Walking beside loved ones as they transition from life to death can be one of the most meaningful gifts of love anyone can offer. Yet, despite the fact that everyone dies, we still talk very little about death. The Rev. Dr. Laurie Andersen, a palliative care chaplain at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, teaches us how to listen deeply, and suggests ways of bringing peace to a discouraging or even traumatic situation.

The Circle: Conversations about Health, Wellness & Spirituality is a monthly educational forum for all who are interested in understanding the variety of needs—mental health issues, end-of-life decisions, spiritual crises and more—that arise in a community of faith. Convened by Associate Pastor Kate Dunn, these conversations help participants develop skills to respond with compassionate care to those in need.