September 2015 - Dialogue - lists.wedgeblade.net

Re: [Dialogue] Welcome to our new website!
by Lawrence Philbrook via Dialogue 08 Sep '15

08 Sep '15

Excellent website work Thank you to our colleague in the UK for the work and the board from driving it Now it is up to each of us to work on our own portion of the site or to connect it to your own site Diverse languages are also an option so that you can put your site up in your national language and if you need support in translating to other languages Martin connected us with Translators without borders. I look forward to reading and exploring our sites and sharing them with the world I am a little overwhelmed by twitter but i am on and trying With respect, Larry > On Sep 8, 2015, at 09:42, Isabel Delamaza <isadelamaza(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Congratulations!!!!!, great website > regards > Isabel de la Maza > ICA CHILE > > 2015-09-07 9:24 GMT-04:00 Martin Gilbraith (ICAI) <president(a)ica-international.org <mailto:president@ica-international.org>>: > Dear all, > > I am excited to launch the new ICAI website today! Please do take a look around, and share comments on the site <http://www.ica-international.org/> or contact us directly with your feedback and sugegstions. > > best wishes, > Martin > > == > > Welcome to our new website! > http://www.ica-international.org/2015/09/07/welcome-to-our-new-website/ <http://www.ica-international.org/2015/09/07/welcome-to-our-new-website/> > > <default-thumbnail-image-450x336.jpg> > > Welcome to the new ICAI new website, launched today! This new site is designed to provide an engaging platform for member ICAs and ICA colleagues to communicate with each other and with the wider world. We hope that you will like it, and and that you will use it and share it! > > Everything that you used to find on the ICAI site is still available somewhere, including online archives of our Winds & Waves <http://www.ica-international.org/2014/01/01/winds-waves-magazine-archive/> magazine and monthly news bulletin the Global Buzz <http://www.ica-international.org/2014/01/01/global-buzz-archive/>. If you can’t find what you are looking for, feel free to contact us <http://www.ica-international.org/contact-us/> to ask. Read on for an overview of some of what you can already find here, some of what is coming and some of what will be possible for the future. > > On the Home page <http://www.ica-international.org/> you will find the latest tweets and news updatates from ICAI and our members around the world, plus featured news posts and publications, and menus and a search function to help you to navigate the site. You can also opt to have Google auto-translate the entire site into another language of your choice. We may want to add a calendar here, for ICAI and members to publicise their events. > > The news posts you will find already here are mostly drawn from recent issues of our current monthly bulletin the Global Buzz <http://www.ica-international.org/2014/01/01/global-buzz-archive/>. The new site will enable member ICAs <http://www.ica-international.org/about-us/our-global-network/> to log in and post their news updates and photos directly, whenever they have news to share, and a monthly digest will then be emailed to Global Buzz subscribers. There will be a role to play for volunteer editors to support members to do this, at least at first, and to monitor members’ own websites and social media posts for news and stories to re-publish here – so if you might be interested in such a role, please contact us <http://www.ica-international.org/contact-us/>. > > About us <http://www.ica-international.org/about-us/> is substantially updated to reflect how ICAI now operates since we introduced our present peer to peer <http://www.ica-international.org/about-us/our-global-strategy/> approach in 2010. Still to come soon are individual profiles for each Board member to complete and maintain, that will be linked to Our global Board <http://www.ica-international.org/about-us/our-global-board/> and to Contact us <http://www.ica-international.org/contact-us/>. I hope we will also add a members’ section here, to share internal ICA policy, governance and other documents with members only. > > ICA Worldwide <http://www.ica-international.org/ica-worldwide/> provides a platform for member ICAs to share and update their profiles, to connect with each other and enable others to connect with them. At present it includes just a very limited profile of each member, drawn from their response to ICAI’s recent global membership survey (and in some cases from their own websites), and email contacts only for their ICAI representatives on our global email list. Over the coming weeks and months, ICAI Board <http://www.ica-international.org/about-us/our-global-board/> members will be supporting members to log in to complete and update their profiles themselves by completing a simple form. In future, members will be asked to update their profile at least annually, as they complete and update the annual membership survey in the same way. Members will also be able to create additional pages and sub-pages (in whatever language they choose), in order to use their profile as a mini website of their own if they wish. I hope that we will be arrange also for members’ own news updates to appear on their own profile pages. > > Conferences <http://www.ica-international.org/conferences/> at present includes just a brief overview of the quadrennial Global Conference on Human Development that has ICAI has convened since 1984, and of the most recent hosted by ICA Nepal in 2012. Our new 2016 Global Conference committee <http://www.ica-international.org/about-us/our-global-structures/> will be able to create and maintain additional pages here for our next conference. > > Publications <http://www.ica-international.org/category/publications/> includes links to our archives of Winds & Waves <http://www.ica-international.org/2014/01/01/winds-waves-magazine-archive/> magazine, the Global Buzz <http://www.ica-international.org/2014/01/01/global-buzz-archive/>, and our pre-2010 newsletter Network Exchange <http://www.ica-international.org/2014/01/01/network-exchange-archive/>, plus the 2012 book of ICA Nepal Changing Lives Changing Societies <http://www.ica-international.org/2014/01/02/changing-lives-changing-societi…> and the new 2015 ICA Handbook <http://www.ica-international.org/2015/07/31/ica-handbook/> of Terry Bergdall od ICA USA. Future issues of Winds & Waves magazine and other ICAI publications will be posted here, and ICAs will be encouraged and supported to post their own publications here as well. > > ToP Facilitation <http://www.ica-international.org/top-facilitation/top-facilitation/> includes an overview of ICA’s Technology of Participation facilitation methods, training and CTF certification, copied over from the ToP pages of the previous site, and links to ICA ToP training providers around the world. Our new Global ToP Policy Working Group <http://www.ica-international.org/about-us/our-global-structures/> will be able to use these pages, and new pages here as needed, to communicate the new ICA global ToP policy that was adopted by GA in July and to support its implementation by members. I hope we will also be able to add a twitter feed from @ToPfacilitation <http://www.twitter.com/ToPfacilitation> to this section, as we have from @ICAI <http://www.twitter.com/icai> on the Home page. > > We are grateful to Robert Liverpool <http://www.robertliverpool.com/> for sharing his WordPress skills and considerable volunteer time to build this site for us. Now it is up to us to use it, make it our own and make it work for us! > > We welcome your feedback or suggestions for the website, and any other queries. Most of all, we will welcome your commitment to co-create the site with us by entering and updating your own profiles, news posts and publications, and by reading, sharing and engaging with what you find here. Please do share comments on the site, or contact us <http://www.ica-international.org/contact-us/> directly. > > -- > Martin Gilbraith > > President, the Institute of Cultural Affairs International (ICAI) – <http://www.ica-international.org/>www.ica-international.org <http://www.ica-international.org/> > A global community of non-profit organisations advancing human development worldwide, > ICAI has Category II Consultative Status with United Nations ECOSOC since 1985. > Like ICAI on facebook <https://www.facebook.com/ICAInternational> and follow ICAI on twitter <https://twitter.com/ICAI>. > > > Email: <mailto:president@ica-international.org>president(a)ica-international.org <mailto:president@ica-international.org> > Follow: <http://www.twitter.com/martingilbraith>http://www.twitter.com/martingilbraith <http://www.twitter.com/martingilbraith> > > Phone: +44 (0)7876 722712 <tel:%2B44%20%280%297876%20722712> > Connect: <http://www.linkedin.com/in/martingilbraith>http://www.linkedin.com/in/martingilbraith <http://www.linkedin.com/in/martingilbraith> > Skype: martingilbraith > > Friend: <http://www.facebook.com/martingilbraith>http://www.facebook.com/martingilbraith <http://www.facebook.com/martingilbraith> > > > >

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Two poems, Gordon, from a guy named Jack McCarthy
by James Wiegel via Dialogue 07 Sep '15

07 Sep '15

Some additions to your collegium on death. Jack McCarthy is a character like you, unavoidably urban, a spoken word poet. Two poems of his add to this collegium. Victory. http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/3/0/a/30a4f0ee4af1a59d/indiefeed_jackmccarthy_vic… And, When the Cholesterol Catches up with me. http://youtu.be/OGlwxdSMwF8 Jim Wiegel 401 North Beverly Way, Tolleson, Arizona 85353 Tel. 011-623-936-8671 or 011-623-363-3277 jfwiegel(a)yahoo.com www.partnersinparticipation.com [We have] been pressed so hard towards useful work and rational calculation [that we have] all but forgotten the joy of ecstatic celebration. Harvey Cox Get ready to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the ToP Network. January 8-11, 2016. Here in Arizona. http://youtu.be/2uEoJlDC5mg Upcoming public course opportunities click here http://partnersinparticipation.com/?page_id=10 For online registration go to http://www.top-training.net The AZ ToP® Community of Practice meets the 1st Friday, 1-4 pm, starting again on Sept 5th at ACYR, 648 N. 5th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003 AICP Planners: 14.5 CM for all ToP® courses

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Re: [Dialogue] Gordon Harper's impact on Taiwan
by Doug & Pat via Dialogue 05 Sep '15

05 Sep '15

Evelyn, you are evoking such good memories. Thanks. Pat --- Original Message --- From: "Evelyn Philbrook via Dialogue" <dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> Sent: September 5, 2015 8:44 AM To: dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net Subject: Re: [Dialogue] Gordon Harper's impact on Taiwan Dear Gordon, I remember the first week I was in Taipei in 1991, April. Gordon was there and I hear the strange whine and buzz sound in the morning of what I found out was the internet connection. We had that sound in Manila, and KL too, but not so regularly heard each day at the same time marking the day. There was the faint smell of sweet pipe smoke lingering on everything in your office. There was later to be a scale which, when you join weight watchers, helps you figure out how much you can eat, which I still have today. Peter Hu would rise every morning and go to the roof and do his exercises like a military man, even though he was a a former journalist and knew who most all of the people in town were, or could find out and spoke clear English. He ate raw vegetables he cut and placed in a bag in the frig that he ate each morning. There was a radio newscast on ICRT, "Shape the Future" or something, where Gordon's melodious voice could be heard daily with a quote for the day and a reflection on how business and leadership could relate to what was happening in the world and in their lives. There were books written by our famous author in residence, who would often on the street be asked for an autograph in a Chinese translated book. Larry came to a Global ICA conference in 1990 to Taiwan. It was held at the International Jiantan Youth Hostel across the street from the Grand Hotel and the multitude of morning exercising marshall artists on the mountain near the bridge and river. After that, Larry and Evelyn and Dick and Gail came to Taiwan in 1991... who knew how this set up a climate of new adventures...remember the 20th Anniversary of ICA video you created before you left? Thank you Gordon. Fenton's were still here. Vicky and Ben and a host of many others... A fleeting memory of things gone by which are still emerging... Evelyn Kurihara Philbrook Institute of Cultural Affairs: Taiwan -- Facilitator and Social Artist 3Fl, #12, Lane 5, Tien Mu West Road Taipei, Taiwan 11156 Tel:8862-2871-3150 email:joyful52@gmail.com orjoyful(a)icatw.com skype: joyfuleakp Cell: 886926682821 _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net

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A Very Brief Collegium
by Gordon Harper via Dialogue 05 Sep '15

05 Sep '15

Beloved Colleagues -- Few of us, as the end of life approaches, get the chance to speak directly to anything like our whole community. It appears that I have that opportunity, and I’m taking advantage of it. Last week, after two months of medical testing to find out what had suddenly landed on me and drained me of my strength and usual energy, Roxana and I got the diagnosis. It’s a rare form of fairly fast moving (typically two months to two years) leukemia, called CMML. There’s little to be done to treat it, especially in someone my age (about to be 79). I'm getting good medical care and have a fine local support community here in Seattle. First of all, I want you all to know that I am at peace with this, as is Roxana. My life--in good part because of you--has been rich, crazy, wonder-filled and a unique and unrepeatable journey with the Mystery. And no one knows better than you and I how to celebrate both our being here and the completion of our journeys. I am taking this rare chance to express to all of you how much you’ve meant to me over the years--as the amazing collection of individual nobodies we are that rode out like the Man of La Mancha to throw our beings into the challenge of bending history. More than that, you all contributed your own weird and special gifts, neuroses and idiosyncrasies to the makeup of our corporate life and community, all over the world. Without you, there’d never have been such a community; so thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope to be able to chat with at least some of you individually or collectively over the time remaining to me, through one of the dizzying array of communication tools at hand today, and give you a little abuse. (What else would you expect from me? And please--do return the favor.) We’ll see how things work out. In the meantime, this note will have to stand for my salute to all of you, my heartfelt gratitude for your having been and continuing to be who you are and for that remarkable webbing and mission that connects us. The peace of God is yours this day -- Gordon

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Global Buzz September 2015
by ICA International via Dialogue 05 Sep '15

05 Sep '15

Enjoy catching up with what is happening in ICAs across the globe.....If you wish to SEND a report...send to your ICA contact person OR...go to the members section on the ICA International website Please click the link below for the September 2015 issue of the Global Buzz Global Buzz Report: September 2015 or copy and paste this URL into your browser's address bar http://globalbuzz.icai-archives.org/7dayreport-15/2015-09-01.php ICAI Communications

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Re: [Dialogue] A Very Brief Collegium
by Doug & Pat Druckenmiller via Dialogue 05 Sep '15

05 Sep '15

Gordon,Where to begin? Our discussions about Henry James? Those were delightful, but I now know that he had a literary sister who might have changed our remarks.Perhaps it in the confluence of Hai Ou. The four of us were not there at the same time. But your work in Taipei after we'd gone allowed us to return last year and reacquaint ourselves with the people who are still there and doing well.That reunion is one of the highlights of my life. Don't know that we would have returned without that video history of ICA in Taiwan.Take care. We are thinking of you.Pat and Doug Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Gordon Harper via Dialogue <dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> Date: 09/03/2015 11:19 PM (GMT-06:00) To: ICA/OE List Serves <dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net>, Order Ecumenical Community <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> Subject: [Dialogue] A Very Brief Collegium Beloved Colleagues -- Few of us, as the end of life approaches, get the chance to speak directly to anything like our whole community. It appears that I have that opportunity, and I’m taking advantage of it. Last week, after two months of medical testing to find out what had suddenly landed on me and drained me of my strength and usual energy, Roxana and I got the diagnosis. It’s a rare form of fairly fast moving (typically two months to two years) leukemia, called CMML. There’s little to be done to treat it, especially in someone my age (about to be 79). I'm getting good medical care and have a fine local support community here in Seattle. First of all, I want you all to know that I am at peace with this, as is Roxana. My life--in good part because of you--has been rich, crazy, wonder-filled and a unique and unrepeatable journey with the Mystery. And no one knows better than you and I how to celebrate both our being here and the completion of our journeys. I am taking this rare chance to express to all of you how much you’ve meant to me over the years--as the amazing collection of individual nobodies we are that rode out like the Man of La Mancha to throw our beings into the challenge of bending history. More than that, you all contributed your own weird and special gifts, neuroses and idiosyncrasies to the makeup of our corporate life and community, all over the world. Without you, there’d never have been such a community; so thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope to be able to chat with at least some of you individually or collectively over the time remaining to me, through one of the dizzying array of communication tools at hand today, and give you a little abuse. (What else would you expect from me? And please--do return the favor.) We’ll see how things work out. In the meantime, this note will have to stand for my salute to all of you, my heartfelt gratitude for your having been and continuing to be who you are and for that remarkable webbing and mission that connects us. The peace of God is yours this day -- Gordon _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net

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Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] A Very Brief Collegium
by Isobel A Bishop via Dialogue 05 Sep '15

05 Sep '15

Dear Gordon, One of the treasures of our lives is the year we spent with you and Roxane, in 1980 in the Singapore House- or was it called Centrum? I remember your Pipe , and your laugh, and we thank you for your gifts to us, and to the community, and to the world. I imagine that you have always been blessed with a beautiful singing voice, as your speaking voice is so mellifluous. Journey on, dear friend, and God's grace and peace are yours, Isobel and Jim Bishop. On 05/09/2015, at 12:51 AM, Sunny Walker via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: > Man, Gordon, that was/is a load! And that peace of God? Clearly also with you. My joy in knowing you has been exactly that--knowing someone who was dead serious (yeah, no pun...oh, wait, maybe) and never took himself or any situation too seriously at the same time. That is a true gift and something I strive for (like my "sunny" disposition - which you were the first to know I was working on when we showed up at that workshop all those years ago). Inspiration in spades, but even better, sheer enjoyment. > > Blessings, old friend (to/for Roxana and the family, too), > Sunny > > Sent from XFINITY Connect Mobile App > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net > To: dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net,oe@lists.wedgeblade.net > Cc: > Sent: 2015-09-03 22:19:24 GMT > Subject: [Oe List ...] A Very Brief Collegium > > Beloved Colleagues -- > > Few of us, as the end of life approaches, get the chance to speak directly to anything like our whole community. It appears that I have that opportunity, and I’m taking advantage of it. > > Last week, after two months of medical testing to find out what had suddenly landed on me and drained me of my strength and usual energy, Roxana and I got the diagnosis. It’s a rare form of fairly fast moving (typically two months to two years) leukemia, called CMML. There’s little to be done to treat it, especially in someone my age (about to be 79). I'm getting good medical care and have a fine local support community here in Seattle. > > First of all, I want you all to know that I am at peace with this, as is Roxana. My life--in good part because of you--has been rich, crazy, wonder-filled and a unique and unrepeatable journey with the Mystery. And no one knows better than you and I how to celebrate both our being here and the completion of our journeys. > > I am taking this rare chance to express to all of you how much you’ve meant to me over the years--as the amazing collection of individual nobodies we are that rode out like the Man of La Mancha to throw our beings into the challenge of bending history. More than that, you all contributed your own weird and special gifts, neuroses and idiosyncrasies to the makeup of our corporate life and community, all over the world. Without you, there’d never have been such a community; so thank you, thank you, thank you. > > I hope to be able to chat with at least some of you individually or collectively over the time remaining to me, through one of the dizzying array of communication tools at hand today, and give you a little abuse. (What else would you expect from me? And please--do return the favor.) We’ll see how things work out. In the meantime, this note will have to stand for my salute to all of you, my heartfelt gratitude for your having been and continuing to be who you are and for that remarkable webbing and mission that connects us. > > The peace of God is yours this day -- > > Gordon > > _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net > > > > _______________________________________________ > OE mailing list > OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net > http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net

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Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] A Very Brief Collegium
by Myung-Hee Hur via Dialogue 04 Sep '15

04 Sep '15

Dear Gordon, I have very fond memories of you and Roxana. You are an exemplar and a fine human-being. You were always courteous and kind to me when I frequented the Taipei House for fundraising. In 1983 during my usual visit to the Taipei House, Roxana asked me if I could treat you all to a restaurant. Somehow you knew that the people in Development had more money than usual. Yes, I always had more money than my monthly stipend while I was on fundraising. I also got to keep that money too. The place you wanted to go was McDonald's (the fast-food restaurant). McDonald's had just opened its first store in Taipei. There was a long line at the restaurant with people waiting to get in. We waited quite a while. However, the long wait was worthwhile. I will never forget the look of contentment on your face, as you relished your hamburger at McDonald's. Joe says that you are one of the few fellow pipe men that he knows. Are you still getting your tobacco from that Minnesota pipe shop? He also says you were the only one to appreciate it when he would recite a verse by Robert Herrick. Joe is currently a full-time faculty member of English at Sacred Heart University. His favorite authors to teach are Shakespeare and Dante. He still quotes Robert Herrick, and still smokes a pipe. And I am still traveling to Hong Kong on business. I thank you for being an exemplary presence in my life. You are not alone. Fondly,Myung-Hee (and Joe too) Sent from my iPad On Sep 4, 2015, at 12:19 AM, Gordon Harper via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: Beloved Colleagues -- Few of us, as the end of life approaches, get the chance to speak directly to anything like our whole community. It appears that I have that opportunity, and I’m taking advantage of it. Last week, after two months of medical testing to find out what had suddenly landed on me and drained me of my strength and usual energy, Roxana and I got the diagnosis. It’s a rare form of fairly fast moving (typically two months to two years) leukemia, called CMML. There’s little to be done to treat it, especially in someone my age (about to be 79). I'm getting good medical care and have a fine local support community here in Seattle. First of all, I want you all to know that I am at peace with this, as is Roxana. My life--in good part because of you--has been rich, crazy, wonder-filled and a unique and unrepeatable journey with the Mystery. And no one knows better than you and I how to celebrate both our being here and the completion of our journeys. I am taking this rare chance to express to all of you how much you’ve meant to me over the years--as the amazing collection of individual nobodies we are that rode out like the Man of La Mancha to throw our beings into the challenge of bending history. More than that, you all contributed your own weird and special gifts, neuroses and idiosyncrasies to the makeup of our corporate life and community, all over the world. Without you, there’d never have been such a community; so thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope to be able to chat with at least some of you individually or collectively over the time remaining to me, through one of the dizzying array of communication tools at hand today, and give you a little abuse. (What else would you expect from me? And please--do return the favor.) We’ll see how things work out. In the meantime, this note will have to stand for my salute to all of you, my heartfelt gratitude for your having been and continuing to be who you are and for that remarkable webbing and mission that connects us. The peace of God is yours this day -- Gordon _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net

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Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] A Very Brief Collegium
by Rod Rippel via Dialogue 04 Sep '15

04 Sep '15

Gordon --- I am addressed by how easy it is to focus on my suffering rather than my blessings (blessings which you have so eloquently enumerated, and which I have also received and participated in). Thank you, My Priest! Rod Rippel From: Gordon Harper via OE Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 9:19 PM To: ICA/OE List Serves ; Order Ecumenical Community Subject: [Oe List ...] A Very Brief Collegium Beloved Colleagues -- Few of us, as the end of life approaches, get the chance to speak directly to anything like our whole community. It appears that I have that opportunity, and I’m taking advantage of it. Last week, after two months of medical testing to find out what had suddenly landed on me and drained me of my strength and usual energy, Roxana and I got the diagnosis. It’s a rare form of fairly fast moving (typically two months to two years) leukemia, called CMML. There’s little to be done to treat it, especially in someone my age (about to be 79). I'm getting good medical care and have a fine local support community here in Seattle. First of all, I want you all to know that I am at peace with this, as is Roxana. My life--in good part because of you--has been rich, crazy, wonder-filled and a unique and unrepeatable journey with the Mystery. And no one knows better than you and I how to celebrate both our being here and the completion of our journeys. I am taking this rare chance to express to all of you how much you’ve meant to me over the years--as the amazing collection of individual nobodies we are that rode out like the Man of La Mancha to throw our beings into the challenge of bending history. More than that, you all contributed your own weird and special gifts, neuroses and idiosyncrasies to the makeup of our corporate life and community, all over the world. Without you, there’d never have been such a community; so thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope to be able to chat with at least some of you individually or collectively over the time remaining to me, through one of the dizzying array of communication tools at hand today, and give you a little abuse. (What else would you expect from me? And please--do return the favor.) We’ll see how things work out. In the meantime, this note will have to stand for my salute to all of you, my heartfelt gratitude for your having been and continuing to be who you are and for that remarkable webbing and mission that connects us. The peace of God is yours this day -- Gordon -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net

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Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] A Very Brief Collegium
by Nancy Trask via Dialogue 04 Sep '15

04 Sep '15

Saluting you and the whole pack of colleagues you described, Gordon. This group has shown me how to live a life, and I have such appreciation for each one. God bless you and your family on this medical journey, and as you continue to bleed the meaning from each moment. Nancy Trask Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: Gordon Harper via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> Date: 09/03/2015 11:19 PM (GMT-06:00) To: ICA/OE List Serves <dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net>, Order Ecumenical Community <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> Subject: [Oe List ...] A Very Brief Collegium Beloved Colleagues -- Few of us, as the end of life approaches, get the chance to speak directly to anything like our whole community. It appears that I have that opportunity, and I’m taking advantage of it. Last week, after two months of medical testing to find out what had suddenly landed on me and drained me of my strength and usual energy, Roxana and I got the diagnosis. It’s a rare form of fairly fast moving (typically two months to two years) leukemia, called CMML. There’s little to be done to treat it, especially in someone my age (about to be 79). I'm getting good medical care and have a fine local support community here in Seattle. First of all, I want you all to know that I am at peace with this, as is Roxana. My life--in good part because of you--has been rich, crazy, wonder-filled and a unique and unrepeatable journey with the Mystery. And no one knows better than you and I how to celebrate both our being here and the completion of our journeys. I am taking this rare chance to express to all of you how much you’ve meant to me over the years--as the amazing collection of individual nobodies we are that rode out like the Man of La Mancha to throw our beings into the challenge of bending history. More than that, you all contributed your own weird and special gifts, neuroses and idiosyncrasies to the makeup of our corporate life and community, all over the world. Without you, there’d never have been such a community; so thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope to be able to chat with at least some of you individually or collectively over the time remaining to me, through one of the dizzying array of communication tools at hand today, and give you a little abuse. (What else would you expect from me? And please--do return the favor.) We’ll see how things work out. In the meantime, this note will have to stand for my salute to all of you, my heartfelt gratitude for your having been and continuing to be who you are and for that remarkable webbing and mission that connects us. The peace of God is yours this day -- Gordon

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