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Re: [Oe List ...] OE Digest, Vol 140, Issue 35
by Lawrence Philbrook 29 Nov '23

29 Nov '23

> > Jack Gilles was the spirit of authentic exploration and service to the > mission. Always exploring how to articulate the edge of transforming in this moment He was always ready to discuss the next leap especially when he thought I should leap first or he was already leaping and was looking for company In India as part of the economic development team we helpfully fought most of the time. As part of the Organizational Transformation Network in Asia, we grew together forcing the discipline of knowing doing and being into everything we were developing connecting spirit, community development, leadership to organizational transformation. He will be missed and will be on my meditative council with so many others With love and respect, larry

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Re: [Oe List ...] [Dialogue] Completed life of Jack Gilles
by Robertson Work 29 Nov '23

29 Nov '23

Jack was assigned to the Indiahoma HDP when our family was reassigned to Jamaica. Much later, I enjoyed working on the ICA archives with Jack. I loved his passion, self confidence, and total commitment to world service. I was touched by the way he cared for his wife as she declined. In his final years, he continued working on a Wayside Inn in Litibu. I miss his physical presence and know that his words and deeds will continue to touch many lives. Robertson Work Books and bio<https://www.amazon.com/Robertson-Work/e/B075612GBF> Blogsite<https://compassionatecivilization.blogspot.com/> Substack<https://robertsonwork.substack.com/> Videos and articles<https://www.globalcompassioncoalition.org/author/robertson-work/> Website<https://www.robertsonwork.com/> ________________________________ From: Dialogue <dialogue-bounces(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> on behalf of Jo Nelson via Dialogue <dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2023 2:13 PM To: Colleague Dialogue <dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> Cc: Jo Nelson <jo.r.nelson(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] Completed life of Jack Gilles My first encounter with Jack was on a small team in Summer 1970, working on the tactical system for renewing the local church. I was just out of university, planning to join the Order in the fall when I would start teaching school. Jack was a very rational team leader with firm opinions. One day we were assigned to the preschool. What an adventure. I saw an entirely new side of Jack and appreciated him in a different way after that day. Journey on is an appropriate send-out, Joan. Jo Nelson On Nov 29, 2023, at 1:29 PM, Martha Laird via Dialogue <dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: I, too, came out of the Cleveland region with Jack and spent many hours in other locations with him, including Chicago. Every hour spent was a delight. Martha (Laird) On Nov 29, 2023, at 1:18 PM, Joan via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: You never forget your first RS1 teacher so I can never forget Jack. We both came out of the Cleveland Region. We have journeyed together, shoulder to shoulder for many years. Journey on. Joan Knutson On Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 04:56:07 AM MST, Terry Bergdall via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: Jack died peacefully early this morning and, according to his strongest wises, at his home at the Litibu EcoVillage in Mexico. Grace and Peace, Terry Bergdall _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net<mailto:OE@lists.wedgeblade.net> http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net<mailto:OE@lists.wedgeblade.net> http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net<mailto:Dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net> http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net

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David Morton's Passing
by Mari Crocker 29 Nov '23

29 Nov '23

> Dear OE/ICA Global Colleagues, > > It is with deep sadness, and permission from the family, that I share the news that our dear colleague and longtime personal friend of the the Crocker family, David Morton, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023. David contracted a rapidly progressing form of pneumonia that did not respond to massive doses of antibiotics, and his breathing failed. > > David and his first wife, Betsy (deceased 1989), were members of the EI/OE community from 1967 - 1978, serving in assignments in various places in the US and Australia. David, a committed researcher, teacher and voracious reader, significantly expanded our Order’s outreach to understand the “new quantum sciences” and their intersection with theology in the years he was a Prior of our Research Centrum in Chicago. He also served on the Global Panchayat, and was one of the major writers/editors of The Order Polity Document, at the request of our founder and Dean, Joseph Mathews, (just before Joe's death in 1977), to “pull together the fundamental operating principles and foundational understandings of our experimental family religious order.” > > My husband Joe and I were blessed to have been assigned to work with the Morton family both in Chicago, and in Sydney, Australia — and continued our friendship after 1988 when the OE was called out of being, and many of us continued to live out our commitment to serve those in need in many different ways. Joe officiated at the lovely marriage of David and his wife, Denney, in 1991 and we have continued to be close friends, especially as it became more possible when Joe and I moved to Maine in 1999. > > David and Betsy’s children, Kim Morton Case and Luke Morton, and Denney’s three daughters from a previous marriage, Kate, Julie and Susan all are gathering around to support their blended family in this time of loss. > > I’m sure messages of condolence to David’s wife and family will be deeply appreciated: Mrs. David Morton, Apt. 2A. 18 Blueberry Lane, Falmouth, ME 04105. Cell: 207-400-9955. Email: denneymorton(a)gmail.com <mailto:denneymorton@gmail.com>; or Kim Morton Case, E mail: casebkim(a)gmail.com <mailto:casebkim@gmail.com> > > With abundant gratitude for David’s life and his gifts to us all, I offer this — and will send additional information as the family requests. > > Grace and peace, > > Marilyn Crocker

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Completed life of Jack Gilles
by Terry Bergdall 29 Nov '23

29 Nov '23

Jack died peacefully early this morning and, according to his strongest wises, at his home at the Litibu EcoVillage in Mexico. Grace and Peace, Terry Bergdall

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David Morton's Passing
by Mari Crocker 27 Nov '23

27 Nov '23

Dear OE/ICA Global Colleagues, It is with deep sadness, and permission from the family, that I share the news that our dear colleague and longtime personal friend of the the Crocker family, David Morton, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023. David contracted a rapidly progressing form of pneumonia that did not respond to massive doses of antibiotics, and his breathing failed. David and his first wife, Betsy (deceased 1989), were members of the EI/OE community from 1967 - 1978, serving in assignments in various places in the US and Australia. David, a committed researcher, teacher and voracious reader, significantly expanded our Order’s outreach to understand the “new quantum sciences” and their intersection with theology in the years he was a Prior of our Research Centrum in Chicago. He also served on the Global Panchayat, and was one of the major writers/editors of The Order Polity Document, at the request of our founder and Dean, Joseph Mathews, (just before Joe's death in 1977), to “pull together the fundamental operating principles and foundational understandings of our experimental family religious order.” My husband Joe and I were blessed to have been assigned to work with the Morton family both in Chicago, and in Sydney, Australia — and continued our friendship after 1988 when the OE was called out of being, and many of us continued to live out our commitment to serve those in need in many different ways. Joe officiated at the lovely marriage of David and his wife, Denney, in 1991 and we have continued to be close friends, especially as it became more possible when Joe and I moved to Maine in 1999. David and Betsy’s children, Kim Morton Case and Luke Morton, and Denney’s three daughters from a previous marriage, Kate, Julie and Susan all are gathering around to support their blended family in this time of loss. I’m sure messages of condolence to David’s wife and family will be deeply appreciated: Mrs. David Morton, Apt. 2A. 18 Blueberry Lane, Falmouth, ME 04105. Cell: 207-400-9955. Email: denneymorton(a)gmail.com <mailto:denneymorton@gmail.com>; or Kim Morton Case, E mail: casebkim(a)gmail.com <mailto:casebkim@gmail.com> With abundant gratitude for David’s life and his gifts to us all, I offer this — and will send additional information as the family requests. Grace and peace, Marilyn Crocker

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Re: [Oe List ...] Elaine Telford Memorial
by rjhutchinson48＠gmail.com 27 Nov '23

27 Nov '23

HI Isobel and all, Here is the email trail on Elaine's memorial with Amanda and Karen. With love Robyn From: rjhutchinson48(a)gmail.com <rjhutchinson48(a)gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 4:40 PM To: 'Karen Snyder' <karen.snyder10(a)gmail.com>; 'Amandatelford' <amandatelford(a)tpg.com.au> Subject: RE: Elaine Telford Memorial Hi Karen and Amanda, Such a lovely celebration of Elaine's life Amanda. Amanda, please let Karen know how you would to take this forward. Love robyn From: Karen Snyder <karen.snyder10(a)gmail.com <mailto:karen.snyder10@gmail.com> > Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 2:31 AM To: Robyn Hutchinson <rjhutchinson48(a)gmail.com <mailto:rjhutchinson48@gmail.com> > Subject: Elaine Telford Memorial Robyn, Do you know how I can get a better photo and information about Elaine Telford - as well as the recorded memorial service. Here is how the memorial page looks now with Elaine and John: https://icaglobalarchives.org/john-telford/. A couple of us missed the service so are eager to hear/see the recording. Peace and love, Karen

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Email address of Karen Snyder Please confirm
by Isobel and Jim Bishop 27 Nov '23

27 Nov '23

Hello Beret, I hope this note will find you well and safe. Can you please confirm if this address is still correct for Karen? Karen.snyder10(a)gmail.com One of Elaine and John Telford’s daughters has asked me for the correct person with whom they can discuss whether to lodge some documents which may be appropriate for the Chicago Archives. I was in touch w Karen on my own behalf a few years ago, and she said then that she loves material coming to her and her Archive Team…. ! I wold be grateful if you could confirm Karen’s address. Thank you Beret, for all that you give to the ongoing life and service of the Spirit Movement, as Those Who care offer for humanity, planet Earth and all creatures. With love from down here in Australia. Isobel Isobel and Jim Bishop isobeljimbish(a)optusnet.com.au

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Thank you!
by Mari Crocker 25 Nov '23

25 Nov '23

Dear Lynda, Thank you so very much for your generous Thanksgiving message — both the poetry written by John 25 years ago, and your “in memorium” list of all the Saints in our Movement and Order who have gone on before us. I think of you often, knowing you are experiencing the “grief before the final grieving” as you accompany your beloved husband in his illness. It’s not an easy charge, especially at the holidays. This is my first Christmas season without Joe being here since 1966 when he asked me to marry him on Christmas Eve. Ah, the journey. I have spent this Thanksgiving week caring for a neighbor’s doggie and kitty — lots of walks and a rigid feeding schedule that Tawney, the dog, keeps me onto like clockwork. There is nothing like the sphinx-like pose and eye-to-eye stare that says, “Time to feed me!!” Also this weekend I opened up and began to read the boxes of letters I had written to my parents during our many years in the OE — saved by my mother over the decades. There were, of course, lots of family chit-chat, but also a treasure trove of my reflections on events and points of engagement that I had totally forgotten. I will be talking with Karen Troxel later this week to explore how to make "missionally germane" sections of my letters available for the archives. Also I am struck by the rich descriptions I shared of the plethora of activities and opportunities Jon and Ben enjoyed as “E.G.” I know other families had different experiences, but my story, written at the time of their formative years, is one of deep appreciation. And yes, things like “in-kind green beans and grits” were not shared, but what I did tell was authentic and true, from my perspective. I always appreciate your “centeredness” and caring in all your communications to us. You are a very special colleague. With love to you and your family, Mari

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Thanksgiving gift: poetry from our house to yours
by Lynda C 25 Nov '23

25 Nov '23

In this season of Thanksgiving and All Saints, John and I give thanks for the lives of our many colleagues who have moved into the Great Beyond this past year: Patricia Vice (formerly Coker) from the WDC House; Elaine Johnson-Denver House; Marilee Blanchard-Area Chicago; Joe Crocker-Area NY; Bud Ames-Area Chicago; Nelson Stover-India, Greensboro; Betty Dyson, Bill Grow and Jonathon Troxel -Chicago and most recently: Sue Laxdal-Area Chicago; David Rebstock-Greensboro; Bob Hawley-Chicago; Ginny Reece -LCX-Wichita, KS; Elaine Telford and Ann Duffy-Australia, and Frank Knutson-Archives teammate. The attached poetry is John’s most famous poem which first appeared in his book Motivation for the Great Work. Justin Morrill, who was working with fund raising at a Catholic School, asked if he could use the poetry for a Thanksgiving card for their donors. That card spurred the news article from the Archbishop which was quite a tribute to a younger poet/theologian, John Cock (25 years ago). We invite you to print out the card and use for others you may want to share such greetings with. It has been used as a get-well card, a funeral card, and a sympathy card with the Thanksgiving being “thankful for the life of….” The poem was later adapted in Our Universal Spirit Journey (jpc/llc) to read “Spirit does not promise”… and ending with “…but believe it or not, Spirit does promise ways to end poverty, stop wars, and save the Earth.” Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with special meaning and memories with your families and friends. Grace and peace, Lynda and John Cock P O Box 2333 Davidson, NC 28936 Lynda860(a)outlook.com<mailto:Lynda860@outlook.com> www.reJourney.blogspot.com<http://www.reJourney.blogspot.com> 336-404-0770

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Memories of Ann DUffy
by Isobel and Jim Bishop 22 Nov '23

22 Nov '23

> Dear everyone, > > I would like to add a few lines about dearest Ann Duffy. > > The Duffy, Oakley and Robins families were all part of the Ecumenical ministry team in Broken Hill. The Duffys were Presbyterian > ( like Jim and I )The Robins and Oakleys were Methodist. ( Later in 1977, we all become members of the new Uniting Church in Australia. A long and complex story how our Church was formed…) > > Broken Hill is way out west in the State of New South Wales. It is 715 miles, or 1151km from Sydney ! In those days it was primarily a mining town. > > Don Clark and I taught the first RS1 there, as far as I remember…. It went well, others can add/correct, please. > > Ann and Rob and their family were part of the first Sydney Religious House in Australia. This Religious House was actually the Paddington Manse, the Church house in which Jim and family lived . > > Ann was a primary School Teacher, and yes, was an early ‘ Permeator’. Ann was also a person who always carefully weighed up the consequences and did not act without due consideration as to the effects of the decision she was making. I personally appreciated the way she challenged issues analytically. I remember most of all Ann’s laugh, given as a sincere deep laugh, almost a low chuckle. > > The early days were quite hard as we adjusted to missional family living. While the Duffys were living in this House, we invited some children from Mowanjum, a former Presbyterian Aboriginal Mission, to come and live with us. These children and our own bunches all attended the local Primary School where Ann taught some of them. This required us to expand our living space, so we ended up with our children and some adults living in two Church houses on the same block of land. Steve Rhea may remember some of this, or Jeanette Stanfield. ! > > Later, Ann and Rob were Area Priors of Area Edmonton before they moved to Chicago Centrum when Rob was assigned to the Panchayat. From there, they were assigned to Hong Kong where Ann and Rob worked across South East Asia before returning to the Sydney House. Eventually they returned to congregational ministry when Rob was appointed minister at Canowindra Uniting Church in western New South Wales. > > Grace and peace be yours, > > Isobel > > Isobel and Jim Bishop > isobeljimbish(a)optusnet.com.au <mailto:isobeljimbish@optusnet.com.au> > > Isobel and Jim Bishop isobeljimbish(a)optusnet.com.au

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