Winter of Christian Life Session Highlights
Sessions 1-5
* Case study - follows “Mom”, her family and caretakers as Mom’s illness gradually deteriorates.
* The first three sessions focus on personal aspects (what it is like to be in Winter; to be the care-receiver; to be the care-givers).
* Session 4 focuses on ethical aspects of end-of-life decisions.
* In Session 5 the family must decide about removing life support from Mom. As Mom’s illness steadily gets worse, the study group gets to participate in the family decision-making process at each stage, connecting the various decision options with ethical aspects from session 4.
* Differences between hospital care and hospice care at the end of life are discussed in Session 5, referring back to a story of hospice care for a young mother related in session 3.
* Biblical connections include (1) the story of Simeon and Anna who are connected to God’s plan for salvation even in their old age (Luke 2:25-38), (2) Psalm 71:17-19 asking God not to forsake us in old age so that we can “proclaim your might to all the generations to come”, (3) the story of Jesus accepting care from a woman who anoints his head with costly ointment (Mark 14:1-9), (4) Jesus’ series of quotes “I was sick and you took care of me, etc.” (Matthew 25:34-40), (5) Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane while his disciples sleep instead of sharing his suffering (Mark 14:32-42).
* Readings include “What’s Winter Like?,” “Morrie IS ready for winter,” “Denial of Aging,” “Fear of Dependency,” “Reflections on being a Care-receiver,” “Importance of Christian Community,” “Managing Caregiver Stress,” and “Care for the Caregiver.”
Session 6 – The “Right to Die” in America
* Biblical connection – Paul’s desire to depart this life and be with Christ (Philippians 1:21-24)
* Readings on Oregon’s “Death with Dignity Act”
* Modified debate about physician-assisted suicide, including ethical aspects
Session 7 – Gifts of the Church Community
* Biblical connection - Gifts that the faithful receive from God’s gracious hand: assurance of God’s protection (Psalm 91:9-15), resurrection (John 11:21-27), and crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
* Sermon: “A Gift of Hope”
* Readings: “The Gifts of Christian Community”
* Reflection: “Planning Your Own Funeral”
Sessions 1-5
* Case study - follows “Mom”, her family and caretakers as Mom’s illness gradually deteriorates.
* The first three sessions focus on personal aspects (what it is like to be in Winter; to be the care-receiver; to be the care-givers).
* Session 4 focuses on ethical aspects of end-of-life decisions.
* In Session 5 the family must decide about removing life support from Mom. As Mom’s illness steadily gets worse, the study group gets to participate in the family decision-making process at each stage, connecting the various decision options with ethical aspects from session 4.
* Differences between hospital care and hospice care at the end of life are discussed in Session 5, referring back to a story of hospice care for a young mother related in session 3.
* Biblical connections include (1) the story of Simeon and Anna who are connected to God’s plan for salvation even in their old age (Luke 2:25-38), (2) Psalm 71:17-19 asking God not to forsake us in old age so that we can “proclaim your might to all the generations to come”, (3) the story of Jesus accepting care from a woman who anoints his head with costly ointment (Mark 14:1-9), (4) Jesus’ series of quotes “I was sick and you took care of me, etc.” (Matthew 25:34-40), (5) Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane while his disciples sleep instead of sharing his suffering (Mark 14:32-42).
* Readings include “What’s Winter Like?,” “Morrie IS ready for winter,” “Denial of Aging,” “Fear of Dependency,” “Reflections on being a Care-receiver,” “Importance of Christian Community,” “Managing Caregiver Stress,” and “Care for the Caregiver.”
Session 6 – The “Right to Die” in America
* Biblical connection – Paul’s desire to depart this life and be with Christ (Philippians 1:21-24)
* Readings on Oregon’s “Death with Dignity Act”
* Modified debate about physician-assisted suicide, including ethical aspects
Session 7 – Gifts of the Church Community
* Biblical connection - Gifts that the faithful receive from God’s gracious hand: assurance of God’s protection (Psalm 91:9-15), resurrection (John 11:21-27), and crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
* Sermon: “A Gift of Hope”
* Readings: “The Gifts of Christian Community”
* Reflection: “Planning Your Own Funeral”