Mayflower Addiction Support Services

We are all powerless, but together we are strong.

Addiction is a destructive relationship with a substance, activity or person. The rate of addiction in the population at large is approximately 8-12%. Our survey results from 2004 and 2009 confirm this applies to the congregation of Mayflower Church.

• Recovery is a life-long journey and not a quick fix, requiring — with God’s help — a strong personal commitment and daily effort.

• Chemical addiction is a progressive and fatal disease, but one for which there is a solution. The solution is a spiritual one, so where better than in one’s own church to find acceptance and support in recovery?

• Addiction is a family disease, the weight of it borne by more than just the alcoholic/addict. The disease accounts for much of the population in jails and prisons. The cost to society is so vast as to be incalculable.

• Addiction is a disease of isolation. Only in community with others do support and succor work their power to heal. Humans are interdependent, and there is strength in numbers. We are all powerless, but together we are strong. It’s that silver lining thing.

In recognition of these truths, the MARS Ministry members:

• Meet the first Monday of the month, October–June, to share ideas and experiences, plan, and be in support of one another

• Are available as a resource to members of the congregation

• Plan and facilitate an annual Recovery Sunday, including services devoted to the theme of Recovery, and education offerings for adults and youth

• Plan and facilitate prevention measures for youth and families

• Keep the topic of addiction in the open, where it can receive light and oxygen, elements that ameliorate shame and discouragement

• Maintain a section of the Mayflower Library with books about alcoholism/addiction and CDs of past Recovery Services

• Attend various training sessions and network meetings with other groups and churches

Our members are acquainted with treatment facilities, intervention resources, sober houses, support groups, etc., and we maintain confidentiality with all concerns brought to us. We do not share names or specific information even with one another, so each of us is available to you as a confidential ear and as an information resource. Our brochure lists helpful, local resources and is available in literature racks near and in the office and in the narthex.

If you have been affected by the disease of alcoholism/addiction, consider joining us in this work of Mayflower Church. Fun is also on the docket, with good camaraderie, potluck suppers, and meeting treats.

History
In 2004 a handful of Mayflower members, all with family members suffering with the disease of alcoholism/addiction, met with ministers to form a core group. We spent the first year getting our bearings — designing a brochure and deciding on a name. By the end of the year, we committed to having a Recovery Sunday and invited Dr. Jim Nelson, professor emeritus of United Theological Seminary, to be our very first Recovery Sunday preacher (November 2005). We based our structure on the national Faith Partners model and called ourselves Mayflower Faith Partners Ministry until the fall of 2009. Our current name, MARS, reflects more clearly what it is we are about — addiction recovery support.