Serving the churches in general and the Christians in particular is a passion of Lighthouse Books. Because of not having male staff, he store has not been able to visit churches with a bookstall for 2 years now.
After much prayer and consideration, we are planning a 2 month trial period of opening the store for 2 afternoons a month for people to access the books. Closing a 6pm and not open Sunday and Monday has meant that very few Christians and pastors come.
Very few churches have evening services so we are hoping that we can serve in some way.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
My trip next door to Itayanagi
I came to the Lighthouse today and bought a caramel latte which included a squirt of thick caramel sauce on the foam, hmmm it was delicious. There is also some really unique and eye catching pottery on sale made by Miyo and Shuhei. As you venture further into the coffee shop there is some nice jewelry on sale and then even more excitingly a whole range of Christian books. I think this branch is invaluable to the church as it means there is always somewhere open when the main church isn’t. I also think it’s a great place for people who may feel intimidated by entering a church as a coffee shop is something more familiar they may be more comfortable coming to talk about Christian things. Also fusing of a coffee shop and Christian bookstore means non Christians who enter to have a coffee may end up having a browse in the Christian bookstore.
-Anna Parkinson
-Anna Parkinson
Monday, December 8, 2008
Caffeine Refuge (aka Cafe Iris)
Adjoining the Lighthouse Bookstore is cosy Cafe Iris. The delicious aromas of fresh coffee and home-baked treats creates a welcoming atmosphere for inquisitive customers to browse the books and a selection of local crafts. This western-style haven has also recently lured in several Aussie short-termers in search of a cup of much needed caffeine! We have definitely enjoyed a few free moments relaxing in Cafe Iris out of the snow and cold; sipping caramel lattes, vanilla maple tea and legendary hot chocolates. The cafe's unique and delightful crockery, handmade by local potters Miyo and Shuhei, has certainly added to the experience. I know we'll be back for more cosy, chocolatey goodness before we leave!!
What can a bookstore teach you?
For someone who knows probably less than ten Japanese words and maybe five Hiragana what can Japanese bookstores offer? Most can't offer me much of anything, though Lighthouse Books, the Christian bookstore at Itayanagi Chapel, has given me a challenging and encouraging insight to Japanese Christianity. Like everything in Japan the store is small, though packed with many well-produced resources. The kids books were especially impressive, they all looked bright and colourful (also, they were the only books I could understand! Pictures, hurrah!) These books would definitely be well received as gifts.
But when I remembered that this store has to serve two prefectures, the small size makes a big difference. We're very blessed in Australia to have so many Christian books and resources, at so many stages of Christian life, from pre-Christian to new believers to the hundreds of books for mature Christians and even Bible college students. We have so many that we can even spend a great deal of time debating the finer theological points of each. It doesn't look like the Japanese people have such a luxury. There were just not that many books in total, and though I couldn't tell what they were about I would guess that most were on the basic end of theological depth. That's not a bad thing, it fits where the Japanese church is at the moment. But as the Japanese church continues to grow many more books will need to be written, expanding on both the range of topics and depth in each.
The situation is similar for Bible translations. There is one translation in archaic Japanese (like our KJV), another like our NASB which does use modern Japanese but has many uncommon words and is generally hard to understand and finally there's a paraphase which may not always be theologically accurate. Hopefully another translation in normal simple Japanese will be written soon.
So if Lighthouse Books has given me two things to pray for, it's that we praise God for the many great resources that are already available, and ask him to bring talented authors, editors and publishers into the church to serve the future. Join me in prayer!
But when I remembered that this store has to serve two prefectures, the small size makes a big difference. We're very blessed in Australia to have so many Christian books and resources, at so many stages of Christian life, from pre-Christian to new believers to the hundreds of books for mature Christians and even Bible college students. We have so many that we can even spend a great deal of time debating the finer theological points of each. It doesn't look like the Japanese people have such a luxury. There were just not that many books in total, and though I couldn't tell what they were about I would guess that most were on the basic end of theological depth. That's not a bad thing, it fits where the Japanese church is at the moment. But as the Japanese church continues to grow many more books will need to be written, expanding on both the range of topics and depth in each.
The situation is similar for Bible translations. There is one translation in archaic Japanese (like our KJV), another like our NASB which does use modern Japanese but has many uncommon words and is generally hard to understand and finally there's a paraphase which may not always be theologically accurate. Hopefully another translation in normal simple Japanese will be written soon.
So if Lighthouse Books has given me two things to pray for, it's that we praise God for the many great resources that are already available, and ask him to bring talented authors, editors and publishers into the church to serve the future. Join me in prayer!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Cake Buffet
What is your idea of a decadent afternoon. At Cafe Iris, we wanted to celebrate the renewal of the shop and we had a cake buffet. Ruth Mae and Miyo made 15 varieties fo cakes. It was all you could eat with free coffee and tea for 700 yen- which is like 7 bucks. In case you don't know- THAT IS A STEAL. The upper limit was supposed to be 20 people- first 20 to sign up. Well by the time we could get emails and phone calls stopped there were 34 people. It was really cool to celebrate the renewal.
Renewal
The shop has been going for 6 years!! Wow Jesus you have been so good. During the first few days/years, we kind of limped from month to month wondering how God was going to provide both wisdom and trhe financial resources. And what do you know- Jesus has been faithful.
The bookstore ministers regularly to 20 churches and a whole bunch of others on a needs basis. The cafe has 200-300 people monthly most of whom are not Christians.
The staff has wanted to increase the nic nac corner- those things that ladies spend a lot of time googling over. Since they make up most of the cliental we wanted to increase that space. So we enclosed the verandal/deck and took out the wall. All the tables and chairs were changed to make it more like a specialty coffee shop with different types of seating.
It looks awesome- may it all be used for Jesus glory. Why don't you come for a visit?
The bookstore ministers regularly to 20 churches and a whole bunch of others on a needs basis. The cafe has 200-300 people monthly most of whom are not Christians.
The staff has wanted to increase the nic nac corner- those things that ladies spend a lot of time googling over. Since they make up most of the cliental we wanted to increase that space. So we enclosed the verandal/deck and took out the wall. All the tables and chairs were changed to make it more like a specialty coffee shop with different types of seating.
It looks awesome- may it all be used for Jesus glory. Why don't you come for a visit?
Sunday, March 23, 2008
who are we?
[Café Iris/Light House Books](http://www.geocities.jp/cafeiristsugaru/index.html) is a quiet, friendly place to enjoy time with friends over some home-cooked cuisine and/or a good book. Owned and operated by the church, Light House Books was founded in the fall of 2000 in a room above the church entryway. A year later, God provided the finances to build the bookstore next to the church, and to add a café. It's a great place to find refreshment and encouragement. Some people view it as a place to get perspective; others as a way to get closer to the church.
Tsugaru Gospel Church is convinced of the need for books on Christian topics, so that our minds will be transformed. Light House Books exists to provide books to help people learn about the Christian faith and to help believers mature in their faith. If we don't have a book in stock, we can order it and get it to you within the week.
We sell:
* Bibles * Study books * Music * Children`s books * Biographies * Gift books * Books on family living * Books on Christian living * Cards & Stationary
The café/bookstore is also home to Tane, a gallery of local art run by church members, the [Yasutas](http://www14.plala.or.jp/polepole/index.html). There are a variety of different media on display, from pottery to painting, with the majority for sale. The displays rotate each month with some of the most popular items remaining throughout the year. Occasionally there are classes or demonstrations in different craft techniques, such as basket-weaving.
Tsugaru Gospel Church is convinced of the need for books on Christian topics, so that our minds will be transformed. Light House Books exists to provide books to help people learn about the Christian faith and to help believers mature in their faith. If we don't have a book in stock, we can order it and get it to you within the week.
We sell:
* Bibles * Study books * Music * Children`s books * Biographies * Gift books * Books on family living * Books on Christian living * Cards & Stationary
The café/bookstore is also home to Tane, a gallery of local art run by church members, the [Yasutas](http://www14.plala.or.jp/polepole/index.html). There are a variety of different media on display, from pottery to painting, with the majority for sale. The displays rotate each month with some of the most popular items remaining throughout the year. Occasionally there are classes or demonstrations in different craft techniques, such as basket-weaving.
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