The Christian community in the UK is celebrating a remarkable achievement as Green Pastures Christian Bookshop in Dereham was recently awarded the prestigious Bookshop of the Year award at the Christian Resources Together (CRT25) Conference. This esteemed recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Green Pastures team, particularly Bookshop Managers Irene Humphrey and Helen Cockburn, who received the award on behalf of the ministry. The award ceremony took place on September 4 at the national CRT25 Conference in Swanwick, where Green Pastures was one of four UK bookshops nominated by the Christian publishing and retail trade. The fact that Green Pastures is the last remaining Christian Bookshop in Norfolk and Suffolk makes this achievement even more significant, as it highlights the importance of their service to the community.
The award has brought immense joy and encouragement to the staff at Green Pastures, who have been working tirelessly to provide resources and support to individual customers and churches in the region. The recognition is a result of the bookshop’s commitment to serving the community, and the appreciation they have received from their customers is truly heartwarming. A letter from the administrator of two Norwich Anglican churches expressed their congratulations and gratitude, stating, “Congratulations Irene and Helen and all the team… we are delighted to be associated with Green Pastures Bookshop and thank you for all your help.” Similarly, a regular customer at the Norwich Salvation Army Citadel Pop-up Shop sent a congratulatory message, saying, “Congratulations to you all. I am so grateful that you take time to come to Norwich every month.” These messages demonstrate the impact that Green Pastures has had on the lives of those they serve, and the award is a well-deserved recognition of their efforts.
In recent times, Green Pastures has embarked on an exciting Development Project 2025, aimed at strengthening and developing their ministry. The project’s strapline, “Our Service Better – Our Image Brighter,” reflects the bookshop’s commitment to improving their services, including the much-valued Pop-up Shops held at various churches and events in Norfolk and Suffolk. As part of this project, Green Pastures has taken significant steps to offer more quality books at discounted prices through volume purchasing, making Christian resources more accessible to the community. Furthermore, the bookshop has undergone a rebranding exercise, with new signage at their 20 Norwich Street shop in Dereham, making it more visible and inviting to customers. These efforts demonstrate Green Pastures’ dedication to their mission and their desire to be a beacon of hope and resource for the community.
The award and the Development Project 2025 are a testament to the vision and leadership of the Green Pastures team, particularly Trustee Chair Lance Birks. In a statement, Lance expressed his excitement and humility at being part of the Gospel ministry, saying, “It is both exciting and humbling to be a small part of the Gospel ministry at this strategic time when a renewed and growing interest in the person and message of Jesus is becoming evident in many parts of the UK. Green Pastures wants to be ready with resources for what God is doing now and in the future.” This statement reflects the bookshop’s commitment to serving the community and their desire to be a part of the larger mission of spreading the Gospel. As a small but vital part of this mission, Green Pastures is playing a significant role in providing resources and support to those seeking to deepen their faith.
The story of Green Pastures is one of dedication, perseverance, and community. Despite being the last remaining Christian Bookshop in Norfolk and Suffolk, the team has continued to serve the community with passion and commitment. The award and the Development Project 2025 are a recognition of their efforts and a reminder that their work is valued and appreciated. As the bookshop looks to the future, they are aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. However, with their faith and commitment to their mission, they are confident that they will continue to be a source of hope and resource for the community. The community, in turn, has rallied around Green Pastures, offering congratulations and support, demonstrating the impact that the bookshop has had on their lives.
For those who wish to support the ministry of Green Pastures, there are opportunities to donate and get involved. The bookshop’s website, greenpasturesdereham.org.uk/donate, provides more information on how to contribute to their mission. By supporting Green Pastures, individuals can be part of the larger story of spreading the Gospel and providing resources to those in need. As the bookshop continues to serve the community, they remain committed to their mission, and with the support of the community, they will continue to be a beacon of hope and resource for years to come. The story of Green Pastures is a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and community, and it serves as a reminder that even the smallest efforts can have a significant impact when driven by a passion for serving others.
