2009 Ministry highlights

 

1.   An International Transportation Federation grant enabled a database that enables              ongoing records of ship visits, connects chaplains and volunteers in three ports, and              equips chaplains for greater continuity of service to vessels visiting successive times              (about 40% of all ships visited).

2.   After working with the Coast Guard and terminals in Portland, a few terminals now allow              an increase of crew escorted from five to ten. This saves chaplains valuable time,              especially when making multiple trips escorting more than five crew members at a              time. Thanks to the Coast Guard and terminal managers who have been cooperating              to help with this new procedure.

3.   Restructured staff/volunteer model to maintain high standards of service following the                resignation of the Mission Director. The new model responds to the downturn of the              economy and decreases costs, while concurrently increasing volunteer involvement              in the effort to have every ship visit a two person visit, thus expanding the number of              people welcoming seafarers.

4.     Seafarer’s Friend continues a major role in the North American Maritime Ministries        Association, serving on the board of directors, participating in the annual conference,        networking at industry events, and guiding the strategic planning process. As this o       organization grows in recognition and respect, the role of maritime chaplains has        improved significantly. 

5.   Strengthened partnership with Mariner’s House and New England Seafarers Ministry        through cooperative efforts resulting in broader ministry to the maritime community,        onboard vessels and increase recognition and support on the Boston waterfront.

6.   Initiated Information Gatherings aimed at interpreting the values of the ministry and        sharing the importance of financial participation to maintain the presence of chaplains        in the ports served. The result is increasing awareness of the ministry as part of a        long range strategy to increase funding towards a more balanced budget. 

7.   Represented NAMMA and women maritime chaplains through the Portsmouth chaplain’s        luncheon presentation at the “Women on the Water 2009” conference held at Maine        Maritime Academy.

8.   Distributed over 1,000 Ditty Bags during the Christmas season and hundreds more        throughout the year to crew unable to come ashore.

9.   Despite dramatic decreases in the investment portfolio and a tight economy, a strong        personal presence of chaplains and volunteers coming alongside seafarers        continued. The mid-year decrease of 25% did not diminish the personal care of        seafarers; contacts with seafarers actually increased.

10.  Fleming Fund enabled two seminary students the opportunity to broaden their world        mission perspective and develop skills in chaplaincy, multicultural relationships, and        pastoral conversation. Pastors in the Center for Congregational Leadership program        participated a day during their studies in Boston, providing insight into the work of        Seafarer’s Friend. 

11. The Harriett Goldberg Fund of Seafarer’s Friend provided two students scholarships to        area maritime academies. The fund also provided a portion of initial funding for the        first maritime education courses at Martha’s Vineyard high School designed to        encourage students to consider maritime careers; more than twenty students        participated.

Seafarer's Friend

Coming alongside the maritime community with friendship, faith, and hospitality