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.

Spencer Dew (1998) is serving as a Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. This summer he received a grant from the Black Metropolis Research Consortium for archival research on the Moorish Science Temple.

Former resident Jimmy Hoke is beginning doctoral work at Drew University's Graduate Division of Religion this fall, after having completed his MDiv at the Divinity School in June. "Bible scholar by day, chef by night," he also has a new recipe blog, Jacob's Stew.

Congratulations to Laura Jean Torgerson (2002), Tim Donaghy, and big sister Quinn, who welcomed the arrival of Maya Rowan at 1:40 am on September 12. She weighed 3600 grams (7 lb 15 oz) and measured 51 cm (20 inches) long. They are serving in Nicaragua with Global Ministries and local partner La Misión Cristiana. Follow their blog here.

First Christian Church, Greensboro, NC, replaced its fifty-year-old steeple this summer. The Greensboro New & Record featured a photo essay by Senior Minister Lee Hull Moses (trustee, 2001). And, see Lee's August 19 blog in the Christian Century: The church is a steeple.

On August 9, Tod and Ana Gobledale (1975) wrote as rioting continues in London, where they serve, and elsewhere in England. They invite others to join them in prayer "for our community—Brockley & Lewisham, our city—London, and our country—Great Britain. May our churches and all faith communities across the city be beacons of light in the darkness, and speak words of faith and hope." More here.

Beau Underwood (2006) preached at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC, Sunday, August 7, on The Existential Question, based on Matthew 16:21-28. Beau is the Partnership and Outreach Coordinator at Faith in Public Life, a strategy center advancing faith in the public square as a positive and unifying force for justice, compassion, and the common good.

Congratulations to former trustee Juan Rodriguez who has been named the next Regional Minister of Florida. His term begins January 8, 2012. He was the organizing pastor of Iglesia del Pueblo-Hope Center in Hammond, Indiana, and just completed service as the First Vice Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Juan and Sonia will be moving to Orlando, Florida.

Congratulations to Brandon Cline and Tish Duncan (current House Scholars) on the birth of Vivian Margaret Cline on August 4. She weighed 8 lbs and 6 oz., and all are doing well. Edy has been waiting ages for "her" baby, and she is proving to be an adoring and tender big sister.

On August 1, former Associate Dean Brittany Barber (1995) began serving as Interim Minister of University Place Christian Church in Champaign, Illinois.