As our population ages faith communities are seeing and will be seeing more and more of their members facing the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease.  This event offers the riches of presenters who are in Chicago for the American Society of Aging Conference to faith communities in the Chicagoland area. 

Registration: 3:30-4:00

First Session:  4:00-5:30

Our first presentation is by Rev. John and Susan McFadden, PhD, co-authors of Aging Together:  Dementia, Friendship and Flourishing Communities. They will examine our cultural narratives of fear and anxiety around dementia, and propose a new story that congregations can live out:  a story based on providing vital connections and community for all our members, not based on cognitive ability but on creative programs and services that support the flourishing of all in our community, including those with dementia and their care-partners.

5:30-6:30 Mingle, Visit Exhibitors, Eat a light supper

6:45-9:00  View and discuss The Forgetting and the Forgiving

This play explores the story of two siblings, coming with different experiences with their mother, as they seek to care for her as Alzheimer’s disease impacts all their lives.  There is humor, music, some teaching moments, and transformation as the siblings walk this path.  The playwright is the Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica, who has also authored, Where Two Worlds Touch: A Spiritual Journey through Alzheimer’s Disease. 

You can register for the whole event or for just the play.  A light supper will be included for all who attend.