Coming Up in Worship

February  14th             Transfiguration Sunday

9:00am  Classic Worship

10:00am Fellowship

11:00am Bridge Worship

 Evening worship 

            5:30pm   Contemplative Worship.

    Everyone Welcome!

Check out the architectural first concepts of our new building!

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  Religion, Culture

  and Healthcare

  at the End of Life

 Register for Series

Sundays:  6:30pm-8:30pm  (Come early for Contemplative Worship at 5:30pm)

January 24, 31

February 14, 21, 28

Faith and the End of Life

Things are much more complicated than they were just 20 years ago.  Technology and advances in health care have allowed us to live longer.  

However, the questions remain: Are we living better?  Do we have a high quality of life in our old age?  Are we making decisions for ourselves and our loved ones regarding health care that are consistent with our faith and our values?  Are family members having to make decisions for us because we have waited too long to address issues?  Has your doctor discussed all possible treatments and alternative care when a cure for a disease process is not possible?  Does your family agree with these choices?

The Adult Education Team at First United Methodist  Church is sponsoring this five part study to look at these issues understanding that there is no  “right “ answer.

This study is free and open to all.

Drop-ins are welcome. Child care is available but advanced registration is required. Please contact  us by phone, 251– 0804, or click here to register. 

Study Outline/Schedule

Session 1: Religious Views on Aging and Care at the End of Life (1/24)

· Learn Jewish, Christian and Muslim perspectives on aging and the end of life

Session 2 :Cultural Aspects of Aging and the End of Life (January 31)

· Overview of various cultures and how they view aging in their respective communities (focus on Somali and Sisters of OSB in our community)

Session 3 :The Role of Palliative and Hospice Care at the End of Life(February 14)

· Learn about the history of hospice care  and understand the role (and difference) between palliative and hospice care

Session 4 End of Life and the Future of Health Care: Challenges and Costs(February 21)

· Learn about current health care reform plan and about costs of End of Life Care

· Discussion

Session 5: Summary Session: Making Choices Consistent with our Values, Faith and Spirituality (February 28)

· Care Giver Exercise

· “When things go wrong”

· Discussion

 About Our Speakers

Reverend William Meier is lead pastor at First United Methodist Church

Dr. Marlene DeVoe is a Psychology Professor with a special focus in Gerontology at SCSU.

Sister Julianna Lauer , OSB, is a practicing nun and resides with many sisters at  St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph.

Reverend Pamela Nickel is a Hospice Chaplin and works for St. Cloud Hospice and Homecare

Joseph Bauer is director of Quiet Oaks Hospice Home

Dr. Merryn Jolkovsky is Medical Director of St. Cloud Hospital’s Palliative Care program (after many years of working as a Nephrologist– kidney specialist)

Dr. George Schoephoerster is a family physician that has practiced in the St. Cloud area for 30 years.  He has a special interest in Geriatrics and exclusively practices in the  Nursing Home setting.

Dr. Angie Ausban is a General Internist and Pediatrician and practices at CentraCare clinic in St. Cloud.

Dr. Laurie Radovsky is a family physician practicing in St. Paul.

Mr. Ismail Ali is Chair of the Somali Elders Council.