Sunday morning's Worship Now: An Opening Worship Celebration kicked off ICRS 2009 by immediately addressing the proverbial elephant in the room, the retailers struggling in the current economy. CBA President Bill Anderson told the crowd that "these are some of the toughest days we've seen."

Still, Anderson said, "this morning's not about ICRS, it's about God," urging the estimated crowd of 600-700 to engage in worship. Speaker Anne Graham Lotz, who spoke last year and was brought back by popular demand, continued that theme, referring to the Great Depression as "the first one." Lotz went on to challenge retailers to keep the ministry foremost in their minds.

"Don't lose your focus, ICRS," she said, holding up her Bible. "This is the book, isn't it?"

Lotz told the story of a boy whose father had given him a ticket to the circus, but mistakingly thought the pre-circus parade was it and gave away his ticket. Likening the Christian experience to the circus, she addressed retailers who have not fully engaged in a Christian life, asking them to consider placing their trust in Christ.

"Some of us are on the periphery (of the experience)," she said. "We're just on the sidelines."

Closing the session, Lotz gave an evangelistic call, allowing nonbelievers to accept Christ.

Special music was provided by Essential Records artist Matt Maher and Integrity Music artist Ken Reynolds. CBA Chairman Jim Whitaker opened the event in prayer and introduced directed prayer for retailers on areas such as discernment, encouragement and commitment.

Jim Powell, president of Christian Trade Association International (CTAI), told the crowd of advances in Christian retailing overseas and asked for financial support for those international retailers who are also struggling.

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