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

Thu Feb 19 17:38:24 PST 2026

Dennis was great. We will miss him.
Beret Griffith & Paul Noah

On Wed, Feb 18, 2026 at 3:36 PM Nancy Lanphear via OE <
oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:

> What a great comment about Dennis.  I only met him a few times, but his
> gentleness and smile have remained with me.  I also remember that Dennis
> and Joyce Reese worked as a team in and around Chicago(?).  Nancy
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Feb 18, 2026, at 1:19 PM, Martha Laird via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
> wrote:
>
> I agree wholeheartedly with everything that’s been said about Dennis. The
> only thing that I would add was his connection to Uptown. He was one of the
> first residents of uptown that joined in wholeheartedly with the work of
> the ICA. I was on the uptown team and he and I would walk the streets of
> uptown together, delivering flyers trying to get people to come to
>  meetings, etc. He was definitely someone who loved the grass roots and
> knew the importance of their input into any plan.
> Martha (Laird)
>
>
> On Feb 18, 2026, at 2:32 PM, Milan Hamilton via OE <
> oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
>
> 
> I didn't know Dennis very well, except by reputation. Linda knew him
> better I think because of her being more active in ToP training. But it
> just occurred to me to comment on the blessings we all have as we are
> making our own preparations to follow the way Dennis and so many of us are
> going. As those who knew Dennis well are expressing their feelings of
> grieving and appreciation, it is worth mentioning what a privilege it has
> been and is to be a part of this "beloved community" with the common
> memory that is embedded in us. With gratitude for Dennis and you all. Milan
> H.
>
> On Tue, Feb 17, 2026 at 6:53 PM Cheryl via OE <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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>>
>
>
> --
> Mellow Milan Hamilton
> 80 North Center Street
> Redlands, CA 92373
> Phone: (909) 943-1667
> email: mellowmilan2 at gmail.com
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