May 30, 2010

Dear TAAP Subscriber:

It is with great sadness that we announce that we must suspend the operation of The African American Pulpit (TAAP). As a result, the Summer 2010 issue will be our last and will be released only in digital format online. During the current economic recession we experienced a 25% drop in subscriptions and a 40% drop in advertising. This steep drop in subscriptions and advertising makes it impossible to pay basic operating costs. Fiscal realities force us to make this painful decision.

We would like to thank you for all of your support. In the spring of 2003, TAAP was purchased by Hope For Life International, Inc. and became the only African American owned and operated, non-denominational homiletics journal in North America. We believe we have made a significant contribution to the church community. Without customers and supporters like you, none of this would have been possible. You have been a great partner, resource, and encourager and we sincerely thank you.

In the next months we must resolve our obligations and liabilities. We will refund all remaining subscriptions. We would prayerfully ask that you consider making the remainder of your subscription a donation. We believe that the manner in which we wind down operations of TAAP, will greatly impact when, and in what form, TAAP will return. We assure you that anyone who desires a refund will receive one. We will send out all refunds on or around August 15, 2010. Directions on how to secure your refund are detailed in the “Most Frequently Asked Questions” sheet which is attached. Please know that The African American Lectionary will continue online as a free resource; it is part of our continuing efforts to always provide our faith community with excellence.

We would solicit your continued prayers as well as any donations that you would be led to give us. All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to us as provided on the “Most Frequently Asked Questions” sheet. Even as we face closing of operations for this phase of TAAP, based upon our faith tradition, we know there will be a great resurrection. We hope that when we return, in whatever form, we can count on you to partner with us. Again, thank you for your support over the years.

In appreciation,
Frank A. Thomas	Martha Simmons
CEO, Hope For Life International, Inc.	President and Publisher, TAAP

Most Frequently Asked Questions About
the Closing of The African American Pulpit (TAAP)

1. What is the last issue that I will receive related to my current TAAP subscription?

The Summer 2010 issue will be released in digital form only and will be the last issue you will receive. Any remaining subscription funds owed to you will be refunded to you.

2. What is the procedure to receive a refund for the remaining balance of my subscription?

You may request a refund by contacting our Customer Service Department at 1-800-509-8227 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.

3. When may I expect to receive my refund?

Upon verification of your subscription and contact information, a refund check will be mailed to you on or around August 15, 2010.

4. How can I contact TAAP?

For answers regarding the status of your subscription, please call us at 1-800-509-8227.

5. How can I purchase collectible back issues?

Please consult our website at: www.theafricanamericanpulpit.com or our Customer Service Department at 1-800-509-8227 for special deals and savings on back issues. Now is the perfect time to make sure that you have the entire TAAP collection.

6. Will the TAAP website continue to function?

Yes. The website will function indefinitely to sell back issues as long as there is a demand.

7. Will you publish TAAP again?

We believe that there will be a rebirth of TAAP in another format; how we conclude this phase of TAAP will greatly influence its rebirth. We ask for your prayers and support for our future efforts.

8. What can I do to help?

You can help in three ways: 1) donate the remaining balance of your subscription to TAAP so that we can begin publication again sooner; 2) purchase back issues so that you have a copy of each issue we have published; and 3) make a general donation to TAAP. All donations are tax deductible. Donations can be sent to: TAAP, 1825 Riverdale Rd., Germantown, TN 38138.

9. Will you publish material previously planned for publication if you resume publication?

At this time we are not able to determine if we will publish material previously planned for publication in the fall or winter 2010 issues. Each person whose material has been accepted for publication for any 2010 issue will be contacted and addressed on a case-by-case basis.

10. Will this affect the publication of The African American Lectionary or Lectionary events?

No. The Lectionary will continue to function through its intended cycle. It now contains more than 4,000 pages and we hope that clergy, worship leaders, and lay persons will use it for years to come and will attend all Lectionary events.