We are thrilled to introduce a new program at St. Barnabas aimed at uniting our church community to explore the unique experiences our children, siblings, parents, spouses, partners, and grandparents encounter as we journey through life together. Much like a kaleidoscope, our lives are constantly shifting in composition, and when we learn to respond with compassion and love, we demonstrate our commitment to supporting one another.
Our inaugural gathering will take place on Sunday, November 17, after the 10 a.m. service. We will be joined by Shannon Braun, the Director of the Episcopal Retirement Services Center for Memory Support & Inclusion, who will guide us on this significant journey for St. Barnabas. She will cover the definition of dementia, the diseases that lead to it, and the stages of cognitive decline. We will discuss strategies to enhance our communication with individuals experiencing dementia and fostering positive interactions and support for caregivers.