A Mighty Group of Cooks

In a previous post, I mentioned that some CCC guys like to cook -- and man, do they do it well! There is a group of about 10 men that regularly take time out of their busy schedules to come together as a team to prepare the meal for the 200 men, women and children served by the Hesed House in Aurora. Last night's outing is a shining example of their commitment and heart to lift up the less fortunate in our communities.

Preparations usually begin the night before @ CCC and start up again in the middle of the afternoon on the day of the event until it is time to go directly over to HH. Cooking food for 200 people is no small undertaking. Last night's meal consisted of BBQ pulled pork (6 pork shoulders, which were actually smoked by the team for 14 hours a few weekends ago), corn on the cob (200 ears boiled), six large pans of mac and cheese, watermelon (about a dozen large ones were sliced), three large pans of coleslaw and baked beans (which took about a few dozen large cans and 5 pounds of bacon to make). All of these guys love to dabble and are not satisfied with the average recipe, so usually there is some personal touch to the mix, including someone who just can't resist putting Louisiana Red Hot Sauce into everything!

And this isn't just a one-time deal. CCC's service at HH happens about quarterly, (which also shows the church's commitment to the issue of homelessness on a year-round basis) and these guys have become the team that everyone has come to count on. In the past there was also the night of 600 enchiladas, and many other memorable meals. In addition, this group also gets up very early on Thanksgiving to -- you guessed it -- cook; this time breakfast for about the 60 guys who come out for CCC's annual football tradition.

Now that's what we call a band of brothers; a group of Mighty Men, not unlike those described in 2 Samuel 23:8 and I Chronicles 11, if you will.

Men, your efforts continue to amaze us! As soon as our fearless leader, the "Big Kahuna" returns, we will post a photo of the cooks on this blog. God bless you for your efforts!

Summertime Reading

Ah summertime. The time to enjoy outdoors however you are able to do whatever you are able. And that includes picking up a good book or two. One of my recent completed readings is "Risking it All: The Adventure, Challenge and Significance of a Promise Keeper" by Todd Burkhalter. As I was reading, I was thinking about the men of our church and a few passages really drove home the adventure, challenge and significance of QB:

"Throughout our lives, there are moments, hours and seasons when we must stand together, or we will fail. This is part of God's design. He designed us to work in unison with each other, doing together what cannot be done alone. Connecting to a few men helps each of us accomplish the calling and purpose of God in each man. We become a team, a platoon, each functioning in his strengths to cover the backs of those around him. Men in such groups ask this question: 'How am I helping you live out your calling?'"

Later after a reference to the final letter from Paul in 2 Timothy 4, Burkhalter writes:

"We need this kind of support; we were made for this kind of brotherhood. We need the perspective that comes from men who are engaged in our life. We need the strength that comes from men who can speak the truth of God's Word to us. Often times, we need encouragement to hang on to what we know is true. We need men in our lives who know our histories and our lives, men who can speak to us, reminding us of God's loving kindness and faithfulness. This is real fellowship."

Great food for thought on this unusually crisp summer evening as we quickly approach another great season of men's ministry!

Good Question.....

So what is this men's group stuff all about? Really we're just a bunch of guys who want to connect. Some of us like to get together and play sports, some of us gather for a bible study on Saturday mornings, some of us take trips to events like Promise Keepers, and some of us, believe it or not, like to cook - and do so for service activities such as Hesed House. So we're a pretty good cross section of other guys you probably hang with. And in the framework of the church, this is our quest for brotherhood... whether its participating in fun activities, or service to the community, or having that group of guys you can lean on for support. Brothers in Christ... that's what CCC's Men's Ministry is all about - no matter where you are in your walk with Christ or in your life. We invite you to connect with us as you are able.