SEA SUNDAY – 12th July
Sea Sunday is an annual event when churches are encouraged to remember the work carried out by international seafarers, to give thanks for their vital work, and to pray for them and their families. It is also an opportunity to remember the work of the QVSR, the Seafarers Mission of the Methodist Church.
Since 1843, The Methodist Church has been offering a welcome, practical and pastoral support to seafarers and today operates Seafarer Centres in Bristol, Felixstowe, Immingham and Tilbury. Our QVSR Chaplains and centre staff are on hand, going on board ships and providing space to relax and where support can be given if needed.
The important work of Seafarers is often unseen by many people and the day-to-day challenges they face include, many months away from family and friends, isolation, loneliness and, as we have seen recently, being caught up in areas of international conflict and under missile attack.
Seafaring is a demanding and dangerous occupation and through the work of the QVSR we are able to demonstrate how sometimes small acts of kindness, hospitality and prayerful support can make all the difference.
On July 12th, we invite you to join with us in remembering Seafarers and the ministry and witness of the Methodist Church, through the QVSR.
QVSR Staff and Chaplains will be taking part in the following services and events on Sea Sunday:
QVSR CEO, Alexander Campbell – Ecumenical Service with Mission to Seafarers and Stella Maris at Felixstowe Seafarers Centre.
Revd Cameron Kirkwood, QVSR Lead Chaplain – Sunday Service at Bethnal Green Methodist Church.
Crystal Callow, QVSR Tilbury Chaplain – St Andrews Church of England, Catford.
Steve Loader, QVSR Portbury Chaplain – Woodlands Central Church, Bristol, and Blackwell Baptist Church, after which he will speak about his role as a Chaplain at Portbury and Avonmouth Docks.
Revd Mark Hutson, QVSR Immingham Chaplain – Sunday Service at Tetney Methodist Church. QVSR Immingham Seafarers Centre will also be part of the service at St. Bartholomew’s, Keelby.
Prayers for use in Sunday Worship
Opening Prayer
(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)
Mighty God, who speaks a word of peace to calm our troubled sea; Caring God, who nudges us away from fear and toward faith; Ever-present God, who fills us with awe but also raises many questions without easy answers;
Open our eyes to see you in our boat – today, strengthen our hearts for the challenges that lie ahead, open our ears this hour to hear the word you speak.
This we pray, In Jesus’ name. Amen
— from the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren website.
Prayers from Revd Cameron Kirkwood QVSR Lead Chaplain.
Lord, we remember that seafarers can be many months away from those they love and can face isolation and deep feelings of loneliness. On this Sea Sunday, we ask that you will surround them with your love and help them to know your presence with them through all that they experience. Fill them with joy and hope, knowing that they are never far from you and your concern. Amen.
Lord, today, around the world, seafarers are carrying out their work in stormy seas, in calm oceans, or anchored in port. We thank you for the courage and commitment they show and their determination to ensure that the cargos they carry reach their destination. Be with them when thoughts turn to family and friends, when events take place at home and they are unable to be present at such important times, leaving them with feelings of sadness and regret. Assure them of your loving presence and care. Amen.
Gracious God, today, we offer our prayers for those whose lives are affected by the sea. We pray for people whose work takes them to sea; For those who transport goods by ship; For those who catch fish for their living; For seafarers on board Cruise ships. Be with them as they work, and keep them safe when the weather is bad and seas are rough.
We pray for the staff and chaplains based at seafarer centres around the world, remembering especially the work at our QVSR Bristol, Felixstowe, Immingham and Tilbury Seafarers Centres. We give thanks that these Centres offer a place of peace for those caught up in storms that can disrupt their lives. For the Chaplains and centre staff, and the pastoral and practical support they give we give you thanks.
We pray for those who give help when seafarers get into difficulties at sea. For the lifeboat service, and for air-sea rescue teams; for coast guards, Lighthouse keepers and for lifeguards. We thank you for their courage, and ask that you will guard and guide them as they respond to those in need and work to keep others safe. Bless all that is being done in your name and may it witness to your compassion, love and care for all. Amen.
A Reflection: Who is this Jesus?
(inspired by Mark 4:35-41)
To leave the safe sheltered quay; to rest while strong men fear; to doze through a storm at sea:
who is this Jesus?
To display the might of the meek; to sleep while threats are near; to dream while fierce gales peak:
who is this Jesus?
To know what keeps you afloat; to let another hand steer; to be safe in a foundering boat:
who is this Jesus?
To be see when there’s no light; to trust when nothing’s clear; to confront the powers of night:
who is this Jesus?
To speak the word that saves; to know God is even here; to command the wind and the waves:
who is this Jesus?
— Copyright Ó B D Prewer 2000.
- Provided by Revd Mark Hutson QVSR Immingham
Hymns for Sea Sunday worship
The hymns suggested below from Singing the Faith explore themes around the challenges faced by people who work at sea, their families, and the importance we attach to our relationship with the world around us.
Eternal Father strong to save StF 517
Let all the world, in every corner sing StF 57
Theres a wideness in Gods mercy StF 416
Will your anchor hold StF 645
All people that on earth do dwell StF 1
Dear Lord and Father of mankind StF 495
Amazing Grace StF 440
Reading: Mark 4 v 35- 41
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Reflection Themes
It is currently estimated that around 90% of all the things we use in our daily lives and consume, have been brought into the UK by seafarers. So crucial are seafarers to the UK economy and yet they are a forgotten group of workers with little known about their work or the significance of what they do.
In the QVSR chapel in Poplar, east London, a beautiful stained-glass window fills the north wall. It illustrates Jesus with his disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. Despite many of the disciples being fishermen and therefore used to the unpredictable weather when at sea, a storm erupts and it is so severe that these hardy fishermen are afraid the boat is about to sink and that they might drown.
Mark 4 tells us that Jesus is asleep throughout this and the disciples wake him up with a cry for help. Jesus calms the storm and then questions the disciples lack of faith. The passage emphasises our need to trust that He is with us no matter what storms in life we may face.
QVSR Chaplains and Centre staff hear frequently from seafarers about the challenges and difficulties of life at sea. Violent storms, unpredictable weather patterns and just recently in the Strait of Hormuz, we have seen merchant ships disrupted, attacked and seafarers placed in great personal danger. Piracy remains a serious concern in parts of the world. In addition, seafarers spend months at sea, away from family and friends, with long working hours combined with feelings of loneliness and isolation. The physical risk of injury is a constant concern, along with stressful living conditions.
The reading from Mark’s Gospel and the daily experience of seafarers is a reminder at various times in our life; we experience storms that threaten our well-being. It might be financial, long-term sickness, disability, unemployment, concern for someone we love or the breakdown in a relationship. In these situations, it is very easy to wonder whether Jesus is, as the reading from Mark suggests, fast asleep. Yet, the reading reminds us that He is right there in the boat with us. “Why are you so afraid?” is a question we must ask ourselves when those personal storms arise.
As one person said to me recently when looking at our stained glass window, “It reminds me that the promise of Jesus is not that the storms will not happen, but He will be there with us through them.”
The QVSR, The Seafarers Mission of the Methodist Church has been supporting seafarers and others in the maritime industry for 183 years. Originally based on the River Thames in the east end of London, today we operate Seafarer Centres in Bristol, Felixstowe, Immingham and in Tilbury where in addition to our Seafarer Centre, we also provide support to Seafarers working on Cruise Ships at our Cruise Crew Lounge. This is QVSR’s commitment to putting seafarers first.
Our Chaplains visit ships when in port and offer whatever practical and pastoral support may be needed. This can range from listening to a seafarer’s concern for a member of their family, proudly showing a photo of a son or daughter, or asking for prayers for the ship’s safety. Sometimes seafarers might seek support when facing unfair treatment or a chaplain may be called upon to visit a seafarer in hospital following an accident.
Centre Staff, supported by a committed team of volunteers, ensure that our centres are welcoming, where seafarers can relax, purchase items, enjoy a meal, play sports or find a quiet space for privacy where they can connect with family. Transport can be provided to take seafarers from their ship to a nearby large supermarket or taken to a local church for Sunday worship.
This important work by QVSR, on behalf of the Methodist Church, is a powerful demonstration that whilst we cannot prevent those storms that we experience in life, we can be there with seafarers, to assure them of our care and to bring to whatever they may be facing, the presence, love and peace of Christ.
Please remember the work of QVSR in your prayers.
A Day in the Life of a QVSR Port Chaplain – Crystal Callow, QVSR Tilbury Chaplain
My first month as a QVSR Port Chaplain based at London Tilbury has been a fantastic introduction to the fascinating world of shipping – an area I had never experienced before. In just a few short weeks, I have learnt about pilots, tug boats, crew messes, port etiquette, and so much more. Every day truly is a school day!
I have been welcomed with open arms by the QVSR teams at both Tilbury and Poplar, making the whole experience incredibly enjoyable and leaving me excited about how this role will develop in the months and years ahead.
The job has certainly involved some adventure. I have climbed ladders onto enormous ships that have made my legs wobble – you need to be made of steely stuff to be a Port Chaplain! I have stood on a captain’s bridge discussing life at sea and been shown a small Buddhist temple tucked away in a cubby hole, providing a place of worship and comfort for the crew during long voyages.
There have been many memorable moments: sharing banter with the watermen over a Heineken in the welcome cool of the Centre, learning from our colleagues in the Port Police about their vital work supporting welfare and security, trying to remember the endless names of visiting crew members (a seafarer nicknamed “TikTok” is a particular favourite), and enjoying delicious BBQ food on the deck of one of our regular ships.
What has struck me most is the extraordinary hospitality and friendliness of seafarers. I often feel that I am the one being blessed by their generosity. The port itself is a complex and vibrant community, with many workers following family traditions that stretch back generations. Every person has a fascinating story to tell about life on the sea.
As a newcomer, I often introduce myself as a “Chaplain Cadet” – a nod to the trainee seafarers known as cadets. It always raises a smile and provides an excellent icebreaker. At the heart of our work is offering care and support to seafarers and port workers of all faiths and none. As a chaplain and follower of Christ, I believe that love and care for all people is a language that unites us across every culture and background.
I am especially grateful for the training and support of my colleague Wojtek, the Stella Maris Chaplain, who has taken me under his wing as we visit ships together. We invite crews to the QVSR Seafarers Centre – or the “Seaman’s Club” as many affectionately call it – where those on shore leave can relax, play basketball or pool, enjoy comfortable seating, watch the World Cup, sing karaoke, or simply rest. The staff always greet visitors with a smile and a warm welcome. One day I might even find the courage to join in with the karaoke!
The QVSR Seafarers Centre is truly a light on the hill, welcoming and caring for everyone. Many crew members are surprised to discover there is somewhere ashore where they can unwind for a few precious hours. Seeing their appreciation reminds us why this ministry matters.
One recent visit was to a ship called Magellan Eternity. Named after the great explorer, it perfectly sums up my own new adventure as a chaplain – and perhaps my life motto: forever an explorer. On board I met a Samoan seafarer and was delighted to be wearing my England rugby shirt. We quickly bonded over our shared love of rugby, and he even treated me to a little tribal dance!
One of the greatest joys of this role is meeting people from every corner of the world. Russians, Ukrainians, Filipinos, Indians, Eastern Europeans and many others who live and work together on board ships, often in confined spaces, united by a common purpose. There’s a lesson in that. Around 90% of the world’s goods travel by sea, yet these men and women are often unseen and unrecognised. They are truly our everyday heroes.
My first month has been full of learning, laughter, friendship and discovery. I cannot wait to see where this voyage as a QVSR Port Chaplain takes me next month!
