WHATELY — The Whately Congregational Church has teamed up with Cooley Dickinson Health Care to host a public forum addressing issues pertaining to death.
The program, which is free and open to the public, is aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of critical decisions and caregiving choices. Though it is titled “Keeping Faith at End of Life,” it is available to believers and non-believers alike. The forum is scheduled from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the church at 177 Chestnut Plain Road on Wednesday.
Ben Tousley, spiritual counselor and faith community outreach coordinator for Cooley Dickinson Hospice, is set to lead the discussion, which will answer questions about how to respond when family members are faced with a serious life-threatening illness, how to understand and balance the quality of life, sanctity of life and freedom to choose according to values and beliefs, and how to care for loved ones nearing end of life.
There will also be discussion on the difference between hospice and palliative care, the advantages of getting hospice care earlier rather than later, the importance of advanced directives, and how faith and spiritual care play an important role in caregiving at end of life.
The Rev. Cynthia Crosson-Harrington, who has been at the Whately Congregational Church for 11 years, said many people are uncomfortable talking about the topics the form will address.
“So I think it’s important to open the discussion and give permission to people to explore this and be prepared for when they need to think about these things,” she said. “Pastors are often called upon with issues at end of life, both the dying and their loved ones. I think churches are in a good position to help people think about end-of-life decisions.”
Crosson-Harrington also said the church is a perfect setting for this type of event because many people feel comforted there.
“Many people turn to God to help them through it,” she said.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.