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Team Rector Writes for July

    

“Melton-on-Sea?”

 

Dear Friends,

The Borough of Melton is a great place to live.  But, for me at least, something it lacks is closeness to the sea – because I do like to be beside the seaside! I’m looking forward to spending summer holiday time in Devon and, hopefully, enjoying some bodyboarding on some decent waves. Although, when holidays involve ferry crossings on rough stretches of water, like the journey across to Northern Ireland, I definitely prefer a calm sea.

This month, on Sea Sunday (12 July), we are invited to remember those who spend many months of the year working as seafarers. As we have become more aware recently, the work they do in transporting goods is of vital importance for everyone. In fact, over 90% of the world’s goods and fuels are transported by sea.  Seafarers are therefore essential key workers, and there are 1.89 million of them from all nationalities who operate across the world on 74,000 ships. Their work can be lonely and dangerous. Not only do they spend long spells away from home and loved ones, but they must contend with stormy seas and difficult weather conditions, and war also threatens their safety – as we have been reminded by the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

For 170 years, the Mission to Seafarers has stood alongside seafarers and encouraged us to remember them. Through a network of port chaplains and volunteers, it continues to offer practical, emotional and spiritual support in over 200 ports worldwide. So if you are spending time at the seaside this summer and you spot a fishing boat, lifeboat, or a large container ship offshore, do remember those who spend much of their lives on the restless waves.  And although Melton is miles from the sea, we can still pray for seafarers using words of a hymn by Timothy Dudley-Smith:

Hold within Your care unsleeping

all who face tempestuous seas,

harvests from the waters reaping,

God be thanked for such as these.

Earth is rich beyond all measure,

may we prize her gifts the more,

we who find our work or pleasure

on the seas or by the shore.

Guard, when stormy waves are breaking,

those who cross the oceans wide;

share with them their watchful waking,

be with them through wind and tide.

Christ our Saviour, Friend unfailing,

as the seas of life we roam,

chart our course and guide our sailing

safe to harbour and to home.

Yours in Christ’s service,

 

Upcoming Events

St Marys Church, Melton Mowbray

Opening Times

Thursdays and Fridays 10.00am to 12.00pm

Interested How to Become a St Mary’s Melton Mowbray Church Welcomer.

Could you join the team to help now and again, two hours a month two hours a week? Please speak to Brenda or Tony Rous in church or call 077749144149, for more information.

The Diocese of Leicester