Foundation Newsletter, October 2021

Only about 1 in 3 adults have a will, and many people do not realize a will is only part of an estate plan.

National Estate Planning Awareness Week is an opportunity for us all to be reminded about the importance of an estate plan for ourselves and our loved ones. Our plans should accurately reflect our values and goals.

We continue the new series that lets us hear directly from individuals present and past who have volunteered their time and talents to promote gospel advancing efforts through the Foundation.

Marion Quinlen is highlighted this month. She is a current member of the Grants Committee, the Scholarships Committee, and is Chair of the Berl Olswanger Music Scholarship Committee. Over the years, she has served as Chairman of the Grants Committee and as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors. 

Her dedication and faithfulness to this work for over two decades can be gleaned from her own words. “When I leave a Grants Committee meeting, I marvel at what God has done with the funds we have been able to give to these ministries.  I also wonder who is going to give the Gospel to all those people that we at Second are not reaching.”

Tim Russell had a passion for the Word of God and the sharing of it. He dedicated his life to education at many levels. That life inspired many donors to continue that mission.

The fund established just over one year ago in Tim’s memory is already at work, the proceeds of which are supporting Bradley Morrow as he pursues a Master of Divinity.

A significant amount of grants were made during this last fiscal year.

Between undesignated funds, designated funds, and donor advised funds, more than $1 million was distributed to mission efforts in our city, country, and around the world.

Foundation Newsletter, October 2020

Anyone who engaged with Tim Russell or heard him speak knew of his passion for the Word of God and the sharing of it. He dedicated his life to education at many levels.

 It is fitting that a new fund has been established using the gifts received in his memory as seed money for the T. Russell Seminarian Support Fund.

We continue the series that lets us hear directly from individuals present and past who have volunteered their time and talents to promote gospel advancing efforts through the Foundation. 

Smoky Russell is highlighted this month. Serving a total of nine years with the Foundation with three of those as the Board Chairman, his leadership always shown brightly in a wide range of areas as he navigated the development of practical solutions for an emerging organization through his work related to investments, communications, administration, and many more.

He guided a young, adolescent organization through its administrative growth spurt by building out an even stronger foundation to the Foundation. Smoky provided humble and loving servant leadership that was strategic and comported with a more effective board, administration, granting process, investment policy, and stewardship approach, including the creation of the website and the issuance of charitable gift annuities.

A significant amount of grants were made during this last fiscal year.

Between undesignated funds, designated funds, and donor advised funds, more than $1.5 million was distributed to mission efforts in our city, country, and around the world.

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.