Befriender Ministry at Pilgrim

Ever felt like you needed a friend?  Within Pilgrim Congregational Church, a small group of members are trained to "befriend" persons who are experiencing life's transitions or are  isolated from the larger community due to health or age.  Befrienders receive extensive training in active listening and empathetic care.  They meet monthly for peer supervision and support.  They provide a wide network of individual attention for individual needs within our congregation.

Befrienders often accompany members of Pilgrim or their friends during life transitions and change.  They provide a listening ear and steady support when life is particularly stressful.  They have befriended individuals experiencing grief, health crises, cancer treatments, substance abuse recovery, employment difficulties, pregnancy and child birth, and family expansion by adoption.  Befriender relationships may consist of a single conversation or visit or may last for several years.

Befrienders visit elderly members who reside in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. Befrienders provide a link to Pilgrim and a consistent friendship during life's later years.

Upon occasion, Befrienders also assist the minister with hospital calls and contacts with newer members or guests of the congregation.

Jane Shull and Paula Bjoralt were commissioned as Befriender coordinators in November of 2009 and the first class of Befrienders was commissioned the following summer.  On Sunday, May 25, Pilgrim will recognize and thank Jane and Paula for their years of service.  At the same time we will commission Julie Drake and Bob Hensley as Befriender Co-ordinators. 

If you are interested in either having a Befriender or being trained as a Befriender, please contact the church office.