Bradford church conducts ‘Blessing of the Bikes’

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BRADFORD — Pastor John Sgrow of Oakland Church of the Brethren, in Bradford, called on all motorcycle and bicycle riders Sunday, May 21, for a special “Blessing of the Bikes.”

Sgrow has been a pastor at Oakland Church of the Brethren four years. His parish includes about 200 people from the surrounding areas of: Bradford, Gettysburg, Greenville and Arcanum. He said his favorite part about being a pastor is being a part of peoples’ lives. The bike blessing is something he plans to continue ever year.

“It gives us an excuse to ride together and to remember that God keeps us safe,” Sgrow said. “I ride with a few of them every now and then and this is the first time riding as a big group. We will ride to Troy, eat lunch and ride back.”

Church members Aaron Overholser his wife Lindsey and their baby Brody participated in the bike blessing, with Brody on his own little bicycle.

“We love to go out on Sunday afternoon rides to see the countryside that we don’t normally see,” Lindsey said. “We are excited about the bike blessing because I know it is dangerous for Aaron to be riding on the road. The blessing will help with that.”

Pastor Sgrow asked folks to place their hands on their bikes as he said the following blessing.

“May God bless you and keep you safe on this machine,” Sgrow said. “May you encounter the risen Lord in your travels in the freedom of the open road, the fellowship of the other bikers and in each person you meet. May the Lord be with you at home and on the road. May He accompany you when you start on your many journeys. May He keep you all riding safe, and have His mercy grace and love shine upon your every road.”

“Lord, we thank you for this day, for the bikes that are gathered here and the hearts that will ride them,” Sgrow added. “We thank you for the fellowship we will have and the joy of the open road. We ask for a special anointing on both the rider and the bike today, whether it is motorized or pedaled. Please just anoint them and all of God’s people. Amen.”

Pastor John Sgrow (right) of Oakland Church of the Brethren, in Bradford, called on all motorcyle and bicycle riders Sunday, May 21, for a special “Blessing of the Bikes.”
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_bike-blessing3.jpgPastor John Sgrow (right) of Oakland Church of the Brethren, in Bradford, called on all motorcyle and bicycle riders Sunday, May 21, for a special “Blessing of the Bikes.” Carolyn Harmon | The Daily Advocate

The Overholser family: Lindsey (left), Aaron and their baby Brody (front) had their bikes blessed at Oakland Church of the Brethren, May 21, in Bradford, Ohio.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_blessing-of-bikes1.jpgThe Overholser family: Lindsey (left), Aaron and their baby Brody (front) had their bikes blessed at Oakland Church of the Brethren, May 21, in Bradford, Ohio. Carolyn Harmon | The Daily Advocate

Kierra Stephan and Heather Manalo are on a tandem runt bike. It was blessed at Oakland Church of the Brethren, May 21, in Bradford, Ohio.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_bikeblessing2.jpgKierra Stephan and Heather Manalo are on a tandem runt bike. It was blessed at Oakland Church of the Brethren, May 21, in Bradford, Ohio. Carolyn Harmon | The Daily Advocate

By Carolyn Harmon

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The writer may be reached at 937-569-4354. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com.

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