A new Christian book-and-clothing store that also will serve as a venue for live music, poetry, dance and readings is opening this week in downtown York.

Gospel Connections, located at 8 W. King St., will have its official ribbon-cutting Friday, which also will be its first day of business, officials with York's Downtown Inc announced.

Its owners are Elliott Hogue and Tramona Ford. Ford is the author of the book "The Fragrance of Dance," and the two business partners are members of the York church, IHUB-York, 21 S. Pershing Ave.

In addition to selling clothing and music, Gospel Connections will host the Kingdom Movement School of Liturgical Dance and Limitless Lounge, which will feature music, poetry and other entertainment.

The Limitless Lounge will be open for York's monthly First Fridays and also on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Dance classes will be offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and hours for the bookstore are to be determined, Downtown Inc officials said.

Ford said Wednesday that Gospel Connections also will offer free financial seminars for all ages and other activities. Details on the business can be found on its webpage.