HOOD RIVER — The end of life beckons us to slow down, consider quality of life, create meaning, and answer big questions, none of which can be done in a hurry. The Mid-Columbia Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is sharing an opportunity to come and join in any or all to an end-of-life education series, Speaking of Death. Co-led by MCUUF Reverend Barbara Prose and Columbia Gorge Death Doula Tamara Thiel.Â
By delving a little deeper, we know that end of life equally involves understanding the intricate systems surrounding scenarios, including medical and societal norms and practices, familial dynamics and belief structures among others, and finding ways to move with the constant changes so that giving in to the adrenaline of panic or a traumatic experience is prevented.Â
The date and topic of each series is as follows:Â
Sunday, March 30 at 12:30pm - Experiences with Death Â
Inviting contemplation and sharing of experiences around death and befriending mortality.Â
Sunday, April 27 at 12:30pm - End of Life Choices OregonÂ
Looking at care and support of the dying and the choices and legal rights including stopping curative treatments, palliative/hospice care, VSED (voluntarily stopping eating and drinking), and Death with Dignity or MAID (medical aid in dying).Â
Sunday, May 25  at 12:30pm - End of Life Planning
What support might we want during our dying time? A written plan can communicate your values, needs, and preferences for optimal and unforeseen scenarios along the time spectrum of before illness, during the dying time, and after death.Â
Sunday, June 29 at 12:30pm - Death Care
We will review the aspects of deathcare available now and the legal choices we have of honoring our dead. Understand options such as natural home funerals and natural green burials.Â
Sunday, July 27 at 1:00pm in Mosier, OR - Green Burial Cemetery Field Trip
Tour the grounds of Great River Conservation Burial Cemetery with founder and owner, Russell Hargrave
This series is an opportunity to befriend mortality, gather information and resources, learn about options available, and offer deep contemplation on death. All gatherings are open to the public and held at the Rockford Grange at 4262 Barrett Drive, Hood River, 97031. Each workshop is 90 minutes and begins at 12:30pm. The series is by donation, give what feels right for you. For more information go to mcuuf2.org.
This series will be kicked off by a special service at the Mid-Columbia Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Sunday, March 30 at 10am with singing and a talk on Accompanying The Dying, by Tamara Thiel, End-Of-Life Doula. All are welcome, please join us at the Rockford Grange, 4262 Barrett Drive, Hood River.Â
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