MARQUETTE — The Cedar Tree Institute, in collaboration with The Coming Home Project, is offering a free public presentation, “What Love Says: Caregiving in a Time of Serious Illness,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic St., Marquette. The presentation is part of a series offered focusing on hospice and palliative care.

The presentation will feature Larry Skendzel, MD, medical director and program director for Hospice and Palliative Care Fellowship at Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Skendzel will discuss caregiving, serious illness, communication and the role of compassion in supporting individuals and families navigating difficult health journeys.

The evening will also include music and reflection with Craig Kitchen and Singing Bowls.

The “Coming Home” series is designed to encourage community conversations about caregiving, serious illness, grief and end-of-life experiences. Through educational presentations and discussion, the series aims to provide information, foster connection, and help reduce the isolation often experienced by individuals and families facing serious illness.

“One of the greatest gifts we can offer one another is our presence during times of illness, loss and uncertainty,” said Jon Magnuson, MDiv., MSW, director of The Cedar Tree Institute. “Through the Coming Home series, we hope to create a welcoming space where people can learn, ask questions, and share experiences. and discover they are not alone. These conversations help build more compassionate communities while honoring the dignity of every person facing serious illness.”

Additional sessions held at 7 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church in the upcoming months include the following tentative topics:

• Sept. 16 — “The Tributaries of Grief”

• Nov. 11 — “The Near-Death Experience: What We Know”

“Caregiving is ultimately an expression of love,” Magnuson said. “When individuals and families better understand serious illness and the resources available to support them, they are often better prepared to make informed decisions, communicate their wishes and focus on what matters most.”

The event is free and open to the public. Family caregivers, health care professionals, faith leaders and community members interested in hospice, palliative care, caregiving, and end-of-life issues are encouraged to attend.

The series is made possible through support from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Superior Health Foundation and the Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health.

The Cedar Tree Institute fosters education, dialogue, and community engagement around health, healing, caregiving, aging, serious illness and end-of-life care. Through public programs and partnerships, the institute works to cultivate understanding, compassion, and meaningful connection throughout life’s journey. For more information, visit cedartreeinstitute.org.