Trinity to offer series of classes on death

It's been said that talking about death won't kill you. Nevertheless, it's a topic that most people find difficult to discuss.

At Trinity Ecumenical Parish, end-of-life issues will be topics of conversation in an adult education class this month. The class will meet consecutive Sundays, Jan. 10-31, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., between the church's 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services

Participants are not required to be members of TEP.

"We felt this series is so germane to the lake community that everyone, not just those who regularly come to Sunday School at TEP, should have the chance to attend," said David Fox, director of Christian Formation.

"This is a unique opportunity for people to come together and, in a non-threatening environment, learn about and discuss the art of dying well," said Fox. "The curriculum also provides spiritual guidance that will help those who are losing a loved one deal with the inevitable."

The four-class series is designed to instruct adults in navigating the difficult period when loved ones approach the end of their lives. Included in the course is information about hospice care and how to keep loved ones as comfortable as possible in their final days.

Representatives from Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke will serve as primary facilitators at each of the four sessions. They are:

Jan. 10: "Spirituality: A Window for Viewing the End-of-Life Experience." Marvin Barbre, director of Spiritual Care, Good Samaritan Hospice.

Jan. 17: "Hard Choices for Loving People: Options for Treatment at the End of Life." Jennie Lemon, RN, CHPN, director of Nursing, Good Samaritan Hospice-New River Valley.

Jan. 24: "Pain, Shortness of Breath, and other Manageable Symptoms at the End of Life." Dr. Don Bivins, medical director, Good Samaritan Hospice.

Jan. 31: "Hospice as a Safety Net for Patients and Families." Dianne Henry-Leggette, MSW, LCSW, director of Social Work and Bereavement, Good Samaritan Hospice-Roanoke.

There is no charge to attend the classes; participants may attend any or all of them.

For more information, contact Pam Cairns at 721-2278; to register, call the TEP office at 721-4330.