Yancy is donating all proceeds from her new single, "Safe," to aid survivors of the May 20 tornado that devastated much of Moore, Okla.

Sale via iTunes of "Safe," featured on Yancy's recently released worship album, Roots for the Journey (Elevate Entertainment/Syntax Distribution), will be donated to Nashville-based Conduit Mission, a relief organization that is in Moore providing assistance to the storm's survivors and their families.

"When I heard the news of the tornado's destruction and lives lost, I immediately knew the song 'Safe' could offer some comfort not only to the victims, but to the rest of us shaken by watching the news unfold," said Yancy, a former Tulsa, Okla., resident. "My husband was born and raised in Oklahoma, and I lived there for a long time myself. It's a precious home to many, and this money can help rebuild homes and replace some of the items that will return a sense of normalcy for these families. Together we can make a difference."

Produced by Stephen Leiweke (Sara Groves, Jars of Clay), the album features Leiweke on guitar, Chris Donohue (Emmylou Harris, Bart Millard) on bass, Matt Stanfield (Kutless, Norah Jones) on keys, Ken Lewis (The Civil Wars, Amy Grant) on drums and Sixpence None the Richer's Matt Slocum on cello.

Yancy's music is featured in the latest Standard Publishing Vacation Bible School (VBS) curriculum. God's Backyard Bible Camp VBS also includes mini-concerts from Yancy.

Visit www.yancynotnancy.com for more information.

InterVarsity Press (IVP) recently partnered with a Christian bookstore for a launch event highlighting Michael Card's latest in his "Biblical Imagination Series," Matthew: The Gospel of Identity, and accompanying CD, Matthew: The Penultimate Question (IVP/Discovery House Music).

On May 16, nearly 200 people came to Living Word Community Church in Red Lion, Pa., to hear from "classy/casual acoustic musician (and smarty-pants author) Mr. Michael Card," according to Byron Borger, owner of Hearts & Minds Books in Dallastown, Pa.

"As we are in our 30th year of doing this book-selling thing, we were honored to have such a high-caliber-musician-turned-author gracing us, and glad for the ongoing support of the Living Word Community Church," said Borger, who owns Hearts & Minds with his wife, Beth. "We were so grateful when IVP approached us, knowing that Michael Card would be ideal for our store."

Card's manager, Holly Benyousky, added: "It was a joy to be present for the release party in celebration of Michael's latest book and CD. It told of a long and fruitful collaboration between InterVarsity Press and Michael Card. The additional support from Byron Borger of Hearts & Minds Books and Living Word Community Church produced an evening that illustrated the strength of community on behalf of a voice that is needed in our world."

The "Biblical Imagination Series" includes three music CDs: Luke: A World Turned Upside Down; Mark: The Beginning of the Gospel; and Matthew: The Penultimate Question; and three books: Luke: The Gospel of Amazement; Mark: The Gospel of Passion; and Matthew: The Gospel of Identity.

"InterVarsity Press has been delighted by our longstanding publishing relationship with Michael Card, and an even longer trading relationship with Byron and Beth Borger at Hearts & Minds," said Jeff Crosby, IVP's associate publisher. "Putting the two of them together was truly the best of both sides of our industry's equation. Hearing the significant, heart-felt questions from the readers gathered at the event and, even more, hearing their affirmations for the impact of Card's books and music over more than three decades, left me with a strong reminder of our mission and the value of writing, publishing and distributing Christian resources."

Borger added: "Author events like this forge customer loyalty, create new friendships, offer new inspirations and often deepen discipleship. I know that is the case with Michael's moving presentation. I know that is what InterVarsity Press really wants, and that is what we're about."

Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI) has renamed the Gift and Home Midwest marketplace as Chicago Gift Market.

“To support our new efforts, we have assembled new sales and marketing teams to produce the shows,” said Susan McCullough, senior vice president. “We look forward to exciting changes and new directions.”

Lighthouse Christian Products is introducing seven new Spanish-language gift items to add to its already successful line. New offerings include the Word of God Sculpture, “Moments of Faith” Sculpture Plaques, four items in the “Bronze Title Bar” series and the Ark of the Covenant.

Ed Nizynski, vice president of sales at Lighthouse, said the Ark of the Covenant was “one of those unexpected great sellers.” The new piece features the scripture Ezek. 37: 26-27 in Spanish.

Robert Spooner Sr. “went home to see Jesus” May 18, his family said. He was 77. 

Known as “Senior,” Spooner co-founded Robert Spooner Galerie with his wife, Betty, in 1981.

“He worked every day of his life,” the family said, and “enjoyed everything with his wife of 56 years, golfing with his son, playing with his grandkids and attending their games and recitals, coaching soccer and baseball, political discussions and chatting with anyone who would listen about the Lord.”

Manual Woodworkers & Weavers is introducing new firefighter-themed inspirational gift offerings for fall.

Designed by Patrick Reid O’Brien and licensed by MHS Licensing, The Call is available in a 50-by-60-inch tapestry throw ($49) or printed-fabric wall hanging ($24).

The International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) will feature new ministry-related initiatives next month. CBA's marquee summer event will be held June 23-26 at the America's Center Convention Complex in St. Louis.

The association is offering a Prayer Center, which will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily during ICRS. American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) will coordinate prayer in the room. Rachel Hauck, Brandilyn Collins and other ACFW authors will intercede for the Christian products industry.

"The prayer room is about creating a place to worship in the midst of busyness," Hauck said. "It's a continual offering before the Lord with worship and prayers. When we go to Him, our hearts are changed. The atmosphere is changed. The prayer room allows busy retailers to pause, if only for a moment, and connect their hearts with His."

Collins added: "We will be praying for retailers and the industry. And we hope for the opportunity to pray one-on-one with anyone who desires that. What a privilege that will be."

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony, which replaces the former exhibit hall ribbon-cutting gathering, will be held at 7:45-8:30 a.m. CST, Monday, June 24. Steve Arterburn, best-selling author of Every Man's Battle (WaterBrook Press), will present the devotional and prayer.

Visit www.christianretailshow.com for more information on ICRS.