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Capital Campaign Giving Program

Financial Information
It is common to think of money as something secular and separate from our spiritual lives, but it isn't at all. There are more than 2,300 verses on money, finances, and material possessions in the Bible, and scripture makes it very clear that money is both a way God blesses us and, through giving, a way we worship Him. The following information highlights the financial aspects of our ministry expansion and answers some commonly asked questions about our proposed building project.

Estimated Project Cost
Construction Cost (including 15% contingency)   -   $16 - $18 million
Land Purchase & Site Preparation   -   $4 million
Architectural Design & Consultation Fees   -   $1 million
Interior Features & Furnishings   -   $2 million
Total Estimated Cost:     $23 - $25 million


Giving: 3 Years, $25 Million
It is our desire to have 100% financial participation in this ministry expansion project. No gift or pledge is too small.

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
~ 2 Corinthians 9:11

Benchmarks For Groundbreaking
  • $14 million in pledges received
  • $7 million in cash received
  • Our goal is to raise $25 million during the three-year capital campaign period. However, we will not begin construction until we have at least $14 million in pledges and $7 million of those pledges received in cash. The more pledges and, specifically, cash we receive, the less impact this building project will have on the current operating budget of Black Rock Congregational Church.

    "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you, as well."
    ~ Matthew 6:31-33
    • 1 - $3 million
    • 2 - $2 million
    • 4 - $1 million
    • 4 - $500K
    • 8 - $250K
    • 16 - $125K
    • 32 - $50K
    • 64 - $25K
    • 128 - $10K
    • 651 - Other
    Total: 910* Givers
    *Number of families and/or individuals who gave to Black Rock Congregational Church in 2002.

    Sacrificial Commitment
    Many of us can testify how God has used the ministry of Black Rock Congregational Church to radically change our lives. Just as earlier generations sacrificed to build our current structure which houses the ministries we rely upon and serve, our sacrifice will continue to build this ministry for future generations. Part of the excitement of this project is the opportunity it offers each of us to take a fresh look at our finances and to invite God, maybe for the first time, to be Lord over this vital area of our lives.

    Why Should I Give?
  • God is pleased when I give to His work for His glory
  • God delights in bestowing eternal reward upon me when I give
  • Giving is directly related to God's purpose for my life
  • How Should I Give?
  • Cheerfully - "…God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7
  • Willingly - "…gave as much as they were able…entirely on their own." 2 Corinthians 8:3-4
  • Sacrificially - "I will not sacrifice to the Lord…offerings that cost me nothing." 2 Samuel 24:24
  • What Should I Give?
    As frequently as this question is asked, it is one that no one can answer for you. The decision regarding how much to give is a personal one between you and God. We know, however, that if we do not draw closer to God during this process, any financial goal attained will be a hollow victory. Therefore, we suggest that you take this matter to prayer, asking God to reveal your unique role in giving sacrificially to His work here at Black Rock. Ask God to give you the faith, desire, and ability to contribute above and beyond your normal offering to the general fund and missions. A topical Bible study on giving, individually or as a family, might also be helpful as you seek God's direction and guidance.

    When Should I Give?
    The Capital Campaign Giving Program officially runs for three years, from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2006. You may give a weekly, monthly, annual, or one-time gift. We hope to receive your pledge commitment on or before our all-church ingathering and worship service at the Klein Auditorium in Bridgeport on Sunday, November 23, 2003.

    Relevant Scriptures
  • The Rich Young Man - Mark 10:17-31
  • Treasures in Heaven - Matthew 6:19-24
  • The Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25:14-30
  • The Rich Fool - Luke 12:16-21
  • The Widow's Offering - Luke 21:1-4
  • Ways To Give
    There are many different ways to give to the capital campaign and financially support the ministry expansion project at Black Rock Congregational Church. Below are some suggestions to consider as you make your decision.


    Primary Methods of Giving
    1. Give a cash gift: This is as simple as dropping a check in the offering plate and marking it for the building fund. All gifts are tax deductible.
    2. Make a pledge for giving over time: This can take the form of weekly or monthly giving that has the advantage of requiring less of your immediate resources and fits a Biblical model of consistent giving.
    3. Give an asset to the church: This can be very tax advantageous and can take many forms:

      • Donating stocks, bonds, real estate, coins, jewelry, artwork or other valuables: This may allow you to minimize tax on any capital gain and also receive a tax deduction for the appreciated value. (For questions and assistance contact Larry Hutchins at 203-255-6881.)

      • Creating a foundation through which to channel giving: This allows for creating a tax benefit in the current period while giving over a period of time. While sounding complicated, this can be set up quite easily. (For information contact Gary Gulemi at 203-254-9960.)

      • Giving from your estate: There are many means of giving, from charitable trusts to designations in your will. (For more information contact Patty Beauregard at 203-498-4423.)

    Giving Potential Chart
    Click here to access our Giving Potential Calculator.

    Each of us can give far more than we think by giving over a three-year period. Here are some examples:

    WEEKLY MONTHLY 3-YEAR TOTAL
    $3,000 $13,000.00 $468,000.00
    $2,500 $10,833.33 $390,000.00
    $2,000 $8,666.66 $312,000.00
    $1,500 $6,500.00 $234,000.00
    $1,250 $5,416.67 $195,000.00
    $1,000 $4,333.33 $156,000.00
    $750 $3,250.00 $117,000.00
    $500 $2,166.67 $78,000.00
    $450 $1,950.00 $70,200.00
    $400 $1,733.33 $62,400.00
    $350 $1,516.67 $54,600.00
    $300 $1,300.00 $46,800.00
    $275 $1,191.67 $42,900.00
    $250 $1,083.33 $39,000.00
    $225 $975.00 $35,100.00
    $200 $866.67 $31,200.00
    $175 $758.33 $27,300.00
    $150 $650.00 $23,400.00
    $125 $541.67 $19,500.00
    $100 $433.33 $15,600.00
    $90 $390.00 $14,040.00
    $75 $325.00 $11,700.00
    $50 $216.67 $7,800.00
    $35 $151.67 $5,460.00
    $25 $108.33 $3,900.00
    $15 $65.00 $2,340.00
    $10 $43.33 $1,560.00

    PLEDGE PROCESS
    • 3 year pledge process
    • Sacrificial giving
    • Above and beyond normal giving
    • November 23, 2003 in-gathering
    • Pledge fulfillment January 2004 - December 2006


    BUILDING TIMELINE
    • $14 million in pledges received
    • $7 million in cash received
    • Building loan converted to mortgage at time of occupancy


    CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES
    • Small group gatherings (September-November)
    • Everyone will be invited to a dessert
    • Question & Answer opportunities
    • Distribution of building plans and pledge cards
    • All-Church worship service and ingathering November 23, 2003

    Visit the Black Congregational Church Website