Lennoxville United Church to host special service for mental health awareness
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Lennoxville United Church is set to hold its annual “You Are Not Alone” service on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. The event, organized by the church’s outreach team, aims to support and raise awareness about mental health issues, providing a space for reflection and community connection. The special service will feature music and a speaker with experience in mental health, with contributions going to Mental Health Estrie (MHE).
Nancy Baldwin, chair of the Lennoxville United Church outreach team, explained in a recent interview the origins and importance of the event. “We started this service about ten years ago when Linda Buchanan was our minister. We felt that, like our Service of Hope for cancer, mental health needed to be addressed too, as so many suffer in silence.” Baldwin emphasized the goal of the service is to “get rid of the stigma” and to show support for those struggling with their mental health.
The service will include music performed by the Lennoxville United Church choir, led by Maryse Simard, with featured soloists such as Jenn Cianca, Eleanor Gang, and Daniel Miller. Jamie Crooks, responsible for the music selection, shared in an email that the pieces chosen, such as “You’ve Got a Friend” and “What the World Needs Now (Is Love Sweet Love),” aim to create an uplifting and supportive atmosphere.
The main speaker, Daniel Miller, Chair of the Department of Religion, Society, and Culture at Bishop’s University, will address the congregation. According to Baldwin, Miller has both academic and personal insights into mental health, making him a fitting choice to lead the message. The service will also feature prayers written by Ron Coughlin, a long-time supporter of the church’s outreach efforts.
