The Four Gospels - Randy, Steve, Bob and Glenn

Last year about this time, the Fellowship Committee at our Church invited a trio of women to entertain us with some old time gospel songs sung in three part harmony. They were good -- real good. And afterward in the church narthex as we gathered for coffee and cookies, four guys put their heads together and said, "You know, we could do that."

And thus began "The Four Gospels", aka the Men's Quartet. The first tenor is Randy Meissner. I sing second tenor. Bob Samualson sings baritone and his father-in-law Glenn Watson sings bass. Our accompaniest is retired music teacher and part-time piano teacher Nyla Shock.

We debuted one Sunday last spring with the familar quartet standard, "Have a little talk with Jesus." We were an instant hit. There were even some people standing and applauding when we were done. You don't see that much in church.

We learned a few things along the way, like -- "Steve can't sing harmony but he sings loud so if he can sing the lead, he's probably going to do okay." and "Steve can't read music so Randy better sing the lead with a him a few times until he can figure out what the tune is." and "Steve doesn't know a time signature from an egg timer so somebody better clap out the rhythm for him."

Still, that's the side of the practices that no one sees. When we perform, we're pretty good. Sure, I sing the occasional wrong note, but if it's in tune to what Randy's singing -- actually its often exactly what Randy is singing -- it still sounds pretty good.

Over the past year, we've sung twice at the Mandan Care Center, once for the Bismarck-Mandan Singles Club and numerous times in church. We even sang at the outdoor picnic service last June. Where ever we sing, the audience loves us...or at least we think they do.

So we keep practicing and learning new songs.

Now tomorrow night for Christmas Eve services, the Four Gospels will be lighting the Advent wreath and singing an old Christmas standard, "Star of the East."

Being a part of the "Four Gospels" is among my highest acheivements in 2008. Writing this blog is another.

In both pictures, the Four Gospels are in the same order -- Glenn, Bob, Steve and Randy. I think this is a perfect example of how God can use any of us. It's not our ability, but it's our availability that God wants most.