A REFLECTION by Alan Crowle - Sea Sunday Sea Sunday is the Special Day that Churches around the world come together in spirit to remember seafarers, to pray and give thanks for the important work they do. The second Sunday of July of each year is designated ‘Sea Sunday’ by the many Maritime Christian Mission Societies. The occasion provides the opportunity for churches and their congregations to give thanks to God for the 1.2million merchant seafarers of the world and celebrate their work, reflect upon the issues that they face daily and to be reminded of the ministry that Port Chaplains provide.
Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep. Its own appointed limits keep; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! (Eternal father strong to save)
Revelations 18 v 17: ‘Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off.’
Cruise liners are laid up around the coast. The international shipping industry is hit by travel restrictions affecting about 150,000 sailors on merchant vessels currently stranded at sea. Hundreds of crew members stranded for months in Tilbury and Bristol. Imagine a world without seafarers. In World War 2 one in four merchant seamen never returned. We depend on seafarers all the year round, as 90% of our goods by volume enter the UK by sea.
Sea Sunday Church’s is a ministry to sailors even though shipping is out of sight and out of mind. The good reasons for Sea Sunday include it being a celebration that God created the sea, that God’s own heart is for seafarers. In addition, Jesus ret in invited seafarers to follow Him.
Life at sea is dangerous and lonely, but Jesus cares as he showed that He was with the disciples when they were in danger from the storm.
It was by faith that Noah built an ark. It was the first ship, The Ship of Redemption.
Another familiar Bible story involving a ship is Jonah. Here was a man, a servant of God, he was asked to tell others about God and to go to Nineveh. But Jonah ran in the opposite direction. He knew what he was supposed to do: this was a deliberate act of disobedience. Jonah eventually realised the error of his ways and went on to be a true servant of God.
There are various Christian charities associated with the work amongst seafarers. Mission to Seafarers (formerly mission to seamen) offers friendship with Jesus through companionship in many ports around the UK. They are helping sailors stuck on ships. The Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest (Methodist Charity) (QVSR) in East India Dock Road. QVSR started life as the Seamen’s Mission of the Methodist Church in 1843. It provides support for current/retired seamen, Ex service personnel, Homeless, QVSR welfare service resident seafarers, and help seafarers make most of their potential. QVSR will continue to strive to fulfil the aims of the original Seamen’s Mission with an ongoing programme of development and renovation to meet the needs and expectations of all its service users; seafarers and non-seafarers alike. Royal National Mission Deep Sea Fisherman ultimate aim is to improve safety for fishermen. Jesus is waiting for disciples on the beach and wherever they are.
Prayers: Let us thank God, the giver of all good gifts, for seafarers who leave their families, friends and homes to bring us the food for our table, the cargoes for industry and commerce, the coal and fuels for our country. Forgive us for not appreciating the work of key workers including seafarers and all those who are in the food supply chain. Creator and Father of all, we pray for those who go down to the sea in ships and on whom we depend. Bless them and those who long for their safe return and bring us all to your Kingdom where there is no sorrow, no tears, but joy and life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Lord God, creator of the universe, the fertile land, the swarming sea, bless those who sail the seas to make a living and bring us the goods we need. Keep them safe from all danger. Give them faith when they doubt; hope when they despair. Almighty God, bless all who work in shipping, those who build, own, manage and operate ships. Give them generous hearts, thoughtful minds and caring hands. Grant to all who work at sea the blessings of safe ships, good food and just rewards for all their work and separation from those they love. Heavenly Father, look with compassion on seafarers who suffer as a result of war. Comfort and relieve those injured and disabled, those who have lost friends and comrades, and those who have been mentally distressed by their experiences, that they may be drawn closer to you and feel your healing presence in their lives. “We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll. Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love”. (Will your anchor hold)
Circuit News With churches still closed, the decision has been taken that the Circuit Farewell Service for Rev Sonia Hicks and Deacon Andy Packer will go ahead on Sunday, 26th July, as originally planned. However, it will be at 10.30 am via Zoom. The details for logging will be given nearer the time.
Words of encouragement from the Bible
• Jesus comforts His disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” (John 14:1)
• ‘God is able to take away your anxiety and replace it with His Peace.’ (Philippians 4:6-7)