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!
Jon Kolb gave a stirring message about the greatness of our God (If our solar system is the size of a quarter then the Milky Way Galaxy would be represented by all of North America. That is one galaxy in a universe of millions!). “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (Psalm 19:1-4) The DVD, “Indescribable”, that we watched Saturday hosted by Louie Giglio really brought this home powerfully as well!
Jon also talked about our calling to follow him as disciples! Kim built upon this theme in his talk on Saturday. Jon stayed with us until lunch on Saturday and the brothers really enjoyed the fellowship and “iron sharpening” time with him. Many new friendships had the chance to go deeper and established friendships opened to receive new men. There was a number of father-son duos blessed in a big way at the retreat also. Once again, the torchlight march to the cross was a highlight. The cold temperatures and the 25 mph wind could not dampen our time before the mighty cross! Many of the men commented on the powerful communion service we had on Saturday night! Brennan explained the significance of the Passover meal to the Jews, linking it to our new covenant celebration of Christ’s atoning sacrifice for us as the Lamb of God! Thanks to family members Dave Cullen who joined us from Philadelphia and Vince Wisniewski who came all the way from the Virginia Beach area!
Click here to see more picture from the retreat!
2 Responses
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John Taormina Says:
I am truly blessed by having the men of White Fields in my life as I walk with the Lord. I want everyman in Pittsburgh to experience the love! God wants every man to experience the love!
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Rich Landau Says:
I was blessed to be invited to the April Jumonville Retreat. Jon Kolb was a treat to hear and Kim Costanza blessed us with music and a message. The timing was right and it was a simple clip from the movie “Facing the Giants” that spoke to me. It is time to step up. Combining that with the first comment from Jon Klob, “You can not impart what you do not possess.”, Started some serious soul searching. Thanks again!
