In a world filled with over-crowded freeways, short-tempered drivers, road rage and streets that sometimes have potholes the size of Volkswagens, getting from point A to point B can be a challenge.
Toss into the mix the fact that we never know when our car, motorcycle or bicycle is going to develop mechanical problems. Murphy’s Law says that whatever can go wrong will go wrong and for many of us that usually happens on a road trip.
In an effort to aid us weary travelers, St. Andrews by the Sea church will be performing a special “Blessing of the Wheels” following their regular service on Sunday, Sept. 10.
“For years we have done the blessing of the animals and now our rector decided that because God wishes us all well on our journeys that we should bless the vehicles they travel in,” said Rusty Thompson, public relations spokesperson for the church.
The blessing isn’t limited to conventional means of transportation; anything from a covered wagon to a skateboard can be protected through this special service.
“People can come with their scooters, skateboards, bikes, motorcycles or those shoes that have wheels on them and their will be a procession into the church with those things,” Thompson said. “Unfortunately we don’t have a large enough parking lot to accommodate a large amount of vehicles like cars and busses. So for people who travel that way, they can bring their car keys and bus passes. We bless whatever means of transportation people present.”
They say miracles happen every day and for someone that has an old Chevy that’s running on wing and a prayer maybe this service will put new life into an old spark plug. Although the “Blessing of the Wheels” may not actually transform a clunker into a Caddy, it will serve to promote community good will and possibly put some new faces in the church pews.
Thompson says that you don’t have to be a church member to attend the blessing and that they welcome new faces to their pews. Services begin at 9:30 a.m. the blessing will take place at approximately 10:30 a.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.
“We welcome everyone to attend,” Thompson said. “So I’m telling everyone to grab their wheels and drive on in.”
Saint Andrews Episcopal Church is located at 1050 Thomas Ave in Pacific Beach. For information call (858) 273-3022.