CAMDEN — The First Congregational Church of Camden will host a series of three workshops beginning January 18, addressing end-of-life issues with a primary focus on advance care planning.

“This topic is important for anyone over 18 years of age and increasingly important for individuals and their families in the case of serious illness,” said the Church.

David and Karen Giansiracusa, of Camden, will present and facilitate discussion for the three workshops. Attending all three sessions is recommended. The program will be held in the church’s Pilgrim Room, on Thursday evenings, from 6:30 - 8 p.m., on the follow dates:

The first session, on January 18, will be “An Introduction to End-of-Life Issues”, addressing the differences between palliative care and hospice care, and how these two forms of care alleviate suffering and maximize quality of life. Attendees will also learn about the elements of communication that are critically important to advance care planning.

The second session, on February 8, will be “An Overview of Advance Care Planning: Why It Is Critically Important and What Is Involved?” The session will also introduce the “Five Wishes” document to stimulate an exploration of personal values and goals and raise questions regarding the process of advance care planning.

The third session, on February 15, will be a hands-on workshop in which each attendee will have the opportunity to “Create Your Personal, Individualized Advance Directive”, utilizing the “Five Wishes” document. This completed document may serve as one’s legal advance directive for the State of Maine. You will learn where to keep copies and with whom to share your advance directive, including your healthcare agent and others close to you.

These workshops are free of charge and open to all.  Registration is requested but not required; call Becky in the church office at 207-236-4821 or email her at churchoffice@camdenucc.org.

The First Congregational Church is located at 55 Elm Street, Camden. The Pilgrim Room is accessible through the door leading in from the church parking lot.