NEWSLETTER | MAY 12, 2021
In this newsletter:
  • Mental Health resources
  • Religious Land Use Working Group update
  • Upcoming Events - May 16th and May 20th
  • Community Garden Plot rentals

Ministering to Those Experiencing Mental/Behavioral Health Problems

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a good time to consider starting or expanding a mental health ministry in your faith community. Issues of mental and behavioral health have skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many in our faith communities depressed, feeling hopeless, alone and even suicidal. 

Faith community leaders (priests, rabbis, imams, pastors, etc.) play the ideal role and are positioned to help. However, many faith leaders do not have the training or feel uncomfortable advocating with directness and compassion for appropriate mental/behavioral health care. Speaking about mental and behavioral health issues will only go so far and will require faith leaders to be proactive in their care for each congregant, especially at this challenging time.

There are several organizations and resources that can help. The American Psychiatric Association’s link Mental Health and Faith Community Partnership offers “Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders” and a companion quick reference guide. Interfaith Network on Mental Illness has produced a video series for clergy and other resources.

Did You Know?
  • One in four persons sitting in our pews has a family member struggling with mental health issues.
  • A majority of individuals with a mental health issue go first to a spiritual leader for help.
  • Clergy often lack the training to provide appropriate support and referral information.
  • Our faith communities can be a caring congregation for persons living with a mental illness and their family members.

The Faith Community Advisory Group of Montgomery County has been working with EveryMind (formerly the Montgomery County Mental Health Association) and the County Department of Health to identify local resources for faith leaders to access help for congregants:

1. For faith leaders who desire to receive hands-on training and help to better understand signs and symptoms of behavioral health issues, EveryMind offers a 6 1/2-hour course titled – Mental Health First Aid. Classes are normally scheduled 9:30-4:00. The course is free and provides:

  • Skills-based training related to mental health and substance abuse issues
  • Skills to get people to care and resources that will get them to a better place
  • Skills to provide hope to those suffering from mental health challenges 

2. Also, see below for a listing of local resources for children, youth, adults and seniors.



We urge you to work actively to develop a mental health ministry in your congregation and seek out those individuals who need your attention, love and support. If you would like to sign up for the Mental Health First Aid course, please contact Laura Laskofsi at Llaskofski@every-mind.org.

With kind regards,

The Faith Community Advisory Group of Montgomery County
(formerly the Faith Community Advisory Council)


RELIGIOUS LAND USE WORKING GROUP
Staying on Mission
The Religious Land Use Working Group

As the pandemic recedes, the Religious Land Use Working Group (RLUWG) continues to function under the Montgomery County Executive’s Faith Community Advisory Group (FCAG). It remains focused on carrying out its mission of educating and advocating on behalf of the county’s faith community on matters pertaining to permitting and development. The RLUWG collaborates with County and State entities that regulate land use matters, including the Departments of Permitting Services and Environmental Protection, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, and Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Although the advocacy and education have gone virtual, the outcomes/results are still noteworthy.  

Over the last several months, RLUWG has...  
  • hosted a virtual forum entitled “Imagining New Possibilities Through Development,” an innovative collaboration with local developers including Arlington Housing Corporation, Inc., Bozzuto, Habitat for Humanity, Main Street Partners and Neighborhood Development Company, on creative ways faith communities can generate income from building affordable housing, day care centers and mixed-use development
  • been instrumental in saving a congregation over $52,000 in impact taxes
  • helped secure an extension for a congregation’s permit application
  • hosted a meeting with staff from the Department of Permitting Services to discuss matters relevant to the faith community
  • collaborated with congregations to create community gardens

The challenges and opportunities we have all encountered over the last several months have highlighted the need for continued collaboration across faith communities to work for the common good. RLUWG embraces its role as ADVOCATE for religious congregations as some reimagine their future and search for ways to better serve communities across Montgomery County using congregation-owned buildings and land.

For more information on the Religious Land Use Working Group and what it can do to assist with unique land use issues facing your faith communities, please contact FCAGRLUWG@gmail.com.

EVENTS
Unity in Diversity: Interfaith Conversations on Coming Together in Community
Sunday, May 16th, 2021 6pm – 7:30pm

Please join us virtually as we discuss how our perspectives on faith and race can strengthen our community.

We seek to lay a foundation where various people from different faith and ethnic identities can come together to resolve misunderstandings and inequities in our community.

Our Interfaith Panelists:
Eme Martin, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Aizat Oladapo, Islamic Center of Maryland
Ed Reed, Non-denominational Christian
Dr. Rajwant Singh, Guru Gobind Singh Foundation


People can also view the event on Facebook Live at

For more info contact Matt McKnight at mlmcknight88@gmail.com
Human Dignity and Solidarity:
Interfaith Responses to Fratelli Tutti
Thursday, May 20th 7pm - 9pm
A virtual program
ANNOUNCEMENT

Community Garden Plots

Community garden plots are available for rental to faith communities for a modest fee of $25 per plot. The garden is sponsored by the Emmanuel (Brinklow) Seventh-day Adventist Church (EBC) in partnership with The Living Legends Awards for Service to Humanity (LLASH). The plots are located at the EBC HOPE CENTER, 18811 New Hampshire Avenue, Ashton, Maryland 20861. Approximately 50 plots are available for use between March 2021 through December 31, 2021. Plots will be rented on a first-come basis with priority given to returning gardeners. Each plot is approximately 20’ x 20’. To register, and to obtain a copy of the application, contact Debra Hawkins at ihcy2229@aol.com or 301-346-7112.