[Oe List ...] Dennis Jennings

Sun Feb 22 09:04:59 PST 2026

In the 70s, my ICA assignment was in Oklahoma City, and Dennis was assigned
in Tulsa. We were all getting experienced in facilitation of Town Meeting
‘76.  Dennis & I were assigned to conduct the original plan in Guthrie OK,
meaning that we trained local workshop leaders for several sessions before
the big event.  Guthrie had an interesting history, being the capitol of
Oklahoma while it was still a territory, and none too happy about losing
that status to OKC!  The event was a success, and it was wonderful to work
with Dennis, such a kind & detailed & talented leader, and all around sweet
friend.
Nancy Trask

On Thu, Feb 19, 2026 at 7:39 PM Beret Griffith via OE <
oe at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:

> 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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>>> OE at lists.wedgeblade.net
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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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