Blessing of the Bikes

St. Helen's Treasurer, Deanna Waldroff and her father, David Gould, are avid motorcyclists. When the weather is wonderful, they are off to destinations far and near. Earlier in the year the Holy Spirit moved someone with an idea to hold a Blessing of the Bikes as a wonderful way to spread love in the community.  St. Helen's had just come out of inviting people to walk the labyrinth in their sanctuary over lent, and Easter seemed like a good time to do something new for Spring. Facebook announcements and flyers around town invited people to the service at 10am and the bike blessing at 11:15am. Deanna and Dave invited a local motorcycle group.

And turn out they did! The weather cooperated - sunny, bright, and calm. A few people showed up for service, and then at 11:15am, the bikes and their riders lined up in the St. Helen's parking lot. Rev. Marie said prayers, then dousing a small whisk broom with holy water, sprinkled each bike, and blessed each rider with words written by Rev. Colin Maltbie, "May God bless you and keep you safe on this bike...."  The final prayer, also written by Maltbie, started with words reminiscent of an old Irish blessing, "May the sun rise up in front of me, may the rain fall behind me, and the wind follow beside me...." One of the recipients embraced both Rev. Marie and Deacon Beth Rose after the blessing ceremony, almost in tears, thanking everyone for taking the time to bless them. It was a wonderful way to bring in the Spring riding season.