As Zion’s 300th anniversary approached, we looked at some special works we could do to mark this event. Beginning in mid-2011, members were asked to make a three-year pledge on top of their annual pledge to the general fund. This was our Mission 300 (M300) campaign. The request to the members was to give first, give intentionally, give proportionately and give generously. By doing this they would also be giving cheerfully. The campaign raised over $510 K over the three-year period. This was on top of annual budgets ranging from $468-480 K.
The proceeds were allocated into three main areas: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. The focus of the Yesterday area was restoration work at the church and the parsonage. The funds in the Today category were used for debt reduction on the mortgage and some special functions. The funds in the Tomorrow category were used primarily to begin Edna’s Haven, a new ministry to help the homeless. This service is located at Faith Lutheran in Dover, NJ.
Many members had a personal favorite among these areas and there was lively discussion on how the money would be divided. Reasons to direct funds into the various categories were listed and the council and congregation listened to each group and addressed the suggestions. The final allocation was a compromise that gave each area some, but not all, of what was requested. It was:
Restoration: $300,000
Special functions/Debt $102,600
Edna’s Haven $100,000
Campaign costs $ 9,000
Total $511,600
The overhead costs were less that 2%. Again, like with the CEB mortgage, Zion had show that it had the heart and the resources to take on a 3-year project equal in scope to its annual budget. Looking back, I think we can agree it was a good decision. As the oldest Lutheran congregation in New Jersey, we made out 300th anniversary a noteworthy time in our history.
Why am I telling this story? Council will be asking the congregation to consider a similar move of some of our outreach ministries which are currently being supported outside the GF into the budget for 2019. There are several parallels to the M300 campaign we made after much discussion in 2011. Zion will have to decide how to respond to this idea.
Look for additional stories in the newsletter on this concept.
Peace,
John Rustwick
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