[Oe List ...] OE Digest, Vol 167, Issue 16

Wed Feb 18 10:48:22 PST 2026

Thank you Cheryl!
Dennis was a very special human being.
One of the most memorable Thanksgiving’s I have ever had was in a tiny
village, Jawale.  I was there working on a women’s village program in 10
villages around there. But it was Thanksgiving. Dennis was headed to Pune
the nearest big city and when he returned in the evening, he brought with
him the makings of a Thanksgiving feast, freshly baked dinner rolls and
some slices of ham. After the full day of work, I joined him and a few
others in his small little place, and sang several Thanksgiving hymns ( at
least what we could remember) to acknowledge the celebration of
Thanksgiving.

Then when we both returned to the US, We can ended up living in the 4750
building of the ICA on the seventh floor. I had several little Daughters
and soon found out they love to go down the hall and let Dennis read to
them. They would pick out a book and sit mesmerized as he took read the
stories and introduced them to great children’s stories.

One time in the late 90s, we were both working on the first floor of that
same building and I approached his desk first thing in the morning as he
arrived to begin his day.  He slid open his drawer, pulled out his glasses
repair kit, tightened the screws on the earpieces, and then shine them up
for the day. He then remarked I do this every morning so I know I’m ready
to take on all the day has to offer.

He was a gentle, caring human being, and a dear friend of 50 years. I’m
grateful for the gift you were to me, to my children and to the communities
and people that you served.

In gratitude,

Paula

Personal Mission Statement: *I nurture love, peace & harmony in every
situation for my caring family, disempowered communities, and our precious
planet.*

On Tue, Feb 17, 2026 at 8:54 PM Cheryl viaOE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
wrote:

> Dear ICA and Order Colleagues,
>
> I too will deeply miss Dennis Jennings, with his gifts of humor, gentle
> presence, and generosity of spirit. His gifts to all communities he was
> part of were significant. For those who would like to add their
> remembrances, the ToP Network has created a "Kudos Board" where you can
> copy and add your comments or photos.  You can share the link via text
> message and email: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/ALxJetYK
> <https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/ALxJetYK> or this link Kudoboard for
> Dennis Jennings | Kudoboard <https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/ALxJetYK>
>
> Kudoboard for Dennis Jennings | Kudoboard
>
> Collaborate to create a unique, online memorial. Add memories, photos, or
> videos; invite others to contribute; v...
> <https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/ALxJetYK>
>
> Dennis will be deeply missed,
> Cheryl Kartes, CTF
> ToP Mentor Trainer
> former ICA Board Member
>
>
> On Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:00:07 AM CST,
> oe-request at lists.wedgeblade.net <oe-request at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
>
>
> On Tue, Feb 17, 2026, 05:01 <oe-request at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
>
> >    1. Fwd: Dennis Jennings  (Richard Alton)
> >
> > ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> > From: Richard Alton <richard.alton at gmail.com>
> > To: Colleague Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>, Order Ecumenical
> > Community <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
> > Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2026 01:15:04 -0600
> > Subject: [Oe List ...] Fwd: Dennis Jennings
> >
> Dear ICA and Order colleagues,
> >
> > It is with great sadness that we wanted to let you know that our beloved
> > colleague, mentor, and friend Dennis Jennings passed away on the morning
> of
> > February 15th 2026.
> >
> > There isn?t a bad thing anyone in this world could say about Dennis. He
> > was simply the best. Loving, nurturing, kind, thoughtful, funny, and just
> > filled with so much care and dedication for the people and spaces around
> > him.  Dennis will be so dearly missed by so many. His presence in our
> > community and lives will never be quite filled ? but may we be able to
> > take the wisdom and care he imparted on us into all the rooms we step
> into
> > -- and make each space a little better for it. May we be able to embody
> > his humility, soft-but-grounded presence, and quick wit and levity.
> Dennis
> > had a great quiet knowing: he knew what was needed to make any situation
> > better, and had a way of manifesting what was needed.
> >
> > I know many of our hearts are broken by this huge loss ? and we will find
> > a time to grieve and celebrate this cherished and wonderful life in
> > community soon. For now, here are some words from his partner in crime,
> and
> > the one who knew him best ? Judy Weddle.
> >
> > -----------------------------------------
> >
> > Our dear friend Dennis Jennings passed away this morning.
> >
> > While Dennis was a quiet and careful person he exhibited many strengths.
> > He soared when recalling data gleaned from research.  He was thorough and
> > trustworthy in reporting data. There was many a time in meetings when the
> > group would become silent when he would speak up - knowing that his
> > contribution was valuable and that he was going to make was succinct
> > comment that was thought-through and nearly always a helpful perspective
> -
> > either with new ideas keenly analyzed or accurate reflection of
> > contributions from chaotic conversations.  He was an especially organized
> > person and could ?pull up" and find facts that would be long past for
> many
> > of us.
> >
> > Dennis had a gift for planning paying careful attention to details.  This
> > made him a powerful facilitator.  He loved the Technology of
> Participation
> > and was totally grounded in these methods.  He enjoyed leading groups and
> > helping people find meaning from the work they do.  He also enjoyed ToP
> > Training and teaching the methods to others. We have lost an example of
> > fine facilitation and training support.  Dennis was proud to have been a
> > part of the Institute of Cultural Affairs for many years.  He was a part
> of
> > the staff for many years.
> >
> > Dennis was also a very kind and gentle person.  His spiritual foundations
> > made his personal values strong.  He knew how to live in community.  He
> was
> > not weak.  He was tenacious and rooted like a tree.
> >
> > While he did not relish conflict he did not run from it.  He would throw
> > himself into the fray, even knowing how stressful it was for him,
> whenever
> > he felt the need to stand his ground.
> >
> > He cared deeply for others and he had a self-deprecating sense of humor
> > that many people admired.
> >
> > My sweet friend.  I will miss him.
> >
> >  Seva Gandhi
> > Principal and Founder
> > Collaborative Connections
> > 708-712-5467
> >
> Dennis was also a foundational member of the *Greenrise Community* on the
> > 6th and 7th th floor of the ICA Chicago building. Dennis was key in
> > helping not only think through the organization of the community but more
> > important a constant presence in working out the day-by-day practices. It
> > was amazing to see the amount of time and energy he took in making
> > community work.
> > What a presence.
> > Dick Alton
> >
> > Richard H. T. Alton
> > ICA Global Fund
> > United Methodist Creation Care
> > Behold, all things are being made anew
> > T: 773.344.7172
> > richard.alton at gmail.com
> wedgeblade.net/attachments/20260217/0a8a5d84/attachment-0001.htm
> <http://lists.wedgeblade.net/pipermail/oe-wedgeblade.net/attachments/20260217/0a8a5d84/attachment-0001.htm>
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:14:31 -0500
> From: Colleen Haithcock <colleenonnortheastcreek at gmail.com>
> To: Colleague Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>
> Cc: Order Ecumenical Community <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>, Richard
>     Alton <richard.alton at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Oe List ...]  [Dialogue] Fwd: Dennis Jennings ??
>
> He was also my friend,..
>
> Regards,
> Colleen Haithcock
> Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:50:16 +0800
> From: Lawrence Philbrook <icalarry at gmail.com>
> To: Order Ecumenical Community <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
> Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] OE Digest, Vol 167, Issue 15
>
> Dennis will be missed.  Quiet serious deeply caring
>
> Love and respect
> Evelyn and Larry
>
> Larry Philbrook, CPF CTF
> ICA Taiwan
> www.icatw.com
> T: 8862 2871 3150
> F: 8862 2871 2870
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of OE Digest, Vol 167, Issue 16
> ***********************************
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