"To everything there is a season, a time for every pupose under heaven."

On Sunday, May 15, the New Richland Area Ministerium will have a Community Worship Service for the Blessing of the Bikes at City Park. The Blessing of the Bikes is a nationwide annual tradition. Riders of motorcycles, bicycles or even tricycles are blessed by clergymen in hopes that it will bring safety for the rider in the coming season.

"I'd rather be riding my bike thinking about God, than sitting in church thinking about my bike."

Generally, the Blessing of the Bikes focuses more on rider safety than religion. However, the service does include prayers and reading of biblical passages, and bikes are usually sprinkled with holy water.

Everyone crashes. Some get back on, some don't, some can't. A brief memorial service is held to acknowledge riders who have died in the previous year. The Blessings of the Bikes Services highlights religion, fitness, cyclists' rights, and safety.

"Respect the person who has seen the dark side of biking and lived to tell about it."

The Blessing of the Bikes Service will begin at 3 p.m; followed by supper at 4 p.m. Music will be provided by "Just Friends," and free will donations will be accepted, with all proceeds going to the New Richland Area Food Shelf.

Even if you don’t ride yourself, come and see the parade of bikes through the New Richland City Park.

This is the season for The Blessing of the Bikes, a time that will clear your mind, and restore your faith.