Come join The Charles Simeon Institute’s Lay School of Theology for a two-day conference on Facing Death: A Christian’s Journey to Life Everlasting. This is a condensed version of our 6-week course and it is back by popular demand! 

Registration is now open!

Below is  high-level overview of the schedule:

January 24: 5:30pm-7:30pm (*dinner not provided*)

• Registration and Welcome

• Session 1: “Living and Dying with a Truly Christian Understanding of Death” by Fr. Michael Petty

January 25: 8:30am-5:00pm (*lunch provided*)

• Donuts and Coffee

• Morning Prayer

• “Planning in Advance for End of Life” by Beth Medley, Esq.

• “Demystifying Medical Management Decisions” by Dr. Jennifer Lynes

• Lunch Break

• “Finding Hope and Assurance on the Journey” by Patricia Goodwin, LCSW

• "Grieving in Prayer and Liturgy” by Mtr. Travis Boline 

• Expert Panel Discussion

At all times, the tradition of the Church invites each of us to self-reflect – “Am I living well?”; this, of course, also asks “Am I dying well?”. In other words, to what extent does my daily living reflect the life of Jesus Christ? Am I putting my flesh to death in pursuit of resurrected life? This is the path of each baptized believer, for each day is a journey from death to life everlasting. As St. Paul passionately proclaims: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11, NRSV).

As Christians, the acknowledgment of death – the death of the flesh and eventual death and resurrection of the body – should be a part of our daily devotional life with God and with each other. But if we are honest, this is much easier said than done! Dying to self is hard – “For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15). Not only that, but many of us have felt the terrible grief that comes in the wake of the death of a loved one. The thought of our own passing can also conjure images of a gaping and hopeless chasm. For these reasons, ignoring death may seem to be the preferable r

This is where the good news of the gospel bears incredible fruit for each of our lives. For it is in the black pit of the tomb that the power of God rolls away the stone and lets the light in. In the deepest throes of sin we can hear the whispering Spirit say “You are cleansed, and you are forgiven.” It is in the emptiness left by a loved one that the fullness of God with us and faith in eternal life come to bear. In the face of certain death our Christian hope blossoms. The death and bodily resurrection of our Lord beckons us to bravely look at all aspects of death as a community with hope and even joy.

From this courage our faith provides, the Charles Simeon Institute welcomes you to join us for a weekend class, Facing Death: A Christian’s Journey to Life Everlasting. This weekend class is for everyone – whether you are nearing the end of life, have a loved one in that stage, or are just seeking discipleship in this aspect of a Christian’s journey. Fr. Michael Petty will lay the foundation by providing a theological and biblical understanding of death. Then, a team of medical professionals and social workers from hospice will provide insights into advanced planning, medical management decisions, and family support opportunities. Mother Travis Boline will then unpack the liturgical treasures found in the Book of Common Prayer during seasons of grieving and lead a workshop on funeral planning. The class will conclude with a panel discussion where all the instructors will answer questions.

When: January 24-25, 2025 at St. Peter’s

Cost: $20 (scholarships are available - access on registration page)