Gospel Music Association Canada (GMAC) and the Inspirational Country Music Association (ICM) have presented their annual awards, while the Stellar Awards nominees have been announced.

Gospel Music Association Canada presented its awards during the 34th Annual Covenant Awards ceremony in Calgary, Alberta, Nov. 7.

Nominated in eight categories, Downhere won Album of the Year (On The Altar of Love, Centricity Music), Group Of The Year and Male Vocalist of The Year (Marc Martel).

"After 12 years of music, this was a fantastic way to cross the finish line," said the band, which announced in July that the group would retire in January 2013. "To hear 'well done' from our peers in Canada meant the world to us."

The City Harmonic won Praise and Worship Song of the Year for "I Have A Dream (Feels Like Home)," and Ben Cantelon took home his first Covenant Award for Modern Worship Album of the Year for Everything in Color (Integrity Music).

The 18th Annual Inspirational Country Music Association's Faith, Family & Country Awards took center stage Oct. 18 at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Awards were given in more than 20 categories with Vince Gill honored as Mainstream Country Artist of the Year, and he also won Mainstream Inspirational Country Song for "Threaten Me With Heaven." Chuck Day was named Entertainer of the Year, while Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver received Vocal Group or Band top honors.

Big Machine Label Group's Justin Moore won the Mainstream Inspirational Country Song honors for "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away," while Jeff Bates received Mainstream Country Artist top honors.

Nominees for the 2013 Stellar Awards were announced Oct. 29 in Atlanta via webcast by the show's co-host Kirk Franklin. Sister duo Mary Mary came on strong with nine nominations, including the nod for Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year" for Go Get It (Integrity Music/Columbia Records/Provident-Integrity), Producer of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.

Newcomer Charles Jenkins received eight nominations, including Best New Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year. Other multiple nominees include Marvin Sapp and Fred Hammond, with six nominations each, including both nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year. Andre Crouch garnered five nominations, including Artist of the Year.

Kurt Carr will be honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the 28th Stellar Awards event, to be held Jan. 19 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

For a complete list of winners, click here for the ICM awards, here for GMAC and here for the Stellar Awards nominations.

The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, has announced the launch of Convergent Books, a new Christian imprint. Random House is the parent company of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, comprising WaterBrook Press and Multnomah Books.

Convergent will "explore the contemporary faith experience for a broad range of Christians who are drawn to an open, inclusive and culturally engaged exploration of faith," company officials said.

Convergent will publish approximately eight to 10 books per year, which will be written by "leading voices who are giving new shape and direction to Christianity," company officials said. Debuting in fall 2013, the imprint will feature five books, including Losing Your Faith, Finding Your Soul by David Anderson; The Quaker Way by Philip Gulley; A Necessary Rebellion by Elizabeth Esther; Good God, Lousy World and Me by Holly Burkhalter; and Who's There by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove.

The imprint, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., like WaterBrook Press and Multnomah Books, will be headed by Stephen W. Cobb, president and publisher of Crown's Christian imprints for the past 11 years.

"The audience for Convergent Books represents a growing movement of consumers," he said. "These readers typically don't see themselves as either liberal or conservative, evangelical or mainline. Yet they frame their spiritual journey in Christian terms, and they're absolutely passionate about what theologian Brian McLaren has called, 'the sacred endeavor of loving God and neighbor, stranger, alien, outsider, outcast and enemy.' Convergent will publish writers who offer fresh perspectives in this important contemporary dialogue."

Cobb told Christian Retailing that he "doesn't see any impact" from Convergent Books on WaterBrook Press and Multnomah Books. "They will continue to publish with the same mission and scope as before," he said.

Last month, Germany's Bertelsmann media company and British publisher Pearson agreed to merge the book publishing units Random House and Penguin Group, forming the new Penguin Random House company, said to be the world's largest publisher of consumer books. Bertelsmann owns Random House. WaterBrook Multnomah officials declined comment on the move, but the Oct. 29 merger "should have little impact" on Christian publishing, according to industry observers.

Click here for more information on Convergent Books. 

LifeWay Christian Resources has launched a new e-bookstore with more than 8,000 titles at LifeWay.com and a new mobile e-book reader.

The LifeWay Reader app is available as a free download from the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad and from Google Play for Android devices. LifeWay's new app allows users to build a personal library from e-books and resources from the same Christian publishers found in LifeWay Christian Stores and at LifeWay.com.

The app comes with a free pre-loaded copy of the Holman Christian Standard Bible. Other free content also is available online.

"The Bible features in the LifeWay Reader app make it stand apart in the market," said Tim Vineyard, president-elect of LifeWay Christian Stores. "The LifeWay Reader app contributes to LifeWay's omni-channel plan for the digital world. We want to provide life-changing resources to churches and individuals in the format they prefer."

All e-books with Scripture references are automatically linked to the related Bible passage. Users can click on the link to display a pop-up window in the app without having to switch apps or wait for a new browser program to start.

Customers can also digitally house their LifeWay content in one place. Any e-book purchased with a free LifeWay ID is in the app and at Reader.LifeWay.com. In addition, all digital content purchased from MyStudyBible.com and some other LifeWay apps are available to customers who use their LifeWay ID during checkout. In this way, content is available for users to view and read on their desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile devices.

Future updates to the app will include additional user customization, annotations, social sharing, improved integration with LifeWay's various Bible study platforms and thousands of new titles.

Click here for more information on the LifeWay Reader app.

Charisma House, a division of Charisma Media, has formed a partnership with the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) tied to A Thousand Sleepless Nights, the recently released novel by best-selling author Michael King.

With a donation to the CCA, Charisma House is seeking to increase awareness and prevention of the second-leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States.

"As one of the many people who have felt the devastation caused by the loss of a family member to colon cancer, I am pleased to be a part of the effort by the Colon Cancer Alliance and author Michael King to ensure that colorectal cancer is prevented, treated or possibly cured" said Charisma House Executive Director of Marketing and Publicity Woodley Auguste.

King, who at 35 was diagnosed with colon cancer, will donate 20% of his book's proceeds to the nonprofit organization. His victory over colon cancer was the inspiration for A Thousand Sleepless Nights. Released Oct. 16, the novel tells the story of a family in Virginia torn apart by neglect and hurt, but is brought together by cancer.

"This story may be fictional, but the experience is certainly not," King said. "It's shared by millions who have faced that monster called cancer, whether personally or vicariously through a loved one or friend." 

Founded in 1999, CCA is dedicated to increasing screening rates and survivorship.

"Partnerships such as these enable the CCA to provide hope and support to patients and encourage individuals to get screened early for this unique cancer," said CCA Fundraising Director Nicole Sheahan. "A Thousand Sleepless Nights brings an often underdiscussed cancer to the spotlight and raises critical awareness. This touching novel explores the impact that colon cancer has on the patient as well as family members."

Click here for more information on the Colon Cancer Alliance.

Prayers and donations are being requested for Christian publishing industry veteran Jim Powell, who was recently diagnosed with cancer at a hospital in Cairns, Australia.

Powell, 68, stepped down as president of Christian Trade Association International (CTAI) in 2011 in order to serve as a mission-station guest house manager in Papua New Guinea for Wycliffe Bible Translators with his wife, Peggy. He was the former international director for CBA who was a driving force in establishing CTAI when the U.S.-based retailers association shed its overseas chapters in 2005.

"We received reports on the biopsy done on dad's spine," Powell's daughter, Pamela Doron, told CTAI. "The reports showed clearly that dad has cancer, which has spread through his bone marrow and blood, and has progressed to his brain. Because of the stage of development, the doctors are calling it terminal cancer. It is possible to treat it to some degree, but, ultimately, is not curable."

CTAI encouraged the industry to intercede for Powell and his family.

"The family hopes to fly Jim from Australia to Colorado for brain surgery to have the largest tumor removed," said Kim Pettit, CTAI's executive director. "This will ease Jim's pain and enable him to be closer to most of his family. Please pray for the transport arrangements, surgery and subsequent treatment. Please pray for the whole Powell family to experience God's love and power in the days ahead."

Having previously served as president of the International Bible Society, Powell joined CBA as international director in 1994. With the founding of CTAI, he hosted an annual international celebration lunch and the International Marketsquare section at the exhibit floor of CBA's summer show, providing a meeting point for those doing international business.

In 2008, CTAI debuted Marketsquare International, an annual January show providing a one-stop North American buying opportunity for overseas visitors in the absence of CBA's canceled winter show.

Donations to assist Powell's family in paying for the costs associated with emergency air transport and medical care may be sent to Wycliffe—Powell Fund, 11450 Translation Way, Orlando, FL 32862; include the ministry account number "M10207—Powell" on the memo line.

To donate online, visit the CTAI website, click the link on the Wycliffe donation site, enter "Powell" and click on Jim and Peggy Powell.

The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH), Cokesbury's parent company, will close all of the historic chain's 57 stores by April 30, 2013.

Announcing the move Nov. 5, the UMPH board of directors said it will launch "a transition initiative" for its retail division. CokesburyNext will redirect focus and resources toward expanding and enhancing products and services at Cokesbury.com, the Cokesbury Call Center and through more than 40 sales representatives. The chain will be closing its 38 brick-and-mortar locations and 19 seminary stores, with the first shuttering in January.

"Cokesbury has been serving for more than 200 years, and during that time has continuously adapted to the changing landscape affecting congregations and their leaders," said UMPH President and Publisher Neil Alexander. "A shift toward all things digital and the convenience of placing orders at any time is the reality of Cokesbury today. It is difficult to see the closure of Cokesbury local stores, but doing so will allow us to make a greater investment in the ways of shopping with Cokesbury that customers increasingly prefer."

UMPH officials said 185 full-time employees and 100-plus part-time staff will be laid off by the store closings. UMPH will provide both severance packages and job search services for staff.

Cokesbury, which offers resources for congregations, seminaries, church leaders, study groups and individuals, has seen a steady increase in sales through Cokesbury.com and its Cokesbury Call Center operation in the past 10 years.

At the same time, the number of Cokesbury customers relying solely on store locations has steadily declined. In the most recent customer survey, only 15% of Cokesbury's customers reported shopping exclusively in stores, UMPH officials said. As a result of changes in the industry and the consumer shift to digital shopping and purchasing, the local stores are no longer financially viable.

Click here for more information on CokesburyNext.

Baker Book House manager has 'keen awareness' of issues facing the industry

Sue Smith, store manager of Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, Mich., has been elected as the next CBA board chairman. Smith, a CBA board member for the past three years, will assume the key role at the retailers' organization Oct. 1, 2013, when current Chairman George Thomsen's term ends.

CBA has also added two new board members, Robin Hogan and Tim Marshall, both of whom began their three-year terms Oct. 1.

In an editorial in the October issue of the trade association's Retailers + Resources magazine, Thomsen wrote that Smith is “a wonderful Christian woman and an outstanding retailer from a long-standing, traditional retail establishment.”

“Since 1998, I've made a trip to Grand Rapids every May and have visited Sue's store,” said Thomsen, general manager of Harvest Bookstore in Riverside, Calif. “It's a great store, currently in the process of being made even better via a major renovation. Sue is a manager who can be found working in the store and isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty.

“She's been an involved and valuable member of CBA's board,” he added. “She's demonstrated a keen awareness of the issues facing our industry, and has a heartfelt concern for CBA member retailers. Sue is well-known and respected among retailers, suppliers, authors and CBA staff alike. It's my firm belief that Sue will be an outstanding chairman in leading CBA into the future.”

Smith, 50, who has served Baker Book House store manager since May 2005, told Christian Retailing that she wants “to listen to stores.”

“My goal is to call and visit stores when I can to let them know that CBA is here and cares about them,” she said. “I want to connect with them, pray with them and listen to where they need help and how we as an association can make a difference.

“The main goal of the chairman is to manage the board and to maintain the integrity of the board’s process,” Smith added. “George has done this well as he has led the ship through turbulent waters. We are healthier now as an association and an industry. ... I am honored to be working with him and certainly will have a hard time filling his shoes as he exits this position next year.”

Thomsen has served as CBA chairman since October 2009—the first year as chairman-elect, completing the unexpired term of Jim Whitaker, and the last three years in his own term.

Since he was appointed to the board in 2008, Thomsen has seen the departure of longtime President and CEO Bill Anderson, the sale of the organization's headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the adoption of a new management model with Curtis Riskey appointed as executive director.

“CBA has also eliminated all its debt and is now debt free,” Thomsen wrote. “We've continued to modify ICRS (International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) to better understand the changing needs of our industry. CBA has created and continues to develop our winter Next conference to help equip retailers to meet the needs of today and tomorrow's marketplace. Through all of these events, the Lord has been faithful and granted us with great favor as we've sought His will and counsel.”

Representing independent retailers, Hogan took the place of Danni Schneidt-Hill, owner of Promises "His" Coffee & Cottage Shoppe in Malta, Mt., whose term on the board ended Sept. 30. She has managed the bookstore at the Christian Cultural Center (CCC) in Brooklyn, N.Y., since 2006. A member of CCC for more than 20 years, Hogan had volunteered at the bookstore for eight years before assuming the manager role at the store.

Marshall, senior vice president of sales and brand management for Word Entertainment, replaced Daywind Music Group Music Director Ed Leonard, whose term on the board also ended Sept. 30.

Marshall also heads up Word Distribution as well as the marketing division of Word Label Group and its roster of artists, including Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Chris August, Group 1 Crew, Sidewalk Prophets and Point of Grace.

An industry executive for nearly 25 years, he started his Christian music career at Sparrow Records, with stops along the way at the Gospel Music Association, Integrity Music and Provident Distribution before coming to Word Entertainment in 2005.