Upcoming Events
January 21 – 28, 2012 Dominican Republic Missions Trip
At the end of January, we are taking a group of White Fields men and their families to the Dominican Republic for a week of service, worship and fellowship. We will be working in partnership with Meeting God in Missions. The founder of MGM, Jim McDonald, will be leading devotions all week. He is a man that has been greatly used by God, and his devotionals are filled with the inspiration of the Spirit. Throughout the week, we will be involved in many areas of service: painting a village, prayer walking, door-to-door evangelism, vacation Bible school (VBS), and sports outreach which may include baseball, soccer, and basketball. There will be a basketball team of coaches going to 5 different cities each afternoon and holding clinics with 50-100 young men. You may choose a different activity each day, or even stay at the mission compound for quiet reflection and prayer. Local pastors, Ney and Jacobo, will be directing us in our service projects/mission efforts throughout the week. You can read their testimonies on our new Dominican division website. Total cost of the trip is $1,100 per person, which includes airfare, transportation in the Dominican, food and lodging at the MGM compound in Hato Mayor. We will need your downpayment of $500 by November 1st. Make checks payable to Meeting God in Missions, with White Fields week noted in the memo section. Please mail to: White Fields Foundation, 8225 Peebles Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Print off a trip application form from the MGM website to mail along with your deposit check. If you do not have a current US passport, you need to start the application process immediately to ensure it’s timely completion. Vaccinations are not necessary for entering the country, but we recommend having Hepatitis B and a Tetanus booster (within the past 5 years). If you have any questions regarding the trip, please write to rachel@whitefieldsfoundation.org. Please visit MGM’s website for a trip application by clicking here. Click here to visit our Dominican Division website.
March 23 – 25 Men’s Retreat at Jumonville
Charles Simpson, an internationally known author, Bible teacher, motivational speaker, and pastor who has been in ministry since 1955, will be joining us for our annual men’s retreat at Jumonville Retreat Center in March. The cost is $125 per person, which includes food and lodging from Friday night until Sunday afternoon. For more information or to register, contact Rachel.
Past Events
3rd Annual Christmas Breakfast in the Grand Hall at The Priory – December 20th, 2011
Mr. Kim Costanza got our Christmas week pumping with his powerful saxophone and Matt Helbling with some great Christmas carols! Nearly 75 men gathered for our 3rd annual Christmas breakfast on December 20th. This year we enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere in the Grand Hall at The priory Hotel, fully decorated for Christmas. Kim played his saxophone and brought a convicting and joyful word on the gospel. His threefold emphasis was taken from Isaiah 9:2-7; the prophecy of the gospel, the tenderness of the gospel, and the power of the gospel. Men responded enthusiastically to Kim’s unique style of blending his music with the proclamation of God’s Word. Matt and Ben Lind played 2 selections with Kim and led us in singing some Christmas carols, to help us focus our hearts on Christ. The breakfast buffet was fantastic in addition to the service from the Priory staff. It was great to meet many newcomers and to catch up with men who enjoy our events on an occasional basis throughout the year. We appreciate greatly all of your support of this ministry whether in prayer, attendance at events or huddle groups, and financially. If we can serve you in any way don’t hesitate to email Leo Wisniewski, Director of the Men’s Ministry, or Brennan Gaertner, President of White Fields Foundation.
Prayer Service & Vigil Led by PSU Lettermen
Friday Nov. 18th, 7pm to 8:30pm Ascension Church, 8225 Peebles Rd., PGH, 15237
Like many of you, we have been deeply disturbed, angered, and broken by the recent course of events at PSU. As someone connected to the greater PSU family you want to do something meaningful to help in the healing and restoration process that would reflect our collective heart. We invite you to gather with us to mourn and to pray for all who have been hurt in connection with the recent incidents. We are also meeting to offer encouragement from God’s word, to worship, and to gain a clearer sense of how we should respond to these events as Christians or people of good will.
The service will run from 7pm to 8:15pm with a discussion time to follow in the fellowship hall. A facilitator will lead this time. Refreshments will be provided.
PSU Lettermen: Leo Wisniewski (’82), Brennan Gaertner (’86), Jeff Hartings (’94)
Email Leo
Nov.14th from 7pm to 9pm at Bellefield Presbyterian Church in Oakland: “Islam, Friend or Foe?”
Please join us for an informative and an equipping time with our good brother Jack who has spent many years in dialogue with Muslims in North Africa. He will provide an introduction to Muslim beliefs and practices, including a historical perspective and key teachings of the Quran. This will be put in the current social and political context of the Muslim world and how it relates to the USA. Beyond that, a Biblical perspective will be presented of how we as Christians are called to relate to Muslims. Practical advice will be given from a brother who has lived and ministered among Muslims overseas and in the USA for the last 30 years. Bellefield Presbyterian Church is located in Oakland at 4001 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15213. This event is being sponsored by White Fields Foundation and Bellefield Men’s Ministry.
Cigars, NFL action and the brothers – Sunday, November 20 – 1:00 – 5:00pm at Executive Cigars (630 Suismon Street, Pittsburgh North Side 15212)
Come and energize your football Sunday on a Steelers bye-week! We will be gathering for an afternoon of good fellowship, food, cigars and Direct TV access to all of the NFL action. For $20 per person, we will provide a lunch buffet, a good cigar, and beer or wine. Our event will be held in Lee’s private lounge upstairs, which has several flat-screen TVs, comfortable seating, and a ventilation system to handle a lot of cigar smoke! The Raiders will square off against the Minnesota Vikings in a 1:00 pm game that afternoon, if you care to join Leo with the Silver and Black. If you’re a cigar smoker, don’t miss this great chance to bring a friend and introduce them to our band of merry men at White Fields! We passed out Hoyo De Montereys at the golf outing and we guarantee we will have another good cigar for you. Bring an extra one or two if possible, to trade with the boys. There will a maximum of 50 spots available for this event, so please RSVP as soon as possible to rachel@whitefieldsfoundation, or to Leo Wisniewski at 412-445-8842.
White Fields Men’s Breakfast October 11th with Steelers Tyler Grisham, – 7-8:30 a.m. – Bistro Soul
We gathered at the Bistro Soul for a great breakfast, fellowship, and a strong word from Steelers WR Tyler Grisham. Matt Helbling led us in worship to help get out engines revved up and Bill Krahe shared about the various weekly small groups presently ongoing for men to get involved with. Bill described his deep satisfaction leading his Wednesday morning group, now discussing John Eldredge’s “Waking the Dead”. Tyler talked about his journey of faith, when he came to Christ during his football days at Clemson, and related how he and his wife have a strong calling to share the Gospel in the urban context of living on the North Side. He spoke to some of the spiritual parallels that he has gained from Israel’s time of testing in the wilderness and God’s purposes revealed in it. The parallel in Tyler’s journey of faith relates to the deadline for his time on the Steelers practice squad coming at the end of this season. The anxiety and fear related to the uncertainty of his future has led him to strengthen his grip upon Christ, God’s Word and God’s people. Men thoroughly enjoyed his passionate heart for the Lord and his humility. Thanks to Joe, Nikki and the staff at the Bistro for their outstanding service to us!
3rd Annual White Fields Golf Outing – September 16
We enjoyed a great autumn day of golf and fellowship at the beautiful Quicksilver Golf Club. In our third year, we hit the century mark for golfers and enjoyed tremendous corporate sponsorship! Fred Morelli chaired our golf event this year, leading us to a significant boost in foursomes and sponsors. Once again, Quicksilver was in excellent condition for our event, and players enjoyed the outstanding dinner buffet as well. Kim Costanza gave a quick update on the ministry in the Dominican Republic, and John Cullen shared about his involvement in our Homewood Little League baseball program. Men were invited to participate in our upcoming Homewood basketball program on Tuesday nights, beginning October 25th. 1st place winners were Doug McNelis, John Mineo, Rich Farrell, and John Farrell, and 2nd place winners were Kevin Bode, Sam Coury, John Mandak, and Spanky Veltri. Special thanks to all of our Team sponsors: Fred Morelli, Eric McMahon, Kevin Bode, Jon Perry, Tim Colussy, Jay Simon, Mark Battaglia, Doug McNelis, Bill Krahe, Matt Badger, Doug Shaffer, and Super Tee sponsors, Dave Jacobs, and the Franjione family. Special thanks as well to Colussy Chevrolet, our Hole-in-One sponsor. We upgraded our cigar choice to Hoyos this year, and the boys appreciated it. Mark your calendars for next year’s event, at Quicksilver on Friday, September 14th, 2012. It will be another 8am shotgun start.
White Fields 3rd Annual Steelers Camp Experience in Latrobe
Nearly 60 people turned out for our Steelers Day at St. Vincent’s College! We had a few sprinkles but the real rain held off until just after practice when we headed to Dino’s for dinner. We got a good look at the 2011 Steelers from behind the ropes with our faithful Turk, Tunch Ilkin. Young people enjoyed seeing Hines Ward back at practice and he helped make the Red Zone period vs. the defense very intense. Young people especially enjoyed the autographs with some of the Steelers following practice in the VIP area! We had a great testimony time at Dino’s while eating wings and sandwiches. Several of our men and family members: Mike McAndrews, Jeff DeSantes, Jay Simon shared stories of their conversion or reflections on our recent trip to the Dominican. Christ was celebrated in our sharing time together. We got to watch Tunch & Wolf do their radio show from Dino’s and steal some “air-time” with them. Special thanks this year to Mike McAndrews who was able to get 30 VIP passes to add to the 30 Tunch obtained for us!
White Fields July 11-18 Trip with Meeting God in Missions
White Fields recently took a group of men and their families to the Dominican Republic to work with the Meeting God in Missions ministry in Hato Mayor. We spent the week in several different villages, painting, doing VBS with the kids, handing out food and basic necessities, talking with the villagers and sharing the Gospel message with them.
White Fields Bocce Tournament and Picnic – July 31
Are you ready for a great night of fellowship, food and bocce? On Sunday, July 31st, we will be gathering at Fairhaven Park in Kennedy Township for an informal bocce tournament and picnic dinner. The bocce games will start at 4:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. If you don’t play bocce, come anyway! This promises to be a fun evening in good company. Wives and girlfriends are invited as well! We will be bringing our grill, and will provide the main dish and dessert – we ask that each person or couple bring a salad or side dish to share. The cost is $10 per person to cover the pavilion rental and food. You can mail a check to White Fields Foundation, 8225 Peebles Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237, or bring it with you when you come.
Please RSVP by July 20th to Rachel at rachel@whitefieldsfoundation.org, and let us know if you don’t want to play bocce – otherwise, we will include you on a team. Hope to see you there!
Good Friday Breakfast, April 22nd
This was our first event held at the Bistro Soul on the North Side, and it was a great morning of fellowship and hearing from God’s Word. Over 70 men gathered in the newly remodeled meeting room and enjoyed a hot breakfast buffet. Matt Haff gave a very honest and candid testimony of how God used the six years he spent in prison because of a car accident to get his attention and change his life. One of the men that attended said, “White Fields Foundation exists to build men into faith warriors for Jesus Christ. If you attend meetings expecting to hear wimpy clergymen delivering soft sermons, you will be disappointed. On the contrary, I am challenged by hearing testimonies from real men who have real businesses, real families, real challenges, and a real faith in Christ.” Matt shared how he learned that sometimes God uses the worst days in our lives to redirect us and eventually turns that pain into something beautiful. In every way, Christ was glorified, and His name lifted up – through our time of worship led by Matt Helbling, through Matt Haff’s testimony of the power of the cross, through the worshipful saxophone solos performed by Kim Costanza, and through the fellowship of men that desire to seek God’s face and His will for them.
Bohemian Dinner, Wednesday April 13th 6:30pm to 9pm
Billy Krahe was our host for our first Bohemian Dinner and he knocked it out of the park! We had over 20 men celebrating friendship over an incredible meal some wine and a good cigar. Our discussion opened around how revealing our brokenness is the gateway to authentic friendships and our life with Christ. Billy shared his testimony with the men how as a successful businessman he had an enviable life: position, wealth, prestige, and a picture perfect family. Still he was empty inside. He shared that only through brothers in the Lord from White Fields reaching out in a time of crisis has he been able to experience a deep peace with Christ.
He stated that seeking God in his word, worship and devotional time each day has enabled him to share that peace in a deep way with his family. This has transformed his family relationships. He also shares his faith journey actively in the business community now where it has been a tremendous joy and an adventure seeing the Holy Spirit at work each day. Men commented on what a special night it was in every way. Billy has set the bar very high for our future dinner hosts! Stay tuned on the website for our next Bohemian Dinner.
White Fields’ Men’s Retreat: March 18-20, 2011
Over 80 men gathered for our 3rd annual retreat at Jumonville to hear a great series of messages from B.J. Weber, (Former NY Yankees chaplain and leader of the NY Fellowship) enjoy a powerful worship experience, and celebrate friendship with brothers in Christ. BJ’s gift of storytelling and his burden for men to experience the grace of Christ in his mighty cross made for a weekend of healing and challenge! We had a lot of laughs too! No one will forget BJ’s Parrot joke! The food was great and men appreciated the meaningful discussion in the breakdown groups. Joining forces with us this year were the men of Providence Church and brothers from Good Shepherd Church. Special thanks to Mike Pierson and Rick Wiater for their partnership with us this year. They helped make it a blessed weekend of locking shields and caring for one another. Our theme for the retreat was the Cross Centered Life. We gave men a copy of the book with the same title by C.J. Mahaney. Our Saturday night torchlight march to the cross was a huge hit again this year. It included personal testimonies at the foot of the cross (1 torch’s light), group prayer (60 torches’ light wave), and Bible passages from the brothers. It was a moving conclusion to a beautiful day and our evening communion service. The whole Jumonville staff was fantastic as usual.
Many thanks to our Worship team that led us in our 5 sessions: leaders Matt Helbling and Nate Rutman (Providence Church) along with Kim Costanza on the Saxophone, Ben Lind, acoustic guitar and Rick Wiater with vocals!
March 8th Breakfast at Pamela’s w/ Sid Bream
Over 60 men packed into the back room at Pamela’s for a morning of great food, fellowship, and a message from Sid Bream and Stefen Wisniewski. Stefen kicked off the morning with a personal testimony of how the Lord used a terrible car accident to get his attention in high school. This lead him to accept the grace of Jesus in the gospel and create in him a heart after God. This resulted in a real desire to know him through his word and service to others. Stefen also talked briefly about his 2 trips to the Dominican Republic in connection with Meeting God in Missions and how they have changed his heart with regard to our responsibility to the poor and taking the whole gospel to the whole world. Men enjoyed the Q & A time asking Stef about the challenge of living for Christ at PSU, the NFL Combine and the upcoming draft. White Fields next trip is coming up July 9-16 and there is still plenty of room! Sid Bream gave a powerful gospel message centered on how a relationship with Christ alone meets our deepest need! The brothers got a great laugh as Sid recalled the 1992 NLCS game 7 when he scored the winning run as an Atlanta Brave. He stated that broadcasters had it wrong. He was not slow as they reported but rather he was downshifting to make the throw from Barry Bonds to the plate more dramatic!
January 22 – 29, 2011 – White Fields Mission Trip to the Dominican
We had 25 people from our White Fields tribe in the DR who joined about 60 others, mostly from the Pittsburgh area, in a blessed week of service, worship, and fellowship. Our good brother, Jim McDonald led us all week in 7 power-packed morning devotions. If you have not heard his story it is told in a powerful way in a recently released book, Meeting God in Missions. (We have copies available for purchase at $10 each.) We were involved in many areas of service: painting a village, vacation Bible school (VBS), sports outreach which included baseball, soccer, and basketball. The basketball team of coaches went to 5 different cities each afternoon and held clinics with 75-100 young men each day. A member of the Dominican National basketball team who grew up with the MGM staff were among them. People enjoyed the lively experience of worship at local churches and the love of MGM’s staff. Evangelism in the schools and barrios of Hato Mayor and prayer walking in the Sugar Cane villages were highlights for many people as well. The Haitian and Dominican children were the greatest blessing of all. The love of Christ was powerfully experienced through these precious little ones of God! Next White Fields mission opportunity in the DR, July 9-16, 2011.
November 18 – Dinner with William Wilson, Vivo Restaurant, Bellevue
A large group of couples and singles gathered at Vivo enjoying some great appetizers and a social hour before Kim Costanza got us started with his saxophone, playing a few selections from his brand new CD, “Draw Me Closer.” Dawn Gaertner then shared a powerful visual message about how Christ alone can fill the empty areas of our heart by his living presence. She used a large vase to represent a cistern and placed items like keys, a child’s toy, and other objects to represent the “things” and “relationships” we look to in a desire to fill us up. Our private buffet was delicious and the guys had all that they could handle! Our honored guest was William Wilson who delivered a life-giving message about how we enter in to Christ’s living presence within each of us and how we honor and serve each other recognizing his holy, living presence in our spouses’ and the body of Christ in the world.
October 12 – Men’s Breakfast with Jon Kolb at Pamela’s in the Strip
Over forty of the White Fields crew was assembled for another great breakfast, this time featuring Steelers legend, Jon Kolb! Our prayer leader Doug McNelis opened us in a time of prayer and Kim Costanza got us kicking with his saxaphone just past seven bells! Kim played “The Power of Your Love” from his new CD, “Draw me Close“. Many brothers were asking when they could get a copy. Orders will be taken at his website in early November. Tom Kendrick then shared briefly from Ecclesiastes 4:12 about the importance and the power of men locking arms together in a huddle group around God’s Word. Jon challenged us to see in the reinstatement of Peter (John 21) Jesus powerful love for us and the love he calls us to give away freely to others. Jon is a member of the Steelers 75 Year Team and 4-time Super Bowl Champion.
October 8 – One Family…13 Children…15 Instruments…In Harmony
We were blessed to have the Wissmann family come to Pittsburgh again this year on October 8th! Ascension Church was filled and the Wissmanns blessed our socks off with their extraordinary talent, loving countenance, deep faith in Christ, and deep patriotism! Loren and Gloria Wissmann and 10 of their 13 children were with us for a great night of entertainment and deep inspiration. This concert was a musical experience filled with life, encouragement, and challenge from God’s Word. Since their family’s beginnings, they have sought the Lord specifically in the area of deepening their Christian walk and the principles of passing down a godly heritage to the next generation. God Bless the Wissman’s!
Sept. 17 – 2nd Annual White Fields Foundation Golf Outing- Quicksilver Golf Club
Sixty four golfers teed it up very early at Quicksilver in our 2nd Annual golf outing but enthusiasm was high, in part due to the caffeine and donuts, also due to the great course conditions and fellowship with the brothers! Special thanks to our golfers and foursome sponsors who were directly responsible for taking us from 10 foursomes in 2009 up to 16 foursomes this year! Tee sponsors grew tremendously this year and we are grateful for their support as well. Thanks to our Hole-in-One Sponsor, Tim Colussy (Colussy Chevrolet) at hole #8. Ray Pierson, on the very first group of the day nearly dunked it, settling about 18 inches from the cup! Our appreciation goes out to our Team Sponsors: IFA Financial Advisors (Eric McMahon & Mark Palmer), Todd Foster, and Matt Badger who helped us to get to $5,000 in year two. Kevin Bode our golf chairman and Mike Reimer did a great job for us as well! Our silent auction produced good results; special thanks to all of you who collected gifts for us!
Our 1st place team sponsored by Advisor Mortgage Group (12 under par) was Bruce Cote, Walter Ransom, Terry Colabrese, and Shawn Proper. Our 2nd place team (11 under par) was Bob Gilbert, Joe Weise, Lou Motter, and Jack Keebler. Skill prize winners were: Pat Gallagher (Longest drive), John Cullen (Longest putt), and Jack Keebler (2 Closest to the Pins).
Thanks to Walter and the Quicksilver staff who served us all day especially with a great course and great buffet meal! Thanks to our volunteers, especially Natalie and Larry Gaertner, Laurence Gaertner, Reed, Gabe and John Taormina for all of their help!
August 2nd – Great Day at Steelers Camp in Latrobe!
Our 2nd Annual Steelers Camp Day at St. Vincent’s was a big hit. The 40 plus folks who went behind the ropes with the Steelers enjoyed the fellowship, Craig Wolfley’s post-practice “sermon on the hill”, and a great dinner at Geo’s! Guys brought sons, grandsons and daughters who braved the heat to enjoy the camaraderie and the inside look at the 2010 Steelers. Hines made a few one- handed grabs and Aaron Smith looked in top form “truckin” big Keomatu. After a tactical miscue we ended up this year at Geo’s Restaurant in Latrobe! The Lord was good to us in spite of a lack of planning and we were given a private room in the back! Our Hempfield football players chased down their sandwiches with a bottomless supply of steak fries and Tunch & Wolf joined us for dinner. There time with us was a blessing while sharing a few football stories as well.
July 29 – Couples Dinner/Concert
Saxophonist Kim Costanza and over 60 of the White Fields tribe enjoyed a powerful night of music, fellowship, and teaching from God’s Word. Craig & Dayna Whitlock joined us after just returning from Mozambique! Craig brought a strong challenge for couples to serve God together in love and humility. We had a terrific buffet meal at the Royal Gatherings banquet hall @ Pittsburgh Mills.This was a special celebration for couples in many ways. Brennan brought an important word concerning how God meets us in our brokenness through the love of Christ and the embrace of the Cross. Experiencing the compassion and forgiveness from our brothers and sisters in Christ however requires our vulnerability. Kim played a series of songs, many from his new CD, around the theme of Jesus our Shepherd. His ministry in word focusing on Psalm 23 was a deep challenge and encouragement. His saxophone selections were powerful as well and received enthusiastically by everyone in attendance.
June 16th Pirates Outing vs. White Sox
Over 50 White Fields men, family members, and athletes from Oliver HS enjoyed a beautiful night of tailgating and fellowship together! Great reviews were garnered on the brauts & burgers and especially the testimony offered from Bill Krahe and John Cullen. They spoke powerfully about their recent trips with Meeting God in Missions (MGM) to the Dominican. Mary Cullen’s chocolate chip cookies were a big hit along with Tabata’s 8th inning home run! We have officially begun building our team for our January 24-31, 2011 family trip!
Breakfast May 25th at Pamela’s with Tunch Ilkin
We enjoyed another great breakfast at Pamela’s in the Strip on Tuesday, May 25. Our buddy, Tunch Ilkin, Steelers radio analyst, delivered in a big way! Guys commented on the great stories, his Bradshaw and uncle Ollie stories had us rolling, and the authentic manner of presenting his journey of faith. Tunch challenged men to demonstrate our hearts’ desire to be disciples in 4 key areas. We need a godly focus, godly obedience, godly training, and godly brothers in Christ! We had a number of new guys who were blown away by seeing men locking arms in their faith with one another. Once again were close to capacity in the back room at 65-70 people! Please help us to connect with our newcomers!
2nd Annual Men’s Retreat
Our 2nd annual White Fields Men’s retreat April 16-18th at the Jumonville Retreat Center was a time of great worship (John Cullen served as “eye candy” and lead vocalist!), solid teaching (Jon Kolb, Kim & others were a great blessing!), and warm fellowship. Our Saturday football game was fun as well even though some of us were saddled with Billy’s 3 INT’s! Young Riley was clearly the game MVP on offense and defense! Large amounts of Advil were needed by the senior group to regroup for our evening session! About 35 men from age 15 to 67 were on-hand for a special weekend away from work, school, deadlines, and expectations. Friday night kicked-off with pizza and Steelers trivia focusing on the 1969 draft (Team One Way led by Joe Petruska took the honors!). Our worship team led by Matt Helbling, Ben Lind, and John Cullen opened us with, “I Am a Friend of God.” Their lead in worship all weekend was appreciated by everyone! The extra “blanket of support” men offered to one another in fellowship was greatly appreciated given the weekend temperatures in the 30’s! Click here to keep reading more or see a video from the retreat below!
A “Night of Inspiration” with Joe Paterno
What an inspiration it was…even without our guest of honor! Joe Paterno came down with the flu on the day of the event and was unable to attend. At game time though we still had almost 400 people to support the ministry of White Fields Foundation at our fundraising dinner held at Heinz Field on February 13th. Click here to read more about this wonderful event
A Night of Inspiration by Teens for Teens – March 21
