In the Hope of the Resurrection: How to Prepare Faithfully for End of Life
Wednesday Evenings in Lent
In the Hope of the Resurrection: How to Prepare Faithfully for Death
American culture teaches us to fear death and to try to avoid talking about, dealing with, and anticipating death at all costs. But as Christians, we know that death is but a single event that is not itself the last word, because the God of life is the last word. At the heart of Christian faith is the Easter story of the Resurrection, which reveals that God does not abandon us at death but raises us to new life with God. As St. Paul says, “Neither death nor life…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In this Lenten series, we will explore how our Christian perspective on life and death can teach us how to cherish the life with which we are blessed. It can also help us to prepare for faithful dying, teach us how to care for those who are in the process of dying, and help us to understand and accept the deaths of those we love dearly.
A portion of each session will be devoted to walking through the tasks needed for participants to prepare for their own death—faithfully!—to ensure that, for their own and their loved ones’ sakes, their wishes, files, and assets are in order.
Topics will include:
- The spirituality and practicality of life and death
- End-of-life caregiving, including self-care for the caregivers
- Description of resources and Redeemer community support
- Estate planning
- Planned giving
- Walking through the Burial Rite
- Stories from people who have gone through the process with loved ones
The series “In the Hope of the Resurrection: How to Prepare Faithfully for Death” will take place in the Parlor on Wednesdays in Lent, February 21 to March 20. The event begins with the Wednesday Eucharist at 6:00pm, followed by supper at 6:30 and the program immediately afterwards, ending by 8:00pm.
In addition to presenters, each week will have time devoted to putting wishes, assets, and files in order, using the booklet “Last Things.”
February 21: Walking Through the Burial Rite
The theology and spirituality embedded in the Burial Rite. Sing the hymns you want at your own funeral, explore the recommended and other Scriptures, look at the prayers.
February 28: Stories About Faithful Planning
The spirituality of life and death, and its implications for planning for death. Stories about what was done that worked.
March 6: Caregiving at the End of Life, Including Self-Care for the Caregiver
The importance of moving toward death “in the hope of the resurrection.” The options for giving and receiving care.
March 13: You Are Not Alone: Resources and Support from the Redeemer Community
The corporate nature of Christian faith; a communal understanding of life and death. What our Redeemer community resources are available to help plan and to navigate the process of dying.
March 20: Planning Ahead: An Act of Stewardship and Love
How advance planning is an act of stewardship and love for your loved ones and those who survive you. More information on readying assets.