In their November letter from London, Tod and Ana Gobledale (1975) reflect on different congregations in which they have ministered and worshiped. They ask, "What makes church?" They answer, in part, "Church, whether on the arid plains of Matabelaland in Zimbabwe, on the Salisbury plain or on the twisted streets of London brings together the faithful of all ages and all places." Read their reflections.

On Friday, October 28, Matthew Myer Boulton was installed as the sixth President of Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, and Professor of Theology. He began serving in July. He was previously Associate Professor of Ministry Studies at Harvard Divinity School, and he taught at Andover Newton Theological Seminary. He earned his PhD in Theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School. He and Liz Myer Boulton (1989) were married in the Chapel of the Holy Grail; they were both ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Also, his new book, Life in God: John Calvin, Practical Formation, and the Future of Protestant Theology, was published in October by William B. Eerdmans. 

Michael Karunas (1995) has started a blog called U-Matters. It can be found at www.u-matters.blogspot.com.

Beau Underwood (2006) has joined the pastoral team of National City Christian Church in Washington, DC, part-time. As assistant pastor, he will lead new member classes, plan special worship services, and serve as National City's clergy representative to the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN). He continues full-time as the Partnership and Outreach Coordinator for Faith in Public Life. On November 1, he attended a gathering at the White House with about 150 leaders from across the country who have been working in support of the American Jobs Act. Both President Obama and Vice President Biden addressed the group, with several other senior officials and Cabinet Secretaries in attendance.

Patty and Bill Crowl (1962) are the proud expectant grandparents of a new ... restaurant! Daughter Rachel, an architect and artist, and son-in-law Matthias Merges, who was the Executive Chef of Charlie Trotters for fourteen years, are opening yusho soon in Chicago. Yusho will offer yakitori cuisine, which is based on the grilled street food of Japan.

Ritch Savin-Williams (1971) is quoted in an October 2 New York Times article, The Freedom to Choose Your Pronoun, on teen rebellion against gender conformity. He is professor and chair of Human Development at Cornell University, where he directs the Sex and Gender Lab.

Ritch Savin-Williams (1971) is quoted in an October 2 New York Times article, The Freedom to Choose Your Pronoun, on teen rebellion against gender conformity. He is professor and chair of Human Development at Cornell University, where he directs the Sex and Gender Lab.

Congratulations to Lee Hull Moses (2001; trustee), Rob Moses, and big sister Harper on the birth of Jonathan Bruce Moses at 10:59 pm on September 27. He weighed 8.6 pounds and measured 20.25 inches long. Mom and baby are happy and healthy (and Dad and Harper are doing well also).

Rebecca Anderson (2007) has been called as Associate Minister of Glencoe Union Church, just north of Chicago. She has been serving at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Chicago.

Congratulations to former resident Ian Gerdon and Sarah Gerdon on the birth of William Michael Quodvultdeus Gerdon at 9:50 pm on September 30. Liam arrived early by emergency c-section, and weighed 2 lbs, 10 oz. He will remain in the hospital for several more weeks. However, he is putting on the ounces, his mother is recuperating well, and his father seems a bit giddy.