The Art of Natural Death Care raises awareness of an alternative way in which families can care for their loved ones at the time of death. The Sophia Center for Life Studies Crossings Care Community, along with many forward thinking people around the country, are bringing death care back to family and community. Natural home death care is legal, even without a funeral director in most states, and is an alternative to the conventional way in which death has been handled in the United States over the last century. This growing movement of home funeral and green burial care is driven by the belief that this way can be more meaningful, affordable, and environmentally friendly. Families can care for their loved ones at the time of death bringing individuality, sacredness, love and reverence. The Art of Natural Death Care can help get the conversation started about end of life choices.

The Sophia Center for Life Studies would like to thank filmmaker Katelyn LaGrega for donating her time and energy and dedicating her heart and soul in creating this film. We believe that this film can serve individuals and organizations across the country who are dedicated to educating about Natural Death Care options. We are passionate about this work and encourage the use and sharing of this film to support this movement and raise awareness. Donations for the creation and production of this film are welcome and can be made by clicking on the Donate button. Contact us if you would prefer to donate by check.

WORKSHOPS AND EDUCATION

The Sophia Center Board and members of the Crossing Care community offer a variety of workshops and family-based sessions on the topics related to natural home funerals and green burial. Listed below are a few of the subjects covered through individual meetings, half-day and full-day workshops, and weekend retreats. Many of these include hands-on training as well as completion of all documents involved in crossing care. Any of these sessions can be scheduled in advance for families or communities interested in learning more about home funeral care.

  • How to Start the Conversation - With yourself, with your family, with others

  • Introduction to Natural Death Care/Home Funerals (family- or group-based)

  • Family gathering (family discussion with the assistance of a Crossing Care educator)

  • Developing Your Own Death Care Plan

  • Legalities and Paperwork for Crossing Care:  Advance Directives and other important documents

  • Bodycare Training

  • Conscious Dying

  • How to Be An Executor

  • Staying Connected to Those Who Have Crossed

  • Legacy and Home Funeral Planning

  • Biography and Social Art on Life Cycles

  • Creating Beeswax Vigil Candles

The Crossings Care community also hosts regular social events throughout the year, including movie nights, covered dish socials, discussion groups, and book studies. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive event announcements. and invitations to scheduled workshops and retreats.