Revved up

It's a guy thing.

Men from the area invite other men to drop by the Osage Community Centre to look at the newest cars, trucks and motorcycles, eat some free barbecue and learn about Jesus.

Two area religious organizations are joining together in what they call an RPM Rally. The Men's Fraternity and Promise Keepers want men to find the connections they have with each other -- be it an interest in things with motors and wheels or a desire to live a better life.

Although the two groups have the same purpose, Men's Fraternity and Promise Keepers have remained two distinct groups. The members said they see the value in joining together for this event.

"Promise Keepers gets the message out," said Bart Ozbun, one of the RPM Rally organizers. "We introduce the concept with Promise Keepers and then they come to Men's Fraternity meetings to follow the guidelines and get in on some of the sessions on being a good husband, a good man, a good father, co-worker or whatever. We're working hand in hand in a new way. We're not competing; if anything we're helping move forward."

Promise Keepers, based in Colorado, puts on a big rally each year. The most recent event in Southeast Missouri featured football legend Kurt Warner. Men's Fraternity is an organization that meets weekly in various churches in the area, and is preparing to start a new session. Three new Men's Fraternity classes are also starting.

Men's Fraternity started in Little Rock, Ark. It is Bible based, focusing on real experiences in men's lives. It has spread across the country, and three years ago it started at Patrick Furniture on North Kingshighway with between 50 and 60 men. Now more than 300 men at seven locations in five Southeast Missouri communities are active.

Anyone interested can learn more about both organizations at the RPM Rally.

"Heartland Promise Keepers is very excited to work with Men's Fraternity and bring unity to the people of Christ and all we're trying to do," said Marc Harris, a member of Promise Keepers. "Both of our goals is to promote men to be better in all areas of life -- in their jobs, homes, marriages and with their children."

Harris said the group has asked local car and motorcycle dealerships to bring two of their new vehicles to the Osage Community Centre for display. An anonymous donor is providing the barbecue. Men who are involved with both groups have been asked to come and bring a friend or two. Anyone who wants to drop by is encouraged to do so. It will be a casual, relaxed atmosphere for men to find common ground whether it involves an interest in vehicles or a desire to find a purpose in life.

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Want to Go?

What: RPM Rally

When: between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Oct. 13

Where: Osage Community Centre

What: Men's Fraternity meetings

"The Great Adventure" 20-week study sessions begin in fall, 2007 in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Advance. There will be nine sessions before Christmas break, and 11 more resuming in January.

Sikeston and Dexter, the newest chapters, will study "The Quest for Authentic Manhood" for 24 weeks.

You need not start at the beginning of the semester but may begin at any time throughout the semester. We will skip Thanksgiving week and break for Christmas.

The study sessions are absolutely free. Doughnuts and coffee are provided. A spiral-bound course guide for note-taking is available or individual photocopies of each session are also available.

If your schedule conflicts with a meeting, you are more than welcome to drop in at one of the other locations and times.

Each meeting will have men representing several churches and denominations. Men who do not regularly attend any church are also quite welcome.

Cape Girardeau

St. Andrew Lutheran Church

804 N. Cape Rock

Tuesdays, 6:15 a.m.

Contact Scott Hillis 334-3200

pjshort@standrewcape.org

Starts Oct. 9

La Croix Church

3102 Lexington

Thursdays, 6:15 a.m.

Contact Dan Steska, 339-0302

dsteska@lacroixchurch.org

Starts Oct. 11

Cape Bible Chapel

2911 Kage Road

Saturdays, 7 a.m.

Contact James Green, Michael Keilor 334-5948

james@capebiblechapel.org

Starts Oct. 6

Jackson

Crossroads Fellowship Church

4400 East Jackson Blvd.

Wednesdays, 6:15 a.m.

Call Jeff Bierman 243-1465

jbierman@bigrivertel.net

Advance

Old Masonic Building

Elm & Whitwell

Tuesdays, 6:15 a.m.

Contact Harold Miles at

Bank of Advance

722-3517

hmiles@bankofadvance.com

Starts Oct. 16

Sikeston

Call Darrin Johnson

380-2862

darrin@ultimateflooringinc.com

First United Methodist Church

Family Life Center

1307 N. Main

Thursdays, 6:15 a.m.

Will study "The Quest for Authentic Manhood"

Started Sept. 19

Dexter

Will study "The Quest for Authentic Manhood"

Chamber of Commerce

515 B West Market St.

Thursdays 6:15 a.m.

Alan Hedrick

624-5540

ahedrick@countywideins.com

Started Sept. 20