Lisa Myaing, who worked at the Potomac Adventist Book and Health Food Center, in Silver Spring, Md., since 1991 and served as manager for 11 years, recently passed the torch to retired pastor, Kermit Netteburg. On October 22, Netteburg stepped in as interim manager as the Myaing family answered a call in Tennessee.
While the store is challenged by the growing trend of online book and music purchases, the ABC’s sales have been growing in vegetarian foods, natural foods and vitamin supplements. Netteburg says the store is looking for new ways to generate revenue and serve people. “We want to become a location for people to learn more about healthy lifestyles and then be able to find resources for new lifestyles,” he says. “About 70% of our customers are not members of the Adventist Church, so we have a great mission to serve them as well as our Adventist members.”
The store is located in the Cherry Hill Shopping Center in Silver Spring. It’s open at normal shopping center hours – except for Friday evenings and Saturdays. “We want to witness to our beliefs in every way,” says Netteburg, “Even our closed store – as we keep the Sabbath – is a witness to our beliefs.”
Netteburg retired as pastor of the Beltsville Adventist Church (Md.) on June 30. “My retirement didn’t seem to take very well,” he joked. “I love to serve and saw the great opportunities we have to connect people with the Adventist Church.”
