Presbyterian Church to Host Series on Kids' Mental Health

Though the physical effects of COVID-19 have generally been less severe for children than adults, the mental health impacts of the pandemic can be significant. To address some of the issues, The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township (PCCT) is hosting a 2-part virtual conversation about the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of young people. Entitled “Supporting the Mental Health of Kids as We Re-enter Normalcy,” the sessions will be held via Zoom on Sundays April 18 and April 25 from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

The conversations will be led by experts Duncan Young, CEO of Effective School Solutions, a provider of school-based mental health services, and Ellen Dinneen, M.A., LPC, a licensed professional counselor practicing in Chatham. Participants will hear what the latest research says about this topic, talk about the challenges students have faced and will face as they adjust to more normalized schooling, and explore how to support kids during this time.

“Vaccinations may bring an end to this pandemic,” said PCCT’s Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Ellen C. Clémot, “but we must still face its long-term effects. Our children’s emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development has been disrupted by this disease. PCCT is launching this mental health support program, open to all ages and faiths, as a community service to recommend ways to restore the mental and spiritual health of our young people. As a church, we strive to promote the flourishing of every person, for we see everyone as a child of God.”

Registration is required the Friday prior to the events to receive the Zoom link. To register, call the church office 973-645-2340 or go to www.pcct-nj.org/events.

This series is part of PCCT’s Faith Forward program, providing opportunities to serve, connect and learn. Two additional virtual conversations are planned in the upcoming months focusing on community welcome. Sunday, May 16 will feature The Reverend Craig Dunn, Senior Pastor of The First Baptist Church of Madison, who will speak on “Towards Mobilization of Communities for the Common Good.” And on Sunday, June 13, The Reverend Dr. Ellen C. Clemot, Senior Pastor of PCCT, along with The Reverend Julie Yarborough, Associate Minister of Christ Church of Summit, will host a conversation on “Welcoming our Refugee Neighbors.”

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township is a vibrant, multi-generational congregation that celebrates the glory of God through faith, fellowship and service. Drawing members from across the state and the nation by livestream, and from more than 20 communities locally, it welcomes all, whether you are a young family, a single adult, or a couple with grown children. The congregation reflects diverse perspectives, provides rich music and education programs for all ages, and through social outreach addresses hunger, homelessness and recovery from disasters or other crises. Follow PCCT on Facebook and Instagram to see the church in action. For more information, visit http://www.pcct-nj.org or call 973-635-2340.