Mariners’ Church staff visited the J.W. Westcott a couple months ago.  It’s the only floating post office and boat with its own zip code in the US. Just next door to the Westcott, we spent time that day at the Detroit River Fireboat station with Captain Scott Reynolds and his crew.

It was a fascinating visit to both crews of sailors and workers who for decades have done the unassuming and humble job of delivering mail to the ships that pass by Detroit, or the dangerous job protecting these same ships from onboard fires.

Shortly after our visit we were made aware of this news story.  The J.W. Westcott crew happened upon a man trying to swim across the Detroit River from Windsor.  They were able to pull him onto the boat disoriented and possibly intoxicated.  This action almost certainly saved this man’s life. (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2024/09/25/j-w-westcott-crew-saves-swimmer-in-detroit-river/75370675007/)

It’s easy to think that shipwrecks and danger on the sea is a thing of the past because of modern shipbuilding techniques and weather tracking technology. Thank God there has been a steep decline since the 1960’s.  To my knowledge, there has been between 350-400 major shipwrecks in the recorded history of the Great Lakes, however, only 11 major losses have occurred since 1960 (the most famous one being the Edmund Fitzgerald).  Because of heroic stories like the JW Westcostt this year, we need to continue to pray for the safety of all who travel, work, and play at sea.

This Sunday is the Annual Great Lakes Memorial Service at Mariners’ Church.  It’s a long held tradition, starting in 1965 remembering those lost in the Great Lakes.  Later it was moved to correspond with the date of the Fitzgerald sinking and encompasses a broader remembrance by paying tribute to all sailors and civilians who have lost their lives over the centuries in the Great Lakes and the nearby rivers and waterways.

I believe it is a fruit of all who love God to have compassion for those who have experienced loss and hardship, past and present.  Let’s continue to look at how we might show God’s compassion to the city of Detroit. Not just to the maritime community, business community, growing number of tourists who come to our city, but especially those marginalized in our society.

Scripture says, “When Jesus saw the crowds he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36) This can be as true today as in Jesus’ day.  When we see those hurting and suffering, harassed and helpless, do we turn a blind eye or do we actively love on them, helping the best way we can and pointing them to the One who loves them the most?

According to Paul’s letter to the Galatians: “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2)  Ask God how you might help those close to you, and perhaps those you have never met. Let us ask Him to open our ears to hear His voice, fill our hearts with His love and compassion for others, and be confident that He will guide and strengthen us in how to “carry each other’s burdens”.

I hope you can join us this Sunday as we honor our maritime community at 11am for the Annual Great Lakes Memorial service!

Blessings and peace,

Rev. Todd and Dr. Christiane