January 2026 - OE - lists.wedgeblade.net

Re: [Oe List ...] Jean Smith's health
by Terry Bergdall 06 Feb '26

06 Feb '26

> On Nov 4, 2025, at 15:11, Jean C Smith <jeancsmithco(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > All, > > I'm sending this to just a few people in my circle of Wild Connections, ICA and neighbors. All are cherished, but my energy is limited. I would appreciate it if you shared this more widely. > > I've been in the UCHealth Anschutz hospital for several days. I have Acute Myloid Leukemia, common in older people. There are treatments, but as a family, given my age, I will let the end of life progress. > > I will be moving to an advanced medical facility that can provide 24/7 care. > > I expect a couple of months to close out my apartment, continue Vickie's probate and get my own affairs in order. > During that time I am hoping to have you and others come for brief visits. I'll let you know > when. > > Right now cards, emails or text messages are welcome, but please *No* phone calls. > > Thank you, grace and peace, > > Jean > ............................................... > Jean C Smith > jeancsmithco(a)gmail.com <mailto:jeancsmithco@gmail.com> > 719-339-6739 > Jean Smith > c/o Val Wainwright > 604 So Laredo Cir > Aurora CO 80017

2 1

Fwd: A post to the Order/ICA website - a favor!
by Alfrieda Wilkins 30 Jan '26

30 Jan '26

3 2

Memorial Service for Ed Feldmanis, Feb 7
by Terry Bergdall 28 Jan '26

28 Jan '26

The Service will be 1:00pm CST at the ICA GreenRise Building, 4750 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL. Below is also an online link for those who cannot physically attend but would like to be present for the event. Terry > https://us04web.zoom.us/j/161754008

2 1

A reflection on an unforgettable MLK weekend
by Judi White 25 Jan '26

25 Jan '26

I was privileged to be invited to celebrate the annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King. The weekend opened the door to being a community of Spirit again. The weekend also opened wounds still festring, yet covered carefully by scars hiding unhealed festering. But, that is a story for another day. This is the story I want to share today. Journey to Atlanta to visit Al Lingo - Charles to most of us And celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. This, as I am reliving it at home. My friend, a prolific storyteller, Is sharing many experiences Of working with Martin Luther King. I listen, regretting I am not recording them. They are first hand memories Of a decisive turning point in history. My friend had a role in organizing Bloody Sunday And the March to Montgomery two weeks later. In this retelling, I am living it with him. Its power still remains alive As history's document to radical change By a voice walking into the future With freedom and Justice in its words. Participating in the tribute to King Livestream from the Ebenezer Church Amazed by the passion for equanimity Still pulsing through this beloved community I am caught up with renewed inspiration To heal human suffering as a vast movement Of spirit surging in hearts Aspiring to liberate oppression. In a predawn morning sit earlier Alone in a circle of empty chairs I fill them with my inner circle Of teachers and guides All ancestors now Still supporting my determination To be the presence of peace And healer of suffering. Three director's chairs hold Larry Ward, Martha Crampton and Lyn Edwrds. To arm chairs on either side of them The Buddha in the personal of Thich Nhat Hanh And in the other Jesus, Nature's persona of the Cosmos We sit in the silence of the morning sun's arrival, New faces replacing another occasionally. I ask no questions and expect no dialogue. I simply breathe in the energy they are Just being here with me. Later, as the day unfolds, Feeling blessed to be so supported By such profound spiritual guides Teachers of wisdom for me to continue. Their legacy is my destiny For the few years I have left to use my voice. *Judi White* *Author of Bodhi Leaves - an unfolding journey* * of depth reflection*

4 3

Amara (Gilbert) Oden
by Michael Shaw 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

From Amara’s Facebook post: “I've discerned a call to go be in witness and solidarity this week with those in Minneapolis, in response to a call for clergy to come. https://www.marchminnesota.org “ It's supposed to be -10 on the day we are marching outside.” I join my spirit to Amara’s and to all who hear the call. Peace, Michael (Molly) Shaw sent from my phone

3 2

Iron Boy Review
by Ken Fisher 19 Jan '26

19 Jan '26

Colleagues, I am six months late writing this. I must say that David's song reference at the beginning of each chapter spun me out. Reengaging took its own pace. As well, in that time I came very close to edge and now have a pacemaker. Hugs, Ken Iron Boy Review From the blackness of Chicago’s West Side comes the odyssey of IRON BOY. David Marshall writes out of his youth’s microcosm and in the last chapter, holding a knife, he gives life to himself and his peers. Like Hannah Arendt, one of the most influential political theorists of the twentieth century, David Marshall was also influenced by Soren Kierkegaard, Rudolf Bultmann and Paul Tillich. For the first time ever, within itself, the west encountered fascism and went through the paroxysm of World War Two killing 75 million to put our monster back in a box, allowing humanity new life. In the 50s and 60s the impulse of utopianism was everywhere - decolonialization, Black Power, feminism, student power. In Europe and North America, the forces of renewal in Christianity were widespread. David’s Iron Boy allows one to experience the blood and guts of a white boy growing up and growing through this utopianism in the form of The Order Ecumenical, the families and individuals who staffed the Ecumenical Institute from the 60s through the 80s. On the one hand, the secular impact of this 60s community continues globally through the services of the Institute of Cultural Affairs active in about 50 countries. On the other hand, many of the youth who grew up in the Order Ecumenical intentional community suffered deeply. As a young parent, I was there too. My sons are still meeting these challenges with grace.

3 2

Jim Baumbach: A Westside Story
by carol.walters＠yahoo.com 09 Jan '26

09 Jan '26

The following story was written by George Walters after we talked together about our memories of the Baumbach's when we lived and worked together. Jim Baumbach: A Westside Story By George Walters It was a cold Chicago winter, 1977, and the old WestsideBethany Seminary where the ICA colleagues lived to work in Fifth City wassuddenly without heat for the third time. All the stopgap solutions had notworked on the ancient steam heating system. We were getting quotes on a newsystem, which for an NGO budget were astronomical. Jim had spoken to me several times about a treatment andrestoration system of the old system and pipes that his company sold around theworld and so we talked again and he said, “Let me show you what is possible.” I okayed a modest budget so he could go towork. We managed to clunk along for several days by wearingsweaters and jackets, kept warm enough to work. Suddenly after about a week, the heat was on everywhere. A knock on mydoor and Jim was standing there smiling and saying, “come look.” Down into the basement we went, and I could hear the roar ofthe furnace as we approached and there it was – new pipes painted red, and aseries of drums of chemicals across the floor with tubing tied into new valveswith handles you could turn. He and our building super, Mike Ford, were beamingfrom ear to ear as they explained to me the technology and the chemicals beingapplied. “This tank will begin to clean out the rust and corrosionacross the entire 5 story campus” he said. “This tank will prevent new build upof corrosion” he added. “This big barrel will collect the corrosion which wecan then have hauled away. Mike will gradually increase the corrosion, removalchemicals and increase the chemicals that prevent build-up. I will help him monitor.” But then there was the long-term issue. It was still an oldsystem which could have other ailments. The chemicals were costly and wouldneed to be sustained to sustain the system. Jim just smiled and said, yes thatis all true, but we’ll tackle that next winter. I agreed. I’m not sure how therest of that winter got paid for, but I think I know. By the next winter, I wasgone and we soon left the old campus in favor of the Bethany Hospital’sexpansion plan. Today as we mourn Jim’s passing, we all remember theconsummate professional he was, and the generous spirit he embodied as shown inthis one of many stories.

7 9

How would we rewrite this?
by James Wiegel 07 Jan '26

07 Jan '26

The current pope is calling for a re-reading and study of the documents from Vatican II ‘62-65 as they give guidance for these days. Our councils and formation date from this same time period. I wonder what we would say? https://www.facebook.com/share/1CJhetcnS5/ Jim Wiegel “…the long work of turning their lives into a celebration is not easy. Come and let us talk“. The Sunflowers. Mary Oliver

1 1

Harvard Exposes "Parasitic” Toxins Are Devouring The Memories Of Nearly Every American Over 61
by Sunny Walker 03 Jan '26

03 Jan '26

This CNN report & the all natural supplement could return our disappearing colleagues to us. Check it out. Harvard Exposes "Parasitic” Toxins Are Devouring The Memories Of Nearly Every American Over 61 https://share.google/ewBhb0eAe4DqfflVR *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

4 3

MY PACKAGE
by Cynthia Vance 01 Jan '26

01 Jan '26

Hi Folks, I received a lovely 'Happy Birthday' fruit package for my Jan 2, birthday (I'll be 82)There is no indication of who sent me this gift.Anyone here on the OE or ICA list serve? Thanks,Cynthia Vance (I would like to thank this person -- the fruit is delicious!)

9 8