InterVarsity Press partnered with Hearts & Minds Books of Dallastown, PA, to host the launch event on May 16 for Michael Card's new book in the Biblical Imagination Series, Matthew: The Gospel of Identity, and the accompanying CD, Matthew: The Penultimate Question. Nearly two hundred people filled the Living Word Community Church in Red Lion, PA, to hear from "classy/casual acoustic musician (and smarty-pants author) Mr. Michael Card," as described by Hearts & Minds Books owner Byron Borger.

Author Michael Card plays at Living Word Community Church

"As we are in our thirtieth year of doing this bookselling thing, we were honored to have such a high caliber musician turned author gracing us, and glad for the ongoing support of the Living Word Community Church," said Borger, who owns Hearts & Minds Bookstore with his wife, Beth. "We were so grateful when IVP approached us, knowing that Michael Card would be ideal for our store."

"It was a joy to be present for the release party in celebration of Michael's latest book and CD on the Gospel of Matthew," said Michael Card's manager, Holly Benyousky. "It told of a long and fruitful collaboration between InterVarsity Press and Michael Card. The additional support from Byron Borger of Hearts & Minds Books and Living Word Community Church produced an evening that illustrated the strength of community on behalf of a voice that is needed in our world."

The Biblical Imagination Series includes six music CDs and books: Luke: A World Turned Upside Down, Luke: The Gospel of Amazement, Mark: The Beginning of the Gospel, Mark: The Gospel of Passion, Matthew: The Penultimate Question and Matthew: The Gospel of Identity. Taking seriously the individual life and voice of each biblical writer, Card invites readers to enter into Scripture as he has learned to do, at the level of the informed imagination.

"InterVarsity Press has been delighted by our long-standing publishing relationship with Michael Card, and an even longer trading relationship with Byron and Beth Borger at Hearts & Minds," Jeff Crosby, IVP's associate publisher, said. "Putting the two of them together was truly the best of both sides of our industry's equation. Hearing the significant, heart-felt questions from the readers gathered at the event and, even more, hearing their affirmations for the impact of Card's books and music over more than three decades, left me with a strong reminder of our mission and the value of writing, publishing and distributing Christian resources."

"Author events like this forge customer loyalty, create new friendships, offer new inspirations and often deepen discipleship," Borger said. "I know that is the case with Michael's moving presentation. I know that is what InterVarsity Press really wants, and that is what we're about."