Sea Sunday is an annual event organised by various Christian churches to honour and pray for seafarers, their families, and those who support them. It is normally observed on the second Sunday in July, and it highlights the challenges faced by people working at sea, including loneliness, danger, and isolation. The event also raises awareness and funds for maritime welfare organisations that provide crucial support to the seafaring community.
Churches Together in Rye came together on Sunday July 14 at The Point in Rye Harbour and sang and prayed together for their celebration of Sea Sunday. Revd Philip Wagstaff, superintendent minister of Hastings, Bexhill and Rye Circuit officiated at the service with Revd Paul White, team rector of Rye, and Revd Fiona Gill, minister for the Rye Baptist Church, in attendance.
Sea Sunday originated in the early 20th century through the efforts of several Christian organisations dedicated to the welfare of seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers, the Apostleship of the Sea (now known as Stella Maris), and the Sailors’ Society all played significant rôles in establishing this observance. These organisations sought to provide spiritual and practical support to seafarers, acknowledging the unique challenges they face and emphasising the importance of their work. Over time, Sea Sunday has grown into an internationally recognised event celebrated by various denominations worldwide.
The sun shone and the river Rother, the RNLI Lifeboat station and the harbour master’s launch and office gave the occasion the perfect backdrop.
The congregation sang with spirit, often accompanied by a lone seagull. It is always moving to hear the words of the hymn Eternal Father:
“Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.”
There was a good turn-out and it is important for all of us to be reminded of how many people’s lives are bound up with the sea: the Royal Navy, the Merchant Navy, RNLI, fisherman, shipping, tourism, the offshore oil industry and HM Coastguard and to thank them for what they do.
Church wardens for Camber with East Guldeford, Richard and Annie, joined and enjoyed Sea Sunday to remember and celebrate the importance of the sea and the coast to their parish. It is also particularly relevant to Richard as his mother’s family came from Rye Harbour.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .