Bicycle Ministry
The mission of the Bicycle Ministry at Beach United Methodist Church states:
     "In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, provide transportation in the form of bicycles to those struggling to become productive members of our community."
 
HISTORY
The Bicycle Ministry began in 1998 when VBUMC Associate Minister, Clark Mandigo, asked Dave Moore Sr. to help start the ministry.  The public transportation system was poor, the city buses did not run often, and buses did not always go where people needed to be (for job interviews, visits to doctors' offices, city services, etc).  Dave had previously owned a bike shop and knew what was needed to set up shop and how to repair bikes.
 
At that time, Charlie Earley was coordinating the renovation of the Country Comfort Bar into the present building now referred to as "Potter's House".  There was no provision for a bike shop in the Potter's House, but Charlie insisted that there would be one.  So it was and is today!
 
CURRENT STATUS
Volunteers at the bike shop are repairing about 25 bikes a week and giving out about 4-5 bikes a week.  A requirement to obtain a bike or repair services is that the person be gainfully employed.
 
As of November 2007, about $1500 a year was being spent in this Missions Ministry.  Approximately 1,000 bikes were repaired and about 200 to 250 bikes were being given away a year.  Most of the bikes are donated from the churches in the Beach Borough.  Inner tubes, gear and brake cables, and necessary tools, cables, and locks are purchased.  Each bike given away has a cable with a lock to help reduce theft.
 
Currently, you may find 6 to 7 men repairing bikes on Tuesday mornings and 2-3 men repairing bikes on Thursdays.  One crew goes around town and picks up bicycles.  One volunteer allows the ministry to use her garage to store excess bikes in the winter so they are available when the summer season hits full stride and the homeless population is at its greatest.
 
NEEDS
Bikes are always needed.  Bike parts are recycled, including bike locks and cables.  Receipts are provided which can be used for charitable tax deductions.  If you would like to donate a bike or bike parts please contact Dave Moore Sr., 757-407-2560.