Staying Connected
Kelley Mathews (ThM, 2000) and Sue Edwards (MABS, 1989) wrote 40 Questions about Women in Ministry, released in 2023. The book received two awards this year. It was awarded the 2024 Editor’s Choice Award from the Christian Editors Association, and it placed within the top five for the 2024 Christian Book Award in the category of best ministry resources. Kelley is also the author of nineteen Bible studies in her Discover Together Bible Study Series. Kelley is now partnering with co-author Rebecca Carrell (MACE, 2023) to write studies on 1 Timothy, Hebrews, and Esther.
Brian Matz (ThM, 2001) was appointed Professor of Church History and Associate Academic Dean of Aquinas Institute of Theology, a graduate theology school affiliated with Saint Louis University. Brian continues to research and publish pieces on patristic and medieval theology. Brian and his wife, Heidi, continue to enjoy life with their four teenagers, with one now enrolled in college. Brian and Heidi also enjoy connecting with their DTS friends, James (ThM, 2001) and Lara (ThM, 2001) Power, every summer. The Powers wish they were as awesome at Wordle as Brian.
Andrew Huff (MACE, 2008), the creator of the live-action series “Dot Conner: Webtective,” is excited to continue Dot’s story with a movie release heading to theaters next spring. Filming will begin in the Nashville area this month. In the film, Dot investigates her father’s disappearance while asking hard questions about her faith.
Events
Centennial Dinner in Oceania
Centennial Dinner in Nashville
Centennial Breakfast in Durham
Centennial Dinner with the President in Charlotte
Centennial Dinner with the President in Seattle
Obituaries
Michael J. Longden (ThM, 1974) passed away on May 21, 2024. Mike was a loving and kind man to his wife and children. His grandchildren knew him as the “Dancing Bear.” He also loved reading stories to his grandchildren and leading them in prayer and through devotions. A quiet man, faithfully and humbly serving others, he also had a sense of humor and many funny stories to share. His family and friends greatly miss Mike. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Sue Longden, their children, his brother, and their grandchildren. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother.
Pamela, the wife of Floyd Elmore (ThM, 1981; ThD, 1990), passed away on April 13, 2024.
Marla Sue Brubaker, the wife of Dennis L. Brubaker (ThM, 1988), of Drasco, Arizona, went to be with the Lord on May 20, 2024. Marla is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, their sons, her brother, her uncle, and her six grandchildren. Marla also leaves behind her dog, Springer, her constant companion. Marla was an entrepreneur, professional caregiver, crafting genius, and accomplished genealogist. She and Dennis developed several genealogy websites and projects. She and Dennis also brought her uncle, Channing Whitaker—a United States Marine killed in action in the Pacific Theater (Tarawa Atoll) in 1943—back to Iowa to be buried next to his parents. Marla was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, and nine uncles and two aunts.
