On the afternoon of June 22, 2016, the Reverend Laurel Dykstra of Salal + Cedar Watershed Discipleship Community brought Metro News reporter/photographer, David Ball to the shared green space between St. John’s, Shaughnessy at 1490 Nanton Avenue and the Diocesan Offices at 1410 Nanton Avenue for an unique photo and interview opportunity.
Laurel had arranged for Bishop Skelton to bless oils that will be used to bless bicycles and cyclists. The sacramental oil for blessing the disciples is a cottonwood derivative and the oil for the bikes is chain oil. Salal + Cedar have created a tradition of anointing disciples with oil (sign of the Cross on the forehead) prior to them taking action into the world.
The other photo op was Bishop Skelton pedaling a bike made stationary by a portable stand, hooked up to a mini-generator that has a usb “out” port from which a usb cable can be connected to a mobile communications device and charged by the action of pedaling the bike. The inspiration for this comes from the realization that this summer Salal + Cedar will sponsor the first Sacred Earth Camp and the participants who will all be youth and young adults will likely not want to leave their phones at home.
Bishop Skelton was happy to participate.
Video of David Ball interviewing Reverend Dykstra about the spiritual connection to the bicycle.
Video of Bishop Melissa Skelton talking about Blessing Oils.
Embedded below is a short excerpt of Bishop Skelton pedaling and charging the phone.
Images
- Bishop Skelton and Reverend Dykstra pedaling and checking to see if the phone is charging.
- Bishop Skelton and Reverend Dykstra being interviewed by David Ball of METRO
- Blessing the Oils.