The popular hymn In Christ Alone ends with the strong affirmation “til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I stand.” This class series encourages that stance for persons of any age through clear-eyed reflection on how to talk about, understand, and plan for the end of this present life, in anticipation of the life to come. Each class will be led by a panel of knowledgeable, experience-equipped speakers, with opportunities for questions and discussion around tables and breakout rooms, and suggested reading for preparation and reflection.

Topics:

• Why is it often difficult to talk about end-of-life plans with family, medical practitioners and others?
• How and when can such conversations occur comfortably and fruitfully?
• What goals and outcomes can come from such conversations?

Speakers Panel: 

• Dr. Steve Mitchell – Medical Director, Emergency Department, Harborview
• Pam Davies – Pain and Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, University of Washington
• Dr. Doug Lee – Oncologist, Swedish Cancer Institute, and Presbyterian elder
• Rev. Dr. Laurie Brenner – West Side Presbyterian Senior Pastor (moderating)

Class Reading:  Joy in the Journey (Steve and Sharol Hayner), pages 11-37 (not required to participate)

Other Resources:

• Rob Moll, The Art of Dying: Living Fully into the Life to Come, chapter 6 “The Hardest Conversation You’ll Ever Have," pages 85-93
• Roz Chast, Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?, an award winning cartoonist’s bittersweet memoir in graphic form of caring for her parents in their final journey, pages 1-42
• Online resource: The Conversation Project, a website that is all about promoting conversations on end-of-life plans, including a starter kit to help you plan a conversation

Topics:

• What do we mean by a “good death”?
• What are the practical considerations which facilitate a hopeful and peaceful passing? 
• How can family/friends/the church be most helpful to a person facing end of life and their family? 

Speakers Panel:

• Dave Evans – Stanford lecturer and co-author of Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-lived, Joyful Life 
• Debbie Runke – Counselor and West Side member
• David Brenner – non-profit volunteer, former attorney and West Side member
• Rev. Dr. Laurie Brenner – West Side Presbyterian Senior Pastor (moderating)

Class Reading:  Joy in the Journey (Steve and Sharol Hayner), pages 37-111 (not required to participate)

Other Resources:

• The Art of Dying: Living Fully into the Life to Come, pages 1-68, the lost art of dying, and pages 95-115, caring for the dying
• Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? pages 43-158, her parents’ decline

Topics:

• Why be “ready”?
• Are your body and your goods ready? (wills, health care directives, powers of attorney, interment and memorial preferences)?
• Is your soul ready? 
• What is your “legacy”?

Speakers Panel:

• Nancy Cahill, Seattle estates attorney and Presbyterian elder
• Frish Brandt, a “legacy letter midwife” at Lasting Letters
• David Brenner, retired attorney and West Side member
• Dennis Henn, West Side member, author and Presbyterian pastor (retired)
• Chris Koch, West Side Senior Director of Ministry (moderating)

Class Reading:  Joy in the Journey, (Steve and Sharol Hayner) pages 111-143 (not required to participate)
 
Other Resources:

• The Art of Dying: Living Fully into the Life to Come, pages 69-84, the spirituality of dying
• Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? pages 43-158, her parents’ decline
• Online resource: Cake – End of Life Planning, a secular compendium of online tools, checklists, and thousands of articles on finance, health, and legacy at end of life