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Community Corner

Blessing of the Bicycles

The Blessing of the Bicycles will see bicyclists from the neighborhood, greater Evanston and beyond come to St. Luke's to receive a blessing for safe travel throughout the year, to praise their environmental stewardship and to remember those who have been injured while riding their bicycles or lost their lives. The blessing is part of the regular Sunday 10 A.M service.

Prayers will be said for the safety of all cyclists and thanks will be given for the joy cyclists experience on their travels and journeys.  “In coastal communities, churches annually bless the fishing fleet.  In a similar way, while we are not able to keep watch on each cyclist through the year, we will be able to place God’s blessing on those who swiftly navigate what can be dangerous streets and roads,” said the Rector of St. Luke’s, the Very Rev. Jeannette DeFriest. 

“This event will also promote bicycle safety for all -- adult and young riders, and car drivers -- with an emphasis on helmet safety,” said DeFriest.  At the street fair adjacent to the church after the service, the organization Recyclery will accept donations of bicycles and bicycle parts for the restoration and donation of bicycles to social service organizations in the area.  Maps of Evanston's bike paths will be distributed to generate interest in those routes. 

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The church welcomes all cyclists, their families and entire cycling groups to participate in this event.  The church is also seeking volunteers who would like to be part of hosting the event.  If you would like to be a part of this event, please e-mail Rosemary Bayzer at rbayzer@earthlink.net

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