Faith communities in centuries past, responding to plagues and to the common experiences of death, developed practices called ars moriendi, the art of dying. Paradoxically, this “art” was also acclaimed as wisdom for living well throughout the whole of life.
What’s in Store
Join us to rediscover this forgotten wisdom through historical and scriptural sources and come away as individuals, families and church communities committed to living more gospel-centered lives up to the day we die.
We’ll be led by Lydia Dugdale, MD, author of The Lost Art of Dying, and John Alsdorf, who will challenge us to live all our days in line with the gospel and in light of our mortality. Because we are called to live in community as people who work to reconcile frayed and fraught relationships, this aspect of living and dying well will be a core teaching in our time together.
John and Lydia will be joined by Crystal Pressley, MD, and funeral director Justin Barfield who will cover the practical wisdom of healthcare proxies and advance care directives, and funeral and burial planning, respectively.
A Conference for Adults of All Ages
This conference is for adults of all ages and is designed with special emphasis on engaging our loved ones – parents and adult children, trusted friends or relatives – in deep conversations about our hopes and fears concerning our mortality. So, invite them to join you! Handout materials will encourage discussion and reflection.
Conference Program Highlights
Friday, October 20, 6:30-9pm (Doors open at 6pm)
- The Lost Art of Dying, Lydia S. Dugdale, MD
- A Heart of Wisdom, John Alsdorf
- Q&A with Lydia and John
- Family and Friends in Conversations About Mortality
Saturday, October 21, 9am-12pm (Doors open at 8:30am)
- Practical Wisdom: Healthcare Proxies and Advance Medical Directives, Crystal Pressley, MD
- Practical Wisdom: Caring for the Dead, Memorials and Burials, Justin N. Barfield
Location
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 100 E. Peace Street, Raleigh, NC 27604