A Hearty Welcome
to New
Mission Director
Rev. Bruce Greer

All the way from a congregation in Denver, CO to the Port of Boston, MA, we are pleased to receive our new Mission Director, Rev. Bruce Greer (at right with ship chaplain Rev. Dr. Horacio DaValle).

FROM DENVER TO THE DOCKS by Bruce Greer

The questions asked in both Denver and Boston have been humorous.  “You’re going to do what?” my Denver parishioners asked me when I accepted the Mission Director position.  “What’s a seafarer?” “Are you going to be a Navy chaplain?”  Questions abounded.  The same was true here.  Knowing I was the new Mission Director, someone asked me, “So, where did you come from?”  “The Port of Denver,” I replied poker-faced.  After a pause, my questioner smiled, saying, “There’s no port in Denver!”  Curiosity abounds.  How is it that someone moves from congregational ministry to maritime ministry?  “Inquiring minds want to know!”

How does a pastor, with training and experience in fire service and hospital chaplaincy, shift to maritime ministry?  How does one transition from pulpit to gangway, from fellowship hall to mess room, from settled congregation to transient crews?  Though differences in geography, task, venue and clientele are significant, the same core competencies apply: the ability to practice a ministry of availability and presence, a ministry of “being there” and “being in the moment” to see where there Spirit leads.  Whether ministry involves “coming along side” a parishioner, patient or first responder, a seafarer, port worker or port authority, awareness of one’s role and value, not to mention sensitivity to the needs and opportunities each encounter presents, are essential.

Honoring the legacy of Bill Fleming, whose maritime ministry left an indelible imprint on so many, and honoring the tradition and teamwork of this 181 year-old maritime ministry in Boston and beyond, my goal is “to come alongside” every seafarer and port employee with open eyes and ears, an informed mind and quiet spirit, and a warm and willing heart.  We will then see what God has in mind.  I look forward to our days of service together.

Grace and Peace,

Bruce Greer, Mission Director, Boston/Chelsea

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