Roots and Wings
Belonging roots us in who we are, in where we come from, in the people and communities that have shaped us, in connection to creation and Creator. And, belonging gives us wings—the courage to pursue righteousness, to practice right relationship, to sow justice, and to cultivate God’s beloved community.
Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, 2026 Convocation Address
Fiyori Kidane spent her summer in Pakistan in partnership with Week of Compassion and their Summer Immersion in International Disaster Response program for Disciples Seminarians. Fiyori spoke about her experience in Pakistan during a Monday Night Forum on October 12 and Rev. Alexis Vaugh, Managing Director of Domestic Operations for Week of Compassion, talked to the House Community about partaking in the program during the 2027 summer, now called the Global Community Resilience Fellowship.
House Goes Hiking. For the first "outing" of the fall quarter, the DDH community took to the trails of Matthiessen State Park for a day of hiking. The group had a fun time traversing the trails, trudging through creek-beds and under waterfalls, and watching the magic of fall leaves "falling" to the ground all around them. It is such a blessing to be a part of a robust and inclusive community at DDH.
Opening Chapel Service. DDH marked the new academic year with an opening chapel service and the first Monday Night Dinner on September 28. We heard words of wisdom, spirit, and vulnerability from Joan Bell-Haynes as she reminded us to build community, pay attention, and be compassionate and courageous.
A conversation about art & spirit. On September 27th, DDH celebrated the the full funding of the Amy Ann Northcutt Scholarship and Lauren Blakemore as its first recipient. Chicago artist Gwen Yen Chiu gave a talk about her work, including several pieces that were on display. Religion scholar and alumnus Larry Bouchard reflected on art, science, and t: how spirit blows on everything, interacts with everything, gives everything magnitude and mutuality.
Welcome to Lauren Blakemore, Allie Lundblad, YeChan Park, Amelia Richter, and Paulo Yánez, who have been named entering Disciples Divinity House Scholars for 2026-27. The academic year began September 28.
“The Sherry Hour Project.” Invoking the spirit of Monday dinners and forums, the Alumni/ae Council kicked off the first in a series of virtual gatherings on September 14. We started the evening enjoying a Carménère wine while hearing Gary Sparks talk about Carménère's history, significance, and story. After, Sandhya Jha led a presentation and discussion on the history of religious politcal power in the USA and the potential for a resurgence of political institutional power of the religious left. The series will continue throughout the year, featuring alums as presenters and “sommeliers."
