Chaplains on the River

The following comes from a release issued by leaders of a Paducah, KY high school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program documenting a recent packing day at SCI’s Center for Maritime Education where young persons readied scarves, hats, and cards for holiday deliveries.

Twenty cadets of the Paducah Tilghman High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (PTHS NJROTC) unit participated in “Christmas on the River” coordinated by the Seamen’s Church Institute at the Center for Maritime Education in downtown Paducah on Thursday, December 2.

The Paducah Tilghman NJROTC cadets helped pack boxes in an assembly line fashion with a goal of completing packages for 150 vessels but by the end of the night they had packed for 300 boats. The boxes will be delivered to the tow boats before they leave port so that the gifts may be opened by the crew on Christmas day.

Members of the Paducah Tilghman NJROTC unit

Posted: December 5th, 2010 under Churches and Groups.
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Hurricane Gustav made its way through southern Louisiana last week, hitting hard the communities I visit often as part of our ministry: Houma, Morgan City, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans and surrounding areas.  Many communities were still without power as of a few days ago, and some suffered damage to their facilities. 

So far, all the employees and towboat fleets from the companies we serve have made it through safely, though. 

We continue to keep the entire Gulf region in our prayers at Ministry on the River, as we ride through the hurricane season together.  May you know that God watches over you at all times, and may you continue to be safe through this time and always.

- Chaplain Pam

Photos courtesy of www.myfoxphilly.com

Posted: September 8th, 2008 under Churches and Groups, Towboaters.
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Click to see a larger version of the flyer. Right-cllick and choose “Save target as…” to save a copy on your computer

Cincinnati, OH – Thursday, September 11, 2008 at Christ Church Cathedral
10 am – 1 pm

St Louis, MO – Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at St Peter’s Episcopal Church
9 am – 12 noon

Metairie, LA – Friday, November 7, 2008 at St Augustine’s Episcopal church
10 am – 1 pm

Learn about the history of Seamen’s Church Institute and the services SCI provides for mariners; hear about Ministry on the River, the towboat industry, the mariners we serve, and our special programs like Christmas on the River and Pass-it On videos and books.  And most importantly, find out how you and your parish can help us minister to mariners in your area, by donating candy and other items on our “wish list,” packing Christmas and Easter boxes, and helping us distribute the boxes to towboat companies in your neighborhood.

Please call Ministry on the River at 800-708-1998 to reserve a place at one of the workshops, or for more information.  We look forward to seeing YOU there!

- the MOR team (Ann, Jim+ and Pam)

Posted: July 16th, 2008 under Churches and Groups.
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On a bright Friday morning, 23 May, the newest vessel of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the M/V Gordon M. Stevens was christened at the Paducah, KY, Riverfront.  I gave the Invocation and the Blessing of the Boat and presented the Bible.

Presentation of th Bible:  Captain, I present this Bible to the M/V Gordon M. Stevens, that the Word of God may ever be with those who crew this vessel.  As this Good Book begins with the words, “In the beginning God,” and ends with the word “Amen” (So be it!), may that same God who created all things and called all that he had made good, watch over you from this day of your vessel’s launching until your journey’s end.

Chaplain Jim Wilkinson+

Posted: May 28th, 2008 under Churches and Groups, Towboaters.
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On the evening of Monday, 19 May, I said the Invocation and did the Blessing of the Wreath at National Maritime ceremonies aboard the M/V C. Q. Princess, at ceremonies hosted by the Port of Louisville Propeller Club.

Blessing of the Wreath:  We bow in reverence to honor the memory of all mariners who have passed from this life this past year.  Bless, O Lord, this wreath as we now cast it upon the water.   May it be a sign of our continuous and abiding trust in you, as all our cares we cast on you.  Now in a moment of silence, from the depths of our hearts, we honor the memory of our departed.  Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Chaplain Jim Wilkinson+

Posted: May 28th, 2008 under Churches and Groups, Towboaters.
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