Hello GWCC,
I, Dana Beland, am sending out an invitation as a pre-event to the Genesee Wandering Cycling Club (GWCC) Annual Membership Ride, Meal, and Meeting. Last year Sent Out Community Church (SOCC) had our first Blessing of the Cyclists (BOTC [for Jack]), and we were privileged to have a fellow GWCC and Cyclepath member, Mark Hopkins, share the Word with us. It was an awesome event, and we are hoping it grows in attendance each year. So, please know you are invited to SOCC this Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM! Our address is Sent Out Community Church, 11280 East Lennon Road, Lennon, MI 48449.
This year we are adding to our day by including a full brunch meal before our service starting at 10:00 AM. SOCC people are bringing extra so you can come and eat as a part of church service. We will have tables set up in our worship area and then have service from the tables. Our service will begin somewhere around 10:30ish, depending on where we are in the brunch process. So, if you want to skip the brunch (not recommended), and arrive for the service, then come at 10:30 AM. If you desire to add to our brunch by bringing something, you are more than welcomed to do so, but it is not necessary.
While Mark did an outstanding job last year, we have a GWCC dignitary sharing the message this year: The Rev. Jonathan Wass, GWCC president and pastor at Ekklesia of Grand Blanc. That means you will not have to listen to me preach . We are in for a real treat; and I appreciate Jonathan accepting our offer almost a year ago. At the end of the service, we will have a blessing of the cyclists for those in attendance over their cycling endeavors during the 2024 riding year. Let’s get it started well!
I will be wearing full bike gear during the service, so ride-ins are welcomed. We are a come as you are church, so I will dress to make everyone feel comfortable. Please wear your Cyclepath or GWCC jersey, if possible. I am really excited about having some of my friends with me among our congregation so they will see what all my cycling illustrations are all about! We make a great source of wealth for my preaching. LOL!
Day’s Itinerary
· 10:00 AM-Brunch
· 10:30ish AM-Worship Service (This is not a hard and fast time but an idea as we see how the worship brunch is going and ease into our worship service.)
· 11:30-11:45 AM Blessing of the Cyclists (immediately following the service)
· Post Service-PB&J sandwiches and energy bars as we leave to provide for the coming ride. (weather permitting)
· 12 PM-Rides Begin (weather permitting)
· Routes of 3, 9, 11, 21, 30 or 40 (Maps provided if needed)
· Longest to Shortest Route Departures
· 2:30-Meal with GWCC membership meeting (20% of members needed for a quorum. The meeting will be held inside SOCC worship area. SOCC peeps will set it up as we ride.)
Feel free to invite anyone who might be interested, novice to expert riders, to all or any of these special activities. All are welcome!
Any questions, please give me a call/text/email: 810.620.5314 or dana.b.beland@gmail.com.
Hoping to See You,
Rev. Dana B. Beland
Sent Out Community Church, Pastor