Foundation Newsletter, May 2018

Meredith Fox Fund Benefits a 2PC Family 

Kamba Samuel, a senior who will graduate later this month, and his younger brother, Asu Banga, a tenth grader, both graduates of Binghampton Christian Academy (BCA), are experiencing the joy of a top-tier Christian education at Evangelical Christian School courtesy of the Meredith Ashley Fox Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Established by the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation in December 2009 through an initial planned gift of $100,000 by Antoinette and John Good, the Meredith Fox Scholarship Fund is in memory of Meredith Fox, who attended ECS as a freshman.  Meredith is the daughter of Roy and Terri Fox and sister of Roy and Margaux Fox, all Second members. Since the Meredith Fox Fund was established in 2009, approximately 100 families have given more than $169,000 to the Fund. At this time, the Fund’s growth is sufficient to allow two BCA graduates to attend ECS at the same time. A goal is to have one BCA student in every grade of the high school level.

Kamba Samuel, son of long-time second member Flora Banga, entered ECS with the support of the Meredith Fox Scholarship as a ninth grader in 2014. While at ECS, Kamba has played football all four years. He has maintained a solid grade point average as a student-athlete. According to Kamba, through football he has made great Christian friendships that will last a lifetime. Kamba has had several knee injuries playing football.  Reflecting on his injuries, Kamba says “there are times when you are down, but I have learned you can’t give up.”

When asked how ECS has prepared him for college, Kamba responded: “I know when I go to college, not everyone will believe like I do or have the same values. My ECS education, particularly my senior Bible class with Mr. Brink, has really caused me to think about what I believe. It is not just a Sunday morning thing; bringing Christ and my faith into my daily life is important. I want to practice Christian apologetics when I get to college.”

Kamba has been accepted to a number of colleges including Mississippi State, University of Memphis, Ole Miss, CBU, Union University, and UT Chattanooga. He worked on scholarship and financial aid applications, which were important in his ultimate decision to attend the University of Tennessee Knoxville. He will take his first year of classes through UTK’s bridge program administered through Pellissippi Community College, while otherwise living on the UTK campus and becoming involved in campus life. Kamba knows that college will be hard, but he says his ECS education has prepared him well for the challenge, both academically and from a Christian worldview perspective.

Asu Banga, Kamba’s younger brother and Flora’s middle child, is the other recipient of the Meredith Fox Scholarship. A sophomore at ECS, Asu played basketball and was a soccer manager as a freshman and again this year.  Asu would like to play football in his junior year.  When asked about his basketball experience, Asu says, “Basketball has helped me make friends and has motivated me to try to keep my grades up.” Asu also likes how the Christian faith is an important part of every subject, and that has taught him to care more about his faith. Asu also enjoys being called “little Kamba” on campus, because Kamba has been a good role model for him.

The Meredith Fox Scholarship Fund is an example of the Foundation’s impact within our city. Kamba Samuel, when asked what the scholarship has meant to him, stated “I would never have had the opportunity to attend ECS without the scholarship. My parents haven’t had to worry about my brother and me getting a good education. The scholarship has been a real blessing to our family.”

20th Anniversary Dinner Highlights

On April 6, more than 275 individuals gathered to be informed on the extent of the ministry impact that our God has clearly enabled through the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation during its first 20 years and to give Him the praise for His mighty works. God provided the vision for the Foundation and moved among this congregation to carry out the vision. Without either the vision or the response, the ministry impact would not exist.

The evening began with remarks and an invocation by Carson Weitnauer, a former seminarian supported by the Foundation to attend Gordon Conwell who now works for Ravi Zacharius International Ministries. Chairman Rick Moore provided a 20-Year Review. He and Vicki Simmons, Foundation Executive Director, recognized Monte Weaver for his 22 years of service to the Foundation (see below).  A video was also presented that highlights the works accomplished through various ministry partners.

Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary, spoke on Generosity for God’s Global Glory.

George Robertson introduced Dr. Duncan and also closed out the evening event. His comments regarding the Foundation focused on the fact that with well over $25,000,000 granted to date, this endeavor of making the Gospel visible through the Foundation is one that no one among us and apart from each other could do on such a scale.

Monte Weaver – Thank You!

Monte Weaver has provided 22 years of service to our church and our Lord in what we now call a successful enterprise — The Second Presbyterian Church Foundation. He has done it all. He helped envision it, shape it, develop it, and grow it, always listening to and working collaboratively with others. He has challenged those around him to always think strategically no matter the topic and to always keep true to the missional plumb line.

His ready response when explaining the passion he exhibits for the spread of the Gospel is what the Lord has done in his life. He is an inspiration for service solely motivated by the joy for the Lord.

The Foundation Board adopted a resolution that was presented to him by Chairman Rick Moore at the 20-year celebration event. The photograph above was taken at the event and includes (l to r) current Chairman Rick Moore, Senior Pastor George Robertson, and former Chairmen Monte Weaver and Smoky Russell.

CGA Payout Rates To Go Up

There is good news regarding rates for Charitable Gift Annuities. The American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA) has just announced that new suggested maximum rate schedules will be effective July 1, 2018.

The Foundation uses the ACGA rates when it issues charitable gift annuities. The ACGA provides actuarially sound suggested maximum CGA rates that balance the dual objectives of an attractive payment stream for the annuitant and a good gift for the charity.  

The ACGA has been promoting responsible philanthropy since 1927 and has a long and distinguished record in this area. It is recognized by charities, donors, state insurance departments, and the IRS as serving the best interests of all parties. 

The rates will be rising by 0.30% to 0.50% for those ages where most annuity contracts are issued. The new rate schedules are to be published by ACGA in mid- May. Be on the lookout for specific information or email Vicki Simmons.

Questions about the Foundation?
Contact vicki.simmons@2pc.org
or visit the 2PC Foundation online

Ligon Duncan to Speak at 20th Anniversary Dinner

The evening of Friday, April 6th has been set aside to celebrate, learn more about the impact of the Foundation, and be encouraged by guest speaker Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, Chancellor, CEO and Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. Dr. Duncan may be remembered as the key worship leader some years ago at the community-wide reformation service held at Second.

A native of South Carolina, Dr. Duncan received his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and supplied churches in Britain. In addition to serving on the faculty of RTS, his pastoral ministry for over three decades and four congregations includes that of Senior Pastor at historic First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi. He became Chancellor/CEO of RTS in 2013. He has authored or contributed to 35 books, is active in the Presbyterian Church of America, and has frequently addressed audiences here and abroad.

Make plans to attend this free dinner event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Make your reservations online (one registration is required for each person attending).

Click Here to RSVP

Foundation Newsletter, February 2018

The evening of Friday, April 6th has been set aside to celebrate, learn more about the impact of the Foundation, and be encouraged by guest speaker Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, Chancellor, CEO and Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. Dr. Duncan may be remembered as the key worship leader some years ago at the community-wide reformation service held at Second.

A native of South Carolina, Dr. Duncan received his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and supplied churches in Britain. In addition to serving on the faculty of RTS, his pastoral ministry for over three decades and four congregations includes that of Senior Pastor at historic First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi. He became Chancellor/CEO of RTS in 2013. He has authored or contributed to 35 books, is active in the Presbyterian Church of America, and has frequently addressed audiences here and abroad. Learn more about Dr. Duncan.

Make plans to attend this free dinner event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Make your reservations online (one registration is required for each person attending).

New Fund Provides Scholarships for Visible Music College Students

The Foundation has established the Visible Music College Scholarship Fund to provide financial scholarships for needy and deserving students who are accepted for enrollment at Visible Music College. The Visible Music College is a global Christian college designed to train and equip musical artists, producers and professional managers in skill and character for effective service in the music industry and the Church, and to stand out as Christians in their profession. This is achieved through a rigorous accredited program in association with an internal record label. Students are launched into their field as musicians, producers, church worship leaders, and community volunteers.

Visible Music College was established in 2000 by Founder and President Dr. Ken Steorts. Ken's vision was shaped while touring worldwide as a performer with the Dove Award-winning and Grammy-nominated Christian band Skillet. During this time, he observed young musicians with great promise but little instruction or guidance. Drawing from both traditional and vocational educational models, he pioneered an educational center where a mix of academic music study, technical skill development and character-building mentorship produces qualified, creative and passionate world-changers for the Church and the entertainment industry.

Visible Music College attracts students from all 50 states and over 25 foreign countries. Within a Christian discipleship model, students get hands-on professional experience while earning an accredited bachelor degree. Visible graduates work in ministry as well as the broader music industry. In ministry jobs, they're employed at churches as worship leaders, music directors and audio technicians. In the music industry, they're affecting popular culture managing record labels, marketing music venues and becoming pop artists. They have recently had students as finalists on NBC's The Voice and American Idol.

Geordy Wells is Vice President of Advancement and a member of Second Presbyterian Church. He stated, “Students from around the world would not be able to attend Visible Music College without support from the school's institutional scholarship fund. In fact, about 80% of Visible students typically need assistance. Through the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation, Christian leaders and gifted musicians pursuing ministry will benefit from this initiative now and into the future. We are so thankful for the Foundation's support for our students, programs and mission.”

The grants made from the Fund are to be used for the purpose of providing scholarships for tuition, books, or room and/or board at Visible Music College. Priority is to be given to the application of these scholarships for needy and deserving students from the Memphis area or needy and deserving international students.  Additional priority is to be given to students pursuing a degree in modern music with a major in worship leadership, vocals, or instruments, whose aim upon graduation is to serve within the Christian community or express their talent as a Christian artist.

While the Fund is an endowment for scholarships, it also has an expendable component, which allows donors to contribute resources that can be immediately deployed to support current student scholarships.

Those who would like to make a donation to The Visible Music College Fund through the Foundation can call Vicki Simmons at (901) 507-7898 or send her an email.

Gifting Appreciated Stock Can Benefit Donors and the Foundation

The U.S. stock markets are at all-time highs. The new tax law has retained the special tax benefits regarding the gifting of securities. One of the advantages of owning stocks, mutual funds or other securities is that they can work for you in ways you may not have considered. When you make a gift of an appreciated stock to a qualified charity such as the Foundation, you can benefit in several ways.

• Donors can receive an income tax deduction for the full current market value of the transferred stock.

• Donors can avoid capital gains tax regardless of how much the stock has appreciated.

• Donors can avoid capital gains tax regardless of whether deductions are itemized.

• Gifts of appreciated securities can raise itemized deductions above the standard deduction and this allows donors to better utilize other deductible expenses.

• The deduction for gifts of appreciated securities can shelter taxable income up to 30% of adjusted gross income, with excess deductions available for use for up to five years.

If you own stock that has grown in value, you wish to sell, and you are looking for a way to avoid owing capital gains tax, consider making a gift of your stock to help further the Foundation’s mission. If you own stock that has decreased in value and you desire to sell, consider making a gift of the sales proceeds, as you may be able to combine the loss and the charitable gift to have deductions that are more than its current market value. Your gift will have an impact on the Foundation’s ability to make grants.

Many donors make such gifts as the end of the year nears in order to realize their tax benefits during that current year. A discussion with your financial advisor and your tax professional is always encouraged before making this type of gift. For assistance in making a stock transfer, contact Debi Erickson at (901) 454-0034, ext. 186, or contact her at debi.erickson@2pc.org. 

Questions about the Foundation?
Contact vicki.simmons@2pc.org
or visit the 2PC Foundation online

Foundation Newsletter, November 2017

Commitment for Christian Leadership Development Climbs

$3,031,000 has been given to the development of Christian leaders since 1998. Resources have been directed to:

• theological training

• pastoral internships

• youth ministry internships

• music ministry internships

• community wide leadership skills

• developing future worship leaders

• scholarships

$836,000, the largest CLD investment, has been in the theological training of members of Second for the purpose of equipping them to enter into full time Christian service.

$122,367 was invested in our 13 seminarians for 2016-17.  $181,855, covering 17 seminarians, is projected investment for 2017-18.

Praise God that men and women in great numbers are answering God’s call to vocational ministry.

Praise God that others are providing the resources so that those called into full time Christian service may more fully give themselves to intensive study and preparation for serving Him.

By: Carson Weitnauer

One such person that God has called into full time Christian service is Carson Weitnauer, who graduated from seminary in 2010 with a Master of Divinity degree.  He currently serves in the position of Innovator, Online Community with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia. Hear in his words about his seminary experience and what it prepared him for.

The primary motivation for attending Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary was to better prepare myself to fulfill the responsibility of explaining God’s ways to the next generation. By his grace, I seek to live in complete dependence on God, imitating Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Out of this fundamental worship of God, I wanted to love God with all of my mind as much as I sought to love him with my heart, soul, and strength. Three years of intensive academic engagement, focused on exegetical study of the Scriptures in the original languages, was a tremendous gift. In addition, Gordon Conwell offered a well-rounded approach to church history, systematic theology, practical ministry, and spiritual formation. I believe this education strengthened my walk with God, and thereby prepared me to engage in a wiser, more mature form of evangelism, discipleship, church membership, and my personal relationships.

During seminary I continued in campus ministry at Harvard University with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Soon after graduation, I transitioned to developing my church’s campus ministry, which grew to include not only Harvard students but also students at Boston College Law School, Boston University, and other campuses in Boston. During this time I launched the website Reasons For God (reasonsforgod.org), co-edited the book True Reason, and served as a delegate to the Third Lausanne Congress in Cape Town, South Africa.

The next stage of ministry and life came when my wife Mo and I, with our first child, moved back to Atlanta to be close to my family. At this time, I began serving with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, first as U.S. Director, and currently, as Innovator, Online Community. With RZIM, I co-wrote the evangelism training curriculum Everyday Questions, and founded RZIM Connect, the online home for the global RZIM family. I also regularly present to the management team on major trends in US culture.

To work with the RZIM team is a delight! Ravi, his family, and my colleagues have developed an absolutely exceptional place to work. I am grateful for the passionate love for Christ, the strong friendships, the commitment to excellence, and the priority we give to the skeptic and the needy.

At my church home, Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, GA, I have started a Sunday community called Ask Your Question, a community where skeptics, seekers, doubters, the hurting, the curious — and their friends — can build strong friendships as we respectfully explore important questions about Christianity.

I hope to find the time and space to research and write a few more books. I’m particularly interested in three topics right now — how the gospel addresses shame, providing a richer model of evangelism for the local church, and sharing insights on the relationship between technology, culture, and the gospel.

The Second Presbyterian Foundation made an exceedingly generous — and wise — decision in placing so few strings on the gift of a seminary education. Because of this self-restraint, I have been free to pursue the calling God has placed on my life. I have a profound and life-long gratitude for the generosity of Second Presbyterian in enabling my seminary education. You have set an excellent example for me to imitate in my relationships with others. Thank you!

Gifting Life Insurance to Give Gospel Life

A life insurance policy is a tool that can be used strategically to make an impactful gift for the advancement of the gospel. Here are a few basic facts.

• The Foundation can be the or a designated beneficiary of the proceeds on a life insurance policy on the life of a donor who owns the policy.

• The Foundation can be the applicant/owner/beneficiary of a life insurance policy on an individual who expresses interest in partnering with the Foundation to accomplish this goal. Donors often will make tax-deductible contributions to the Foundation to offset the annual premium costs.

• Utilizing life insurance is a simple strategy that does not involve investment risk.

• Utilizing life insurance leverages the use of a smaller amount of dollars invested over time that yields a significant payout.

• Any age individual may consider this type of gift.

The following are three examples of philanthropic minded donors that recently worked with an agent to maximize their gifts to the charities of their choice. 

Case Study #1

• 71-year-old female, non-smoker

• Owned $50,000 CD that was ear-marked for gifts to grandchildren

• She had a desire to make a gift to her church’s building fund

• At maturity of her CD, she used approximately $36,000 to purchase a $50,000 single premium whole life policy

• At her death, her grandchildren will receive a minimum of $50,000 death benefit

• She was able to immediately donate the $14,000 difference to her church

Results: The grandchildren still have $50,000 in tact at her death, and the donor gets the joy of the immediate gift to her church, while she is still living.

Case Study #2

• 56-year-old male, non-smoker, high income earner

• After daughter graduated from high school and received a full scholarship to college, he allocated $18,000 per year for philanthropic efforts for several causes in which he was interested

• He calculated the death benefit of a fully paid up 10 year, whole life policy with an annual premium of $18,000 (total of $180,000 in premium paid out over 10 years)

Results: Three separate non-profit entities will each receive a $100,000 gift upon his death, for a total gift exceeding $300,000, and he received a charitable deduction of $18,000 over ten years (charitable trust is owner of the policy).

Case Study #3

• 37-year-old male, non-smoker

• He wanted to participate in the work of the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation

• He invested in a $25,000 whole life policy for a $329.16 annual premium, or $27.43 a month

Results: The Foundation will one day receive a gift of $25,000. The donor has the joy of knowing that his sacrifice each year will strategically benefit the ministries of his church. 

Gifts of life insurance have a wide range of commitment levels for the donor and are easily designed to fit financial capability. If you would like to discuss a gift to the Foundation using life insurance, call Vicki Simmons at 454-0034, ext. 193 or send her an email.

Foundation Newsletter, August 2017

Foundation Celebrates 20th Year

May 19, 2018 will mark 20 years since the formation of the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation!

As a part of the acknowledgement throughout the 20th year, a monthly event, called FUNdation Fridays, highlights congregational passion toward the missional efforts of the ministry partners of our church and provides a thank you opportunity from the Foundation in recognition of our generous and charitable congregation.

The contest is held on the second Friday of each month through the Online Messenger. $2,000 is granted each month to one Session-approved charity of the winner’s choice. The July and August segments have focused on the organizational facts and where the money goes when granted. Read more about the details of this unique and enterprising endeavor.

On Friday, April 6, 2018 a celebratory dinner event will be held. Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, Chancellor, CEO and Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, will be the featured speaker.

On the first Friday of every month, an article in the Online Messenger appears called Living Out Our Legacy. Each month it highlights one aspect of the Foundation. This year the emphasis is on the stories and impact of former seminary students and is entitled Sounding Forth. The support of seminarians has been a core ministry for the Foundation during its 20 years.

Willson Fund Reaches $1 Million Mark!

Through the generous contributions of many of our members and others as well as through a matching offer provided by the Foundation and coupled with early earnings,the Allison and Sandy Willson Church Planting Fund now stands at $1,049,000. In addition, the Foundation has been notified of additional gifts that are deferred in nature.

Over 280 families have expressed their gratitude for the faithful ministry of Allison and Sandy Willson to our church by supporting the Willson Fund held in the Foundation.

The Board of the Foundation is appreciative of the support provided for this fund which, in addition to serving as a long-term recognition of the Willsons and their contributions to the welfare of our church, city, and indeed the world, will also provide dedicated financial support for church planting efforts at home and around the world that are strategic, missional, and reformed in character.

Thank you, Congregation!

The Willson Fund may receive gifts at any time. Contact Vicki Simmons at (901) 507-7898 or vicki.simmons@2pc.org to discuss additional ways to participate.

New Fund Provides Access to Christian Education

Second Presbyterian Church birthed Presbyterian Day School in 1949. The founding of PDS was an incredibly important missional decision by our church in furthering God’s Kingdom. Since its inception, PDS’s mission has been to honor God by developing boys in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. PDS is deeply rooted in its founding belief that Jesus Christ is Lord and that Christian education is vital.

It is an integral part of the PDS mission to provide an academic and Christian foundation not just to those who can afford it, but also to boys who would otherwise not have access to a PDS education. Second Presbyterian Church and subsequently the Foundation have historically supported that mission with the Clay Scholarship Fund, which was established by a donor to support boys of members of Second seeking financial aid through PDS.

In an effort to reflect God’s Kingdom and the city of Memphis, PDS is also taking intentional and strategic steps to become more ethnically and socioeconomically diverse. PDS Headmaster Steve Hancock recently stated, “We need to make certain this world-class education is affordable and accessible for all qualified applicants. The possibilities are very exciting as we build a robust community that mirrors our city.”

The PDS Young Scholars Program was launched in 2010 to provide the opportunity for boys from any part of the Memphis area to attend PDS. The initial efforts have borne fruit in the lives of many young men, who are now well on their way to completing the secondary level of school.

“The great news about this program is that PDS has, for many years, successfully recruited, welcomed, discipled, mentored, and graduated boys from under-resourced families,” says Don Batchelor, former PDS Board Chair and 2PC Foundation Board member. In fact, the first Young Scholar graduates were so well taught and mentored that they were all in the top half of their respective classes.

Based on this proven track record, PDS is expanding the program this fall. The Foundation recently established the Presbyterian Day School Young Scholars Fund. The PDSYSF will help support this goal with partial scholarship funding for tuition and related costs to attend PDS.

With Christian Leadership Development a key missional focus for the Foundation, the Board approved partial support for one Young Scholar beginning the fall of 2017 and also established this endowed Fund with seed money of $50,000. A goal of approximately $300,000 will net sufficient earnings to sponsor an additional student in perpetuity. The Fund also has an expendable component, which allows donors to contribute resources that can be immediately deployed to support current students.

Howard Graham is Chairman of the PDS Board and a member of Second. He said, “I know I speak for all of PDS when I say we are truly grateful that the 2PC Foundation is partnering with us to help fund scholarships for boys of diverse backgrounds from around our city allowing us to better fulfill our mission. We are particularly encouraged by the establishment of this fund with seed money and are hopeful that it in turn will be a catalyst for action for those desiring to support this PDS ministry through the Foundation. For members of Second who want to support both organizations this makes a lot of sense.”

Those who would like to make a donation to The PDS Young Scholars Fund through the Foundation can contact Vicki Simmons at 507-7898 or vicki.simmons@2pc.org.

Questions about the Foundation?
Contact vicki.simmons@2pc.org
or visit the 2PC Foundation online

A Letter from Sandy Willson

Dear Friends,

In 1998 several of our devoted members established the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation as a mechanism to encourage long-term financial stewardship for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God in Memphis and around the world. Over the past sixteen years, their vision has been growing into a beautiful reality. The keys to a successful missional foundation are all in place: godly and competent board members, a charter that guarantees independent and strategic decision-making in the years to come, an aggressive vision to minister to the city and the world, solid financial advisors, and many partners (like you) who pray and give and serve for God’s glory.

The Foundation has grown from $3 million to more than $25 million in assets. These funds are making a difference for Christ in Cambodia, Ukraine, India, Argentina, China, Western Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. They have helped support the creation of the Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies, the Shalom Project, NEXUS, and many urban gospel projects in Memphis, including our Hispanic outreach efforts. The Foundation carefully coordinates its efforts with the Second Presbyterian World Missions and Mission Memphis Committees, thus wisely mobilizing other gifts and our members’ personal involvement. I have seen first hand the effective work being done by the Second Presbyterian Foundation here and around the world, and I am moved with gratitude for all those saints who have given sacrificially and for all those who have strategically planned their estates in order to advance the Kingdom of God. You are making a difference.

There is yet much work to be done in reaching the lost and the left behind both in this city and among the most vulnerable people in our world. It is a joy for me to invite you to join Allison and me by placing the Second Presbyterian Foundation in your will or by giving special gifts for their strategic projects. You do not need to be a member of Second Presbyterian Church to participate. You only need to be a person who wants all of your life’s resources to be spent wisely for the Kingdom.

Yours for His glory,
Sandy Willson
Former Senior Minister

Foundation Newsletter, May 2017

Congregation Continues Support for Willson Fund

The strong level of support for the Allison and Sandy Willson Church Planting Fund continues. With gifts continuing to come in, the total at the end of April stands at $940,849. The number of those participating in the fund is over 250. 

While the fund is a permanent one held within the Foundation and thus gifts may be received at any time in the future, please be aware that a dollar for dollar match will continue to be made by the Foundation on cumulative gifts up to $500,000 until June 30, 2017. 

Ron and Sarah Sadlow have made countless contributions to the life of Second Presbyterian Church over many years. In addition, Ron has served the Foundation from the very early days of its existence. He has:

• Served as a resource on all matters related to World Missions

• Understood the vision and the role of the Foundation in complementing the ongoing work of all of the church’s mission oriented ministries

• Engaged the Foundation in new missional areas of ministry

• Vetted many proposals for appropriateness of receiving Foundation support

• Served on the Grants Committee of the Foundation

• Provided good guidance to the Board through devotional messages and at times represented the senior pastor

As a demonstration of the deep appreciation to Ron and his joyful service, the Board at its most recent meeting, made a grant to the Allison and Sandy Willson Church Planting Fund in the amount of $50,000 to honor Ron and Sarah. You can also honor Ron and Sarah in this way.

Thank you Ron and Sarah for your faithful service!

Below is Ron’s devotional at the most recent meeting of the Foundation Board.

Millstone or On Mission?

By: Ron Sadlow

The missional mandate of the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation protects it from being an institutional millstone.

Too many institutions that have an endowment lose their gospel roots. Universities, and even churches, denominations, and well meaning para-church ministries that grew out of biblical and gospel-centered concerns, found that long after their original calling was lost, their endowments kept their institutions going. 

The Second Presbyterian Church Foundation is designed to be different. It does not exist to keep Second Presbyterian Church supported. It doesn’t underwrite the church’s operating budget.  Its stated purpose is missional, and for that reason it will always be biblical, because the Bible is essentially a book about missions.

Consider the major outline of the events of the Bible and the history of the world. God creates man and says “multiply and have dominion." Man becomes a sinner. By Genesis 10, the whole earth seeks to be its own god as it builds a tower into the heavens. So God confuses the people’s languages and they are dispersed over the face of the earth (Gen. 11). 

What’s the very next thing God does? In Genesis 12 he calls the first missionary, Abram, and tells him that he will be part of God’s special family, and through his great family and nation, all the families of the earth will be blessed. He was blessed to be a blessing. There are many hints and reminders in the Old Testament that his offspring, the nation Israel, is to reflect God’s glory and make his name known over all the earth (cf. Ps. 67).

When Jesus is born it is Simon who takes the baby Jesus in his arms in the temple and says he is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Israel." When Jesus begins his public ministry, though he proclaims his mission to Jews in the synagogue (Luke 4), he immediately challenges his audience by referencing God’s grace to gentiles in the Old Testament (Naaman, and the widow of Zarephath). And his ministry over the next three years includes outreach to Samaritans, Romans, and other “Gentiles."

He then prepares his disciples to continue his ministry of gathering people from the ends of the earth into his eternal kingdom. After the resurrection He is very clear about their mission. “As the father has sent me, so send I you” (John 20:21). “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19). And finally before ascending: “You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Before his resurrection the disciples had wanted to know the timeline of history and asked, “What will be the sign of your coming [again] and of the close of the age?” And Jesus answered “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Mt. 24:3,14).

The book of Acts, traces the missionary movement of the gospel from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, to Samaria, the Roman Empire, and ends with Paul’s desire to take the gospel to those who have never heard; that is, to the ends of the earth, which mission continues until this day. 

The Bible closes with the Apostle John given a vision of the end of history in the book of Revelation. And there we see the call given to Abraham reaching consummation when John says “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, …crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'” (Rev 7:9-10). The mission is complete.

The Bible is a book of missions. The commission of the Church is to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. That is where the resources of the 2PC Foundation are committed to being used and why they will be forever deeply biblical, supporting, both in Memphis and around the world, those who proclaim the Gospel and seek to make disciples of all nations.

Questions about the Foundation?
Contact vicki.simmons@2pc.org
or visit the 2PC Foundation online