The folks at GoodSearch have calculated our earnings in the fiscal year that runs from October 2006 through September 2007. Each search, estimated to earn a penny, actually earned 1.3 cents. We began on GoodSearch in July, and sometime this month, we should receive a check for Compton Cares in the amount of $40.99.* GoodSearch pays but once a year, after their total ad revenue is calculated, but already our estimated earnings for next year are almost $50, thanks in part to shopping. And we have nine more months to go! The total amount you have raised for Compton Cares since the inception of this project is $87.25 and rising. The cumulative total will be updated weekly in the Fund Raising column at the right side of this page. * Update: the actual check was for $41.09! Thanks to everyonewho has searched and shopped. Your choice to use GoodSearch and GoodShop is making a difference at Compton Heights.
Advent has come to Compton! On Dec. 2, the first banner, the Star of Hope, appeared, along with an Advent Wreath in the sanctuary. The Hanging of the Greens made the rest of the sanctuary look festive as well.
Today the Peace banner appeared as the second candle was lit. The angel joined the empty manger in the creche. The angel's message: Be Not Afraid.
The project continues to show progress! This photo was taken two weeks ago in the new kitchen- ette. This room as well as both bathrooms are completely dry-walled and primed for paint. Overhead lighting was added after this photo was taken. The new cabinets are assembled and ready to be installed. The paint colors have been ordered as well. We are still waiting for the front entrance work to begin. All week we have had cold weather and freezing rain. Not the best for concrete work.
Advent may reign in the sanc- tuary, but Christmas was evident in the well decorated fellowship hall for the Christmas Fellowship dinner today. Beyond the dessert table is an exhibit of Alternative Gift possibilities. If a group is tired of exchanging gag gifts, why not contribute what you would have spent to one of these worthwhile causes? Or give a gift to a worthy organization in honor of someone? As we enjoyed the food, we exchanged ideas.
A crowd began to gather as the food appeared. Finally Pastor Jacque gave the blessing and everyone could dig in!
Please keep track of our progress on the accessibility project as well as the Compton Cares Financial campaign in the column to the right. And if you are shopping for a special gift, please consider purchasing it online, using either Good Shop or EScrip. Over time, these contributions are adding up! We thank you for your support and wish everyone a blessed Christmas. Next year, we can hold our dinner upstairs in the Library, using the new kitchen and the festivities will be accessible to some folks who simply can't get into the church building today. Being open and accessible to all is what Compton Cares is all about.
Our new sign includes a mosaic from pottery and glass donated by members. Julia Krovicka, an artist who is a Friend of Compton, created our new sign. To visit our church web site, just click on the photo.
Compton Cares has made our building more accessible and welcoming for ministry by renovating the Grand Boulevard entrance to the sanctuary, and adding accessible restrooms and a functional kitchenette on the main floor. Construction started Aug. 29, 2007 and was completed in early May 2008. We celebrated and dedicated the new facilities on June 14, 2008.
Loans for construction did accrue interest, driving up the total cost. A campaign for renewed pledges and new gifts in order to retire the remaining debt of approximately $31,500 (at 3%) concluded in December 2009, with enough in pledges to retire that debt by Oct. 31, 2012. However, as of December 1, 2011, we have enough contributions on hand to retire this debt either by the end of this year or in the first month of 2012! Thanks be to God for this blessing!
Fund Raising
Our goal has been to retire our remaining debt on the Compton Cares project by Oct. 31, 2012, when the 3% loan rate expires. To hasten this process, we have held various fund raisers that everyone could take part in, regardless of their financial situation. Here are totals from these fundraisers to date:
GoodSearch/GoodShop $627.00 eScrip $450.78 (eScrip now benefits the CHCC budget) Change Bank $964.54 Aluminum cans and scrap $595.72+ Gypsy Caravan 2008: $1,133.00 Gypsy Caravan 2009: $969.00 Bazaar 2009: $1,362.65 Bazaar 2010 $1,748.10 Mini-Bazaar 2011 $102.00 Bridgeton Fund Grant: $6,500.00
GoodSearch , an Internet search engine, donates part of its ad revenue to the charity of your choice. Clicking the link in the list below will take you directly to the page for Compton Heights. This site also includes GoodShop, easy to use without registration. New businesses are added to GoodShop weekly so check to see if your favorites are there, or e-mail the GoodSearch folks and they will add one for you! Please check to make sure that Compton Heights Christian Church St. Louis is in the Who do You GoodSearch For? window! Thank you and please keep searching and shopping!
eScrip earns from 1% to 5% and more of purchases. Schnucks Markets is a St. Louis area participant, as is Macy's. Enrollment cards are available at church or at Schnuck's grocery stores. Simply give your eScrip card to the checker to scan every time you buy groceries! All income from eScrip now goes into the church operating budget!
A Change Bank brought in a significant contribution to Compton Cares for 4 years. In 2011 we redirected the change bank into a challenge to help fund a mission trip to India by 4 of our members.
Cans (aluminum only) can be deposited in a large container in the hall opposite the choir room. Please bring them rinsed. When we get 100 pounds collected, the price we receive doubles. At least $600 has been raised for Compton Cares. After the loan is paid off, the can collection will continue, and a new recipient for it will be indicated.
