In my experience, speaking of dying is a beautiful, gracious, life giving thing to do. Most of us are reluctant to talk about death or dying and sometimes we will even deny the truth to avoid facing our own or a loved one’s death. Over the years I have been with many families as someone is dying, and have learned two important lessons. First, when we speak openly about what is happening and the possibility of death, families experience love, grace, forgiveness, and peace. Second, avoiding the conversation or denying that death is a possibility leads to pain, bitterness, resentment, and anger.
One of my mentors in the subject of supporting people at the end of their lives is Trudy James. Trudy has produced, in partnership with Jennifer Jones as director, an excellent short documentary called, Speaking of Dying. This 30-minute film is an intimate look at the lives of several families facing the death of a loved one. There are interviews with the people dying and with the members of their families. This powerful and heart warming documentary provides a gentle and safe introduction to the difficult topic of death.
I have invited Jennifer Jones to present the documentary, Speaking of Dying, again here at St. Dunstan’s Church on Wednesday, January 31st, at 7:00 PM in our Parish Hall. After the screening, Jennifer will lead a discussion of the film where you can ask questions and learn from her many years of experience. During the season of Lent we will also be offering a four week workshop series that will look more deeply at the practical, legal, emotional and spiritual issues around planning for the end of our lives. These workshop sessions will be on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM at St. Dunstan’s Church on February 28th and March 7th, 14th, and 21st.
Please see this invitation from Jennifer Jones of Heartwork for more information on the screening and workshops.
Yours in Christ,
David+