History in the Making

Executive Director Rev. Loring Carpenter projects what will unfold for the ministry in 2008 and beyond.

ANNUAL MEETING REPORT SUMMARIES

On June 5, about 40 people gathered at the Squantum Yacht Club for the 181st Annual Meeting of The Boston Seaman’s Friend Society, now known as Seafarer’s Friend. The past, present and future of ministry was shared. Below are some clips of information shared at the event:

   Ø      A gift of $100 was received from the Yacht Club, an unexpected welcome.

Ø      The Annual Report and Financial Review for 2007 were presented and are available upon request.

Ø      The 2008 Budget anticipates a deficit $80,000 less than 2007.

Ø      Scholarships of $46,000 allowed 5 students to continue in area maritime academies and 21 to receive USCG license certification in the maritime industry through the Harriet Goldberg bequest to Seafarer’s Friend.

Ø      696 Ditty Bags were given to seafarers and another 760 were given to a cruise ship in December on their inaugural visit to Boston.

 T  The following statistics for 2007 were reported:

Ø      1057 ships were visited, of the 1337 ships reported coming to the three ports, even with the adjustments following loss of the Mission Director

Ø      13,388 seafarers were contacted

Ø      1566.5 hours were spent onboard vessels, many more transporting and gaining terminal access

Ø      5,087 seafarers were transported in 1477 van trips

Ø      Individual giving rose 138% to $53,455

Ø      Church giving increased 29% to $34,485

 I    In looking to the future the ED saw these goals:

Ø      A second Board-Staff Retreat will continue to clarify the values, vision, priority, and philosophy of ministry.

Ø      A continuing unfolding of what it means to “come alongside” will result in distinctive strategies for effective ministry.

Ø      Orienting the new Mission Director into the Port of Boston maritime community will be a priority.

Ø      Getting involved as advocates for shore access of seafarers in light of the new security procedures under Transportation Workers Identity Card (TWIC) regulations will be essential.

Ø      Advocating for shore access of seafarers in light of the new security procedures under Transportation Workers Identity Card (TWIC) regulations will be essential.

Ø      Strengthening ministry to the crew of vessels that are regular visitors to our ports (some coming every few weeks) will be an evolving focus of training and discussion.

Ø      Co-Hosting the upcoming annual conference of the North American Maritime Ministries Association in Boston will raise our profile in the port and facilitate discussion of new security procedures (TWIC).

Ø      An effort will be made to find ways to offer chaplain services to seafarers onboard the LNG ships discharging in off-shore terminals, with concern the crew will likely never touch land for their duration of their contract.

Ø      Further recruitment of board members to ensure adequate oversight and participation in building this as a vital ministry in our area.

Ø      Work with churches in the Searsport, ME area to build a ministry to the 120+ vessels coming that port yearly.

Ø      Develop a 3-5 year budget plan to guide the ministry to stronger financial stability.

Ø      Reassess personnel needs to meet the increased demand for services in the most effective way.

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