In a recent editorial published in The Waterways Journal, SCI emphasizes that pastoral care is all-encompassing—not limited to emergencies, tragedies, or moments of crisis. Chaplains are here to support the whole person and to offer a compassionate, confidential presence whenever something is weighing on a mariner’s mind or heart. A concern does not have to […]
Read MoreSCI’s Ministry on the River is pleased to announce that the Rev. Charles Uhlik will join the organization as Chaplain serving the Upper Mississippi River region, based in St. Louis. Beginning September 30, he will expand SCI’s chaplaincy presence along the inland waterways, providing dedicated pastoral care and support to mariners from St. Louis northward […]
Read MoreBy the Rev. Grace Pardun SCI Supervisory Chaplain, Ministry on the River A deckhand called out as I was passing through the galley, “Hey, Chaps! Can I talk to you for a sec?” “Absolutely!” I responded as we stepped out to the deck locker. “What’s going on?” The mariner began to share how tough things had been at […]
Read MoreFrom the early days of Ministry on the River, we have invited congregations along the waterways to partner with SCI in supporting the well-being of mariners. Because of their demanding schedules, mariners often cannot attend church regularly. Many spend up to 28 days at a time on the river, making it difficult to stay connected […]
Read Moreby the Rev. Nancy Simpson — Chaplain, Ministry on the River, Houston Ship Channel & Gulf Coast Region From the February 2026 Quarterly Activity Report As I arrive at Gulf Coast boat docks, I take a moment to center my mind and heart before beginning mariner visits aboard the towboats. My vehicle is fully equipped […]
Read MoreOn March 5, our Paducah, KY, staff and leadership were delighted to welcome more than 50 community members for a special luncheon. Guests had the opportunity to get to know our team, tour the Center for Maritime Education (CME), and learn more about how SCI programs support and uplift mariners navigating the inland waterways SCI […]
Read MoreAsh Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal in the Christian tradition. The imposition of ashes—often accompanied by the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”—is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, humility, and need for grace. At the Seamen’s Church Institute, distributing […]
Read MoreSeamen’s Church Institute was featured on Religion Unplugged in the podcast episode “Ministering to Mariners.” The conversation underscores the vital role of the maritime shipping industry in sustaining the modern world—and how the millions of mariners who make it possible often go unnoticed. Drawing on SCI’s nearly 200-year, profound and storied history, the episode highlights how the […]
Read Moreby the Rev. Grace Pardun Supervisory Chaplain, Ministry on the River, Upper Mississippi & Ohio River Region We often expect our members of the clergy, our pastor, and even our chaplain, to embody a certain level of reverence—to have a deep and rich spiritual life, and to be a living model of self-control and morality. […]
Read MoreThe 2025 River Bell Awards Luncheon, one of the inland maritime industry’s most prominent annual gatherings, was held in Paducah on December 11. This year’s luncheon welcomed 634 attendees, setting a new River Bell record, as the community came together to celebrate the industry and recognize outstanding leadership and service. Congratulations to our award recipients […]
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