Lancing’s service of Blessing the Boats returns to Beach Green on Sunday 13 July at 2.30 pm.
St Michael and All Angels Church have been organising the service for thirty years. Originally an event that celebrated the historic Lancing fishing community, the service now recognises the different leisure pursuits which involve the sea and the Lancing community. The origin of the Blessing of Boats goes back to biblical days when many of the first followers of Jesus Christ were fishermen by trade.
The guest preacher will be The Reverend Jake Pass, Chaplain in the Royal Navy Reserve and Former Port Chaplain for the Mission to Seafarers
The boats will be blessed during the service, which will consist of hymns, prayers and a scripture reading. Each boat will then be sprinkled with Holy Water and a short prayer said for the safety of its users.
The afternoon’s service will conclude with a concert by the Lancing Brass after which Cream teas will be served in St Michael’s Church Hall, South Street, Lancing.
If the weather is wet or windy then the service will be held in St Michael and All Angels Church, South Street, Lancing.