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Order Kids Speak!
by David Marshall 05 May '26

05 May '26

Fellow Order Alums, Here is my latest Substack article, reviewing five full-length memoirs or articles from the Order emerging generation, now all grown up. And I preview some more "Order Kids" books or media works I've been hearing about. David Marshall, Moraga, California *ORDER KIDS SPEAK!* Past & Future Memoirs from Order: Ecumenical Children I’m not sure of the exact count, but in its heyday in the 1970s, “The Order: Ecumenical” had upwards of 3,000 full-time members around the world, 500+ of whom were children or teenagers. When I published IRON BOY last June, I exchanged email with a former youngish “Order Adult” (joined as a college student versus 30-somethings as my parents did), who reminded me that my memoir about growing up in the Order was only the third such full-length work among 200 books and periodicals he’d obtained and read from former or current members of the Order: Ecumenical, Ecumenical Institute, or Institute of Cultural Affairs. I was already familiar with two other “Order Kids” memoirs, and shared one more I’d recently read, but was surprised that the “Order Adults” had written so many. I knew some of them, but I had to go on the ICA Global Archives alumni publications page <https://icaglobalarchives.org/resources/> to see for myself. He was right. By and large, the 200 works by Order Adults were very complimentary of what these three interrelated organizations had done, attempted to do, or were still doing. Most were long on mission-speak and intellect, but short on personal narratives and feelings. I’ll give you the names and links to two books by or about founding members that show personal sides as well. The four books and one article I’ll review in this piece are *Hey, White Girl!*, *Grits, Green Beans and the Holy Ghost*, *From the Rockies to the Windy City*, *Iron Boy*, and* Growing Up in the Order*. They are each valuable in describing their personally witnessed chapters of a three-decade experiment that still exists in derivative form today. The chart below shows the approximate timing of when each of us was in the Order and our ages at the time. Each also includes a book review that resonated with other readers. I’ll also mention several projects underway by Order Kids that will certainly add yet more color to this fascinating and troubling story. Authors Years & Ages in Order [image: Timeline-OrderKids-Memoirs.jpg] For the full review, please see my latest Substack article: https://open.substack.com/pub/marshallbooks/p/order-kids-speak?r=23ftwm&utm…

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What's up with Denver Colleagues
by Sunny Walker 01 May '26

01 May '26

Spring greetings! Like our Redlands colleagues (you hear about them from Milan every now and then), Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA) in Denver is on the move. Here's a link to what we're up to at the moment. Have a look (you too can change the future, bend history, right?). https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nKMNZwHgF1iqZSLoAw-5Uat00G9SqJNzILHWXOZ… And I hope you are taking gardening seriously! Peace, Sunny *Sunny Walker * *She/her/hers* *On **Arapaho, Cheyenne, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), and Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux) tribal land* Certified Facilitator (Also Certified ToP Facilitator) ToP Methods Mentor Trainer - Upcoming Courses <https://www.top-training.net/w/> Virtual Facilitation Collaborative Senior Facilitator sunny.sunwalker(a)gmail.com 303-587-3017 For diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging inquiries: sunny(a)diversityinnovators.com www.diversityinnovators.com For virtual facilitation inquiries: sunny(a)virtualfacilitationcollaborative.com www.virtualfacilitationcollaborative.com

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Special Request
by Karen Snyder 06 Apr '26

06 Apr '26

Have you seen the new ICA Global Archives website (https://icaglobalarchives.org/) added January 1, 2026? There are several aspects of it that will likely surprise you. It would be special to hear your feedback once you have had a chance to review it. The ICA Archives Team in Chicago has begun adding media photos and slides from the past to the Global Archives website. We have many carousels that hold slides, be we do NOT have a CAROUSEL SLIDE PROJECTOR to be able to view them. If you have a projector that you are willing to donate to the ICA, let me know. Peace and love, Karen Karen Snyder Troxel ICA Global Archives Volunteer Coordinator (312) 758-2551 "Creating the future out of our past"

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Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] Special Request
by Wanda Holcombe 05 Apr '26

05 Apr '26

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Denver Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA) new option
by Sunny Walker 30 Mar '26

30 Mar '26

Hi Everyone, We’re excited to share a simple (and delicious!) way to support Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA). On April 1, Panda Express is hosting a nationwide online fundraiser, and you can participate from anywhere in the U.S. When you order online and use our fundraiser code, a portion of your purchase will support ANCA’s work — including our Map Your Neighborhood program and ongoing community efforts that help build stronger, more climate-ready neighborhoods. How to participate: • Visit www.pandaexpress.com • Place your order on April 1 (online orders only) • Enter fundraiser code: 9013542 at checkout • Choose pickup or delivery and enjoy your meal Every order — no matter how small — helps us continue this work and expand our impact. If you’re able, please also share this with friends, family, or colleagues. The more people who participate, the greater the impact. We’ve included a flyer you can easily share or forward. Thank you for your continued support — we truly appreciate being in community with you. Warmly, Sunny / ANCA Denver *Sunny Walker * *She/her/hers* *On **Arapaho, Cheyenne, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), and Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux) tribal land* Certified Facilitator (Also Certified ToP Facilitator) ToP Methods Mentor Trainer - Upcoming Courses <https://www.top-training.net/w/> Virtual Facilitation Collaborative Senior Facilitator sunny.sunwalker(a)gmail.com 303-587-3017 For diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging inquiries: sunny(a)diversityinnovators.com www.diversityinnovators.com For virtual facilitation inquiries: sunny(a)virtualfacilitationcollaborative.com www.virtualfacilitationcollaborative.com

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Sharon Texley
by Karen Snyder 20 Mar '26

20 Mar '26

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that my mom passed away peacefully earlier this week. One of her favorite poems, Summer Day by Mary Oliver, ends with “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” She lived her life with purpose, curiosity, kindness and love. She truly cherished her relationship with you, whether you were family or friend (which she really co-mingled anyway). Her passion in life was opening our eyes and hearts to the magic of literature and its impact on our lives. She would share a good book, accompanied by some excellent conversations. And maybe a good glass of wine (except not in the classroom, of course). She loved her family deeply, whether nearby or far away. Time spent with all of them fueled her soul. She had 61 blissful years married to Bruce, the love of her life and her best friend. She was a role model to me in a million ways, giving me big-hearted support every step of my life. And the sparky twinkle in her eye came from the best title of all, MorMor. My dad and I appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers and love over the last months of her life. It has meant the world to us. A memorial service will be scheduled soon. Terri Haymaker, Daughter

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Fwd: Dennis Jennings ♥️
by Richard Alton 08 Mar '26

08 Mar '26

Hello All, As promised, we are sending you information about a virtual gathering for Dennis for our colleagues and a few of Dennis's loved ones. We will host a virtual gathering on April 4th from 10:30 - 12:00 Central. Please let us know you are coming here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGoGaqroukiD36QCs3ktnEU8F1T3pZSz4…>. Dennis' family and friends have decided that in lieu of flowers, they would like all contributions to go to the Erness Wright Irvin Fund. You can donate through the TN website here <https://top.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4…>, or through a gofundme here <https://gofund.me/8419bb680>. We will share out the link and more in due time to those who fill out the form above. Thank you, and we look forward to grieving and celebrating with you all soon. On Sun, Feb 15, 2026 at 10:22 PM Seva Gandhi <sevagandhi(a)gmail.com> wrote: > 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 > > -- Richard H. T. Alton ICA Global Fund United Methodist Creation Care Behold, all things are being made anew T: 773.344.7172 richard.alton(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: Dennis Jennings ♥️
by Richard Alton 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

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 6 th 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(a)gmail.com

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Remembering Hale Prather
by Karen Snyder 14 Feb '26

14 Feb '26

Nancy Prather wrote that her husband, Hale Prather, died last Sunday, February 8, 2026 of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Hale and Nancy were priors of the Sudtonggan Human Development Project in the Philippines. The Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon California at 1:00 pm. If you wish to contact Nancy, she can be reached at nancy(a)prathers.com <mailto:nancy@prathers.com>. Peace, Karen

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Iron Boy Meets Iron Man
by David Marshall 16 Jan '26

16 Jan '26

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