May 2026 News and Prayer Letter

Dear Praying Friends, Customers and Supporters of the Open Door Project,

First of all, let me thank you for your continued support which we really appreciate.

Again, there have been many opportunities to support the project not least by praying but also sharing with others that the Bookshop is open now, passing on the little flyer with the opening- and contact details. Some of you have already popped in. It continues to be a great joy to welcome many of you we haven't seen for a long time.

Finding the Bookshop

We are still working on the signage so that customers can find us better. Yes, the CYC has been here a long time but folk either have never noticed the location or it has become a bit obscure. Anyway, we hope to have a sign outside indicating where the Bookshop is as well as the signage already there. So, if you have tried to find us along the river, please try again.

Parking Near the Bookshop

Just a little hint for parking, Saturday afternoon, there is always a good chance to find a spot outside the building!

Prize-Giving 2026

June has usually been a month when the Bookshop got busy with Sunday School teachers

looking for prizes. Some of you have already been, purchased and/or ordered books.

As I said in a separate email; if the Opening Hours don't suit you, please get in touch, so that we can arrange for a time which suits you.

Churches have options where they source Youth- and Children's books etc. We are very grateful to those who have decided to support The Open Door Project now that Inverness has a Christian Bookshop again!

Volunteers

We are so thankful for all our volunteers who give of their time to be part of the team. This is an ongoing request as the opportunities increase, we need a sizeable team to be available to come alongside folk.

Like to Explore Volunteering?

If you have a day or half a day to join the team, we would love to hear from you. There is absolutely no pressure if you just want to explore the idea.

Introducing Volunteer, Ken Morley

When I retired – quite a while ago now, I wanted to become involved in some useful voluntary activities rather than playing lots of golf or travel! My hope was to be able to practically live out my faith in direct or perhaps, indirect ways.

I was inwardly guided towards several commitments and fulfilled them for multiple years - one significant initial area is still going. I recently stopped an important voluntary activity which released some time and I was drawn towards the Open Door Project – having watched it grow from an embryo idea, into a new born reality needing practical support.

I think that many of us were very sorry when the only Christian Bookshop in Inverness closed in 2020. Since that time, Esther, Leslie and The Open Door Project team have worked with tremendous determination and vision to establish a replacement bookshop and contact/fellowship place in our city. They have now succeeded and fully deserve to be supported in making the project work – for the glory of God.

I have agreed to help, but more are needed to fill the rota. It is early days and the future success can only be realised if folk come alongside Esther and the lovely members of the team that she needs and is establishing.

When CLC in Castle Street was opened, you may have heard the phrase – 'use it or lose it'. It was lost. So now, here is another opportunity. Certainly, come along and browse, buy, chat or pray, but if you have some spare time in the week, perhaps give regular volunteering on the rota a thought. It is a very important and worthwhile new Christian venture in our city.

Specific Prayer Requests

For Trustees

As well as praying for the ongoing requests from the last letter, please pray for more Trustees. If you value what The Open Door Project stands for, maybe you would consider one of the trustee roles which are crucial to keep the operation on legal and viable footing.

For Specific Roles

We are looking for an Accountant/Bookkeeper but also for a Secretary to take Minutes. Dugald MacPherson and Robbie Halkett have done an extraordinary job to get the Bookshop opened, alongside their already busy lives. I also want to acknowledge their spouses, Morag and Karen who have been an incredible help in the background.

I may be the face of The Open Door Project, but believe me, without them, it would have looked very different.

Thank you too for Donnie Morrison who dealt with contractors when it came to building 'the Box', where the Bookshop is now.

For the Official Opening

We are still planning an official opening for The Open Door Project, when there will be an opportunity to give thanks to God for His enabling and provision. I will be in touch as soon as we have details for that event.

In the meantime, thank you for supporting the Project either by praying, giving or actually being able to visit the Bookshop.

Yours in HIM,

Esther Dowey, on behalf of The Open Door Project team