We are pleased to share the following update from Canon Ed Swayze, Chaplain for the Mission to Seafarers in Thunder Bay, as circulated through one of our deanery newsletters. His note offers a glimpse into the realities facing seafarers on Lake Superior this season and the ongoing ministry taking place at the port.
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Dear Friends:
I have been off-line the last couple of days as I had to take the office computer into the shop because it would not boot up. It is back working.
We have just come out of the first winter storm. On Lake Superior gale force winds were blowing yesterday and today. They are anticipated to ease overnight. As a result, ships have been anchoring for shelter in Thunder Bay and at De Tour anchorage, which is beside St. Joseph’s Island. As there is daylight navigation in St. Mary’s River due to the removal of navigation buoys, the ships anchored at De Tour will not start moving through the locks until Friday morning.
The last two months have been slower in terms of shipping in Thunder Bay. The next month will be busy. At present, 20 ships are forecast to come to Thunder Bay; we will not know the final number for another 2 weeks.
Thank you to the team that has put together the Christmas gift bags. As we will need more gift bags, another work party will be scheduled during the week of December 10.
In Christ’s service,
Ed
Canon Ed Swayze, Chaplain
Mission to Seafarers: Port of Thunder Bay
807-626-2571 mobile
807-344-8241 Seafarers’ Centre
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About the Mission to Seafarers – Thunder Bay
The Mission to Seafarers in Thunder Bay provides essential emotional, spiritual, and practical support to the 1.89 million men and women who work at sea worldwide.
Their ministry includes:
- Emotional and spiritual care through ordained Port Chaplains who board ships, listen, pray, and accompany seafarers in moments of stress, isolation, or uncertainty.
- Practical assistance, including transportation, access to communication, and help with personal or emergency needs while in port.
For Algoma Anglicans who wish to support this ministry but cannot attend the December 10 work party, donations may be made online at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/32100