Reaching out to those who are not commonly found sitting within a church

sanctuary is part of Newtown United Methodist Church’s Anglican heritage. And

last Saturday, they continued this mission by inviting motorcyclists to a

Blessing of the Bikers.

Church member Marty Maciag, who had the inspiration to do something for

bikers, approached the board with the idea for the event. The church officials

voted unanimously in favor of it. Outreach chair Alice Saxton worked with Mr

Maciag to coordinate the blessing, which was conferred by Rev Terry Pfeiffer

assisted by Boyd Saxton.

“I think biking ministry is very important,” said Mrs Saxton, who rides a

Suzuki GS 550L. “I’m a member of Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) and

I’ve seen a lot of hard-core bikers brought to the Lord. We are taught to do

what Jesus did - go out wherever we are needed.”

Everyone involved in the event thought it was a good thing for the church to

experience. “People here are open-minded and generous,” said Rev Terry

Pfeiffer, who offered two types of blessings that morning. “The general

blessing of the biker is for his well-being, safety, health, happiness and

peace. Then there is an individual blessing ... a symbol of renewal and hope.”

Although the rain may have deterred more bikers from attending the event,

those who did come enjoyed a hearty breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausages,

bagels and cream cheese, Dunkin’ Donuts, orange juice, coffee and tea, all

prepared by parishioners. Other church volunteers who assisted on Saturday

were Chris Wynings, Dave Brown, Roland DuBois, Ken Carlson, Charlie Cox, Rich

Caruso, Bob Biscoe, Peter Anderau, Jim Maurer, Harvey Sellner, Jim Zeigler,

Rich Blewett, Chuck Samson, and Marge Costa.

Some people might hold the notion that because the Methodist church originated

in the 18th century, it is rigid in nature. “But we’re really open to ideas,”

said Mr Maciag. “We’re willing to try new things, especially at this church.”

Producers of the local access cable show, Local Pathways of Faith , filmed

interviews for a 30-to-60-minute segment that will run sometime in June.

Motorcyclists from Fairfield, Danbury, West Haven, Newtown, Shelton, and New

Haven attended the blessing.

Rich Caruso, a church member, brought his nine-year-old daughter, Christie, to

the event on his BMW motorcycle. They often take rides together on the bike.

“It was nice of Terry and the church to do this,” he said. “It was the right

thing to do.”

“It really is moving to see some of the characters drive by the priest who is

blessing them, and they’re accepting it,” said Valerie Samson, who came as a

passenger on her husband’s Harley. “And they take it seriously.”

Some of the bikers said they came because “motorcycles are dangerous - we try

to cover all bets.” Others, such as a The Beacon Biker chapter of CMA, brought

their bikes down to participate and support the church in its outreach.

“We come as servants to offer help and assistance,” said chapter president

Allan Theil. “[Those who come] have that feeling inside they want God to bless

them, but not all are actively seeking the Lord in life. [We have taken on]

the Great Commission to `Go and tell all the world the Good News.’”

Hard-core bikers who are involved in a life of violence and drugs often feel

they are unworthy of God’s blessing; but they feel if the bike is blessed

maybe they won’t die, said Karen Theil. Mr Theil was involved in a “hard-core

motorcycle gang” before coming to the Lord; his wife left behind a similar

life.

“We come having had surgery inside,” said Mrs Theil. “We come to show bikers

who are afraid of the spiritual scalpel that God doesn’t cut what he doesn’t

intend to heal. We’ve been the bad way, the hard way, and know the

hopelessness. And we know there is healing for the wounded.”

“This was a very personal healing today,” she continued. “These guys put their

hands on our heads and prayed for our hearts as well as our bikes. There was a

time when I wouldn’t let no dude touch me.”