Dying with Dignity…A Workshop with Regard to Protecting Life in Death

Death is the greatest mystery known to humankind! Unlike birth that welcomes and celebrates new life, death is shunned, frowned upon, and even viewed with disdain. The certainty that we will die, coupled with the complete uncertainty of when, how, or what happens beyond death is truly a fantastic paradox. We live in a death-denying culture. How we personally have experienced death is reflected in how we engage others during times of death and/or the dying process. As the Church is called to meet the caregiving needs of its congregation and surrounding communities – by journeying alongside those experiencing death in its varied expressions – it must be considered, is the Church reflective of who it’s called to be “on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10b),” as the living embodiment of “a new heaven and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1)? This workshop asks, “Who must the Church become in order to extend compassionate presence, cultivate courageous conversations, and make meaningful connections while accompanying the other during the death and dying process?” Through critical discussion, group talk, and role play this workshop aims to help participants reach a theologically and critically informed understanding about death and dying and act as a catalyst in helping participants identify and use their spiritual gifts in service to and support for care seekers when experiencing their most vulnerable times of need in death and dying.