew, 06/12/2006 (B)
• Koran banned: MediaWatchWatch, 04/12/2006 (B)
• Britain’s Oldest Christian Bookshops Remove Koran from Shelves: Christian Today, 04/12/2006 (N)
• UK: Church Bookshops Delete Koran From Shelves: Western Resistance, 03/12/2006 (B)
• Church bookshops stop selling Koran: Christopher Morgan, Times Online, 03/12/2006 (N)
• Not So Much Fun to Shop at the SPCK Anymore: MadPriest, 01/12/2006 (B)
• Brighter Future for SPCK Bookshops: Copy of SPCK Press Release, Diocese of Bradford, 02/11/2006
• SPCK SSG Bookshop Partnership Announced: Copy of SPCK/SSG Press Release, Diocese of Worcester, 30/10/2006 (N)
• SPCK Bookshops: Copy of SPCK/SSG Press Release, Anglican Communion News Service, 24/10/2006
• Christian Bookshop takeover: Richard Hall, Bene Diction Blogs On, 23/10/2006 (B)
• SPCK takeover: Richard Hall, Connexions, 23/10/2006 (B)
• Press Release: SPCK Bookshops: SPCK, October 2006 (pdf, 104kb)
• Shitty Goings on at SPCK: MadPriest, 06/05/2006 (B)
• We're Closing Down: York Press, 27/04/2006 (N)
• Britain's Two Leading Christian Bookshops Consider Merger: Christian Today, 25/02/2006 (N)
• SPCK and Wesley Owen discuss Bookshop Collaboration: Diocese of Exeter, 21/02/2006 (N)

• Bookshops As Mission: Malcolm Munro-Faure, Durham News Link, 03/07/2005 (N)
• SPCK goes Delirious? in Liverpool Cathedral: Anglican Communion News Service, 04/02/2004 (N)
• SPCK opens Westminster centre for lifelong learning: Anglican Communion News Service, 08/07/2003 (N)

Many people have been following (especially with the help of Dave Walker) the slowly unfurling disaster of the destruction of the former SPCK Bookshop chain. (See an earlier post of mine here) Here in Worcester things have now taken a tragic turn. The local branch manager Steve Jeynes has now been found dead, apparently by his own hand. He was made redundant two weeks ago, after having survived many staff purges and highly dubious pressures to accept a new contract.  • Read more

Steve Jeynes’ Thanksgiving Service has been moved from All Saints’ Church to the Cathedral at 3.30pm on Monday 7th July followed by refreshments at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and concern for Stephen. We have been following Dave Walker’s SPCK/SSG blog for some time now, but I never thought I would be reading about my own husband in this way. Steve saw his work at the bookshop more than just a job, and he had huge compassion for ordinary people. He longed to see a Christian Centre in Worcester and he persevered with the Brewers, hoping that things would change. He was deeply saddened when his staff were sacked without pay, as others had been, and he took his own dismissal very badly. However, no-one anticipated this. Please continue to pray for God’s work in Worcester. Joy Jeynes

Thank you so much for all your prayers and concern for Stephen. We have been following Dave Walker’s SPCK/SSG blog for some time now, but I never thought I would be reading about my own husband in this way. Steve saw his work at the bookshop more than just a job, and he had huge compassion for ordinary people. He longed to see a Christian Centre in Worcester and he persevered with the Brewers, hoping that things would change. He was deeply saddened when his staff were sacked without pay, as others had been, and he took his own dismissal very badly. However, no-one anticipated this. Please continue to pray for God’s work in Worcester. Joy Jeynes

Thank you so much for all your prayers and concern for Stephen. We have been following Dave Walker’s SPCK/SSG blog for some time now, but I never thought I would be reading about my own husband in this way. Steve saw his work at the bookshop more than just a job, and he had huge compassion for ordinary people. He longed to see a Christian Centre in Worcester and he persevered with the Brewers, hoping that things would change. He was deeply saddened when his staff were sacked without pay, as others had been, and he took his own dismissal very badly. However, no-one anticipated this. Please continue to pray for God’s work in Worcester. Joy Jeynes

Thank you so much for all your prayers and concern for Stephen. We have been following Dave Walker’s SPCK/SSG blog for some time now, but I never thought I would be reading about my own husband in this way. Steve saw his work at the bookshop more than just a job, and he had huge compassion for ordinary people. He longed to see a Christian Centre in Worcester and he persevered with the Brewers, hoping that things would change. He was deeply saddened when his staff were sacked without pay, as others had been, and he took his own dismissal very badly. However, no-one anticipated this. Please continue to pray for God’s work in Worcester. Joy Jeynes

Many people have been following (especially with the help of Dave Walker) the slowly unfurling disaster of the destruction of the former SPCK Bookshop chain. (See an earlier post of mine here) Here in Worcester things have now taken a tragic turn. The local branch manager Steve Jeynes has now been found dead, apparently by his own hand. He was made redundant two weeks ago, after having survived many staff purges and highly dubious pressures to accept a new contract.  • Read more

A service of Thanksgiving for Steve’s life will take place on Monday 7 July 2008 at 3:30 pm at All Saints’ Church, Deansway, Worcester

Many people have been following (especially with the help of Dave Walker) the slowly unfurling disaster of the destruction of the former SPCK Bookshop chain. (See an earlier post of mine here) Here in Worcester things have now taken a tragic turn. The local branch manager Steve Jeynes has now been found dead, apparently by his own hand. He was made redundant two weeks ago, after having survived many staff purges and highly dubious pressures to accept a new contract.  • Read more

A service of Thanksgiving for Steve’s life will take place on Monday 7 July 2008 at 3:30 pm at All Saints’ Church, Deansway, Worcester

I think we should continue to support SPCK shops for the following reasons:

• I think the good the shops and the books sold through them do outweighs the strange and dubious objectives of the owners.
• I want to support the staff, some of whom I know.
• I suspect that once this chain is gone it really is gone and I can’t see anything similar replacing it. At least if we continue to support SPCK there remains the chance that it will be taken over by someone we are able to support more wholeheartedly.

While in the short term in might be harsh for those who have been offered "employment" by these new companies there is one very simple response that the Christian community can make to these events - resolve not to buy anything from these new shops and encourage others to boycott. We have plenty of alternatives run by people and companies of integrity, who for all their difficulties in a tricky market at least treat their staff with justice. The Church hierarchies can also make sure that no further deals are done with SSG about buildings etc - with luck they might just get the message and return to the US before they do more damage to the reputation of Orthodox Christianity.

Boycott the SSG/ENC Bookshops!

— Phil Groom

(Updated 3/7/2008 to correct the date of Mark Tiddy's call for a boycott: see comments below)

Phil Groom

— Phil Groom

— Phil Groom

— Phil Groom

— Phil Groom

• When: Wednesday 10th September, 2pm
• Where: SCM-Canterbury Press Ltd, 13-17 Long Lane, London EC1A 9PN
• Contact: Phelim McIntyre, spckrefugee@operamail.com
• More Info: Meeting between ex-SPCK staff and suppliers

Many people have been following (especially with the help of Dave Walker) the slowly unfurling disaster of the destruction of the former SPCK Bookshop chain. (See an earlier post of mine here) Here in Worcester things have now taken a tragic turn. The local branch manager Steve Jeynes has now been found dead, apparently by his own hand. He was made redundant two weeks ago, after having survived many staff purges and highly dubious pressures to accept a new contract.  • Read more

A service of Thanksgiving for Steve’s life will take place on Monday 7 July 2008 at 3:30 pm at All Saints’ Church, Deansway, Worcester

Many people have been following (especially with the help of Dave Walker) the slowly unfurling disaster of the destruction of the former SPCK Bookshop chain. (See an earlier post of mine here) Here in Worcester things have now taken a tragic turn. The local branch manager Steve Jeynes has now been found dead, apparently by his own hand. He was made redundant two weeks ago, after having survived many staff purges and highly dubious pressures to accept a new contract.  • Read more

Steve Jeynes’ Thanksgiving Service has been moved from All Saints’ Church to the Cathedral at 3.30pm on Monday 7th July followed by refreshments at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Many people have been following (especially with the help of Dave Walker) the slowly unfurling disaster of the destruction of the former SPCK Bookshop chain. (See an earlier post of mine here) Here in Worcester things have now taken a tragic turn. The local branch manager Steve Jeynes has now been found dead, apparently by his own hand. He was made redundant two weeks ago, after having survived many staff purges and highly dubious pressures to accept a new contract.  • Read more

Steve Jeynes’ Thanksgiving Service has been moved from All Saints’ Church to the Cathedral at 3.30pm on Monday 7th July followed by refreshments at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

I think we should continue to support SPCK shops for the following reasons:

• I think the good the shops and the books sold through them do outweighs the strange and dubious objectives of the owners.
• I want to support the staff, some of whom I know.
• I suspect that once this chain is gone it really is gone and I can’t see anything similar replacing it. At least if we continue to support SPCK there remains the chance that it will be taken over by someone we are able to support more wholeheartedly.

While in the short term in might be harsh for those who have been offered "employment" by these new companies there is one very simple response that the Christian community can make to these events - resolve not to buy anything from these new shops and encourage others to boycott. We have plenty of alternatives run by people and companies of integrity, who for all their difficulties in a tricky market at least treat their staff with justice. The Church hierarchies can also make sure that no further deals are done with SSG about buildings etc - with luck they might just get the message and return to the US before they do more damage to the reputation of Orthodox Christianity.

Boycott the SSG/ENC Bookshops!

— Phil Groom

I think we should continue to support SPCK shops for the following reasons:

• I think the good the shops and the books sold through them do outweighs the strange and dubious objectives of the owners.
• I want to support the staff, some of whom I know.
• I suspect that once this chain is gone it really is gone and I can’t see anything similar replacing it. At least if we continue to support SPCK there remains the chance that it will be taken over by someone we are able to support more wholeheartedly.

While in the short term in might be harsh for those who have been offered "employment" by these new companies there is one very simple response that the Christian community can make to these events - resolve not to buy anything from these new shops and encourage others to boycott. We have plenty of alternatives run by people and companies of integrity, who for all their difficulties in a tricky market at least treat their staff with justice. The Church hierarchies can also make sure that no further deals are done with SSG about buildings etc - with luck they might just get the message and return to the US before they do more damage to the reputation of Orthodox Christianity.

Boycott the SSG/ENC Bookshops!

— Phil Groom

(Updated 3/7/2008)

I think we should continue to support SPCK shops for the following reasons:

• I think the good the shops and the books sold through them do outweighs the strange and dubious objectives of the owners.
• I want to support the staff, some of whom I know.
• I suspect that once this chain is gone it really is gone and I can’t see anything similar replacing it. At least if we continue to support SPCK there remains the chance that it will be taken over by someone we are able to support more wholeheartedly.

While in the short term in might be harsh for those who have been offered "employment" by these new companies there is one very simple response that the Christian community can make to these events - resolve not to buy anything from these new shops and encourage others to boycott. We have plenty of alternatives run by people and companies of integrity, who for all their difficulties in a tricky market at least treat their staff with justice. The Church hierarchies can also make sure that no further deals are done with SSG about buildings etc - with luck they might just get the message and return to the US before they do more damage to the reputation of Orthodox Christianity.

Boycott the SSG/ENC Bookshops!

— Phil Groom

(Updated 3/7/2008)

I think we should continue to support SPCK shops for the following reasons:

• I think the good the shops and the books sold through them do outweighs the strange and dubious objectives of the owners.
• I want to support the staff, some of whom I know.
• I suspect that once this chain is gone it really is gone and I can’t see anything similar replacing it. At least if we continue to support SPCK there remains the chance that it will be taken over by someone we are able to support more wholeheartedly.

While in the short term in might be harsh for those who have been offered "employment" by these new companies there is one very simple response that the Christian community can make to these events - resolve not to buy anything from these new shops and encourage others to boycott. We have plenty of alternatives run by people and companies of integrity, who for all their difficulties in a tricky market at least treat their staff with justice. The Church hierarchies can also make sure that no further deals are done with SSG about buildings etc - with luck they might just get the message and return to the US before they do more damage to the reputation of Orthodox Christianity.

Boycott the SSG/ENC Bookshops!

— Phil Groom

(Updated 3/7/2008 )

I think we should continue to support SPCK shops for the following reasons:

• I think the good the shops and the books sold through them do outweighs the strange and dubious objectives of the owners.
• I want to support the staff, some of whom I know.
• I suspect that once this chain is gone it really is gone and I can’t see anything similar replacing it. At least if we continue to support SPCK there remains the chance that it will be taken over by someone we are able to support more wholeheartedly.

While in the short term in might be harsh for those who have been offered "employment" by these new companies there is one very simple response that the Christian community can make to these events - resolve not to buy anything from these new shops and encourage others to boycott. We have plenty of alternatives run by people and companies of integrity, who for all their difficulties in a tricky market at least treat their staff with justice. The Church hierarchies can also make sure that no further deals are done with SSG about buildings etc - with luck they might just get the message and return to the US before they do more damage to the reputation of Orthodox Christianity.

Boycott the SSG/ENC Bookshops!

— Phil Groom

(Updated 3/7/2008 to correct the date of Mark's call for a boycott: see comments below)

Christian charity and bookseller St Stephen the Great has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the US, a form of liquidation. There will be a meeting for creditors at Houston Bankruptcy Court on 22nd July.

Our legal team has been in contact with the Brewers. They are continuing to look into the legality of the bankruptcy and what we can do for our members.

Christian charity and bookseller St Stephen the Great has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the US, a form of liquidation. There will be a meeting for creditors at Houston Bankruptcy Court on 22nd July.

Our legal team has been in contact with the Brewers. They are continuing to look into the legality of the bankruptcy and what we can do for our members.

Christian charity and bookseller St Stephen the Great has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the US, a form of liquidation. There will be a meeting for creditors at Houston Bankruptcy Court on 22nd July.

Our legal team has been in contact with the Brewers. They are continuing to look into the legality of the bankruptcy and what we can do for our members.

Steve was one of the first people I knew in Worcester when I moved here in 1989. As the manager of Icthus Christian Bookshop he was a lively, loving man with a passion for Christ and a heart for the lost. Steve did not just work in the Icthus bookshop he served in it. He saw his work as ministry and was used by God to pray for and witness to many, many people. He took this zeal with him to the SPCK shop and saw his role there in the same way as as he saw his role at the Icthus shop, serving God by praying and witnessing. This was Steves passion. I am in no doubt that Steve is with the Lord he loved so much in his earthly journey. Steve Supported ALL the ministries in Worcester and was also committed to supporting the local churches. Steve will be sadly missed by those who knew him. And he would be glad to know that so many are supporting Joy and the Children in prayer and concern. Rest in peace mate your brother and fellow worker in Christ Trevor Gibb, Director Worcester City Mission

I am deeply saddened by the turn of events that left Steve so distressed and unable to face the future. All who have been associated with SPCK bookshops have suffered heartbreak as the bookshops chain has been devalued and decimated especially in the very short time since SSG took over the chain. Staff of the former SPCK believed passionately in the cause for which they worked, namely spreading the word of God. Steve worked untiringly for this cause and that will be his epitaph.

Oh my dear old friend and Brother in Christ. May you rest in the arms of our loving heavenly Father and may He now wipe every tear from your eyes, place a smile on your face and a song of joyous praise on your lips as you sing with the Saints in glory. I first met Steve just over 31years ago whilst looking for some trendy clothes to wear (he was the manager of a men’s wear shop in Worcester). He always had a smile or grin on his face and, no mater what the circumstances, always had a word of encouragement. Later, when at the Icthus Christian Bookshop he was just the same and although I only saw him infrequently, after having moved from Worcester, I would sometimes bump into him and, as always, he would listen, empathize and then his face would begin to shine and then beam as he uttered a few salient words of encouragement. He was never judgmental and like others I always felt better for having spent time in his presence. God Bless you Steve, I look forward to the time when I bump into you again and recognize you by your smile. I know that when that happens my own smile will for once, match yours. Joy, please accept my sincere condolences and know that you and the family will be our prayers.

Steve was a lovely, humble, caring, helpful servant of the Lord, whose work was not just a job, but a ministry to all with whom he came into contact. He will be sorely missed by us all. May you, Joy, and your family know the Lord’s eternal arms around you at this sad time, and His strength to face the coming days.

I have only just heard. What a shock. What a loss. Steve’s death is a great loss to all who knew him. I have maintained a friendship with Steve through the years since he began as the Manager at Ichthus. Most weeks I called in to see him and have a chat. He never failed to greet me whith a characteristic “Hello Ewan!”, and would not only draw my attention to a book or three, but would invariably introduce me to anyone else who happenned to be in the shop. He had a real interest in people which led to him knowing everybody’s name, where they were from, and what church they went to. I , who knew him only in passing, will miss him a lot. My deepest sympathy and compassion go out to the family and those who were closer than I. The Christian community of the City of Worcester will be much the poorer for his absence. We talked often of the ongoing difficulties he was having with the St Stephen the Great “charity”, and his dilemmas regarding whether to continue working with them as their behaviour towards SPCK and the staff seemed increasingly unethical and unchristian. This was balanced against his own sense of mission to the people of Worcester. He showed me several of the e-mails he had received, and I had been shocked at their inhumane attitudes, and had formed a very low opinion of them and their ways. I personally hold them partially responsible for bringing Steve to the position where his life ended. I pray that some good will come out of this situation and that in remembering Steve in the future, it will allways be with a grin, rather than with any bitterness towards those who added to his burrdens in life. I take confidence in the truth that God is the Judge, and that Steve’s reception into Glory will be an honourable one.

• SPCK / SSG: Tragic news from Worcester
• Steve Jeynes, RIP
• Joy Jeynes: Please continue to pray for God’s work in Worcester

Steve was one of the first people I knew in Worcester when I moved here in 1989. As the manager of Icthus Christian Bookshop he was a lively, loving man with a passion for Christ and a heart for the lost. Steve did not just work in the Icthus bookshop he served in it. He saw his work as ministry and was used by God to pray for and witness to many, many people. He took this zeal with him to the SPCK shop and saw his role there in the same way as as he saw his role at the Icthus shop, serving God by praying and witnessing. This was Steves passion. I am in no doubt that Steve is with the Lord he loved so much in his earthly journey. Steve Supported ALL the ministries in Worcester and was also committed to supporting the local churches. Steve will be sadly missed by those who knew him. And he would be glad to know that so many are supporting Joy and the Children in prayer and concern. Rest in peace mate your brother and fellow worker in Christ Trevor Gibb, Director Worcester City Mission

I am deeply saddened by the turn of events that left Steve so distressed and unable to face the future. All who have been associated with SPCK bookshops have suffered heartbreak as the bookshops chain has been devalued and decimated especially in the very short time since SSG took over the chain. Staff of the former SPCK believed passionately in the cause for which they worked, namely spreading the word of God. Steve worked untiringly for this cause and that will be his epitaph.

Oh my dear old friend and Brother in Christ. May you rest in the arms of our loving heavenly Father and may He now wipe every tear from your eyes, place a smile on your face and a song of joyous praise on your lips as you sing with the Saints in glory. I first met Steve just over 31years ago whilst looking for some trendy clothes to wear (he was the manager of a men’s wear shop in Worcester). He always had a smile or grin on his face and, no mater what the circumstances, always had a word of encouragement. Later, when at the Icthus Christian Bookshop he was just the same and although I only saw him infrequently, after having moved from Worcester, I would sometimes bump into him and, as always, he would listen, empathize and then his face would begin to shine and then beam as he uttered a few salient words of encouragement. He was never judgmental and like others I always felt better for having spent time in his presence. God Bless you Steve, I look forward to the time when I bump into you again and recognize you by your smile. I know that when that happens my own smile will for once, match yours. Joy, please accept my sincere condolences and know that you and the family will be our prayers.

Steve was a lovely, humble, caring, helpful servant of the Lord, whose work was not just a job, but a ministry to all with whom he came into contact. He will be sorely missed by us all. May you, Joy, and your family know the Lord’s eternal arms around you at this sad time, and His strength to face the coming days.

I have only just heard. What a shock. What a loss. Steve’s death is a great loss to all who knew him. I have maintained a friendship with Steve through the years since he began as the Manager at Ichthus. Most weeks I called in to see him and have a chat. He never failed to greet me whith a characteristic “Hello Ewan!”, and would not only draw my attention to a book or three, but would invariably introduce me to anyone else who happenned to be in the shop. He had a real interest in people which led to him knowing everybody’s name, where they were from, and what church they went to. I , who knew him only in passing, will miss him a lot. My deepest sympathy and compassion go out to the family and those who were closer than I. The Christian community of the City of Worcester will be much the poorer for his absence. We talked often of the ongoing difficulties he was having with the St Stephen the Great “charity”, and his dilemmas regarding whether to continue working with them as their behaviour towards SPCK and the staff seemed increasingly unethical and unchristian. This was balanced against his own sense of mission to the people of Worcester. He showed me several of the e-mails he had received, and I had been shocked at their inhumane attitudes, and had formed a very low opinion of them and their ways. I personally hold them partially responsible for bringing Steve to the position where his life ended. I pray that some good will come out of this situation and that in remembering Steve in the future, it will allways be with a grin, rather than with any bitterness towards those who added to his burrdens in life. I take confidence in the truth that God is the Judge, and that Steve’s reception into Glory will be an honourable one.

• SPCK / SSG: Tragic news from Worcester
• Steve Jeynes, RIP
• Joy Jeynes: Please continue to pray for God’s work in Worcester

Steve was one of the first people I knew in Worcester when I moved here in 1989. As the manager of Icthus Christian Bookshop he was a lively, loving man with a passion for Christ and a heart for the lost. Steve did not just work in the Icthus bookshop he served in it. He saw his work as ministry and was used by God to pray for and witness to many, many people. He took this zeal with him to the SPCK shop and saw his role there in the same way as as he saw his role at the Icthus shop, serving God by praying and witnessing. This was Steves passion. I am in no doubt that Steve is with the Lord he loved so much in his earthly journey. Steve Supported ALL the ministries in Worcester and was also committed to supporting the local churches. Steve will be sadly missed by those who knew him. And he would be glad to know that so many are supporting Joy and the Children in prayer and concern. Rest in peace mate your brother and fellow worker in Christ Trevor Gibb, Director Worcester City Mission

I am deeply saddened by the turn of events that left Steve so distressed and unable to face the future. All who have been associated with SPCK bookshops have suffered heartbreak as the bookshops chain has been devalued and decimated especially in the very short time since SSG took over the chain. Staff of the former SPCK believed passionately in the cause for which they worked, namely spreading the word of God. Steve worked untiringly for this cause and that will be his epitaph.

Oh my dear old friend and Brother in Christ. May you rest in the arms of our loving heavenly Father and may He now wipe every tear from your eyes, place a smile on your face and a song of joyous praise on your lips as you sing with the Saints in glory. I first met Steve just over 31years ago whilst looking for some trendy clothes to wear (he was the manager of a men’s wear shop in Worcester). He always had a smile or grin on his face and, no mater what the circumstances, always had a word of encouragement. Later, when at the Icthus Christian Bookshop he was just the same and although I only saw him infrequently, after having moved from Worcester, I would sometimes bump into him and, as always, he would listen, empathize and then his face would begin to shine and then beam as he uttered a few salient words of encouragement. He was never judgmental and like others I always felt better for having spent time in his presence. God Bless you Steve, I look forward to the time when I bump into you again and recognize you by your smile. I know that when that happens my own smile will for once, match yours. Joy, please accept my sincere condolences and know that you and the family will be our prayers.

Steve was a lovely, humble, caring, helpful servant of the Lord, whose work was not just a job, but a ministry to all with whom he came into contact. He will be sorely missed by us all. May you, Joy, and your family know the Lord’s eternal arms around you at this sad time, and His strength to face the coming days.

I have only just heard. What a shock. What a loss. Steve’s death is a great loss to all who knew him. I have maintained a friendship with Steve through the years since he began as the Manager at Ichthus. Most weeks I called in to see him and have a chat. He never failed to greet me whith a characteristic “Hello Ewan!”, and would not only draw my attention to a book or three, but would invariably introduce me to anyone else who happenned to be in the shop. He had a real interest in people which led to him knowing everybody’s name, where they were from, and what church they went to. I , who knew him only in passing, will miss him a lot. My deepest sympathy and compassion go out to the family and those who were closer than I. The Christian community of the City of Worcester will be much the poorer for his absence. We talked often of the ongoing difficulties he was having with the St Stephen the Great “charity”, and his dilemmas regarding whether to continue working with them as their behaviour towards SPCK and the staff seemed increasingly unethical and unchristian. This was balanced against his own sense of mission to the people of Worcester. He showed me several of the e-mails he had received, and I had been shocked at their inhumane attitudes, and had formed a very low opinion of them and their ways. I personally hold them partially responsible for bringing Steve to the position where his life ended. I pray that some good will come out of this situation and that in remembering Steve in the future, it will allways be with a grin, rather than with any bitterness towards those who added to his burrdens in life. I take confidence in the truth that God is the Judge, and that Steve’s reception into Glory will be an honourable one.

• SPCK / SSG: Tragic news from Worcester
• Steve Jeynes, RIP
• Joy Jeynes: Please continue to pray for God’s work in Worcester

Steve was one of the first people I knew in Worcester when I moved here in 1989. As the manager of Icthus Christian Bookshop he was a lively, loving man with a passion for Christ and a heart for the lost. Steve did not just work in the Icthus bookshop he served in it. He saw his work as ministry and was used by God to pray for and witness to many, many people. He took this zeal with him to the SPCK shop and saw his role there in the same way as as he saw his role at the Icthus shop, serving God by praying and witnessing. This was Steves passion. I am in no doubt that Steve is with the Lord he loved so much in his earthly journey. Steve Supported ALL the ministries in Worcester and was also committed to supporting the local churches. Steve will be sadly missed by those who knew him. And he would be glad to know that so many are supporting Joy and the Children in prayer and concern. Rest in peace mate your brother and fellow worker in Christ Trevor Gibb, Director Worcester City Mission

I am deeply saddened by the turn of events that left Steve so distressed and unable to face the future. All who have been associated with SPCK bookshops have suffered heartbreak as the bookshops chain has been devalued and decimated especially in the very short time since SSG took over the chain. Staff of the former SPCK believed passionately in the cause for which they worked, namely spreading the word of God. Steve worked untiringly for this cause and that will be his epitaph.

Oh my dear old friend and Brother in Christ. May you rest in the arms of our loving heavenly Father and may He now wipe every tear from your eyes, place a smile on your face and a song of joyous praise on your lips as you sing with the Saints in glory. I first met Steve just over 31years ago whilst looking for some trendy clothes to wear (he was the manager of a men’s wear shop in Worcester). He always had a smile or grin on his face and, no mater what the circumstances, always had a word of encouragement. Later, when at the Icthus Christian Bookshop he was just the same and although I only saw him infrequently, after having moved from Worcester, I would sometimes bump into him and, as always, he would listen, empathize and then his face would begin to shine and then beam as he uttered a few salient words of encouragement. He was never judgmental and like others I always felt better for having spent time in his presence. God Bless you Steve, I look forward to the time when I bump into you again and recognize you by your smile. I know that when that happens my own smile will for once, match yours. Joy, please accept my sincere condolences and know that you and the family will be our prayers.

Steve was a lovely, humble, caring, helpful servant of the Lord, whose work was not just a job, but a ministry to all with whom he came into contact. He will be sorely missed by us all. May you, Joy, and your family know the Lord’s eternal arms around you at this sad time, and His strength to face the coming days.

I have only just heard. What a shock. What a loss. Steve’s death is a great loss to all who knew him. I have maintained a friendship with Steve through the years since he began as the Manager at Ichthus. Most weeks I called in to see him and have a chat. He never failed to greet me whith a characteristic “Hello Ewan!”, and would not only draw my attention to a book or three, but would invariably introduce me to anyone else who happenned to be in the shop. He had a real interest in people which led to him knowing everybody’s name, where they were from, and what church they went to. I , who knew him only in passing, will miss him a lot. My deepest sympathy and compassion go out to the family and those who were closer than I. The Christian community of the City of Worcester will be much the poorer for his absence. We talked often of the ongoing difficulties he was having with the St Stephen the Great “charity”, and his dilemmas regarding whether to continue working with them as their behaviour towards SPCK and the staff seemed increasingly unethical and unchristian. This was balanced against his own sense of mission to the people of Worcester. He showed me several of the e-mails he had received, and I had been shocked at their inhumane attitudes, and had formed a very low opinion of them and their ways. I personally hold them partially responsible for bringing Steve to the position where his life ended. I pray that some good will come out of this situation and that in remembering Steve in the future, it will allways be with a grin, rather than with any bitterness towards those who added to his burrdens in life. I take confidence in the truth that God is the Judge, and that Steve’s reception into Glory will be an honourable one.

• SPCK / SSG: Tragic news from Worcester
• Steve Jeynes, RIP
• Joy Jeynes: Please continue to pray for God’s work in Worcester

• Steve Jeynes’ memorial service

Steve was one of the first people I knew in Worcester when I moved here in 1989. As the manager of Icthus Christian Bookshop he was a lively, loving man with a passion for Christ and a heart for the lost. Steve did not just work in the Icthus bookshop he served in it. He saw his work as ministry and was used by God to pray for and witness to many, many people. He took this zeal with him to the SPCK shop and saw his role there in the same way as as he saw his role at the Icthus shop, serving God by praying and witnessing. This was Steves passion. I am in no doubt that Steve is with the Lord he loved so much in his earthly journey. Steve Supported ALL the ministries in Worcester and was also committed to supporting the local churches. Steve will be sadly missed by those who knew him. And he would be glad to know that so many are supporting Joy and the Children in prayer and concern. Rest in peace mate your brother and fellow worker in Christ Trevor Gibb, Director Worcester City Mission

I am deeply saddened by the turn of events that left Steve so distressed and unable to face the future. All who have been associated with SPCK bookshops have suffered heartbreak as the bookshops chain has been devalued and decimated especially in the very short time since SSG took over the chain. Staff of the former SPCK believed passionately in the cause for which they worked, namely spreading the word of God. Steve worked untiringly for this cause and that will be his epitaph.

Oh my dear old friend and Brother in Christ. May you rest in the arms of our loving heavenly Father and may He now wipe every tear from your eyes, place a smile on your face and a song of joyous praise on your lips as you sing with the Saints in glory. I first met Steve just over 31years ago whilst looking for some trendy clothes to wear (he was the manager of a men’s wear shop in Worcester). He always had a smile or grin on his face and, no mater what the circumstances, always had a word of encouragement. Later, when at the Icthus Christian Bookshop he was just the same and although I only saw him infrequently, after having moved from Worcester, I would sometimes bump into him and, as always, he would listen, empathize and then his face would begin to shine and then beam as he uttered a few salient words of encouragement. He was never judgmental and like others I always felt better for having spent time in his presence. God Bless you Steve, I look forward to the time when I bump into you again and recognize you by your smile. I know that when that happens my own smile will for once, match yours. Joy, please accept my sincere condolences and know that you and the family will be our prayers.

Steve was a lovely, humble, caring, helpful servant of the Lord, whose work was not just a job, but a ministry to all with whom he came into contact. He will be sorely missed by us all. May you, Joy, and your family know the Lord’s eternal arms around you at this sad time, and His strength to face the coming days.

I have only just heard. What a shock. What a loss. Steve’s death is a great loss to all who knew him. I have maintained a friendship with Steve through the years since he began as the Manager at Ichthus. Most weeks I called in to see him and have a chat. He never failed to greet me whith a characteristic “Hello Ewan!”, and would not only draw my attention to a book or three, but would invariably introduce me to anyone else who happenned to be in the shop. He had a real interest in people which led to him knowing everybody’s name, where they were from, and what church they went to. I , who knew him only in passing, will miss him a lot. My deepest sympathy and compassion go out to the family and those who were closer than I. The Christian community of the City of Worcester will be much the poorer for his absence. We talked often of the ongoing difficulties he was having with the St Stephen the Great “charity”, and his dilemmas regarding whether to continue working with them as their behaviour towards SPCK and the staff seemed increasingly unethical and unchristian. This was balanced against his own sense of mission to the people of Worcester. He showed me several of the e-mails he had received, and I had been shocked at their inhumane attitudes, and had formed a very low opinion of them and their ways. I personally hold them partially responsible for bringing Steve to the position where his life ended. I pray that some good will come out of this situation and that in remembering Steve in the future, it will allways be with a grin, rather than with any bitterness towards those who added to his burrdens in life. I take confidence in the truth that God is the Judge, and that Steve’s reception into Glory will be an honourable one.

• SPCK / SSG: Tragic news from Worcester
• Steve Jeynes, RIP
• Joy Jeynes: Please continue to pray for God’s work in Worcester

Steve was one of the first people I knew in Worcester when I moved here in 1989. As the manager of Icthus Christian Bookshop he was a lively, loving man with a passion for Christ and a heart for the lost. Steve did not just work in the Icthus bookshop he served in it. He saw his work as ministry and was used by God to pray for and witness to many, many people. He took this zeal with him to the SPCK shop and saw his role there in the same way as as he saw his role at the Icthus shop, serving God by praying and witnessing. This was Steves passion. I am in no doubt that Steve is with the Lord he loved so much in his earthly journey. Steve Supported ALL the ministries in Worcester and was also committed to supporting the local churches. Steve will be sadly missed by those who knew him. And he would be glad to know that so many are supporting Joy and the Children in prayer and concern. Rest in peace mate your brother and fellow worker in Christ Trevor Gibb, Director Worcester City Mission

I am deeply saddened by the turn of events that left Steve so distressed and unable to face the future. All who have been associated with SPCK bookshops have suffered heartbreak as the bookshops chain has been devalued and decimated especially in the very short time since SSG took over the chain. Staff of the former SPCK believed passionately in the cause for which they worked, namely spreading the word of God. Steve worked untiringly for this cause and that will be his epitaph.

Oh my dear old friend and Brother in Christ. May you rest in the arms of our loving heavenly Father and may He now wipe every tear from your eyes, place a smile on your face and a song of joyous praise on your lips as you sing with the Saints in glory. I first met Steve just over 31years ago whilst looking for some trendy clothes to wear (he was the manager of a men’s wear shop in Worcester). He always had a smile or grin on his face and, no mater what the circumstances, always had a word of encouragement. Later, when at the Icthus Christian Bookshop he was just the same and although I only saw him infrequently, after having moved from Worcester, I would sometimes bump into him and, as always, he would listen, empathize and then his face would begin to shine and then beam as he uttered a few salient words of encouragement. He was never judgmental and like others I always felt better for having spent time in his presence. God Bless you Steve, I look forward to the time when I bump into you again and recognize you by your smile. I know that when that happens my own smile will for once, match yours. Joy, please accept my sincere condolences and know that you and the family will be our prayers.

Steve was a lovely, humble, caring, helpful servant of the Lord, whose work was not just a job, but a ministry to all with whom he came into contact. He will be sorely missed by us all. May you, Joy, and your family know the Lord’s eternal arms around you at this sad time, and His strength to face the coming days.

I have only just heard. What a shock. What a loss. Steve’s death is a great loss to all who knew him. I have maintained a friendship with Steve through the years since he began as the Manager at Ichthus. Most weeks I called in to see him and have a chat. He never failed to greet me whith a characteristic “Hello Ewan!”, and would not only draw my attention to a book or three, but would invariably introduce me to anyone else who happenned to be in the shop. He had a real interest in people which led to him knowing everybody’s name, where they were from, and what church they went to. I , who knew him only in passing, will miss him a lot. My deepest sympathy and compassion go out to the family and those who were closer than I. The Christian community of the City of Worcester will be much the poorer for his absence. We talked often of the ongoing difficulties he was having with the St Stephen the Great “charity”, and his dilemmas regarding whether to continue working with them as their behaviour towards SPCK and the staff seemed increasingly unethical and unchristian. This was balanced against his own sense of mission to the people of Worcester. He showed me several of the e-mails he had received, and I had been shocked at their inhumane attitudes, and had formed a very low opinion of them and their ways. I personally hold them partially responsible for bringing Steve to the position where his life ended. I pray that some good will come out of this situation and that in remembering Steve in the future, it will allways be with a grin, rather than with any bitterness towards those who added to his burrdens in life. I take confidence in the truth that God is the Judge, and that Steve’s reception into Glory will be an honourable one.

• SPCK / SSG: Tragic news from Worcester
• Steve Jeynes, RIP
• Joy Jeynes: Please continue to pray for God’s work in Worcester

• Steve Jeynes’ memorial service

Now that SSG is in liquidation, you and your most of your readers must be elated . . . except whatever will you find to write about and who will you now slander?

Dear Mark Brewer The 600+ people who filled Worcester Cathedral on Monday for the Thanksgiving Service following the funeral of Steve Jeynes were not elated. They wanted to give thanks for a wonderful life of Christian witness, for a dedicated Christian Bookseller who had brought many to faith and for a husband, father, friend who meant so much to them. They were shocked, saddened, angry, but they were not elated. The 100+ Christian Booksellers around the country who have had their careers, their ministries thrown in the gutter over the past year are not elated. They are upset, angry, struggling to rebuild their lives. The myriad suppliers, who have not been paid are not elated. They are downhearted, some made financially unstable, others have lost an integral outlet for their goods. The Christian communities which relied on their SPCK Bookshop as a resource centre for their mission and spiritual growth are not elated. Some, like Worcester, feel that one of their vital organs has been ripped out and stomped upon. What has happened to the SPCK/SSG Bookshops over the last 18 months has caused so much needless hurt, so much pain, so much impoverishment of certain areas of the Christian faith in the UK that it is impossible to feel elation over the ‘bankruptcy’ of SSG. Only relief that this whole sorry episode is drawing to a close.

Now that SSG is in liquidation, you and your most of your readers must be elated . . . except whatever will you find to write about and who will you now slander?

Dear Mark Brewer The 600+ people who filled Worcester Cathedral on Monday for the Thanksgiving Service following the funeral of Steve Jeynes were not elated. They wanted to give thanks for a wonderful life of Christian witness, for a dedicated Christian Bookseller who had brought many to faith and for a husband, father, friend who meant so much to them. They were shocked, saddened, angry, but they were not elated. The 100+ Christian Booksellers around the country who have had their careers, their ministries thrown in the gutter over the past year are not elated. They are upset, angry, struggling to rebuild their lives. The myriad suppliers, who have not been paid are not elated. They are downhearted, some made financially unstable, others have lost an integral outlet for their goods. The Christian communities which relied on their SPCK Bookshop as a resource centre for their mission and spiritual growth are not elated. Some, like Worcester, feel that one of their vital organs has been ripped out and stomped upon. What has happened to the SPCK/SSG Bookshops over the last 18 months has caused so much needless hurt, so much pain, so much impoverishment of certain areas of the Christian faith in the UK that it is impossible to feel elation over the ‘bankruptcy’ of SSG. Only relief that this whole sorry episode is drawing to a close.

Now that SSG is in liquidation, you and your most of your readers must be elated . . . except whatever will you find to write about and who will you now slander?

Dear Mark Brewer The 600+ people who filled Worcester Cathedral on Monday for the Thanksgiving Service following the funeral of Steve Jeynes were not elated. They wanted to give thanks for a wonderful life of Christian witness, for a dedicated Christian Bookseller who had brought many to faith and for a husband, father, friend who meant so much to them. They were shocked, saddened, angry, but they were not elated. The 100+ Christian Booksellers around the country who have had their careers, their ministries thrown in the gutter over the past year are not elated. They are upset, angry, struggling to rebuild their lives. The myriad suppliers, who have not been paid are not elated. They are downhearted, some made financially unstable, others have lost an integral outlet for their goods. The Christian communities which relied on their SPCK Bookshop as a resource centre for their mission and spiritual growth are not elated. Some, like Worcester, feel that one of their vital organs has been ripped out and stomped upon. What has happened to the SPCK/SSG Bookshops over the last 18 months has caused so much needless hurt, so much pain, so much impoverishment of certain areas of the Christian faith in the UK that it is impossible to feel elation over the ‘bankruptcy’ of SSG. Only relief that this whole sorry episode is drawing to a close.