October BNO 2025
Boys Night Out
Serving Him – Serving Men
Monthly Meetings, Since July 2006
Faith . Fellowship . Friendship . Fidelity . Freedom
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
GUYS,
YOU’RE INVITED: Please join us Friday, October 17th, at Guadalajara Family Mexican Restaurant (“G-Mex”) in Falcon, for food, cigars, drinks, and stimulating conversation. This will be our 19th year of meeting, as Boys Night Out (BNO) moves back indoors for the winter season. We will begin ordering at 6:30, and after dinner, move to the opposite end of the patio for the group meeting. We can go as late as 10:00, but leave when you need to – we’re casual. We have full use of the enclosed, heated, and ventilated patio that is reserved exclusively for us. Their large menu is chock-full of traditional and specialty Mexican dishes that are sure to please. So gi-normous are the portions that most of us need a to-go container. Miguel is still the manager, and Jose and his wife, Ulma, are always eager to meet our needs with great service.
This will be my first month of officially assuming the leadership role of BNO. For those who remember, I took over the leadership of BNO a few years back, for a season. I’ve also been asked to fill in multiple times during Bruce’s or Rick’s absence over the years. I’ve been asked, “What’s the duration of your role as leader, Charlie?” I can say with complete confidence, and without a doubt, indefinitely. Whether it’s 20 of us enjoying a fish fry on Ed Kein’s deck, or just two of us at G-Mex enjoying a meal, we will continue to meet. I want to personally thank both Bruce for laying the solid foundation that has lasted 19+ years, and Rick, who selflessly stood in as interim lead for the past 12 months. Rest assured, a whole lot of nothing will be changing with the format of BNO.
WHY BOYS NIGHT OUT? As most of you already appreciate, the purpose of these monthly get-togethers is bigger than just smoking a cigar together. We all struggle – alcohol, anger, lust, pornography, finances, a failed marriage, strained relationships, a father’s rejection, loneliness, loss, denial, bad decisions, depression, insecurity, infidelity, chronic pain, emotional hurt, grief, pride, unemployment, our walk with God – choose your poison. We’re not as tough as we pretend to be in public, and as men, we’re not very relational. But if we’re willing to let our hair down, be a little transparent, share what’s on our hearts, and then be there for each other, the results can be empowering. We’ve enjoyed many a meaningful discussion and lots of heartfelt sharing over the years. Everyone’s opinion has merit. But there’s no requirement and no pressure to utter a word – you won’t be called on and you won’t be singled out. Come and observe. Chances are, you can relate to much of what is discussed. We’re all wounded. No man is an island. Are you walking with the Lord and a few good men, or are you doing life alone, as only a “tough guy” knows how? Men need to talk. Men need men.
BNO hasn’t flourished for 19 years by being “just another men’s meeting”. All the elements of BNO come together to form something very special that men seem to need. Men need to talk. Men need men. —– Charlie Clark
WARNING! The draw of cigars – mixed with testosterone and a safe, relaxed setting – can be both transforming & exhilarating. The most guarded of men tend to become instantly talkative, insightful, and profound. Our wives wouldn’t know us! Add Friday night to the mix when many can finally breathe easy, and you have a recipe for rare, men-group dynamic.
STILL, BNO ISN’T every guy’s cup of tea. The mere thought of cigar smoke, group sharing, the touchie-feelie, the honesty, the emotion – can keep some away. It can sound oppressive, intimidating, even girlie-like. “This is for weaklings! My dad didn’t need this,” you say. But check it out anyway and determine for yourself whether or not this form of fellowship is something you just might desire right now. BNO is a place of acceptance, safety, encouragement, feedback, prayer support, fellowship, community, and friendship.
There is power in transparency and authenticity. Healing follows. Community, not isolation, allows us to carry each other’s burdens. Where two or more are gathered… –– Bruce Hoover
THE CIGAR ASPECT: We tackle men’s issues, and many of our own, over a cigar. But neither smoking nor drinking are required, or even expected. Not all attendees imbibe. No judgment – no pressure – no problem. Unavoidably, your hair and clothes will smell like cigar smoke when you return home, whether you’ve indulged or not. Here’s my solution: when you arrive home to your garage, open all the car windows and allow the inside to air overnight. Take your clothes off in the garage and go directly to the shower, scrubbing your entire anatomy – especially your hair – with soap and shampoo. Thoroughly brush your teeth and gargle. Works for me and keeps harmony in the home!
CONFIDENTIALITY: To preserve trust and proclaim BNO as the safe place we profess it to be, it’s requested that rules of confidentiality be strictly upheld by all. What’s said at BNO, stays at BNO. This proclamation and request are also due to the depth we often go in our discussions.
Because circles are better than rows – Red Rock Church
FOOD & BEVERAGE: We will order off the G-Mex menu.
ADDRESS: See Below
DIRECTIONS: See Map below
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Cor 16:13-14
ADMIN & LOGISTICS: Bring an overgarment in case of cooler weather. Also, bring your cigars, cutter, & flame, yet Charlie Clark will also be selling top-quality, $5/7 cigars. Bruce has plenty of seating available; no need to bring a chair. THANKS!
INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If we must cancel BNO anytime for hazardous driving conditions, it’ll be done by email, NLT 5:00 PM, the evening of the event. No email by 1700? BNO is a “Go” as planned. If cancelled, there will not be a rescheduled BNO for that month. If weather moves in during a BNO meeting, we’ll use our best judgment about shutting it down early or continuing voluntarily.
ENCOURAGEMENT: Come and join us for another testosterone-filled evening of fellowship, cigar smoke, and other familiar smells. Don’t let the chance to socialize with guys of like “insensitivity”, “selfishness”, “cluelessness” and “untrainability” pass you by. You may just learn something and/or go home feeling good about yourself.
RSVP: PLEASE – if you plan on attending, so we can prepare seating. Please know that we enjoy your company, and you’re always welcome, even if you drop in at the last minute. And feel free to use this email to invite a brother from another mother. YOU ONLY NEED TO RSVP ONCE.
Two are better than one… If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Charlie
(719) 661-7895
“For he who finds me finds life.” Prov. 8:35