The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner was accompanied by CMA: Staffordshire & Shropshire with West Midlands Branch, Bikers Church UK and local bikers for a Palm Sunday service led by Bishop Mark, Rev. Robin Pye and Rachel Roberts at St Catherine’s, Over Alderley in the Knutsford Deanery.
The morning began with prayers on a local housing estate before the bikers processed to St Catherine’s where they were met by members of the congregation waving palm crosses, accompanied by the sound of bells of the church carillon.
The service began outside the church, with the hymn, "Ride on Ride on in Majesty" accompanied by the Over Alderley band. The service continued inside as Bishop Mark led a reflection on how Jesus journeys with us, the risk we might feel in following Jesus, and the joy of being on the journey.
A collection was taken in support of the Biking Bishops Biking Mission Fund which supports the purchase of 125cc motorbikes and transport for midwives in the Democratic Republic of Congo where Chester Diocese has links with Aru and Boga.
There was also a 90th birthday celebration for Canon Rev. Peter Hunt who is a local legend.
Bishop Mark said: “This was a creative and enjoyable way to mark Palm Sunday, and I am grateful for the invitation to take part. In this week we encounter our Lord who turns up in unexpected grace and surprising ways and leads us forward in hope. Bikes are one picture of that, and it was good to draw people together in a slightly different way and join the celebrations of Christ arriving in Jerusalem.”
You can make a donation to the Biking Bishops Biking Mission Fund here