This Sunday, being a fifth Sunday of the month, our service was a Parish Eucharist, but a special service for Sea Sunday. The music had a nautical theme, with hymns including 'Will you Anchor Hold' and 'Eternal Father Strong to Save' and the anthem was 'Never Weatherbeaten Sail' Words by Thomas Campion (1567-1620) and music by Charles Wood (1866-1921).
This was a twin celebration as we also have the festival of St Peter and St Paul on this Sunday. The New Testament reading told the story of Peter's miraculous release from prison and the Gospel, from Luke, was the story of the miraculous catch of fish. The Junior Choir sang a song which recounted this gospel story.
 The guest preacher Rev Dudley Gummer told us about the work of the Mission to Seafarers in over 200 ports through out the world. He explained how all the food and other goods that we buy are bought to us largely by ship. He told us about the work of chaplains and ships visitors who care for the souls and the wellbeing of the seafarers on these ships, regardless of creed, colour or culture. It was a most fascinating insight into the life of those who make their living at sea and the Christian work being done.
The 42 hats that have been knitted for the Mission to Seafarers as a result of the Knit-a-thon back in March were on display in the church, and Father Stephen blessed them, they will now be sent off to the Mission to Seafarers for distribution.
 
 

the hats displayed together in the shape of a ship!

 

Close up of the finished hats