Mayo Ministry

When you think of Rochester, Minnesota, you most likely think of a friend or family member who is going or has gone to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Every day of the week 1,300 patients come from around the world to see Mayo's amazing medical, diagnostic, and research teams. About 200 a year of those patients, as best we can tell, are part of the larger body of our Church of the Nazarene family. Eighty-five percent of the people who come to Mayo are seen as outpatients. Their stay often lasts a few days to a week longer than anticipated. That is why Mayo Ministries was born.

Nazarenes come to town with the same set of fears and concerns that other clinic patients do. Often medically, emotionally, physically, and sometimes financially, drained, they are overwhelmed. Bringing this burden to a new community with no one they can call a friend puts them in a difficult situation at the very least. We have determined to help our brothers and sisters however we can while they are going through their time of trial. On a space available, first-come, first-served basis, we can provide beds in one of our member's homes; we charge no fee. Although patients are responsible for their own food and other needs, they have "family" to turn to for care and concern.

We're excited about the new Nazarene Well House that will be opening sometime during the next year specifically to house patients coming to the area to visit the Clinic and their families for just a free-will offering.

In addition, our pastor becomes the family's pastor away from their home church. Believing that no one should be without a pastor while going through testing and hospitalization, we attempt to "be there" for patients and their families as they indicate their needs. We have done everything from delivering to and from the airport and hospital to finding a place to eat (and everything in between). The laity at Rochester First Church of the Nazarene also get involved. They often visit and bring encouragement and cheer as well. It is a team effort in which we endeavor to be Christ to our church family from around the world.

Coming to Mayo? Drop Pastor Thomas a note or give us a call at 507-289-7503, and we'll see what we can do to help you or a family member in your time of need. We consider helping our privilege. We will be waiting to hear from you!

Note: We apologize for not being able to minister to others outside of the Church of the Nazarene until our Well House is open. Until then, we can provide a listing of names of other caring agencies for those that are not associated with the Church of the Nazarene.