We Really Need to Talk

I have put this off too long. I wanted to avoid this subject. It’s uncomfortable. But I realize what a wonderful gift it will be to the people I love and hold dear. I can take control and make decisions now before a crisis. So, how would I like the end of my life to unfold?

Let’s have a conversation.

All Saints’ Episcopal Church Concord is hosting a month long series that will walk and talk you through the spiritual, healthcare, legal and ethical end-of-life issues. Pre-Registration is required for each session. This is for anyone 18 years of age and older.

Online Registration is open! Scroll to the bottom of this page to register now, or call (704) 782-2024 to register by phone.

Sunday, January 8, 2017- 10:00am
The Reverend Nancy Cox, Rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, will kick off our series with some of the questions she has often been asked, such as, In what situations might we be prolonging dying as opposed to extending life? Where is God when we come to the end of our lives? She will follow that with some practical steps to help your family and loved ones: know where to look for your passwords, your brokerage accounts, the location of the key to your safety deposit box. The booklet, “Act of Love” Part I will be given to those who participate to help organize this important information.

Sunday, January 15, 2017- 10:00am
Dr. Randy Schisler, Director, Palliative Care at CMC-NorthEast will conduct an open discussion about what does resuscitation mean, what kind of care does a person get who is DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), and what does it mean if a person “wants everything”? What is life support, and how often does it work? What’s the difference between hospice and palliative care? What is the best way to get my wishes followed?

Sunday, January 22, 2017- 10:00am
The Reverend Nancy Cox will have choices of scripture, music and liturgy at your fingertips so that planning a celebration of life service will be made easier for your loved one. After attending this class you may want to do it yourself! “Act of Love” Part II will be handed out at this session.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Soup and Salad 5:30pm – 6:00pm
6:00pm – Reverend Ric Durham, BCC, Spiritual Care Director of Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, will lead us in a discussion of advance care planning and the completion of North Carolina advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will).

Sunday, February 5, 2017- 10:00am
Marjorie Brown, JD, Concord NC, will discuss the importance of wills, power of attorney and other legal documents you should have in place in order to leave a “Love Letter to Your Family”. What decisions do you need to make? Whose wishes should you consider? Have you thought about your young children, your adult children or your parents? Let’s discuss what I consider to be a complete love letter.

Sunday, February 12, 2017- 10:00am
All Saint’s parishioner and nationally acclaimed presenter and author, Mary Ann Drummond, RN, will provide valuable information for those seeking a deeper understanding of what dementia is, how to recognize the symptoms associated with dementia, and techniques for positive interactions when a loved one or someone you know has dementia. What are the risk factors? Can dementia be prevented? What resources are available in our community for care givers? What can I personally do to support friends and loved ones with dementia?

Registration