Blessing of the Bikes - Christianity Today

Few are more aware of their own mortality than bikers. Riding motorcycles develops a holy fear.

Pastor Randy Schoof of the Warehouse Church in Aurora, Illinois, addressed this reverent respect by organizing Motorcycle Sunday. Each May at a local park, thousands of bikers line up for a blessing, to see what's new with the vendors, and hear the live music.

"Motorcycle Sunday," according to Schoof, "is all about building bridges of friendship and faith in Jesus. Relationships and faithfulness are key to seeing people open up to God's love. Motorcycle Sunday kickstarts interaction with riders throughout the year. There's nothing better than to see tough bikers lifting their hands in prayer and surrender to Jesus. We've seen God answer many of those prayers, not only for protection as they ride, but for God's continuing work in their lives"

After the festivities, just after lunch, the bikes rumble out of town for a 60-mile ride together. By God's grace, before they head off into the sunset they are riding with Christ. For more info: motorcyclesunday.com

You've Got Mail

People love getting letters, and in the digital age, this ancient treat becomes rare. Many churches, however, have fostered old-fashioned interpersonal communiqué among the members by installing church mailboxes.

What began as an annual yuletide event to help distribute Christmas cards has found a permanent home with some congregations. Placed in the narthex, the rear of the sanctuary, or a side hallway, alphabetized boxes allow for exchange of greeting cards, notes of encouragement, bulletins or newsletters, and giving statements. It also allows the church staff to pass on mail without having to hunt for people on Sunday morning.

"We have several saints which are faithful to send birthday, anniversary, get well wishes … so we made it easy," notes Gerrard Fess of the Bonnie Brae Church of Christ in Henrico, Virginia.

Inexpensive designs include rescued and recycled mailboxes, literature sorters from just about any office supply store, or shoe storage racks from IKEA.

If the Mountain Cannot Come to You

What motivates someone to take a 2,000-mile walk? Typically they are looking for something. Southport Presbyterian Church (SPC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, likes to be there along the way to help them find it.

The people of SPC have a heart for ministering to the Appalachian Trail (AT) hikers. Their problem is that they are in Indianapolis, over 500 miles away from the nearest point of the trail.

The solution is an annual mission trip in July to Caledonia State Park in Pennsylvania, along the AT. Reserving several campsites adjacent to where the trail bisects the park and planting their own hikers up and down the path to offer invites, they spend a week camping and sharing.

They provide medical assistance, transportation into town to get needed supplies, and rest for weary souls.

Scott Watson, who has been leading this outreach for the past 13 summers, writes, "Over the years, so many cool stories have emerged! Not just people willing to explore biblical faith but stories of forgiveness, acceptance, entering substance abuse treatment or healing from loss, grief, small traumas, or limiting beliefs about themselves. A byproduct has been hearing from God and working with our team."