Many people share a common stereotype about motorcyclists. They hear the roar of an engine on their peaceful street or see a two-wheeler looming in the sideview mirror, splitting lanes in heavy traffic. Thoughts about these riders are often not pleasant.
Of course, no stereotype is especially true, and a Christian ministry was formed in 1999 that seeks to show another side of motorcycling: CROSS Motorcycle Club and Ministries. On Jan. 26, the group held a 15th anniversary celebration in Gilroy to mark an important milestone in service to local communities.
Although CROSS members may appear intimidating in their leather jackets, goggles, face masks and helmets, they actually seek to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. Their mission is “to reach out in Christ-centered love to the lost, disciple the saved and send the disciple into outreach ministry.”
It is an interdenominational ministry that partners with local churches; one of these is Gilroy’s St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church where The Rev. Terry Burley reports local chapters currently have about 50 members. They are engaged in many efforts to assist the community through providing prayer, Christian counseling and a respectful, non-judgmental, credible Christian presence within the motorcycle community. Some of their specific efforts include:
• Helping provide services to local homeless people
• Making hospital visitations
• Volunteering at the Garlic Festival
• Providing additional security at community events
• Providing escort services for special events such as veteran funerals and parades
But CROSS also offers many other opportunities for members and their families:
• Sponsoring Bike Nights at local venues where anyone can attend, display bikes, engage in contests and win prizes
• Hosting picnics, barbecues and pool parties
• Planning recreational rides where members and guests share their enjoyment of biking to various locations together
• Holding chapter meetings that, in addition to handling business, can include prayer, worship, Holy Communion and other support to the ministry in general.
From a humble beginning in Los Banos where Lupe and Yolanda Gomez started the ministry with the encouragement of their pastor, CROSS has formed chapters throughout California and as far away as Denver, Colo., and Nigeria, Africa.
In the words of longtime Gilroy member Jesse Farias, “We want to change the public’s perception of motorcyclists as hard and bad.” For information, call (408) 310-9648.
Church offers prayer seminar
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (651 Broadway in Gilroy) invites area residents to a special four-week seminar series called “Teach me to pray.” The class will be held Monday evenings beginning Feb. 3. Each session will begin with a potluck supper at 6 p.m., immediately followed by instruction. A repeat class will be held each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., but without a meal. There is no charge for attending any sessions.
Of course, the Bible is full of instances of prayer, and Christians are called to be people of prayer. But many are unsure of how to pray and don’t engage in this activity regularly. The class’s emphasis will be on learning effective prayer techniques.
According to Father Terry, he has compiled information from a number of resources, including Scripture, to help participants become more comfortable and effective in praying. In addition to instruction, there will be time set aside for individual and small group prayers. For more information, call (408) 842-4415.
Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Reach him at [email protected].
