Not Alone: Conversations About MAID
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MAID Conference Information
Friday, November 15, 6:30 – 9:00 PM
@ North Lonsdale United Church (3380 Lonsdale Ave)
Saturday, November 16, 8:45 AM – 12:45 PM
@ St. Andrew's & St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church (2641 Chesterfield Ave)
A collaboration of St. Andrew’s and St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, North Lonsdale United Church and Reflector Project, this conference aims to help people navigate spiritual, ethical, and personal questions and situations around Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). The conference is not about arguing a position on an issue, but rather helping individuals and families with questions and challenges.
The gathering will include presentations, practical information, medical considerations, and spiritual and theological reflection.
MAID reminds us that we will all face tough questions and circumstances. We hope to care for one another well in doing this.
About Our Presenters
Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee
Jason Byassee is the senior pastor at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. He is from North Carolina originally, his wife Jaylynn is from west Texas, and they both love pastoring as transplants to The United Church of Canada. Jason has worked previously as a seminary professor in Vancouver, as a pastor in British Columbia and North Carolina, and a journalist in Chicago.
He has studied at Davidson College (B.A.) and Duke University (M.Div. & Ph.D.), written or co-edited more than 20 books, and lectured or preached in eight Canadian provinces, 26 US states, and seven other countries. He has written some 350 articles in such diverse venues as Christian Century, the Vancouver Sun, Theology Today, Sojourners, and Religion News Service.
He’s also a nerd (Star Wars, LOTR, Eagle Fang karate, Louise Penny novels—this list could expand) but mostly he is a church nerd. He’d visit any church anywhere across the world.
If you’re a keener, check out his credentials and work at www.jasonbyassee.com. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter (@jasonbyassee) and Insta (realjasonbyassee).
Connie Jorsvik
Patient Pathways Founder, Senior Healthcare Navigator, Advance Care Planning Specialist, Author & Educator.
Connie Jorsvik founded Patient Pathways in 2011 after 25 years as an RN. She has supported hundreds of patients and their families in their journeys through serious and complex illness. As an RN for 25 years she has a solid foundation serving within the BC healthcare system. She is also the past National Advance Care Planning Coordinator for Dying with Dignity Canada. Connie is the author of Advance Care Planning: Prepare for Serious Illness, and Navigating the BC Healthcare System.
Rosemary Hill
Rosemary Hill has been a nurse for over 35 years and is the recipient of the Award of Excellence in Practice from the Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (ARNBC). She works at Lions Gate Hospital as a Nurse Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC). Her past volunteer activities include the role of President for Nurses Specialized in Wound Ostomy Continence Canada (2016-2018). As well, she participates as a member on the BC provincial Skin and Wound committee, Chairs the Provincial Ostomy committee, and is an expert speaker at national and international events. Recently Rosemary has been invited to participate as a panel member for the International Pressure Ulcer/Injury Guideline (fourth edition). In September she was honoured with the NSWOC award of 2024 from Ostomy Canada Society.