TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Church Plans Biker Blessing, Breakfast

ADVERTISEMENT

By LAURA CONE The Sun

Published: March 18, 2009

Barbara Kanoza of Sun City Center loves the freedom she feels on the back of her husband Bruce's Suzuki Boulevard C90.

Kanoza, who is helping to coordinate a Biker Breakfast and Blessing at The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, also likes the feeling of security and peace that comes with a spiritual blessing.

Members of the church are hosting their first biker blessing March 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. Also taking place the same day is the annual FunFest sponsored by the Sun City Center Community Association. After the Rev. Warren Langer, Jr. blesses their motorcycles, some bikers may head to North Pebble Beach Boulevard for the FunFest which wraps up at 3 p.m.

"A lot of people like the feeling they have when they had their bike blessed," Kanoza said. "Most of the people we go out with have not had that done and want to."

She said a full breakfast will be provided by the South County Career Center Culinary Department for $5, led by Chef Shawn Bull.

Kanoza, who is a franchise development coordinator for Signs Now in Sarasota, said she began joining her husband in his motorcycle hobby about three years ago.

"It's the freedom of it and the camaraderie with other people," she said. "There is a huge biker contingent in Sun City Center. Every Saturday morning, we go out for a long ride and go out for breakfast some place."

She said the motorcyclists meet Saturdays at 9 a.m. in front of the Copper Penny Restaurant, 16701 U.S. Highway 301 S. in Wimauma.

Kanoza said the motorcycles will be blessed at 10 and 11 a.m. She said church officials will offer a moment of silence and prayer during the blessing of the bikes. They will also set up a memorial table for bikers who have passed away. People may bring in photos and light a candle in their honor.

She said the Pages of Life bookstore, which is on the church campus, will be open during the event. The store will feature special jewelry, books, CDs and gifts for bikers.
Jeff Jordan of Ruskin, the director of the arts for the church, said he is looking forward to the blessing event.

Jordan and his wife Amanda recently decided to take a basic motorcycling riding course. He said the church has quite a few Christian motorcyclists.

"I think it's very cool and it fits into our less formal kind of atmosphere with Oasis, our church coffeehouse," Jordan said.

He said the church's activities and events seem to draw a younger crowd of retirees.

"Unlike some of the other churches, we have some of the retired Baby Boomers," Jordan said. "We seem to be finding more and more of them who find our services satisfying. That includes a lot of motorcyclists."

Georgiana Chattin of Sun City Center said she plans to have her Harley Dyna Glide blessed during the event. She has ridden a motorcycle for five years.

"I have always wanted to get my bike blessed," Chattin said. "I'm a re-born Christian. Anything that Jesus can do to help me, I would definitely want it on my bike. If his prayers are going to be on my bike, I'll be happy to have it done."

She participates in the Saturday biker rides because of the fun, scenery and fresh air.

For more information on the bike blessing and the Sun City Center United Methodist Church, 1210 Del Webb Blvd. W., call (813) 634-2539.

Editor Laura Cone may be reached at lcone@mediageneral.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT