EXPLORING FAITH

April 23, 2014

The Massachusetts Council of Churches (MCOC) and Honoring Choices Massachusetts are working together to offer a first-of-its kind event for Massachusetts clergy, chaplains, and lay leaders:

Caring for Each Other in Life and in Death: The Role of Congregations in Health Care and End-of-life Planning

Tuesday May 6, 2014, 10 am to 2 pm; Christ Church Episcopal, Waltham, MA

Ministers have always offered pastoral care before and after death. However, clergy and lay leaders can provide powerful support and needed guidance to adults and families all through their lives, helping to explore religious and spiritual teachings and to make meaningful choices for care that are right for each individual. In this workshop, The Reverend Laura Everett, MCOA Executive Director, will lead a discussion where participants can share stories and best practices from their congregations. Honoring Choices will provide health care planning information and tools to help start a discussion, either individually or in a group setting, to help adults explore how their faith impacts their decision making. We will also provide the practical elements of making a Massachusetts plan, reviewing legal, medical and personal documents. Jennie Wright, BA, RN, CCM, ACM Newton-Wellesley PHO, will offer valuable insight into advanced illness and end of life care, and discuss the ethical, physical, and emotional challenges. Clergy and lay leaders will learn how to become part of a network to help connect adults and families to resources in their community.

All clergy, lay leaders, chaplains, especially those with a background or interest in healthcare, are welcome to attend this workshop. Lunch is provided.

The event is free, but RSVP required: http://caringforeachotherinlifeanddeath.eventbrite.com.