In gratitude for our many blessings, St. John’s is continuing the wonderful tradition of our annual Easter Appeal, supporting a philanthropic organization that is making a difference in the community. This year, as we celebrate the Resurrection, and the light that Christ has brought to our world, let us recall our Savior’s compassion for those troubled in mind and spirit. Jesus recognized the importance of mental well-being and the toll of emotional stress. He also paid special attention to children, “for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)
Inspired by Jesus’ example, the St. John’s Easter Appeal this year is devoted to addressing the mental health needs of students and families in our community. Thankfully there is an effective resource in town: The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center (LMCCC), a non-profit organization that provides affordable, state-of-the art counseling and crisis intervention, as well as parent education and prevention services. Patients are encouraged to pay what they can for treatment, and no one is turned away.
The impact of the pandemic has created an urgent need for increased mental health services. In consultation with LMCCC, we have identified a fundraising goal of $50,000 by Pentecost Sunday, June 5th. The funds will enable LMCCC to:
- Provide a dedicated therapist who will have a physical presence at the high school level to promote dialog on mental health and safety to those students hardest to reach.
- Reinvent the Community Coalition for Children and Families (formerly RADAR) to expand prevention and advocacy programming for the schools and broader community.
Amy Pace, LMSW, one of LMCCC’s psychotherapists shared, “Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center is a place that tends to fly under the radar until our services are needed. Once you find out about the hundreds of children and families that have utilized our mental health and prevention services over the years, it is impossible to imagine how ANY community can survive without a community counseling center.”
Before us lies an opportunity to put into practice the blessing with which we conclude our Sunday services:
Be present to today. Do not be anxious about what might happen tomorrow. The same God who cares for you today, will care for you tomorrow. God will either shield you from suffering or you will be given the unfailing strength to bear it, along with the love and support of our faith community. So be at peace then, and cast aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. And the Blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you this day and remain with you forever. Amen!
Peace and gratitude,
Lisa+ and Paul Schwendener, Chair, St. John’s Easter Appeal Committee
How to give:
- You may donate with PayPal.
- You may use an app on your phone or online called Tithe.ly. It takes just a few minutes to sign up and open an account. If you need help, Frank Pierson can guide you through it. Call Frank at 914-310-3146 or email him at treasurer@stjohnslarchmont.org.
- Mail in a check to St. John’s with “Easter Appeal 2022” in the memo line.
For more information about Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center, click the logo.