Montgomery County produces nation’s first Hindu Handbook

“This initiative has been in the works for a while because we’ve noticed as a county with such a diverse population and 16 % of the population identify as Asian we knew that the county needs to understand different traditions,” said Chowdhury. 

Montgomery County, Maryland, has produced the nation’s first Hindu Handbook for healthcare providers to help learn more about Hindu and Jain patients. The handbook was created with the help of Ishani Chowdhury, who serves as the co-chair for the county’s Asian advisory committee. 

The handbook was originally created by Queensland Health and has been adapted to use in the Montgomery County area. Within the handbook readers can find three sections: guidelines for health services, Hindu beliefs and additional resources. 

Queensland Health Handbook edited for the state of Maryland

“In racial bias in medicine you’ll find that currently they’re saying that half the medical professionals believe that those who are Black have a higher pain threshold, ” said Shen, who serves as the Asian liaison for Montgomery County. To help with disparities in medicine the handbook serves a way to help those in the medical field understand the needs of those who are Hindu and Jain. 

“For example if you are in the hospital and you’re vegetarian like my mother was when she was in the hospital in New York their answer was steamed broccoli and carrots or jello,” said Chowdhury. 

The handbook lists the many options that are available as a food source as well as limitations. Jell-O is one of the foods that providers should avoid because of the collagen found in bones of a cow or pig. 

The handbook lists the 14 different types of languages that are most commonly used by Hindus in Maryland and how to contact an interpreter if necessary. 

Chowdhury and Shen have reached out to numerous organizations to spread the word about the handbook.

All white clergy apologizes ‘to the African American community for slavery and its aftermath’ at Lansing event

“As white Christians, we repent of our complicity in the belief in white supremacy: the belief that people of European descent are superior in intelligence, skills, imagination, and perseverance.” This statement was made in unison by an all-white group of Lansing clergy to fellow clergy of color. In his welcome speech and opening prayer, Reachout Christian Center’s Pastor David Foreman introduced a gathering of an all-white clergy who were present to “apologize for the sins of slavery and its aftermath,” as well as a presentation on a reparations model pledged by majority white houses of worship in Lansing. Hosted by the Justice League of Greater Lansing, the Jan. 28 event was held to “repair the breach caused by centuries of slavery, inequality of wealth accumulation, and the failure to live into God’s Plan of equality for all of humanity,” said a public flyer from the JLGLM released to attendees of the ceremony. 

The group was founded in June 2021 by JLGLM’s vice president Willye Bryan. According to the organization’s website, the Justice League is a faith-based organization that makes “the connection between faith and racial justice in the form of reparations.”

Prince Solace began the service and introduced each member of the organization who spoke to the audience.

Men set up their table

Ashes to go: Mason church puts on drive-thru Ash Wednesday 

Gabriella LopezPastor Johnson and Vlasic carry out the supplies needed to serve their congregation. This includes ashes, hand sanitizer and packets with information about the Lenten season. Everyone has heard of a fast food drive-thru or coffee drive-thru, but All Saints Lutheran Church in Mason is bringing ashes to the drive-thru world. You even get a packet to take home! 

The second Ashes To Go event began last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the church’s limited in-person opportunities. 

All Saints Lutheran Church is active in the community, participating in Mason’s Down Home Days which brings companies and organizations to downtown Mason. Each vendor gets a booth; the church decided to advertise a CROP Hunger Walk. 

About 30 people from the churches around Mason (including All Saints Lutheran Church) participated in the walk that raised awareness to end world hunger. 

Gabriella LopezPastor Erick Johnson prepares to give blessings on Ash Wednesday at All Saints Lutheran Church in Mason.

Men set up their table

Ashes to go: Mason church puts on drive-thru Ash Wednesday 

Everyone has heard of a fast food drive-thru or coffee drive-thru, but All Saints Lutheran Church in Mason is bringing ashes to the drive-thru world. You even get a packet to take home! 

Gabriella LopezOesterle receives her ashes and blessing from pastor Johnson with her friend Barbra Wilhem. Gabriella LopezPastor Johnson and Vlasic carry out the supplies needed to serve their congregation. This includes ashes, hand sanitizer, and packets with information about the Lenten season. Gabriella LopezMember and Chairperson Pete Vlasic stands in his place of worship before the start of the Ashes To Go event.

Churches, libraries could offer overdose treatment under proposed legislation

OPIOID OVERDOSES: Churches, libraries, homeless shelters and other community gathering places could offer life-saving drugs to prevent overdose deaths under a Senate bill. We spoke to Sen. Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. By Danielle James. FOR GRAND RAPIDS, LANSING and ALL POINTS.

Michigan prisons ordered to be less restrictive to religious beliefs

KOSHER PRISONS: A recent U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decision on kosher meals provided to Jewish inmates could help expand religious freedom in Michigan prisons across the board, prisoner advocates say. We spoke to the lead attorney based at Michigan State University, the Michigan ACLU and the Anti-Defamation League. By Nicholas Simon. FOR BLISSFIELD, IONIA, MARQUETTE, BAY MILLS, SAULT STE. MARIE, GREENVILLE, OCEANA and ALL POINTS.

Living by the Moon in Lansing

Since Keys to Manifestation opened on July 11, Lansing residents have had the one-stop shop to manifest their destiny. If you have never heard of manifestation or the law of attraction, this small business is the perfect place to start. The store sells crystals, art, books, jewelry, self-care items, and more. They also offer services and host events such as tarot card readings, reiki and classes.