Church Bookstore Manager Martha Brangenberg is leaving Charis Christian Books & Gifts to serve business owners alongside her husband, Jim. The store at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks in Largo, Florida, remains in operation under the care of JoAnn Reagh as acting manager.

Reagh worked part-time at the store for three years some time ago, then later was assistant manager for more than two years. She has spent her career working in an office setting and in fast food retail.

“Martha is one of the best people to learn from,” Reagh said. “She has taught me everything I know about being in management. She’s left her mark on not only her staff, but her customers as well, and she will be missed.”

Serving at Charis more than eight years, Brangenberg also was a church bookstore workshop presenter at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). When Geni Hulsey retired from the role at ICRS this year, Brangenberg was also one of four designated to work with CBA as a church store consultant. Despite leaving Charis, Brangenberg likely will continue to serve in some capacity advising church stores.

Hulsey praised the former Charis manager for her industry involvement.

“Martha’s contribution to church stores has been exceptional,” Hulsey told Christian Retailing. “She has given of her time and knowledge to encourage and assist church stores across the country. Though it saddens me to see her leave Charis, I know she would only do so under the leadership of the Lord. I know, too, she will bring to this work the same excellence we saw in Christian retail.”

Concluding her time with the store Aug. 31, Brangenberg invited customers to come in for a hug and offered them a special coupon.

“It is impossible for me to fully express all that I want to say,” she wrote to her customers. “This job has meant the world to me, and being able to help each of you that enter the store has been a very fulfilling role. I am thankful for the eight years serving at Charis—spreading the Word! And now I am very excited about where God is leading my husband and (me), and know that He is directing our path. We appreciate your prayers as Jim and I enter this next chapter.”

The Brangenbergs will be running Trust Services, serving businesses in a variety of ways, and broadcasting the “iWork4Him” radio show on a Salem Radio Network station. They also continue to run marriage retreats and business groups. Brangenberg said she is “continuing to spread the Word,” just in a new way.

Reagh, who calls Charis a “2,400-square-foot store of blessing,” said she is “looking forward to the opportunity and taking it one day at a time.” The store has 10 part-timers and about a dozen volunteers, depending on the time of year.

Reagh is expecting changes at the store, but said, “What shape those changes are going to take I don’t know.”

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