In our culture, we often walk backward into death—avoiding the conversation until we have no choice but to face it. While there is no roadmap for grief, discovering ways to navigate it brings healing. At Death & Cupcakes, we gently turn toward death instead, creating a safe space for open, honest dialogue about one of life’s most universal experiences.

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Together, we gather in a circle and follow a way-of-council approach: we speak one at a time, listen deeply, and honor every voice. We share stories, experiences, and beliefs while also exploring practical aspects of death and dying—such as the body’s natural changes, managing pain, and what to expect as life draws to a close.

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Please join us as Frank Phoenix guides this gathering, helping bring light to a topic too often left in the shadows.

 

And yes—there will be cupcakes.

 

About Frank Phoenix

Frank (Byrd) Phoenix is a Professional Engineer and philanthropist. In 1999, he set up a foundation with assets from a company his grandfather started in 1917. He has served as President ever since, supporting people and organizations working for systemic and cultural change. Today Byrd strives to see the Earth through a new and ancient lens—as a sentient, Sacred Being. He strives to connect with the Earth and the other-than-human world using prayer, deep humility, respect for the ancestors, and a shared longing for a just and more beautiful world.

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Please Register

To attend Death and Cupcakes at the Pittsboro Presbyterian Church on May 23, please register by using our CONTACT form and be sure to include the following information:

• Your full name

• Your email address

• The name of the event: Death & Cupcakes

• The date(s) you would like to attend

• Note: Please include Death & Cupcakes in the subject line
   

​We welcome and greatly appreciate your donation—online or at the door.

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​​About Death Cafes

Death & Cupcakes is heart2heart's interpretation of Death Cafes, a global movement born from the writings of Bernard Crettaz, a Swiss sociologist who believes talking about death leads to authenticity. ​At a Death Cafe, the community gathers to discuss life and death, with a serving of tea and cake. The objective is to raise awareness through open conversation about a topic that remains taboo. The idea is “to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of our (finite) lives.” ​Death Cafes are not-for-profit and there is no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product, or course of action. Learn more at www.deathcafe.com

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Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. 

It took me years to  understand that this, too, was a gift.”

~ Mary Oliver Thirst