New 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.simmons@2pc.org.