Most of us have read or heard about the death of Miller Middle School eighth-grader Sawyer Ward, who took his own life. Sawyer attended our youth group at the First United Methodist Church, 2917 Aspen Drive in Durango, and had many close friends in our youth ministry.
Jesse Denier, our youth director, and I spent much of Wednesday at Miller Middle School with students and staff. I also spent time Thursday at Riverview Elementary School. It is clear this tragedy will have a deep impact on many in our community. While any death that affects our young people is difficult, suicide brings with it even more questions and a different level of grief and trauma, especially when it involves someone so young and full of life.
In light of that, we will have a special message this week in worship similar to one in September of last year on, “Surviving the Grief and Trauma of Suicide.” The message will be focused around comfort, care and prevention.
As United Methodists, our theological focus is on grace and mercy, and we will look at how the scriptures speak to us in moments like these. Indeed, these are the moments when our faith is essential, and this weekend, I hope we will wrestle with these questions and find God in the midst of our hurt.
We also will have Stephen Ministers and a list of grief counselors available after all of our services – 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday. Saturday’s service, and the first two Sunday services, have contemporary music and a band. Worship at 11 a.m. on Sundays is traditional with hymns and a choir. All services are casual.
Please invite anyone who could use extra support during this difficult time, and hold in your prayers the teachers, staff and students at Miller Middle School. Especially pray for all who may be struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide.
For extra support during this time, call our congregational care phone, 403-9551 or the church office, 247-4213.
Heather R. Gain
Durango
