News of Alums & Friends

For Allisonville Christian Church in Indianapolis, practicing love is key to overcoming divisions. I think we have some really deep resources for overcoming this divide, says Beau Underwood (2006), Senior Minister. But too many people are more focused on power than actually living like Jesus. The church is featured as a case study by the Congregations and Polarization Project at the Center for the Study of Religion & American Culture.

As the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Week of Compassion works with partners to alleviate suffering throughout the world. ​Dean Kris Culp is now co-chair of its board.

Wallace Bubar, former resident, will become Senior Minister and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Granville, Ohio, beginning February 1.

Ayanna Johnson Watkins (2000) has been named co-executive director for MLK50: Justice through Journalism, a nonprofit Memphis newsroom "focused on poverty, power, and public policy." She will manage business and operations and help to guide development efforts.

Andrew Packman (2009) had an article published in the January 2025 issue of The Christian Century called "The consolation of studying theology," written from his own experience teaching as Assistant Professor of Theological Ethics and Formation at United Theological Seminary in Minnesota.

Luther Young (2022), has started a new appointment at Boston University School of Theology as Assistant Professor of Religion and Society. In addition to his research, Luther is an ordained Disciples minister, youth advocate, and author of children’s religious materials. Since 2020, he has been chair of the executive council for Disciples LGBTQ+.

Congratulations to Laura Jennison Reed (2009), who graduated from an intensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Loyola University of Chicago in December and soon will begin a new job at Loyola Medical Center. She's pictured (center) with Josh Reed and Amelia (left) and her parents, Bill and Debbie Jennison (right).

On December 14, South Elkhorn Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky where alumnus Michael Swartzentruber (2007) is senior pastor, hosted Drive Through Bethlehem: a live-scene telling of the birth of Jesus that invites adults and children to see "the unexpected king who came to unexpected people."

Sympathy to Jonathan Stockdale (1990) (Zoe Donnell) and his siblings Mark (Nancy Gruber) and Jennifer (K.C. Helmeid) on the death of their mother, Patricia Gibson Stockdale on December 12 in Seattle at age 95. Pat was predeceased by her husband, James E. Stockdale (1952), DDH alumnus and long-time trustee whose ministry at the former University Christian Church in Seattle was honored by the renewal of DDH's courtyard.
 

W. David Hall (1989),  W. George Matton Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Centre College, has published a new book with Fortress Press, How to Think Philosophically.