Divine protection while you ride
Courtesy photo About 100 people representing at least five churches gathered in Coeur d’Alene City Park last spring for the Blessing of the Bikes. The 2018 Blessing of the Bikes will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, followed by a bike ride on the Centennial Trail to Riverstone Park, where attendees will enjoy fellowship time and a root beer float.
These specially made “Blessed” bike license plates will be given to many who attend the Blessing of the Bikes in Coeur d’Alene City Park on Sunday. This year’s event is being organized by Trinity Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d’Alene and Community Presbyterian Church in Post Falls. Courtesy photo
By DEVIN WEEKS
Staff Writer
COEUR d’ALENE — From helmet tops to tire treads, bikes and bicyclists of all ages will be blessed this weekend.
"All are welcome," said Penny Weiss, director of youth and family ministries at Trinity Lutheran Church. "We would love to have people join us."
Trinity, First Presbyterian Church of Coeur d'Alene and Community Presbyterian Church of Post Falls are inviting the community to the Blessing of the Bikes at 2 p.m. Sunday in Coeur d'Alene City Park.
"It's a real simple event," said Lou Pennebaker, director of children and family ministries for First Presbyterian. "The idea behind it is we know people will be out enjoying the summer, probably on their bikes, children and adults, and we recognize that and we want to bless them in that."
This is the fourth year for the blessing, which Trinity started as a fellowship activity for families as they grow in their faith.
"God is with us, even when we're riding bikes," Weiss said. "He's with us always, but (this is) to bring that home in terms of doing something fun and bringing God along with it."
Participants will form a circle in the park and place their hands on their neighbor's bikes, passing a blessing on to the person next to them. They'll pray for safety and protection as they enjoy riding their bikes this summer.
"God's work happens through you, not just through pastors," Weiss said.
She said it would be great if all of the local faith community would come out for this event, but people don't have to be affiliated with a church to join.
After the blessing, everyone will ride their bikes on the North Idaho Centennial Trail to the picnic shelter in Riverstone Park, where volunteers and a special treat will be waiting. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Blessing attendees will receive a special license plate for their bikes as long as supplies last. Last year, about 100 riders participated.
"It has been fun from the first event," Pennebaker said. "It's just such a neat thing."