It is with deep, deep sadness that I share the news of Dana Schwendeman’s passing.  Dana has been our Youth Director here at Brecksville UMC since August 2016. With an understanding heart and caring spirit for youth and adults alike, Dana recognized each person’s inherent worth as a beloved child of God. God graced her with abundant gifts – music, poetry, humor, art, creative writing and design – and she shared these gifts with generosity. She often sang in the worship band and choir, taught classes, and was the beautiful voice to our poetry prayers during the seasons of Advent and Lent.  While Dana hadn’t been feeling well recently, this news comes as a shock to all. She was just 34 years old, and leaves behind her husband of 12 years, Jamie (bassist and previous worship band leader and AV Coordinator); her parents, Kim and Tony Petro; sister Emily, nephews Wally and Ricky and more beloved friends than we can count.   Please keep all those who love her in prayer. I specifically ask for prayers for our youth and their families, who were told about Dana’s death while gathered together in our Chapel – or contacted via phone. Dana loved her students. Working with them and sharing in their lives brought her great joy.  A Celebration of Dana’s Life will be held at the church on Thursday, May 1. Calling hours from 4 – 6 pm. Service at 6 pm. A reception will follow the service in Fellowship Hall.   If you would like, you can make a financial donation to help offset funeral costs, etc. by marking “Dana’s love offering” on your check/envelope or by giving through the link below.  Go In Peace, Pastor Heidi

Resources for Those Who Are Grieving

• Coping with Grief After a Sudden or Unexpected Death, from Johns Hopkins University of Medicine
• Helping Children Through Grief from Illustrated Ministries
• When a Loved One Dies: Helping Children and Youth Cope with Death from the United Methodist Church
• Cornerstone of Hope Cleveland A safe space to cope with loss