Bike Clinic Rocks 'n Rolls

R Community Bikes (RBC) and His Branches held a neighborhood Bike Clinic in our Arnett parking lot last Saturday that exceeded all expectations. After being postponed for 2 weeks due to the heavy storm we had on May 8th, we had a great turnout and were able to give away 18 reconditioned bikes in a free lottery to kids who had lined up in eager anticipation. RBC's expert volunteer crew of bike mechanics was also on site with parts and tools to repair an estimated 50 or more bikes that showed up that day. There were many happy faces as donated bikes (and helmets provided by the Rochester Police Department) were given away to children. 

R Community Bikes a non-profit organization that recycles bikes in Rochester. RCB gave away over 1500 bikes to the Rochester community last year. Thanks to a grant, they have a trailer for bringing bikes, tools, and parts to off-site events. Their shop/warehouse is at 226 Hudson Avenue, and volunteers are welcome!

Our next collaborative event will be on Saturday, August 7, from noon until 4 pm when RCB will join us again for our annual Block Party. Be sure to come and bring your neighbors and friends!

Banquet a Great Success!

Our first annual His Branches Banquet, hosted last week at the Oak Hill Country Club, was a great success thanks to many behind-the-scenes workers and wonderful community support! Over 225 staff, friends, and new supporters of our ministry gathered for an evening of celebration of past and ongoing accomplishments and exhortations to keep up and expand the good work.

After enjoying a delicious dinner and time of fellowship with friends, both old and new, we were ministered to with music and testimony that refreshed and stirred our spirits. Our guest speaker, Mr. Paul Marshall, illuminated a whole new dimension of prolife ministry - the impact of abortion on the men involved - and our hostess for the evening, Jennifer Burch, urged us to pull together to reach even deeper in meeting the needs and opportunities that surround us.

When it was all over, we were left with not only the encouraging glow of spiritual support but the tangible reality of profoundly encouraged staff, new volunteers, and over $30,000 in donations and pledges to undergird our ministries in the months ahead. A hearty "thank you" goes out to all who participated in making our 2010 Banquet such a "Celebration of Life". We're already starting to talk about next year!