November Death Café Schedule

UPDATE:

The November 20 Death Café location has moved to St. Gertrude's Church. Same time, same registration process.

New address is 6214 N. Glenwood (about 5 blocks west of Metropolis). Enter through the Ministry Center and look for signs directing you to the choir room.

"Sometimes I think it’s easier to talk about this topic with complete strangers, which I think can help open the door to talk about it with family and friends.”

That was a comment from a participant in one of the Death Café events I’ve co-facilitated in Chicago. I love it, because it’s so true for many people.

We’re all going to die someday – though hopefully not anytime soon. Most people have no problem talking about food or politics or sex, but death? No, thanks: too depressing.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t have issues. Sometimes we are struggling to bring up the topic with older parents. Sometimes we’ve been to one too many funerals in a short amount of time and start reflecting on our own lives and legacies. Sometimes we just have questions.

I remember my friend, Delle, saying that you learn what you really believe when faced with death. Do you believe in an afterlife? Are you ready for it?

Death Cafés are not grief support groups. There are many, great organizations and individuals who provide that service. A Death Café brings together a group of people to talk about death, and how to make the most of their finite lives.

And many who have come to our events have said the discussions – ranging from defining your legacy to what kind of funeral you want – have given them the courage to discuss these topics with family and friends. Talking about death doesn’t hasten your own death, but it can certainly ease your mind and focus you on your goals.

We have two Chicago Death Cafés coming up in November, both at Metropolis Coffee House, in Edgewater. They will be held on November 12 and November 20. Space is limited, so RSVP now to get your award-winning coffee or tea and decadent desserts.

Why do we call it an introduction? Because we hope that the conversations you have that night will be the beginning of a dialogue with your family and friends on how you want to make the most of your life.

So, join us this month for a conversation about death – and life. Don’t be surprised if there’s a lot of laughter.

 

For more on the international Death Café movement, click here.