A sanctuary for respite, reflection and renewal was recently dedicated at the new McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital.
Members of the regional faith community joined health care providers and the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation Spiritual Care Committee today for a ribbon-cutting at the hospital’s new sacred space and chapel. The home for emotional and meditative wellness provides a welcoming space and supportive care for people of all faiths, religions and spiritual identities seeking strength and encouragement. The sacred space and chapel cultivate an intentional approach to care that emphasizes, supports and nurtures the human spirit.
“We strongly believe that each member of the McLaren family — from patient to surgeon, from volunteer to nurse, from family member to physician — should have access to the support, resources and counsel they need to nurture and preserve their spiritual health,” said Lynn Griffor, Foundation vice president.
Located in the Outpatient Care Center offering convenient access to the cancer center and hospital, the $300,000 needed for construction and artwork of the sacred space and chapel was fully funded by the Foundation and donors, including:
Dr. Chip and Katie Taunt/McLaren Loves Lansing
Dr. Ashok and Mrs. Kavita Gupta
The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing
Drs. Shen Dewar MD & Rajan Dewar MD PhD
Sarah, Russ and Kannon Jennings
Dr. Abdalmajid Katranji
Dr. Chintalapudi Kumar
Paul and Marie McComb
Michael and Anne Miller
Linda Mercado Peterson, MD
Dr. Brad Ropp
Craig and Stephanie Stiles & Family
Tim and Jan Wellemeyer
Michael and Faith West
Lyn Donaldson Zynda
The chapel also provides space dedicated to the Islamic faith, which includes a place for ritual washing, a shoe rack and prayer niches that point toward Mecca for daily prayers for Muslim staff workers and patients.
“Designed by hospital staff, the new chapel reflects the needs of individuals and small groups for sacred space, rest and prayer, inclusive of all faiths,” said Rev. Philip Apol, lead chaplain. “The chaplain staff are committed to promoting and upholding those values all through the hospital.”
Griffor added the chapel isn’t only a place for sorrowful times but joyous occasions as well.
“When babies are being born or someone has a good diagnosis instead of a bad diagnosis, the chapel can be a place to give thanks and be very grateful for everything that we do have,” she said.
To learn more about the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation or to make a donation, visit