Panel discussion on teen mental health and opening of “Nothing to Hide” exhibit

March 1, 2026


Middlebury, VT — The Congregational Church of Middlebury invites the community to a special afternoon focused on mental health awareness on Saturday, March 1, 2026. The event features two components: a 75-minute panel discussion on teen mental health at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception and the opening of “Nothing to Hide,” a photo-text exhibit exploring the experiences of families affected by mental illness. The exhibit will remain on display through March 31.

Panel Discussion: Teen Mental Health in a Changing World

Adolescence has always been a time of change, but many experts believe today’s teens are experiencing unprecedented pressures on their mental health. This panel invites the community into a thoughtful conversation about current trends, lived experiences, and meaningful support.


Moderator: Reverend Elizabeth Gleich, Associate Pastor, Congregational Church of Middlebury

Panelists:

LuAnn Chiola, LICSW — Operations Director, Youth and Family Services, Counseling Service of Addison County

Bea Hooper — Student, University of Vermont

Brooke Jette, LICSW — Prevention Specialist, Middlebury Union High School

Robert Moeller, PhD — Associate Professor of Psychology, Middlebury College

Marc Werner-Gavrin, PsyD — Youth and Family Open Dialogue Team Leader, Counseling Service of Addison County

Exhibit: “Nothing to Hide”

Following the panel discussion, attendees are invited to a reception and the opening of “Nothing to Hide,” a photo-text exhibit created by photographer Gigi Kaeser and interviewers Jean Beard and Peggy Gillespie of the Family Diversity Project. The exhibit shares the stories of individuals and families living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions.

Through candid portraits and personal narratives, “Nothing to Hide” aims to dispel harmful stereotypes and offer those affected an opportunity to share their experiences openly. The exhibit demonstrates strength, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity and stigma.

The exhibit runs Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from March 1 to March 31 in  the Hallway Gallery of the church, accessible via the entrance at 30 N. Pleasant Street.

Together, the panel discussion and photo exhibit offer complementary perspectives on mental health: the panel addresses the specific challenges facing today’s young people, while the exhibit illuminates the broader experience of living with mental illness across generations. Both aim to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and build a more compassionate community.

Details

Date: Saturday, March 1, 2026

Panel Discussion: 4:00 p.m.

Reception and Exhibit Opening: Immediately following the panel (approximately 5:15 p.m.)

Exhibit on Display: March 1 – March 31

Location: Congregational Church of Middlebury, 30 North Pleasant Street, Middlebury, VT

Admission: Free and open to the public

This event is presented by the Justice, Compassion, and Love Team and the Art in Unity Team of the Congregational Church of Middlebury.

For more information, contact Judy Albright at judyalbright@snet.net or 802-989-7644.

Adult Study: The Social Gospel

Pastor Andy will be leading a four-part adult education class next month on the Social Gospel. (The Social Gospel was a religious movement led by Walter Rauschenbusch in the early 20th century that aimed to mobilize American Christians to work for a more just society for all.) In this course, we will engage Rauschenbusch’s theology and explore the Social Gospel’s relevance today. Classes will be held on March 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Unity Hall. For those unable to attend in person, an online option is available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82012554325. 

Community Supper Every Friday

For over twenty years, countless volunteers have cooked and served FRIDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY SUPPER at The Congregational Church of Middlebury, UCC. The free, hot meal runs from 5:00-6:00 every Friday in Fellowship Hall (accessible from Seymour Street). Friday Night Community Supper offers a space where everyone is welcome, neighbors get to know neighbors, and community happens. Come by for a delicious meal. Bring a friend. Bring the family. We hope to see you soon.

College Students gathering

All Middlebury College students are welcome to attend a gathering each Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. at the Scott Center (135 South Main Street), led by Pastor Elizabeth and church members Maya Troy and Kristie Skor. Questions? Email Elizabeth at elizabeth@midducc.org.

Gather & Share: February Theme of Giving

In a world that can feel heavy, giving is a quiet act of hope. Small, ordinary offerings—made together—can become something sustaining and make a real difference right here in Addison County. This February, we’re leaning into that spirit with an "International" focus for our giving.


We invite you to bring shelf-stable foods inspired by global cuisines, so that everyone can access food that feels familiar and welcoming. Here are some ideas to get you started: rice, beans, couscous, pasta or noodles, sauces, and Indian or Asian-style meal pouches. These items help create nourishing, familiar meals and are especially appreciated by families served through HOPE Food Shelf.


To make it fun (and easy):

  • Pick one country or cuisine and build a “mini meal” around it
  • Let kids choose an item from the international foods aisle
  • Add one extra item to your weekly grocery run—small additions add up
  • Bring something new you’ve never tried cooking yourself

Bring your donations to church anytime this month, and we’ll make sure they reach HOPE. Together, these small acts of generosity become a balm—for our neighbors, and for our own hearts, too.

  • Join us for worship on Sunday!

    No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Worship and connect every Sunday at 10 a.m. in our historic sanctuary at 2 Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont.

    We also live-stream our services on Facebook and YouTube, and service videos are published on our website weekly.


  • Online Fellowship Hour

    There is online fellowship immediately following the Sunday worship service every week. Join us for a time of conversation and and joy! Come as you are from wherever you are! Connect with your online community for a few minutes and meet some friends. You might see Eliana, May, Jean, Hal, Christine, Victoria and others. It will be the same Zoom link every time.


    Zoom link

    Meeting ID: 876 3774 4686

    Passcode: 063702

  • MIDDWeek Morning Prayer

    Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. we have MIDDWeek Morning Prayer via Zoom. During this service, we share prayer concerns, meditate on scripture, and listen to centering music.

    Zoom link

    You can also call in at 929-436-2866, with meeting ID 865 4123 2698. All are welcome!

  • Community Supper--You’re Invited!

    Ways to Get Involved with Community Supper


    1) Volunteer as an individual Server

    Whether you can help once or become a regular, your time makes a real difference. The commitment is about 2 hours on a Friday, and the tasks are simple but essential—setting tables, serving food, and tidying up afterward. No experience needed. Sign up today!


    2) Volunteer or Sponsor a Meal as an Organization

    Are you connected with an organization that would like to sponsor a meal or organize a group to volunteer together? Community supper is truly a community-wide effort, and your organization can make a huge impact while also strengthening your team and having fun. Email office@midducc.org and we will make sure to connect you with the community supper team!


    3) Show up to a Friday night meal

    Community Supper is not JUST about a free meal—it’s about sharing stories, building connections, and creating a space where neighbors become friends. Simply by showing up, you can contribute a great deal to making this a welcoming community for everyone at the table. Pull up a chair and join us, every Friday evening at 5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

  • Walking Group

    The walking group meets at a different location each Monday morning to enjoy some fresh air and community. Interested in joining next week? email office@midducc.org to confirm the location for our next walk!