Presbyterians
Pro-Life
Reports on End-of-Life Conference
Introduction
This brief reflection on the conference by Marie Bowen, Executive
Director of
Worship
Services
“What
is your only comfort, in life and in death?”
Charles Wiley, Associate for Theology in the PC(USA) Office
of Theology & Worship asked the question from the Heidelberg Catechism as a
fitting opening to the conference on end of life. (read
more)
“God already knew this child…”
“Baptism is about the faithfulness of God,”
The Rev. Laura Mendenhall said opening her sermon delivered at an evening
worship service in Duke University Chapel. “God already knew this child long
before she was born.” (read more)
Plenary Sessions
Extreme
old age: Moving from fate to calling
What are the virtues that need to be developed by the dying
individual? Dr. William F.
May, Ph.D., spoke humorously of aging as the time the “organs’ recital
begins” and bifocals, false teeth, aching knees, and Viagra become common
sources of laughter in our increasingly aging society.(read
more)
Create
spaces of grace and grief so we can lament
“Lament is not a linear process. It is a part of living and being
….this stuff hurts!” Emilie Townes,
Ph.D., began her plenary speech by acknowledging that it is difficult to talk
about lament and grief because doing so brings back one’s own sorrow and pain.(read more)
The
Church as a Caring Community: Formation in Practices of Caring
The church is called to
love in a substantive & robust way, says Keith Meador
“Becoming a caring person is not a matter of taking an ethics seminar.” We are
called to Christian practices. (read more)
Workshops
Best
Practices in the Christian Funeral
How can congregations and pastors assist families in planning a
Christian funeral? “Stick to the book” is Mark Higgins practical
advice for pastors. (read more)
“We need to let
the resurrection rock our world!”
What
Does the Church Have to Offer to the Dying? Betsy Eder shares her answers as
one who has learned to live with the shadow of death. (read
more)
Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss: Caring for
Parents and Siblings
Are there special considerations when a family grieves the loss of
an unborn child or an infant? Janet Chilcote speaks freely of her
personal loss of a stillborn child and the journey of healing that followed. (read more)
Supporting
people in Hospice Care at the End of Life
What is hospice
care? How can the church support families and individuals in hospice? “Hospice,”
explained The Rev. Bev Richardson, “is not about dying. Hospice is about living
life fully at the end of life.” (read more)
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