Death Cafe, which began in London in 2011, is a non-profit enterprise that’s dedicated to raising community awareness about death.  Since 2011, over 32 countries have offered Death Cafes based on the London model: a group-directed discussion of death, usually with tea and cake and always without agenda, objectives, themes or “right” answers.  It’s not a grief support group or an end-of-life planning program. The purpose of a Death Cafe is simply to provide an opportunity for people to talk with one another about death, something we’re all affected by in our lives.

 

Lexington’s January Death Cafe will gather in the Large Meeting Room at the Cary Memorial Library on Sunday January 22, 2017 from 2:30-4:30 pm. During the two-hour event, facilitators Mary Ann and Sairey will set the tone for the afternoon and offer guidance on small group discussions (which lie at the heart of the program).  Time will be set aside for shared conversation within the large group toward the end of the session. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.  Visit http://www.carylibrary.org/calendar/program-calendar to reserve your seat by clicking on the Jan 22 Death Cafe event.  

Lexington’s Mary Ann Christie Burnside and Sairey Leone Luterman are bringing the next Death Cafe to Lexington on Sunday January 22, 2017, and you’re invited.

 

Mary Ann Christie Burnside, Ed.D., Lexington resident, author, educator, spiritual director and hospice volunteer has shared contemplative teachings and practices with people of all ages since 2007. Sairey Leone Luterman, Lexington resident, grief counselor and certified thanotologist has supported people over the last ten years as they grieve. Both women are accomplished professionals who are passionate about attending to others with awareness, compassion and care. Mary Ann and Sairey met over a shared interest in what death and dying, a natural stage of life, can teach us about living.