Seafarer’s Friend
Coming Alongside the Maritime Community
with Friendship, Faith, Hospitality
Boston, MA -- Portsmouth, NH -- Portland, ME
Seafarer’s Friend has served the maritime community in New England for over 180 years. Started as the Boston Seaman’s Friend Society in 1827, it has seen its ministry expand to Portsmouth and Portland and adapt to the every-changing needs of merchant mariners from all over the world. Chaplains and volunteers board vessels offering caring presence as well as practical support to seafarers away from home and land for months at a time. We are the face of humanity to those who often only are visited by those with either ship’s business or security concerns.
We come alongside seafarers onboard ships visiting our ports as well as the port and terminal communities while also building awareness in the local church for compassionate outreach to strangers. Our goal is to build networks of care and compassion between the Church and mariners living and working in a difficult and dangerous environment.
For mariners we offer ways to communicate with loved ones at home, rides to local stores for re-provisioning for the next voyage, and counsel for those coping with the dangers and loneliness of seafaring life. We advocate for seafarer’s welfare while also caring for the security and justice concerns of the port community.
For churches and church leaders we offer an opportunity to grow in faith and understanding of other cultures – a short term mission experience without the cost of leaving home. We seek to open the minds and hearts of Christians to our multicultural world and, through relationships, enable partners to grow in understanding and comfort, relating to a variety of cultures and faiths in open dialogue and compassion.
Volunteers serve many ways. Clothing for cold winter months and Ditty Bag items are always needed. Workshops on hospitality, Chaplain-for-a-Day visits, and education programs and speakers are available.
Visit www.seafarersfriend.org to learn how to partner with us.
Printable bulletin insert
July 2011 Newsletter
Aug 2010 News Release Chaplain's Award
History Highlights
Fast Facts about Seafarer's Friend
Rev. Loring Carpenter's Bio