Pieces of Eight - An LCPC Men's Group Review

photo credit to Geoff - thanks

Eight of us gathered this morning about the two long tables fashioned in what passes as square. Each brings his unique self to the tables early Wednesday mornings to pray, sing songs of worship and praise, and study God’s word. (Question – had I not corrected myself and left ‘work’ for ‘word’ would there have been much difference?) These men are God’s gift to me as are the others who come as they are able. Doug is there with his acoustic guitar and leads our singing of blessedly unrehearsed praise. Our only requirement when we sing is to open our hearts when we open our mouths to sing. Next to him sits Geoff with his handsome fretless bass guitar hooked to a small amp we keep in the closet, I love his style and appreciate the photo record he keeps.

Moving on, we have Ron who more often than not is the third man through the door and thereby destined to offer the opening prayer. If you thought of us as a sports broadcast team Ron would be the color commentator. We all have our stories and opine at times but Ron is not shy to point out something significant out as our morning moves along. He enriches us. There is John, a significant contributor to our tool chest of care and concern for others. He keeps a watchful eye on those around him to lend support as needed. Oh, and he brings the donuts; would we be a men’s meeting without them? 

That puts us to Jim to my right, a personal joy to me. Not only has he lent is sons and wife to Missions Arizona, he stood with me and backed me up with the rummage sale. Jim brings a balance to the table fare with wood (nut-based breakfast bars) and fruit, this morning citrus. Next to Jim is Jim, generally first or second through the door and pushing a coffee cart in front of him. I’ve written of him before, he inspires me with his quiet devotion to God’s word and his people.

This brings us to the other side of the table and facing the door. Phil is our leader and first or second through the door with Jim. I know that each of us there could take the lead if called upon and do on occasions when Phil is taken out of town. He sits facing the door to welcome each man as they walk in. Next to him is a white-board with our agenda for the morning penned in. Thankfully it’s a white board and things can be added or moved around as needed or scratched altogether if a more pressing need comes in with one or another of the men. I appreciate Phil’s leadership and his willingness to guide us. I love the opportunity to come in and sing and read and pray without the worry of leadership.

I know I’m likely to take some flak for talking about each man but, and I’ll use the PG term, tough luck. I’ve sat in similar groups with my best friend Jim and my dad and am thankful they’ve played a similar role their lives. The common thread with these groups are they are full of men who care for each other and love God and His word.

Peace men.

In His grip,

jerry

PS: We are currently reading through One Perfect Life - The Complete Story of the Lord Jesus. I had started out to look at this morning's passage and just got going about these guys. I think Jesus understands but I better make up for in the next couple of days.