Mayflower Church offers support to its members through the joys, transitions, and crises in their lives. Ordained clergy, trained lay ministers, Befrienders, and a variety of networks, groups, and programs provide means to respond to individual situations. We partner with Trust Counseling.
Pastoral Counseling The pastoral staff provides counseling, direction, and guidance regarding health crises, death and bereavement, spiritual quests and discernment, vocational decisions, life transitions, and other family or personal matters. They make referrals when other professional support is appropriate. Mayflower’s ordained ministers respond to requests to visit with people in homes, hospitals, work settings, care facilities, and other settings. Lay members of the congregation trained as Befrienders also are available to the congregation during periods of crisis or transition. Ordained ministers who are members of the congregation occasionally volunteer their services. Our pastoral care ministry is augmented by support from the Parish Nurse program and counseling services at TRUST in south Minneapolis. A Spiritual Director also is available for insight, guidance and support. For pastoral care, call (612) 824-0762 x113.
Befrienders The Befriender ministry at Mayflower reflects a concept of Christian caring modeled by Jesus. Befrienders offer loving hospitality in a quiet, confidential manner. As a ministry of caring, listening, and compassion, it offers presence and support when life is a struggle and experiences are painful. Befrienders are men and women who commit time to initial and on-going training, peer support, and supervision. A Befriender offers confidential support through face-to-face conversations, phone visits, and written or electronic correspondence in a way that best meets the needs of the particular relationship. For more information, please contact a member of the pastoral care staff or leave a message in the confidential Befriender voice mailbox: (612) 824-0762 ext. 153. An introductory Befriender session will be held on Sun, Oct 4, at 9:45 am, with Befriender trainings on Mon, Oct 26, and Sat, Oct 31.
Parish Health For important information regarding H1N1, click here.
Mayflower’s parish health program supports wellness and strives to manage illness through holistic care, including spiritual, emotional and physical health. The parish nurse and volunteers provide one-on-one visitations to individuals in difficult life circumstances. The program does not involve administering medication, changing dressings or other invasive medical care. Volunteers with medical background who want to connect expertise with faith are needed. Call (612) 822-2394.
Mayflower Connections Mayflower Connections is a new ministry providing information, resources and support to those in job transition. Click here for more information.
Heart to Heart
The Heart to Heart program links active Mayflower members with those who cannot actively participate in the life of the church because of age or illness. Volunteers provide a link to the church by visiting members who live in nursing homes, retirement centers, and private residences. Visitors make monthly contacts and meet together each month for encouragement and training.
Prayer Ways
Members of this Mayflower group are committed to the ministry of prayer on behalf of others. The group sponsors prayer retreats and responds to prayer requests all year long. Prayer requests may be left by voice mail, request cards, and in person. All requests for prayers are handled with confidentiality. To request a prayer, call (612) 924-0761 x157.
Prayer Shawls
Many members of Mayflower knit prayer shawls. During the year, the ministers take these shawls to people in the congregation who are ill or struggling with life challenges. On the first Sunday of the month, the knitters meet together at 9:45 am, after which the congregation blesses the newly made shawls with a special prayer. Each high school senior is given a prayer shawl on Youth Sunday to take on the next step of the life journey. For more information, contact Barbara Fox, (651) 454-2314.
Addiction Support Services
Mayflower's Addiction Support Services (formerly named Faith Partners) works to provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental resource for those seeking help in understanding and preventing alcoholism, substance abuse and other forms of addiction. We recognize that recovery is a life-long journey and not a quick fix, requiring—with God’s help—a strong personal commitment and daily effort. We coordinate an annual Recovery Sunday service dedicated to the problem of addiction and the role that faith can play in recovery and hope. Addiction Support Services also plans for adults and youth and provides the congregation with resources and one-on-one support in a safe, private atmosphere. For more information contact Cathy Brown at (612) 922-8250.
