Sentinel photo by TOM LAUB
Rev. Randy Stahl (left, seated on cycle) and Pastor Kirk Nagel of Assembly of God Church in Lewistown hope the Motorcycle Blessing and Ride becomes an annual event.

LEWISTOWN — On Sunday, May 19, the Lewistown Assembly of God church will hold its first-ever “Motorcycle Blessing and Ride” event, welcoming bikers from across the region for a day of fellowship, inspiring testimonies, scenic riding and hearty food.

The event, rain or shine, aims to bring together motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life to share in their passion while experiencing the uplifting spirit and inclusive community of the church.

Registration opens at

9 a.m. in the church parking lot at 160 Summit Dr., Lewistown. All types of bikes, trikes, and scooters are welcome to participate. Attendees can mingle over coffee, admire each other’s rides, and get to know their fellow bikers before the morning’s main event.

At 10 a.m., bikers will gather inside for a special morning service. The focal point will be the ceremonial “Blessing of the Bikes,” where Pastor Kirk Nagel will lead the group in prayer, asking for protection, good fortune, and spiritual guidance for the bikers in the riding season ahead.

Interspersed with the regular service, several bikers will share personal testimonies recounting how their faith has shaped their lives and their approach to riding. “We’ll hear firsthand how Jesus loves and wants to change the lives of people from all walks of life,” said Randy Stahl, one of the chief organizers behind the event.

After the service, bikers can fuel up with a free lunch provided by the church before hitting the open road. With kickstands up around 1 p.m., the group will embark on a roughly 1.5-hour scenic ride through the rolling hills and quaint towns of Mifflin and surrounding counties. The route, suitable for riders of all skill levels, will give bikers a chance to revel in the freedom of the road and the camaraderie of their fellow enthusiasts.

While 2024 marks the first year of the Motorcycle Blessing and Ride, organizers hope it will become a recurring tradition. “This is the first time we have had such an event as this,” notes Stahl, hinting that positive turnout and response could lay the groundwork for it to continue.

The event itself grew out of the Lewistown Assembly of God’s desire to expand its reach and impact in the community.

“The function of the church is to reach all people and cultures,” Stahl said. “Bikers come from all facets of life. This adds a new dimension to our church. The people [of the church] are excited about a new type of outreach. Our love for all people to hear how Jesus can change the lives of anyone.”

More than just a recreational event, organizers see Bike Sunday as an opportunity for ministry–a chance to positively impact lives through the unifying power of faith and fellowship. “We just want to reach out and make our presence known as a church that cares for all people,” Stahl said. “We want to be available to all.”

Stahl sums up the core purpose: “To see lives changed by the power of Jesus Christ. To get together as a group of people and have a good time. To show that the church is here for everyone and can be multicultural.”

So, what should interested bikers bring to participate? “Bring yourself and an appetite,” Stahl said. “There is some excellent food being prepared. Oh, don’t forget your cycle!”

Looking beyond this inaugural event, church leaders envision Bike Sunday as a launching point for even more biker outreach and support. “As time goes by, we would like to plan to have this event annually and produce and develop resources for the attendees to connect with support systems that are already in place,” Stahl said.

For now, the focus remains on orchestrating an engaging, uplifting, and memorable experience for this year’s participants. Stahl extends an open invitation to the biker community: “Come on out for a good time and enjoy great food and receive a challenging, uplifting message.”

Bikers interested in participating in the Motorcycle Blessing and Ride can contact Stahl directly at randy@trumpetofpraise.com for more information. The church phone number is (717) 248-8441, and Pastor Nagel can be reached at (717) 513-3868.

With the stage set and the engines soon to rev, the Lewistown Assembly of God looks forward to sharing their faith, hospitality, and love of riding with bikers across the region. Regardless of religious background, riding experience, or bike style, all are welcome to cruise in and join the fellowship on May 19. It promises to be an invigorating experience for body, mind, and soul–one that may mold into a signature spring event for years to come.

In the end, that’s what the Motorcycle Blessing and Ride is all about–a celebration of life, love and the unending journey towards spiritual enlightenment. And for one glorious Sunday in May, the world will feel a little bit brighter, a little bit more hopeful, all thanks to a small church with a big dream and the courage to make it a reality.