LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 70

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70 PARISH, YOUTH, AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES

Since 1959 CPH has owned and operated Family Films, a
film and filmstrip production and distribution firm located in
Los Angeles. The acquisition was made in order to produce for
the Synod episodes of “This Is The Life” and other audiovisual
materials. The transfer by Synod of its TV ministry to the LLL,
changes in production techniques resulting from technological
developments, and changes in film rental and distribution
patterns have in the past several years caused this division of
CPH to operate at a loss. To correct this situation, CPH has
reduced the scope of the division’s operation and transferred
most of its functions from Los Angeles to St. Louis.

Close planning and coordination of product development
and synodical services continues to be maintained between the
Publishing House and the Synod’s Board for Parish Services
(which produce curricular and worship materials); Board for
Communication Services (Lutheran Witness, which publishes
the Reporter), Worker Benefit Plans (data processing); the
Commission on Doctrinal Review: and other synodical boards.
commissions, officers and personnel.

In keeping with a 1958 synodical resolution, CPH has
carried out the ministry of the Concordia Tract Mission for
over 25 years. In recognition of this milestone the following
overture is offered to the convention:

WHEREAS, The Lord of the church for 25 years has blessed
the ministry of Concordia Tract Mission, having called it into
existence at the 1958 convention of the Synod: and

WHEREAS, This ministry by its association with Concordia
Publishing House has been able to function effectively, pro-
claiming the message of salvation to many throughout the
world; and

WHEREAS, This ministry has served the Synod, its member
congregations and individuals, and other Christians, in help-
ing to carry out the Great Commission of Christ to bring the
Gospel message to the whole world; and

WHEREAS, This ministry has been blessed for these past 25
years as an effective producer of tracts for use in the United
States and more than 80 other countries throughout the world;
and

WHEREAS, This ministry through the printing of three series
of Sunday school pictures has shipped over 33,500,000 copies
as another aid in reaching souls for Christ; and

WHEREAS, This ministry has shipped over 125,000,000 other
pieces of Christian literature; and

WHEREAS, This ministry has been effective in encouraging
others to be a part of the outreach ministry through the Paper
Peace Corps program by sending Christian literature, Bibles,
New Testaments and other materials to foreign countries:
therefore be it

Resolved, That we raise our hearts and voices in praise and
thanksgiving to Almighty God for 25 years of blessings that
have come to the Church and to souls around the world through
the Concordia Tract Mission; and be it further

Resolved, That individuals and congregations in ministry
be encouraged in a greater use of tracts; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage the support of the ministry of
Concordia Tract Mission through our prayers, seeking God’s
richest blessings on its efforts and its outreach program: and
be it further

Resolved, That in prayer we ask God to continue to use this
ministry as a means of reaching others with the Bread of Life:
and be it finally

Resolved, That we encourage individuals, organizations,
and congregations to support the tract ministry and its
program with their gifts and sacrifices, so that more and more
people will experience the joy of the Gospel message of the
Good News in Jesus Christ. our Savior.

Facilities
Concordia’s facilities in South St. Louis, adjacent to the
location of the 1849 seminary, include 358,000 square feet of
space (over 8 acres) in a complex of eight contiguous buildings.
The 1964 building program included 25,000 square feet of office
space added at the request of Synod’s Board of Directors to
house several synodical departments. Completion of the Inter-

national Center and the relocation of the staffs of the Board for
Parish Services, Lutheran Witness and Reporter of the Board
for Communication Services, and Ministry to the Armed
Forces and Library for the Blind of the Board for Mission
Services created some vacant office space at Concordia. .

The potential of vacant office space and the need for future
planning prompted CPH toconducta building audit in relation
to CPH’s future. Architectural assessments of the building’s
structure, energy efficiency, and planned usage for the future
resulted in the decision to undertake a systematic remodeling
and renovation program over the course of the next several
years. Concordia expects to be able to carry out its mission
effectively in its present location at 3558 S. Jefferson until at
least the year 2000.

a

Operation

Concordia continues to live up to its goal of carrying out its
mission in an ongoing, nonsubsidized, and expanding manner.
If the house fails to achieve this goal, it will also fail in fulfilling
its fundamental purpose of communicating the Christian
faith. During its 114 years of operation, its production and
outreach has continued to expand. Over 12,000 different items
are currently included in its inventory.

Annually, Concordia packs and ships over 229,662 orders.
Sales volumes have increased from $21,320,847 in 1980 to ;
$22,927,079 in 1981 and $26,451,298 in 1982. Net income for -
CPH over the past decade has remained at a consistent 6": of
sales of which 67% has been forwarded to the Synod’s treasury.
The remainder of Concordia’s net income is invested in the
development of new and revised products, replenishment of
inventory, and the maintenance of facilities.

The 1981—1982 financial report is summarized below:

CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE

Statement of Income and Retained Earnings
Two Years Ended

19s2 1980
Net Sales ................. $49,378,377 $41,055,312
Cost of Goods Sold ......... 28,556,173 23,847,003
Gross Margin ............ $20,822,204 $17,208,309
Operating Expenses ...... 17,833,557 15,210,097

Income from Operations .. $ 2,988,647 $ 1,998,212

Other Income............. 525,824 493,137

Net Income ............... $ 3.514.471 $ 2,491,349

Retained Earnings—

Beginning of Period 14,097,033 13,105,684
Less: Transfers to Svnod ..( 1,250,000) ¢ 1,500,000)
Retained Earnings—
End of period .......... $16,361,504 $14,097,033
Balance Sheet
December 31
Assets 142 Lau

Current Assets
Cash & Temporary Investments. =. 2,746,564 $ 1,730,517
Accounts Receivable ............ 3,959,678 3,066,277
Inventories ..................... 8.192.612 8,052,433
Prepaid Expenses .............. 421,904 238,069

Total Current Assets ......... $15,320,758 $13,087 296
Property:
Land .................0 00020000. $ 369,579 $ 369,579
Buildings ...................... 5,754 889 3,956,619
Machinery and Equipment...... 3,620,503 2,996,631

Total 0.00.00... ee. $ 9,744,971 $ 8,922,829
Less: Accumulated Depreciation . 6,558,454 5,897 474
Property—Net .................. § 3,186,517 $ 3,065,355
Film Productions—Net ......... $ 101,141 S$ 318.518

Total .......0.000.0000.000000. $18,908,416 $16,471,169