Upcoming events
Soul Care for Adults
Prairiewoods
120 Boyson Road, Hiawatha IA 52233
Led by Jamie Siela, LISW, & Jackie Koster, BSW
Explore your grief with others through creative expression in this grief group for adults every third Wednesday, 5:30–7 p.m. U.S. Central Time
Take time to connect with others in grief and engage the creative spark. Jamie Siela, LISW, and Jackie Koster, BSW, from UnityPoint Hospice facilitate this monthly grief group open to any adults grieving loss through death. On the third Wednesday of each month, come together in person to explore a different creative art medium. (A similar group for children and the adults who support them is offered on the second Wednesday of each month.)
In June, we will personalize flower pots with photos and decorations in remembrance of our loved ones. Please bring paper copies of photos if you would like to add them to your flower pot. Different mediums will be available to create your own pot.
Registration is required by noon a week in advance. This group is free and includes all art supplies.
Register here: https://pw.retreatportal.com/events/f?p=101:2:2814799524638::::PROGRAM_ID:29649
Natural Path Sanctuary Death Education Market
Death Collective road trip opportunity to Verona, Wisconsin (near Madison)!
This is about a 3 hour drive and we would like to help coordinate car pooling for those that would like to go. Please email us if you would like to catch a ride or if you would be willing to drive before noon on Friday, June 20th at info@deathcollectiveeasterniowa.com.
Date: Saturday , June 21, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Farley Center, 2299 Spring Rose Rd, Verona, WI
The Natural Path Sanctuary (NPS) and Farley Center invite you to an engaging and educational event focused on end-of-life awareness and resources. The Death Education Market offers an opportunity to explore meaningful ways to approach death with compassion, knowledge, and preparation. This is the first time we are doing this event.
This unique event will feature:
1:30 Natural Path Sanctuary Tour by Director Shedd Farley and Cemeterian Dustin Duve
Local Vendors & Organizations: Connect with professionals offering eco-friendly burial products, funeral planning services, and holistic end-of-life care.
Whether you’re curious about sustainable burial practices, seeking guidance on end-of-life planning, or simply want to explore this important topic in a supportive setting, this market is for you. Share stories, ask questions, and learn from others in a welcoming, open environment
Admission: Free and open to the public.
There will be food vendors available – please bring cash.
To learn more about the Natural Path Sanctuary/Farley Center, go to naturalpathsanctuary.org and www.farleycenter.org
If you would like to participate, please contact programs@farleycenter.org We have limited space available for death education community groups, funeral homes, shroud and casket makers (all certified for use in the NPS) and other related organizations. All must be approved to participate.
We look forward to seeing you at this meaningful and inspiring event!
Participants: (More will be added as we confirm groups/vendors)
Natural Path Sanctuary
Ryan Funeral Home
Gunderson Funeral Home
Good Mourning
Walking Each Other Home
Prairie Sundance
Foster Funeral & Cremation Service
Madison Death Collective
National Association of Certified Death Midwives
Cress Funeral Home and Cremation Services
The Pink Peony
Humble Crossings
Pechman Memorials, Inc.
Threshold Singers of Madison
Casper Creek Natural Cemetery
Threshold Care Circle/ Driftless Green Burial Alliance
UW Organ and Tissue Donation
Food Vendor
El Sabor de Puebla/Reyna Gonzalez
Link to more info: https://naturalpathsanctuary.org/event/natural-path-sanctuary-death-education-market/
June Death Cafe
What is a Death Café? An open-ended, informal community conversation about the end of life without any particular goal or agenda.
Why a Death Café? What to expect?
• Arrive at the Greenhouse, grab a tasty drink and some snacks if you’d like, then sit at a table with some other participants. Facilitators will be present to answer any questions and give a brief introduction before conversations begin. Participants practice active, engaged listening with respect for others’ views and experiences.
• Ground rules: respect, compassion, support, and confidentiality. Death Cafés are not designed to focus on bereavement and grief support, but open-ended questions and conversation.
• What happens in a Death Café stays in a Death Café.
Grief Support Group
A grief support group meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Zion Lutheran Church (310 N Johnson St, Iowa City). The group meets from 3:30-5:00pm in Zion Lutheran’s lower level Gathering Room.
Suggested donation is $10-20 per person. Attendees can just show up or email Mary at mccallconsulting22@gmail.com for information. This group meets in-person only.
Grief Writing
Grief is a process, not an event. Writing is a process, not a product. Which is why it’s so well suited to helping us unravel our way through the confusion and pain of all kinds of loss.
This monthly writing group will provide supportive space, prompts, and short readings focused on the experience of loss. There are many kinds of grief — this class is inspired by Francis Weller’s Five Gates of Grief — and we’ll spend time with many of them.
The group meets the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 am CT. Each session includes:
arrival and centering
a reading and brief exploration of a theme
a prompt and 20-30 minutes of writing
sharing (by choice) of our writing
Each class is on a sliding scale according to ability to pay. See more info below.
WHEN: First Saturday of each month, 10:00-11:30 am Central Time
WHERE: In-person option at Porch Light Literary Center, Iowa City OR on Zoom
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/GriefWriting
Soul Care for Adults
Prairiewoods
120 Boyson Road, Hiawatha IA 52233
Led by Jamie Siela, LISW, & Jackie Koster, BSW
Explore your grief with others through creative expression in this grief group for adults every third Wednesday, 5:30–7 p.m. U.S. Central Time
Take time to connect with others in grief and engage the creative spark. Jamie Siela, LISW, and Jackie Koster, BSW, from UnityPoint Hospice facilitate this monthly grief group open to any adults grieving loss through death. On the third Wednesday of each month, come together in person to explore a different creative art medium. (A similar group for children and the adults who support them is offered on the second Wednesday of each month.)
In June, we will personalize flower pots with photos and decorations in remembrance of our loved ones. Please bring paper copies of photos if you would like to add them to your flower pot. Different mediums will be available to create your own pot.
Registration is required by noon a week in advance. This group is free and includes all art supplies.
Register here: https://pw.retreatportal.com/events/f?p=101:2:8214524269407::::PROGRAM_ID:29650
Grief Support Group
A grief support group meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Zion Lutheran Church (310 N Johnson St, Iowa City). The group meets from 3:30-5:00pm in Zion Lutheran’s lower level Gathering Room.
Suggested donation is $10-20 per person. Attendees can just show up or email Mary at mccallconsulting22@gmail.com for information. This group meets in-person only.
Grief Writing
Grief is a process, not an event. Writing is a process, not a product. Which is why it’s so well suited to helping us unravel our way through the confusion and pain of all kinds of loss.
This monthly writing group will provide supportive space, prompts, and short readings focused on the experience of loss. There are many kinds of grief — this class is inspired by Francis Weller’s Five Gates of Grief — and we’ll spend time with many of them.
The group meets the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 am CT. Each session includes:
arrival and centering
a reading and brief exploration of a theme
a prompt and 20-30 minutes of writing
sharing (by choice) of our writing
Each class is on a sliding scale according to ability to pay. See more info below.
WHEN: First Saturday of each month, 10:00-11:30 am Central Time
WHERE: In-person option at Porch Light Literary Center, Iowa City OR on Zoom
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/GriefWriting
May Death Cafe
What is a Death Café? An open-ended, informal community conversation about the end of life without any particular goal or agenda.
Why a Death Café? What to expect?
• Arrive at the Greenhouse, grab a tasty drink and some snacks if you’d like, then sit at a table with some other participants. Facilitators will be present to answer any questions and give a brief introduction before conversations begin. Participants practice active, engaged listening with respect for others’ views and experiences.
• Ground rules: respect, compassion, support, and confidentiality. Death Cafés are not designed to focus on bereavement and grief support, but open-ended questions and conversation.
• What happens in a Death Café stays in a Death Café.
Grief Support Group
A grief support group meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Zion Lutheran Church (310 N Johnson St, Iowa City). The group meets from 3:30-5:00pm in Zion Lutheran’s lower level Gathering Room.
Suggested donation is $10-20 per person. Attendees can just show up or email Mary at mccallconsulting22@gmail.com for information. This group meets in-person only.
Cemetery Walk
We’ll meet at Press Coffee and then head to the cemetery. A mindful walk and then sharing.
The Shrouds
We will be collaborating with FilmScene for a screening of The Shrouds on May 8th. An informal group conversation following the screening. No sign-up necessary to attend, but find your tickets on the FilmScene website to ensure yourself a seat.
This screening will be at 7:00pm at FilmScene’s Ped Mall location.
Grief Support Group
A grief support group meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Zion Lutheran Church (310 N Johnson St, Iowa City). The group meets from 3:30-5:00pm in Zion Lutheran’s lower level Gathering Room.
Suggested donation is $10-20 per person. Attendees can just show up or email Mary at mccallconsulting22@gmail.com for information. This group meets in-person only.
Grief Writing
Grief is a process, not an event. Writing is a process, not a product. Which is why it’s so well suited to helping us unravel our way through the confusion and pain of all kinds of loss.
This monthly writing group will provide supportive space, prompts, and short readings focused on the experience of loss. There are many kinds of grief — this class is inspired by Francis Weller’s Five Gates of Grief — and we’ll spend time with many of them.
The group meets the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 am CT. Each session includes:
arrival and centering
a reading and brief exploration of a theme
a prompt and 20-30 minutes of writing
sharing (by choice) of our writing
Each class is on a sliding scale according to ability to pay. See more info below.
WHEN: First Saturday of each month, 10:00-11:15 am Central Time
WHERE: In-person option at Porch Light Literary Center, Iowa City OR on Zoom
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/GriefWriting
April Death Cafe
What is a Death Café? An open-ended, informal community conversation about the end of life without any particular goal or agenda.
Why a Death Café? What to expect?
• Arrive at the Greenhouse, grab a tasty drink and some snacks if you’d like, then sit at a table with some other participants. Facilitators will be present to answer any questions and give a brief introduction before conversations begin. Participants practice active, engaged listening with respect for others’ views and experiences.
• Ground rules: respect, compassion, support, and confidentiality. Death Cafés are not designed to focus on bereavement and grief support, but open-ended questions and conversation.
• What happens in a Death Café stays in a Death Café.
Walk for Dignity
The 26th Annual Walk for Dignity to benefit Iowa City Hospice and VNA of Johnson County.
Sunday, April 27th, 2025 at Willow Creek Park, 1117 Teg Dr, Iowa City, IA 52246
12pm-1pm: gathering of friends, families and teams
1pm- Walk for Dignity starts!
Put on your walking shoes and a smile, and join us for a fun, family-friendly event that honors the memories of loved ones as it raises funds to support compassionate care.
Participation is free, and donations are welcome! We have fun prizes for different levels of giving. Teams are encouraged, too!
The Walk for Dignity is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a gathering of families, friends, and neighbors to honor loved ones, celebrate life, and support one another. This year’s event will feature:
Memory Lane, lined with signs featuring photos and meaningful words from family and friends we’ve lost.
Celebration of Life Interactive Passport Stations, where participants of all ages can engage in simple activities, earning stamps and stickers along the way.
A Family-Friendly Walking Route that is safely contained within the park and welcoming for all—including young children, strollers, and pets.
All donations benefit Iowa City Hospice and VNA of Johnson County, both 501(c)3 charity organizations. Thank you for your support!
Find out more at Iowa City Hospice’s event page here: https://iowacityhospice.org/walk-for-dignity/
Cemetery Walk
We’ll meet at Press Coffee and then head to the cemetery. A mindful walk and then sharing.
Grief Support Group
A grief support group meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at Zion Lutheran Church (310 N Johnson St, Iowa City). The group meets from 3:30-5:00pm in Zion Lutheran’s lower level Gathering Room.
Suggested donation is $10-20 per person. Attendees can just show up or email Mary at mccallconsulting22@gmail.com for information. This group meets in-person only.
Grief Writing
Grief is a process, not an event. Writing is a process, not a product. Which is why it’s so well suited to helping us unravel our way through the confusion and pain of all kinds of loss.
This monthly writing group will provide supportive space, prompts, and short readings focused on the experience of loss. There are many kinds of grief — this class is inspired by Francis Weller’s Five Gates of Grief — and we’ll spend time with many of them.
The group meets the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 am CT. Each session includes:
arrival and centering
a reading and brief exploration of a theme
a prompt and 20-30 minutes of writing
sharing (by choice) of our writing
Each class is on a sliding scale according to ability to pay. See more info below.
WHEN: First Saturday of each month, 10:00-11:15 am Central Time
WHERE: In-person option at Porch Light Literary Center, Iowa City OR on Zoom
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/GriefWriting
Senior Center Death Cafe
A Death Café is a safe place for people to talk about death in order to make the most of life. New people are encouraged to join anytime. This is not a bereavement support group or grief counseling session. This is open to people of all ages, no membership or registration required. This meeting takes place at the Iowa City Senior Center (28 S Linn St, Iowa City) on the third floor every first Friday of the month.
For more information on the purpose of this group, visit deathcafe.com or contact Michelle Buhman at 319-356-5222.
Facilitator: Craig Mosher and Michelle Buhman
Caregiver Support Group
A caregiver support group on Zoom and in person at the Iowa City Senior Center (28 S Linn St, Iowa City). Friday mornings from March 7th through April 25th. The group runs from 9:30-11am in Room 308.
You can register through Senior Center via this link, but walk-ins are welcome. Email Mary at mccallconsulting22@gmail.com for a Zoom link and additional info.
Grief Writing
Grief is a process, not an event. Writing is a process, not a product. Which is why it’s so well suited to helping us unravel our way through the confusion and pain of all kinds of loss.
This monthly writing group will provide supportive space, prompts, and short readings focused on the experience of loss. There are many kinds of grief — this class is inspired by Francis Weller’s Five Gates of Grief — and we’ll spend time with many of them.
The group meets the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 am CT. Each session includes:
arrival and centering
a reading and brief exploration of a theme
a prompt and 20-30 minutes of writing
sharing (by choice) of our writing
Each class is on a sliding scale according to ability to pay. See more info below.
WHEN: First Saturday of each month, 10:00-11:15 am Central Time
WHERE: In-person option at Porch Light Literary Center, Iowa City OR on Zoom
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/GriefWriting
