Posts Tagged ‘Church’
Hot Dinner Wednesdays
July 10, 2011 | 
Author Sydney:
Each Wednesday, the Christ Mission Possible ministry attends a church local to their area to feed the disadvantaged, hand out food parcels, and generally bring some light to the lives of those who live in a society that is seemingly indifferent to their position. This 
passed Wednesday (6-7-11) however was a little different from most with the arrival and assistance to St James Anglican church, of the Compadres CMC, a Christian motorcycle club from Western Sydney.
Club members, Rob and Mark donned the hairnets and rubber gloves then placed themselves behind the tables to help dish out various food stuffs, whilst other members spoke to the many people who had attended for what could (for some), have been the only decent hot meal they’d had that day or possibly days.
Compadres members made themselves open and often overly talkative with the assembled masses, but it was all brought in to perspective as Carl, the Compadres president was heard to say to a fellow member, “this is what it’s all about.”
The club also put their bikes on display, fielding many a question from the elderly through to youngsters.
Biker’s Soul Mission . . .
ZANESVILLE
When Pastor Michael McGuire stands behind the pulpit on Saturday nights and looks out at his congregation, he doesn’t see a typical church-going crowd.
Instead of suits, ties and dresses, McGuire sees old jeans, cutoff T-shirts, bald heads, tattoos and lots and lots of leather.
McGuire is the pastor of Rushing Wind Biker Church, a church whose “soul” mission, he jokes, is to reach out to motorcyclists.
“We draw a different lifestyle here,” McGuire said. “The biker is comfortable here. … We’re judged a lot of times by the way we look, but bikers have big hearts. All bikers aren’t bad people.”
McGuire finds it easy to accept his congregation as they are because, from his spot on stage, he looks just like them.
Now 57, McGuire got his first bike when he was 12 years old: a 1990 Honda that he spray-painted blue. Since then, he said, he’s pretty much always had something to ride. His current bike is a 2003 Harley-Davidson.
As he was growing up, McGuire probably never imagined himself as a pastor. He was raised in what he calls a Christian home, but said he never really committed to God. Instead, his love for bikes and his taste in music led him down a different path.
“I’ve got a past, we’ve all got a past,” he said, “but God is able to erase that past and give us a new life.”
McGuire spent several years playing in rock bands, frequenting bars and doing drugs. But when he was 28 he decided he needed a change. It was then, he said, that he fully gave his life to God.
“I was tired of playing the bands in the bars,” he said. “I really just said, ‘There’s gotta be something more than this.’”
So, in 2002 McGuire joined Bikers for Christ, a Christian motorcycle club. The guitarist/keyboardist/trumpet player didn’t quit on music either.
He got involved in Christian music and became the music director for New Hope Full Gospel Church in Zanesville.
But now, McGuire, certified as a pastor through Bikers for Christ, has switched his attentions to Rushing Wind Biker Church.
The church, located at 5715 East Pike, had its first service last year on Oct. 9, 2010.
A biker for the past 30 years, 44-year-old Larry Wolford has been attending Rushing Wind since it opened. The former president of the Iron Chain Society — a motorcycle gang he says wasn’t intentionally meant for sinners but turned out that way — said he and his wife tried several other churches before Rushing Wind. But, because of their tattoos and biker clothing, they never felt comfortable.
“Everywhere I went, I thought they were talking about me,” he said.
Wolford said his wife recently told him she used to lie awake on Saturday nights trying to think of excuses to skip church on Sunday. Now, he said, she never misses a Saturday night service at Rushing Wind.
“I have a pretty bad background — alcohol, drugs, addiction,” he said. “I just got tired of that kind of life and I couldn’t do it anymore.
“I feel so comfortable here (at Rushing Wind). It’s my home.”
George Harvey also started going to Rushing Wind in October. Harvey, who rides a 1976 Honda 750 Super Sport, has been friends with McGuire for 30 years. Now retired, he said he hangs out at the church a lot.
Harvey said he has been in churches since 1982, but this is his first biker church. He loves the worship, the friendships with all types of different people and, of course, the motorcycles.
“Even these guys that look rough, you still find out they have a heart, they have a soul. A lot of these guys are guys a lot of people wouldn’t hang around, but they need God just as much as anyone else,” he said. “They love to ride, they love motorcycles, but we’re trying to get them to love the word of God.”
Harvey said Rushing Wind provides bikers a place to belong they simple can’t find anywhere else.
“If you look in this area, this is a unique church. It’s the only one of its kind,” he said. “They have a lot of (Christian motorcycle) clubs, but as far as having a pastor and a place to worship, this is it.”
So, Saturdays starting at 4 p.m., McGuire, Wolford, Harvey and about 100 other bikers can all be found at Rushing Wind. They hang out, drink coffee and play pool for about two hours, then they start the church service.
McGuire said he loves seeing that many bikers together. It’s a lot like Psalm 133:1, he said — “How good and how pleasant it is that brethren dwell together in unity.”
But sometimes, McGuire can still be found biking to bars around town. Instead of drinking, he goes in to talk with and witness to people.
That’s what he wants for all the bikers in his church. Keep riding, continue to love biking, he said, just do it for a different reason.
Source: Zanesville Times Recorder
Full Story: http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/article/20110609/NEWS01/106090338/Biker-s-soul-mission-reach-out-motorcyclists
Posted in General News, Nth America | 
Tags: Biker, Bikers for Christ, Bikie, Christ, Church, God, Jesus | 
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Bike Blessings Bring 170 Bikers
Prayers are offered to the many people who make a pilgrimage to Our Lady of La Salette Shrine in Attleboro. Some come via bus or by car and others walk. On Saturday morning, however, more than 100 people made pilgrimage to the Shrine, but they came on motorcycles.
Hundreds attended the Shrine’s 3rd annual “Blessing of the Bikes.”
The day began with the registration of 170 bikers who then got on their ride and headed out on a four-town ride.
The bikers, some of which were from Attleboro and others who traveled from as far as New Hampshire, rode as 
singles, couples and entire families. In fact, even a dog came along for the ride. They arrived back at the grounds of La Salette for the drive-through blessing, which was conducted by Brother Ronald Taylor and Father Greg Viens. Greg Russo of the Christian Motorcyclist Associations and Don Grassey and Jay Lawrence of the Loyal Sons also offered private blessing to those who desired it.
Once their bikes were blessed, the bikers gathered for music by Widow McDaniels Band, food and to chat it up with motorcycle-related vendors.
In its first year, the Blessing of the Bikes was sponsored by the Attleboro Area Council of Churches and coordinated by Pam Bliss. There were 25 bikes to bless.
Not long after the first, annual event, Bliss started her own organization “On Common Ground” to continue working in people in the community to provide one on one mentoring. On Common Ground now sponsors the Blessing of the Bikes.
The organization’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals who are experiencing economic, social and/or familial poverty in the Attleboro area by encouraging the involvement of the local community in one-on-one relationships.
On Common Ground holds the event each year as a way to tap into the “wonderful community of generous folks who come out to help so many people through their love of riding,” according to Bliss.
By collaborating with the Shrine, On Common Ground is able to provide an opportunity to bless the bikes and their riders for a safe riding season. The event is always held the weekend after Mother’s Day to stay as close to the blesed mother having her hand over the biker (s) in prayer.
“We were so happy to see the number of riders that showed up this year as the weather was questionable, so we thank them for their commitment and generosity to this effort on behalf of those in need,” Bliss said. “We were at almost the same number of participants as last year, which may increase next year if the weather is more cooperative. But for now, we are very thankful to have had such a nice day!”
While there was no fee for the blessing, some bikers purchased candles and calendars as a way to support On Common Ground. The money will help pay for the organization’s office space and small staff.
Bliss’s organization will also be sponsoring a folk festival in August.
Source: AttleboroPatch
Full Story: http://attleboro.patch.com/articles/blessings-for-a-safe-riding-season-brings-170-bikers-to-attleboro
Posted in Nth America | Tags: America, Biker, Bikie, Blessing, Christian, Church, Ride, Service | No Comments »
Grove City – Biker Sunday
For the fifth year in a row, the people of Grove City United Methodist Church will get back to the very basics of their faith by reaching out to the community with their annual Biker Sunday celebration.
The Rev. Dennis Miller said the purpose of Biker Sunday is twofold: to kick off the riding season with prayers for safe travel, and to welcome riders to the church and its riding ministry.
“This is something our congregation has really supported,” Miller said.
“They enjoy bringing in the bikers and being able to reach out to the community in a different way.”
Organizers expect about 1,000 people to attend the Sunday, May 15 service. The event is free and open to the public.
Among those attending will be special guest preacher Gene Skipworth. Skipworth is the author of Wear Your Collar, a memoir published last May that tells the story of his ministry to outlaw biker gangs in the Cincinnati area from 1967-70.
“I will be talking about the difficulty I faced in trying to engage the motorcycle gang members,” Skipworth said.
“I came to realize that if I was going to engage these guys, they had to see in me acceptance, grace, tolerance, and especially love.”
Skipworth also had to gain their respect. During his ministry to the gangs, he learned from an undercover law enforcement agency how to fashion a weapon from a perforated garden hose. The hose was stuffed with cotton and soaked in mace, rubbing alcohol and bacon grease.
“I kept it in the sleeve of my suit coat when I wore a suit or in the back of my jacket,” Skipworth said.
The first time he had to use the weapon was when Little Jesus, a member of the Avenger motorcycle gang, pulled a knife on him amid a big crowd on the street.
In spite of the scary moments, Skipworth’s efforts really have changed lives. One biker, a member of the Iron Horsemen known as Crazy Horse, was the bodyguard for his gang’s national president.
“He was violent, aggressive, and had no fear of any one,” Skipworth said.
After Wear Your Collar was released last spring, a minister in Tampa, Fla. contacted Skipworth to compliment the book.
“Then he asked, ‘Do you know where Crazy Horse is?’ I said, ‘Yes, he was shot and killed in the late 70′s.’ He said, ‘No, he is a member of my church.’ Talk about shocked.”
Skipworth and his wife traveled to Florida and had a surprise reunion with the former gang member.
“The tears that were shed by both of us were unbelievable in what they all meant,” Skipworth said.
The friendship has continued, and Crazy Horse will join Skipworth at Biker Sunday this weekend in Grove City.
“I would never have imagined such a result of my ministry to the gangs,” Skipworth said.
About 30 GCUMC members make up the core of the church’s Circuit Riders group — a name that refers to Methodist evangelists who used to ride horses from town to town.
Miller said the ministry follows the most basic tenets of the Christian faith.
“If we look at the ministry of Jesus, he associated with those the religious establishment had no time for,” he said.
“He was at ease with all people, even the outcasts of society. Our congregation is learning to love as Jesus loved, and wants to use our hands, hearts, minds and even our wheels to make a difference.”
The Circuit Riders group participates in a number of organized motorcycle rides each year, and is planning a mission trip to help people in an impoverished area in southern Ohio in August.
This Sunday, bikers will gather in the GCUMC parking lot at 9 a.m. Worship services will begin inside at 9:45 a.m.
At 11:15 a.m., pastors will bless the bikes under the large cross outside. At 11:30 a.m., lunch will be served in a tent outside the main church.
Grove City United Methodist Church, also known as the Purple Door Church, is located at 2650 Columbus Street.
Source: Columbus Local News
Full Story: http://www.snponline.com/articles/2011/05/14/multiple_papers/news/allgcbiker_20110513_0559pm_4.txt
Church brings Jesus to bikers
‘RIDING for the son’ are a group of petrolheads who have combined religion with their passion for motorbikes.
The Bikers Church, Rixton, was formed in September last year and has grown from strength to strength attracting Christian bikers who ‘love motorbikes, but also love Jesus too’.
Colin Pownall, who performed biker pair Terry and Marion’s wedding ceremony, said: “We were introduced to the couple about six months ago after they wanted a dedication for their child at the church.
“I am just one of many at the church and it was a privilege to perform the service for Terry and Marion.”
The Bikers Church meets on Sunday evenings with around 80 to 90 people regularly attending as part of the Christian Motorcyclists’ Association.
Colin added: “We take the good news of Jesus to motorcyclists where ever they may be and set up the Bikers Church so we have got a place of our own to invite bikers back after shows and rallies.”
There are a number of churches for bikers in South Africa but when the bikers made Rixton Methodist Church, Chapel Lane, their home, it was the first one in England drawing in people from Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.
Colin added: “We got a great reaction from the motorcycle community and have a fantastic working relationship with the methodist church that meets in the morning before us.
“They even helped decorate the church for the wedding.
“The Bikers Church meets the needs of motorcyclists and family and friends who would not feel comfortable in other churches dressed in their leathers or arriving on their motorbike with long hair and a beard.”
Source: Warrington Guardian
Full Story: http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/whereilive/8971663.Church_brings_Jesus_to_bikers/
Hope For The Road
Leather and Levis replace lace and the loathsome tie. Fellowship involves a hot meal before worship, not doughnuts and coffee afterward. Classic rock music warms up the crowd before the pastor takes the stage. No pulpit here.
The fellowship, worship and meal all take place every Thursday evening in a recreation center equipped with basketball hoops, a stage and a big-screen TV.
Welcome to Steel City Biker Church, where 40 to 70 people gather weekly to hear Pastor Curtis Hubbell relate stories from the road, or from his daily struggles and joys, to Scripture — and to trying to live the way Jesus encouraged his early followers to live.
As he moved back and forth across a stage where Pueblo Christian Center hosts concerts and other events, the bearded, hulking Hubbell during a recent service talked about how he loves to get on his bike and take off with no particular destination — and how infrequently that happens when he’s stressed or has too many obligations on his plate. And how stress impinges on his ability to enjoy the rare ride to nowhere in particular.
“Stress is necessary. It causes us to take action,” he told members of his congregation, seated around tables where they’d just finished a meal of roasted chicken, rice and salad.
Life requires balance
“But stress can take the fun out of happy times, too,” he said, alluding to how his wife’s expectations for perfection for a brief time interfered with the joy involved in planning their son’s upcoming wedding.
“As a guitar player, I know that with careful tuning — by applying just the right pressure with the right balance — beautiful music is possible. But put too much stress into it and a string can snap loose. The sound is muddy, or there’s no sound at all. You have to stop and restring the thing. The key is to find the perfect balance” — in music, on the road, and in life, he said.
“We can’t control the stress in our lives, but God’s word is full of help,” he added, before reading from Proverbs 17:13-22 and reminding his listeners that laughter is one of God’s cures for physical as well as spiritual fatigue.
From Luke 6:21, he shared the message that all those who hunger will be fed, and all who weep will once again laugh. But happiness comes from within, he said. Peace and security are rooted in the heart.
Church Service in aid of ODAR
On the 6th Feb in aid of http://www.odar.com.au there was an open church service at St James Anglican Church.
It began with a general service, followed by David Gough being invited up to tell his and the ODAR story – this was followed by the offer of a coffee and a meal if you wanted it. We all pretty much ended up in the car park chatting and taking photos and gathering for a bike blessing carried out by Rev Smith. I must admit though, the turnout disappointed me, but as David pointed out, there was quality not quantity – I was well pleased to catch up with Mario from Bikers for Christ though.
R,R&B
Chepe
Compadres CMC (Sydney chapter)
Posted in Australia | Tags: Australia, Bikers for Christ, Church, Compadres CMC, ODAR, Service | No Comments »
New church aims to attract the ‘unreachables’
The Rev. Kenny Rice decided five years after “planting” Set Free Baptist Church in Dahlonega, it was time to create a church with the same rock ‘n’ roll, biker feel in Gainesville.
With the help of the Chattahoochee Baptist Association, Good Samaritan Baptist Church was created and it had its first service last Sunday.
“I’m kind of a church starter; we were up there for five years and it was time to start another one,” he said. “That was my seventh church, so that seems like what we do – start them up and then get another one going.”
Set Free was known for its nontraditional meeting space in Dahlonega – an old converted chicken house.
Rice hopes that he can reach the unreachable in Gainesville.
Think Bike (Bikers roar their sorrow)
Anine Vermeulen
The atmosphere at the Doxa Deo Church in Kameeldrift, where the funeral service was being held for the two bikers who died in a head-on-collision with a Hummer last Saturday, was shaded and heartbreaking.
Around 800 bikers from around the country trekked to Kameeldrift in support of Messrs JP Kruger and Pieter Coetzee sr, the two men who were tragically killed a little over a week ago.
“The biking community is like a tight knit family, when one of us goes down, we all rally together in support of the fallen,” says Mr Louis von Allermans, president of the Hatfield chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA).
Members of both families were too distraught to speak directly to the press, but in a statement made during the funeral service, they expressed their appreciation for those who came to grieve and show their support.
“We miss them terribly, but we know where they are now and we know we will see them again one day,” said Pastor Steven Vermeulen on behalf of the family.
“I would like to thank the brothers and sisters of the biking community who stepped up to the plate and came through to the service, your good intentions mean the world to me and the families of the deceased. God bless each and every one of you,” said an emotionally choked up Von Allermans during the service.
Motorbike and cycling accidents are on the increase, and Mr Dries van der Walt, spokesperson for Think Bike, feels that people need to be more respectful of cyclists and bikers on the road.“This accident was unnecessary and avoidable,” says Van der Walt.
“Think Bike wants to make bikers, cyclists and motorists on the road more aware of each other and teach everybody to obey traffic rules and regulations with respect. We need more visible traffic policing, this is getting out of hand and we need to find a way to some how regulate and control this,” he says.
Mr Pieter Coetzee Jr, who was seriously injured during the accident and who’s father is one of the deceased, is in a stable condition in the hospital.“He’s doing well, they put pins in his right hand and doctors will start putting skin grafts on his left leg soon,” says von Allermans, who has been in close contact with Coetzee Jr since the accident.
Source: Rekord
Full Story: http://www.rekord.co.za/story.aspx?lan=Afr&sid=41852
Knights on Bikes: New ministry on two wheels
By Marilyn Rogers
Rogers Correspondent
FAYETTEVILLE — During this October’s Bikes, Blues and BBQ rally, Michael Huber was busy herding a parade of motorcycles, as riders looked for a place to park on Dickson Street.
As one of the founders of the newly formed Arkansas chapter of Knights on Bikes organization, Huber and others volunteered to park bikes to raise money for the Knights of Columbus Council #6609 at St. Joseph Church in Fayetteville.
Huber described the event as a complete success.
I met several Catholic men who had no idea that our group, Knights on Bikes, existed,he said. They all wanted to know more about how to join, so hopefully our membership will grow larger, helping our Knights of Columbus councils in Arkansas.”
After joining the Knights of Columbus in 2008, he and a brother knight, Jack Otten, both motorcyclists, discovered Knights on Bikes, an organization started in 2005 in Fort Worth, Texas.
We wanted to get together with others who enjoyed riding,Huber said. We researched and found to our surprise Knights on Bikes. It seemed the perfect way to recruit members into the Knights of Columbus.”
Otten, a co-founder, described this new ministry as another avenue to draw parishioners closer together by sharing common interests. Because we have just started this group, it is a work in progress. We hope to visit other parishes, offer assistance to them, and maybe create some of our own fundraisers.”
When Huber and Otten established the Arkansas chapter in 2009, the national organization of Knights on Bikes had chapters in only three states. Today there are 19 state chapters and one city chapter in Washington, D.C.
The Arkansas chapter presently has 20 members from Rogers, Bella Vista, Springdale, Fayetteville, Hot Springs Village and Conway.
