Church of the Cross to host 'Being Mortal' series
Grieving the loss of a loved one and accepting our own mortality are not easy for most of us. That is why Church of the Cross (Presbyterian Church USA) in Hoffman Estates is holding an ecumenical/interfaith series starting Sunday, Oct. 9, on "Being Mortal, Navigating Grief and Planning for the End of Life Decisions."
On consecutive Sundays through Nov. 13, the church, 475 W. Higgins Road, will address aspects of being mortal. The series will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the church lounge, or the gymnasium if the turnout is greater. The public is invited; no reservations are needed.
On Sunday, Oct. 9, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Monica Saavedra, director of Human Services of the village of Hoffman Estates, will speak about "Grief -- Moving through Darkness to Find Light."
The presenter on Sunday, Oct. 16, is Amy Florian, author of "A Friend Indeed: Help Those You Love When They Grieve."
On Sunday, Oct. 23, Kathy Ahlgrim, funeral director of Ahlgrim and Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, in Hoffman Estates is the speaker.
On Sunday, Oct. 30, the Rev. Julie Peterson, pastor of Church of the Cross, will discuss preparing for your memorial service (Christian focused).
Schaumburg estate planning attorney William F. Kelley will address "Getting Your Affairs in Order -- POA, Wills and Trusts" Sunday, Nov. 6.
The final speaker on Sunday, Nov. 13, is Chaplain Jennifer Bradshaw of Ascension Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, whose topic is "Hospice and Palliative Care 101."
The "Being Mortal" program was originally scheduled before COVID became a pandemic and had to be rescheduled.
"The coronavirus served as a grim reminder we are indeed mortal humans," said Peterson. "Yet, this program is not intended to cause anxiety or depress those who attend. On the contrary, it is our hope this program will help to eliminate some of the fears or misapprehensions we've all had about the end of our life."
