Carolyn R. Russell Consider the Lilies Fund Established

Fund Established in Memory of Carolyn R. Russell to Effect Change Among Our Neighbors in Need

The Carolyn R. Russell Consider the Lilies Fund has been established by the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation with the aid of a major gift given in her loving memory by George M. (Smoky) Russell, her devoted husband of 63 years.

Carolyn Robison Russell (1936-2019) served for over twenty years as devoted volunteer and manager of Second’s Clothes Closet beginning in the early 1990s, where she lovingly helped to provide needed clothing for pastors, local and world missionaries, and their families. She took great care and delight in being their personal shopper as well as friend, but more than that, she was pleased to serve the people connected to ministry as her own service to the Lord. 

Matthew 6:28-33 emphasizes that God is not only aware of mankind’s physical needs such as clothing, but He is the supplier of these things as evidenced by the lilies of the field. We are not to worry, but our focus is to be on seeking His kingdom and His righteousness.

In recognition of Carolyn’s service, the purpose of this Fund is to effect transformational change through caring for the physical needs of the under resourced, thus helping to reduce poverty and the problems caused by poverty in the City of Memphis.

This Fund is specifically earmarked to provide for material care and needs such as for clothing, apparel, blankets, related supplies, or the related care of them. The highest priority is for use in communities where the Church is strategically involved. The emphasis is on deeds of love and mercy, by partnering to spread the Gospel through relational ministry opportunities.

Second Presbyterian Church’s mission comports with proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel and changing communities. It is the intent of this Fund to focus on the distribution of resources to those domestic communities strategically supported by the Church, both now and in the future. Likewise, it is the intent of this Fund to support the Church’s Domestic Mission Ministry, acknowledging that addressing physical needs is much more effective when hinged to genuine relationships. The missional aspects of Funds such as this are perpetuated, have synergy, and have the potential to grow, multiply, and change communities toward better health.

Brian Lewis, Director of Outreach at Second, reflected, “At the center of Carolyn’s life and ministry to others, was a compassionate heart for people in need. Compassion calls us to lovingly look more intently into the lives of our neighbors and to care for their needs, spiritually and materially. I am so grateful for how this Fund strengthens our ability to share God’s love in very tangible ways.” The establishment and use of this Fund leverages using relationships to meet tangible needs as well as using tangible needs to develop perpetual relationships.

Smoky cares deeply for our neighbors in need and regularly prays for the under resourced in our city. His aim is to carry on Carolyn’s service through this Fund and broaden it based on today’s needs. Smoky remarked that “This is all motivated towards taking what the Lord has given me and using it to help people. I have a major concern with what is taking place in this city, and my hope is that the way this Fund will be administered will affect real change.”

Years ago, when Smoky was the Chairman of the Church’s Stewardship Committee, the theme was “Consider the Lilies”. There are still coasters with that emblem floating around homes of members of the Church as well as in the Church’s conference rooms. Recently, when the idea for the Fund’s name was presented to Smoky, he recalled that fondly. He also knew Carolyn would heartily approve of the Fund’s name, and more importantly the mission.

In addition to Smoky’s generous gift and in honor of his actions as well as his prior service as long time Foundation Board Chair, the Board has additionally seeded the Fund with $50,000.

The Foundation welcomes the receipt of Funds from members of Second and the community at large for the purpose of providing support for this effort. If you would like to make a contribution, simply direct your gift to the attention of Second Presbyterian Church Foundation: Carolyn R. Russell Consider the Lilies Fund or donate using the button below.

If you would like to learn more about the Fund or discuss ways in which you can participate, contact Grace Simmons Schneider at (901) 507-7898 or grace.schneider@2pc.org.

Women in Vocational Ministry Residency Fund Established

The Women in Vocational Ministry Residency Fund has been established as the first one of its kind. The purpose of the fund is to provide support for a residency program at the church that gives opportunities to women aspiring to full time Christian ministry work. The new fund establishes financial support specifically for women to hold residency positions through Second’s strategic missional efforts to train participants through on-the-job ministry experiences, while seeking degrees that support their ministry aspirations.

This program will prepare and equip women to be sent out as ministry leaders into strategic opportunities, such as counseling, outreach, women’s ministry, missions, Christian non-profits, and other areas, in order to expand the kingdom of God. Residency components typically include seeking a Master’s degree; taking leadership responsibilities in Sunday School and/or community groups such as parishes or small groups; and focusing on identified areas of concentration.

Second Presbyterian Church has historically supported the professional development of residents in the areas of pastors, youth, and more recently the music ministry. The establishment of this fund continues in the tradition of this strategic mission of the church and Foundation. The initial goal is to equip a woman qualified for vocational ministry every 2-3 years.

Brett Wynne is the pastor that oversees the LAUNCH program. He states, “The LAUNCH program has been a strategic program for the life and mission of our church. We have been able to hire pastors to lead our congregation and send out pastors throughout the nation. The recent addition of a Women in Vocational Ministry component to the LAUNCH program will not only allow us to send out pastors but women who are called into ministry as well. We are excited at the opportunity to be able to train and send out women in a variety of fields, prepared for positions such as women in ministry directors; counselors; missionaries; ministry directors or leaders; or other influential roles in kingdom building life. The establishment of this specific fund ensures a commitment to this vitally important need.” 

Jessica Uke is the first woman in this new role. Jessica is seeking a counseling degree and is using her skillset and training as she works within the church and specifically the young adult ministry. She receives ministry training alongside other LAUNCH participants as they grow into each of their respective residency positions. The Foundation is supporting the church through its Undesignated Fund with this initial position with a view of enabling these internships long term through the establishment of this new fund.

Jessica recently said, “I feel extremely privileged to be the first participant in the Women in Vocational Ministry component of the LAUNCH program here at Second. I am currently getting my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and before I started applying to schools, I felt two strong convictions that ultimately steered my decision-making process: I felt called to be in Memphis, and I felt called to remain an active member of Second Presbyterian Church. In His complete sovereignty, the Lord has continued to show me how He can use me with my specific skills and gifts. I feel called to serve by way of mental health counseling and through encouragement from my friends and family—many of whom are here at Second—I feel more affirmed each and every day. Through this support, my postgraduate education and vocational training has moved from just a dream to a reality, and I am so grateful. To think that there will be a permanent fund that will help other women receive training in vocational ministry brings me joy.”

The Foundation welcomes the receipt of funds from members of Second and the community at large for the purpose of providing support for this effort. Debbie Perkins and a team of volunteers have engaged in making the congregation aware of this opportunity.

If you would like to make a contribution, simply direct your gift to the attention of Second Presbyterian Church Foundation: Women in Vocational Ministry Residency Fund or donate here. Donations made prior to December 31, 2023 will be matched at 100% up to $500,000.

If you would like to learn more about the Fund or discuss ways in which you can participate, contact Debbie Perkins at dbperkins57@gmail.com or Vicki Simmons at (901) 507-7898 or vicki.simmons@2pc.org.

Fund Established in Memory of Tim Russell

The T. Russell Seminarian Support Fund has been established in memory of Reverend Timothy Lowell Russell (1957-2020). Reverend Russell lovingly served among the congregation as pastor, preacher, teacher, mentor and friend in two separate seasons of time. Tim counseled many members of the congregation on issues of every day living.

Reverend Timothy Lowell Russell

In recognition of Tim’s adeptness at and love for reformed theological education, the purpose of the fund is to provide financial support for students who are accepted for enrollment at an approved seminary and are supported through the terms of the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation seminary student support policies.

Support under this Fund is specifically for African American or Hispanic members of our congregation or any member seeking a degree in urban ministry or any degree coupled with a clear calling for use of that degree in urban ministry.

Second Presbyterian Church has historically supported seminarians and with the creation of the Foundation in 1998, that effort has expanded significantly. This year there are 24 seminarians requiring support. The establishment of this fund continues in the tradition of this strategic mission of the Church and Foundation, while targeting support for an area that was close to Tim’s heart.

Kathe and Tim Russell

Kathe has been an energetic supporter of the establishment of this fund. She has expressed that it is reflective of both Tim’s devotion to reformed theology and his love of counseling many young members of the congregation as they sought discernment regarding seeking a seminary education. Tim served as the Church’s pastoral liaison to the Foundation regarding seminarians.

The Foundation welcomes the receipt of funds from members of Second and the community at large for the purpose of providing support for this effort. If you would like to make a contribution, simply direct your gift to the attention of Second Presbyterian Church Foundation: T. Russell Seminarian Support Fund or donate below.

If you would like to learn more about the Fund or discuss ways in which you can participate, contact Vicki Simmons at (901) 507-7898 or vicki.simmons@2pc.org.