Sympathy to Cynthia McCrae and dear family and friends of Ian J. McCrae (1947), who died May 12. Ian's work as an educator, change agent, mentor, and minister and his humble but insistent spirit shaped many generations of Disciples. In memoriam here. In 2007 he was honored with DDH's Distinguished Alumnus Award; read his address.

On May 8, Lee Hull Moses (2001; trustee) was featured on “Day 1,” a nationally syndicated radio program hosted by Peter Wallace, as part of a special series featuring “Young Leaders of the Church” during the five Sundays in May. Her sermon, “Breaking Open,” explored the story of the two disciples’ post-resurrection walk to Emmaus (Luke 24:28-35). More here.

Angela Kaufman (1995), husband Jack Poehlman, and big brother Connor welcomed Owen Reid Poehlman-Kaufman to the world on May 6 in Fort Worth, Texas. Owen weighed in at ten pounds, one ounce, and was 21 inches long. The pediatrician on staff that weekend affectionately nicknamed him "Tiny."

Rebecca Anderson (2007) was ordained Saturday, May 7, at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Chicago. The Illinois/Wisconsin Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); her home church, Hope Central (DoC/UCC) in Boston, and the congregation of the Holy Covenant, which has been a formative place of service for her---all joined together to celebrate her calling and ministry. Cynthia Lindner (1978) preached on John 20.1-8, calling Rebecca and the church to rise to the ministry to which they have been called. Dean Kris Culp also participated. More here.

Congratulations to Jonathan Stockdale (1992), who recently received tenure at the University of Puget Sound. He is editing a volume, Imagining Exile in the History of Religions, and contemplating work on a cultural history of whaling in Japan---what's the Japanese Moby Dick?, he wonders. Still up in the air is whether or not to head to Japan for his sabbatical this fall; spouse Zoe, a curator at the Tacoma Art Museum, was in Japan when the earthquakes and tsunami hit.

Congratulations to Jonathan Stockdale (1992), who recently received tenure at the University of Puget Sound. He is editing a volume, Imagining Exile in the History of Religions, and contemplating work on a cultural history of whaling in Japan---what's the Japanese Moby Dick?, he wonders. Still up in the air is whether or not to head to Japan for his sabbatical this fall; spouse Zoe, a curator at the Tacoma Art Museum, was in Japan when the earthquakes and tsunami hit.

Bob (1950) and Sue Bates presented “Remembering the Nanjing Massacre,” at DDH on May 2. In 1937, Bob’s father, Miner Searle Bates, and another 14 foreigners protected Chinese civilians against the atrocities of Japanese soldiers. Sue, Bob, who is the former Global Ministries Area Executive for East Asia and the Pacific, and family returned to Nanjing to mark the 70th anniversary of the massacre.

Congratulations to House Scholar Garry Sparks, who been appointed Visiting Assistant Professor in Theology and the Humanities in Christ College (the honors college) at Valparaiso University, starting in August. He anticipates receiving his PhD from the Divinity School in June.

Laura Jean Torgerson (2002) has written "I Did Learn that in Seminary" for Fidelia's Sisters, a publication of the Young Clergy Women Project. Writing from Nicaragua where she is developing a program of popular education in theology for ministers and leaders of the church, Laura Jean reflects how her experience there "makes me appreciate even more the gift of theological education I have received."

House Scholar Santiago Piñón has been named to a tenure-track position in the Department of Religion at Texas Christian University, beginning in July. He anticipates completion of his PhD dissertation later this year. Congratulations!