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
Amy Ann Northcutt Scholarship Celebration. On Sunday, September 27, DDH will host celebration for the full funding of the Amy Ann Northcutt Scholarship and the naming of its first recipient, Lauren Blakemore. After a light lunch, sculptor Gwen Yen Chiu will give a talk about pieces that will be on display and Larry Bouchard, a scholar of Religion and Literature and University of Virginia Emeritus Professor, will join the conversation by video. The event will conclude with a reception. Come celebrate Amy’s legacy, the connections that have built the scholarship, and the promise that Amy Ann Northcutt Scholars will bring. Registration for the event can be found here.
“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."
Rachel Abdoler began a new part-time position as Assistant Dean for this academic year. She will work with students to plan chapel services and programs as well as give leadership to various initiatives. Rachel is a DDH alumna and graduate of the University of Chicago Divinity School's MDiv (2017) and PhD (2026) programs.
Joan Bell-Haynes is set to preach at the first Monday Night chapel of the year. The 2026-2027 school year is set to begin next week at the Divinity School, and so with it comes a return of weekly Monday Night programming at the Disciples Divinity House. The first Monday Night program of the year will be a chapel service, where we will have the honor of hearing DDH alumna Joan Bell-Haynes preach.
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 will be speaking about her experience in Pakistan during a Monday Night Forum on October 12.
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 begins September 28.
