Money Talks
There are 371 references to prayer in the Bible. Money and possessions are mentioned 2,172 times. Our relation to God affects our use of money. Calvary follows a Biblically based plan of first fruits giving with the tithe (10%) as a goal.
The generous giving of our people made ours a self-supporting congregation on January 1, 1953. Our first operating budget was $11,621 in 1952. IN 1999 it was $113 million. Ten percent of this amount was set aside for mission outreach.
Calvary has had -- particularly in the early years -- one financial campaign after another.
Here are some:
1954
Building campaign directed by the Wells fund-raising firm. Pledges totaled
$98,000 in 150 weekly gifts. It was described as "an astronomical figure beyond our wildest dreams." The actual receipts were $78,000.
1958
"Onward with Christ" -- to increase our giving to welfare work and world missions, to speed our debt liquidation, and improve our church and Sunday School quarters
1960
Pledged $15,000 to Long Island Lutheran High capital funds drive
1962
Three-year building fund campaign for the Education Building. Receipts were $135,000. Staudt Associates professional fund raisers guided the effort. 125 male canvassers visited members and users for pledges, while 35 ladies served refreshments. The campaign was begun with a 12-hour prayer vigil, the forerunner of our Lenten prayer vigil.
1970
20th anniversary capital fund effort to beautify and improve our church facilities (included $4,000 for stained glass windows plus kitchen appliances, classroom dividers, etc.). 10% of the offering was given to Lutheran schools and organizations of the Atlantic District.
1972
Pledged $15,000 to Concordia College, Bronxville to help pay for the Science Building and Library.
1990
40th anniversary -- major building improvements and renovations as well as special outreach programs
1991 "Donate a tile" program for new floor and scoreboard in gymnasium
1995
45th anniversary -- new furnishings, renovation of rooms, major repairs, painting
2000
50th anniversary -- goal of $50,000 to renovate church interior and to repair and install stained glass windows in new frames