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  or this link Kudoboard for Dennis Jennings | Kudoboard


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@lists.wedgeblade.net <oe-request@lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:


On Tue, Feb 17, 2026, 05:01 <oe-request@lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:

>    1. Fwd: Dennis Jennings  (Richard Alton)
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Richard Alton <richard.alton@gmail.com>
> To: Colleague Dialogue <dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net>, Order Ecumenical
> Community <oe@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@gmail.com
wedgeblade.net/attachments/20260217/0a8a5d84/attachment-0001.htm>

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Message: 2
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:14:31 -0500
From: Colleen Haithcock <colleenonnortheastcreek@gmail.com>
To: Colleague Dialogue <dialogue@lists.wedgeblade.net>
Cc: Order Ecumenical Community <oe@lists.wedgeblade.net>, Richard
    Alton <richard.alton@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@gmail.com>
To: Order Ecumenical Community <oe@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

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End of OE Digest, Vol 167, Issue 16
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