Editor’s note: This perspective by Sarah V. Hershberger of Grace Lutheran Church, Shamokin, Pa., is adapted from “Port Call,” the fall 2024 newsletter of Seafarers International House.
Seafarers International House (SIH) in New York City is an ELCA ministry that helps seafarers in countless ways—providing a home when they are away from their home, offering counseling services and sacraments, and delivering Christmas-at-Sea bags.
These Christmas bags, or “satchels,” have made an enormous difference to people who are away from their loved ones—often for weeks and months at a time. Congregations of the Upper Susquehanna Synod have participated in the project for years, finding it to be mutually beneficial for both the giver and the recipient.
How could it possibly be mutually beneficial? Imagine you’re shopping. On your list you have your own groceries plus a few items for your Christmas-at-Sea satchel. At the store you head over to the clothing department to find a sweatshirt. You find and choose a plain one in your favorite color. You continue to find a neat-looking hat that has a thermal lining. Into the cart it goes. You imagine a person smiling as they put it on, knowing that it will keep them warm when their ship comes to a cold place. Now you’re in the candy section. You find your way to your favorite kind, because you want whoever gets their hands on this bag to know how amazing that kind of chocolate really is.
After checking out, you head for home. You find some stationery that looks friendly. You start to write your note. “Dear seafarer ….” You pause. Now what? How do I tell this person that I feel sort of connected to them, just by buying a few things for them? Here is an idea:
“Merry Christmas! I hope this Christmas season finds you well. I chose these items with you in mind, and as I folded them and put them in the bag, I prayed for you. I prayed that you might be kept warm and peaceful, just as the infant Jesus was kept warm and peaceful on the night that he was born. While you and I will likely never meet, I hope you know that we are connected as children of the most loving God.
May you be blessed with peace in this season.
Imagine how it would feel to seal that envelope and tuck it into the satchel that you know will be received by someone who needs to read your words and feel the love of God. Imagine how it would feel to receive the satchel. Talk about a mutually beneficial ministry!
I hope that you consider filling a Christmas-at-Sea satchel. And I hope that no matter what, you remember God’s love for you in the coming months because God’s love is alive and on the move.
3,216 Christmas gifts
In 2023, SIH distributed more than 3,216 Christmas-at-Sea bags to seafarers. Port chaplains deliver the satchels to mariners regardless of their faith or nationality.
The bags are filled with:
- One knitted winter cap (coordinating scarf optional; avoid pastels)
- Three pairs of socks (thermal or gym)
- One T-shirt (sizes M, L, XL)
- One hooded or unhooded sweatshirt (sizes M – L – XL)
- One can of nuts, large chocolate or health snack bar
- A holiday or Christmas card from giver
For more information, visit the SIH website.
