In our slowly devolving culture, the idea of 'honoring those who gave their lives
to preserve our freedom' would seem to be one of the last things that we would
begin to ignore.
I wonder. When people walk by a fully suited military man or woman in an airport or other public place and simply say: "thanks for your service", that puts them in the top 5% in our nation. And even then, do they have any clue just what 'that service' implies?
Sear Parnell, in his new book "Outlaw Platoon", writes how deeply he felt about the sacrifices of our combat soldiers that no one comes close to appreciating.
"Lacing up our boots, strapping on our armor, packing our gear, loading our weapon to keep watch over our freedom is an every day experience".
On Memorial Day, we HONOR those, in particular; in who gave their lives in the defense of our nation's liberty; dating back to the Civil War. (Bill O'Reilly's book:
"Killing Lincoln" gives chilling details as to the scale of sacrifice in that war).
The practice was to put out a flag for a deceased veteran, to 'decorate' their
grave; thus the term 'Decoration Day' which was officially changed in 1971.
It doesn't matter what you call it, it matters that you take the time to do it!
Jay
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
"And they will come...!"
Every year, those of us on the Wexford Starlite Car Cruise team pray for a warm
and sunny evening to launch the new season. Many folks have waited for nearly
nine months for this day.
Last night did NOT disappoint! The first two 'Cruisers' arrived at 5:30 A.M to stake out their little piece of the campus; by the end of the night, another 8-10,000 more had joined them!
It's very difficult to get an accurate count on the "number of Cruise Cars" and the number of "visitors" or "spectators". Hundreds of folks come, and go over the course of the 5-6 hours that people are gathered for the Cruise. But based on the amount of parking used, the amount of food consumed, the sheer mass of people in and around every row of cars on 25 acres of ground; we feel quite safe with this estimate.
FLASH! I was able to connect with two new friends, Andy and John of 7linemedia.com who brought their start of the art "octocoper" with multiple digital movie and film cameras to site last night. By this time next week, we hope to post some video that will let you get some sense for the scale, the magnitude of this event; in brilliant ,high-definition video. Stay tuned!
However, more than anything to do with numbers, it is the quality of the experience that cannot be overstated. People are just 'glad to be there'! Hundreds of small children, with their families; hundreds of 'bikers' with their powerful and individualized creations; and thousands of 'car people'; from their
80's to about age 10 are everywhere!
Andy, from 7linemedia commented to me that "this was just amazing"; coming
from some one who does 'big events' for a living.
The secret is not the quality and scope of the vehicles; from a $400,000 Lexus
LFA, several NEW Ferrari Italia's, at least one hundred mustangs, corvettes, mopars, chevies and more..the secret is the people.
Our volunteers are unparalleled! Roger Van Scoy has built incredible teams with John, Bill, Ken and Kevin leading about 70-80 other men,women and students (and forgive me if I've omitted your name!) in to the best working group of ministry servants I've ever been part of. They just "get it done"; no
matter the challenge, the conditions, the cost in time or effort.
Thousands had a memorable evening. Painted faces of kids, smiling parents,
groups of students and thousands of individual folks from all over the tri-state region made this one of best Cruises ever.. and every knows it all happens 'free of charge' (thanks to our sponsors) at a "Church" where they are "welcome to come to everything we do" as DJ Denny Dutko said a dozens of time last night.
Thanks to all.. and see you next Friday as we do it again!
Jay
and sunny evening to launch the new season. Many folks have waited for nearly
nine months for this day.
Last night did NOT disappoint! The first two 'Cruisers' arrived at 5:30 A.M to stake out their little piece of the campus; by the end of the night, another 8-10,000 more had joined them!
It's very difficult to get an accurate count on the "number of Cruise Cars" and the number of "visitors" or "spectators". Hundreds of folks come, and go over the course of the 5-6 hours that people are gathered for the Cruise. But based on the amount of parking used, the amount of food consumed, the sheer mass of people in and around every row of cars on 25 acres of ground; we feel quite safe with this estimate.
FLASH! I was able to connect with two new friends, Andy and John of 7linemedia.com who brought their start of the art "octocoper" with multiple digital movie and film cameras to site last night. By this time next week, we hope to post some video that will let you get some sense for the scale, the magnitude of this event; in brilliant ,high-definition video. Stay tuned!
However, more than anything to do with numbers, it is the quality of the experience that cannot be overstated. People are just 'glad to be there'! Hundreds of small children, with their families; hundreds of 'bikers' with their powerful and individualized creations; and thousands of 'car people'; from their
80's to about age 10 are everywhere!
Andy, from 7linemedia commented to me that "this was just amazing"; coming
from some one who does 'big events' for a living.
The secret is not the quality and scope of the vehicles; from a $400,000 Lexus
LFA, several NEW Ferrari Italia's, at least one hundred mustangs, corvettes, mopars, chevies and more..the secret is the people.
Our volunteers are unparalleled! Roger Van Scoy has built incredible teams with John, Bill, Ken and Kevin leading about 70-80 other men,women and students (and forgive me if I've omitted your name!) in to the best working group of ministry servants I've ever been part of. They just "get it done"; no
matter the challenge, the conditions, the cost in time or effort.
Thousands had a memorable evening. Painted faces of kids, smiling parents,
groups of students and thousands of individual folks from all over the tri-state region made this one of best Cruises ever.. and every knows it all happens 'free of charge' (thanks to our sponsors) at a "Church" where they are "welcome to come to everything we do" as DJ Denny Dutko said a dozens of time last night.
Thanks to all.. and see you next Friday as we do it again!
Jay
Friday, May 25, 2012
It's Time to Cruise!
If you had your heart set on being the "first" Cruiser at this season's "Grand
Opening"; as of 8:00 A.M today you're not going to make it! Three cars are already in position and will be there, with their owners/drivers ALL DAY as we
kick season #12.
I've been asked many times why the Wexford Starlite Cruise has become the largest weekly Car show east of the Mississippi (and perhaps in the nation!). The
best answer I can give is that we focus on "people" first, cars, bikes and stuff come second.
The family friendly environment, the 20+ food vendors, the (currently) copious
amounts of space for parking for both Cruise Cars and 'spectators'; and the fact that it is all FREE make for a great time for all! Friendships are formed, old ones are often rekindled and the marvel of 'man's love for machine' is acted out thousands of times with meticulous attention to detail.
If you're new to all of this or have never made the effort to experience a Cruise, tonight would be a great time! We have no guarantees about the future,
but we have tonight and it will be awesome!
Thanks to Roger Van Scoy, our volunteer director, his wife Brenda and all the team leaders and volunteers who make this THE place to be every Friday evening all summer long.
You may not be first... but don't miss what may be the BEST ever!
Jay
Opening"; as of 8:00 A.M today you're not going to make it! Three cars are already in position and will be there, with their owners/drivers ALL DAY as we
kick season #12.
I've been asked many times why the Wexford Starlite Cruise has become the largest weekly Car show east of the Mississippi (and perhaps in the nation!). The
best answer I can give is that we focus on "people" first, cars, bikes and stuff come second.
The family friendly environment, the 20+ food vendors, the (currently) copious
amounts of space for parking for both Cruise Cars and 'spectators'; and the fact that it is all FREE make for a great time for all! Friendships are formed, old ones are often rekindled and the marvel of 'man's love for machine' is acted out thousands of times with meticulous attention to detail.
If you're new to all of this or have never made the effort to experience a Cruise, tonight would be a great time! We have no guarantees about the future,
but we have tonight and it will be awesome!
Thanks to Roger Van Scoy, our volunteer director, his wife Brenda and all the team leaders and volunteers who make this THE place to be every Friday evening all summer long.
You may not be first... but don't miss what may be the BEST ever!
Jay
Monday, May 21, 2012
Morning work outs
For quite a while, I've maintained the discipline of a 'morning time' of devotion.
There's no doubt that the brain and heart are most sensitive in the early part of the day before the clutter of life sets in.
For quite a while, I've wanted to add the discipline of physical workouts to that morning regimen. (I've known for a long time that most trainers prefer early workouts for the benefit of 'carb burning' throughout the day).
This was the first morning where everything worked! The day was mild and beautiful; I had a good rest and the schedule was clear. After a solid hour of riding, stretching and mild resistance training; I feel somewhat spent; but nonetheless, invigorated! There's little doubt that I had more energy to give to the work out; and thus greater benefit; plus it leaves the late afternoon and evening open to other things.
I don't think I'm quite ready to call this a victory, but it is start that I hope to build upon in future days. Chris Crowley in his wildly successful book: "Younger Next Year" believes that one of the keys to sustaining daily workouts is to see them as your first responsibility of the day.
After this morning's experience I can see why he's sold on this simple discipline and benefits it can provide..
See you in the morning!
Jay
There's no doubt that the brain and heart are most sensitive in the early part of the day before the clutter of life sets in.
For quite a while, I've wanted to add the discipline of physical workouts to that morning regimen. (I've known for a long time that most trainers prefer early workouts for the benefit of 'carb burning' throughout the day).
This was the first morning where everything worked! The day was mild and beautiful; I had a good rest and the schedule was clear. After a solid hour of riding, stretching and mild resistance training; I feel somewhat spent; but nonetheless, invigorated! There's little doubt that I had more energy to give to the work out; and thus greater benefit; plus it leaves the late afternoon and evening open to other things.
I don't think I'm quite ready to call this a victory, but it is start that I hope to build upon in future days. Chris Crowley in his wildly successful book: "Younger Next Year" believes that one of the keys to sustaining daily workouts is to see them as your first responsibility of the day.
After this morning's experience I can see why he's sold on this simple discipline and benefits it can provide..
See you in the morning!
Jay
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Hidden Leadership
Today was another milestone in my journey of transition. For 31 years, I've
been privileged to serve alongside a group of men who have provided incredible wisdom and leadership in every imaginable circumstance.
Years ago, Pastor Jack Hayford introduced me to the term "Servant's Council"
which is what he had named his group of Elders who provided insight, perspective
and covering in matters related to all of the 'business and administration' of the
local Church.
We adopted that name here at North Way (slightly modifying it to Elders' Council recently) and have met at least monthly for 31 years. (not including scores of 'special meetings' along the way). The weight of stewarding the resources of a growing Church family is no small matter. It takes humility, wisdom, and a great measure of faith to trust God to provide without becoming
presumptive on the one hand, or fearful on the other.
It has been my responsibility to serve with men who have given countless hours to this task; often at considerable personal sacrifice, and never with an
air of 'superiority' over other Elders. Prayer has been an undergirding conviction;
but as much as anything, it's been a humble transparency wedded to a willingness to defer to others when unity was the goal.
I can honestly say that of the hundreds (or thousands) of decisions we have made over three decades, we have never once acted without the deep affirmation and peace that 'unity' brings. (often coming with prolonged debate and dialogue).
Today was my last (official) meeting with the Elders' Council. That same spirit
still rules in the meetings and the new leadership is committed to building upon that foundation that was laid by nine men who simply wanted to be 'fully devoted followers of Jesus' 31 years ago. Now, 4000 adults locally and multiple 10,000's internationally still rely on the strength of this 'hidden leadership'.
As is often the case, some of most dramatic, faith-filled and life changing decisions were made outside of the public view. It's the way of the Kingdom and had been one of the great privileges of my life to lead this band of brothers.
Jay
been privileged to serve alongside a group of men who have provided incredible wisdom and leadership in every imaginable circumstance.
Years ago, Pastor Jack Hayford introduced me to the term "Servant's Council"
which is what he had named his group of Elders who provided insight, perspective
and covering in matters related to all of the 'business and administration' of the
local Church.
We adopted that name here at North Way (slightly modifying it to Elders' Council recently) and have met at least monthly for 31 years. (not including scores of 'special meetings' along the way). The weight of stewarding the resources of a growing Church family is no small matter. It takes humility, wisdom, and a great measure of faith to trust God to provide without becoming
presumptive on the one hand, or fearful on the other.
It has been my responsibility to serve with men who have given countless hours to this task; often at considerable personal sacrifice, and never with an
air of 'superiority' over other Elders. Prayer has been an undergirding conviction;
but as much as anything, it's been a humble transparency wedded to a willingness to defer to others when unity was the goal.
I can honestly say that of the hundreds (or thousands) of decisions we have made over three decades, we have never once acted without the deep affirmation and peace that 'unity' brings. (often coming with prolonged debate and dialogue).
Today was my last (official) meeting with the Elders' Council. That same spirit
still rules in the meetings and the new leadership is committed to building upon that foundation that was laid by nine men who simply wanted to be 'fully devoted followers of Jesus' 31 years ago. Now, 4000 adults locally and multiple 10,000's internationally still rely on the strength of this 'hidden leadership'.
As is often the case, some of most dramatic, faith-filled and life changing decisions were made outside of the public view. It's the way of the Kingdom and had been one of the great privileges of my life to lead this band of brothers.
Jay
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Churches Everywhere...
For the past day or so I have spent a lot of time thinking about churches that cover the landscape of our nation.
Most of them, as you may know, have less than 150 members and those with 300 or more are in the top 5% of active protestant churches!
The issue that seems to currently beset most healthy churches is maintaining the balance between "discipling and caring for the people in the congregation" and the "mission to reach those outside the church family." These two things should be in harmony with each other, but are often in competition. Part of the issue is that most of the folks that want to be more knowledgeable about the Bible or more Christlike in their character through discipleship, don't have enough time to do that and to volunteer their time, talent or treasure in order to help reach others.
I know that's a gross oversimplification of the problem, but it is something that almost every pastor I talk to struggles to reconcile all the time.
Pastors are, by nature, sensitive to not laying demands upon their already "stressed out" people. On the other hand, they feel the clear call of The Great Commission that was not just for the first century but applies to those of us who walk with the Lord in these days, as well.
It may be your responsibility to figure out where God wants you to give something of your time or your giftedness or perhaps your money to help advance the Kingdom. My experience is that as you do that with faith, you will grow in your journey of faith in the Lord and become more like Christ in your character!
Blessing,
Pastor Jay
Most of them, as you may know, have less than 150 members and those with 300 or more are in the top 5% of active protestant churches!
The issue that seems to currently beset most healthy churches is maintaining the balance between "discipling and caring for the people in the congregation" and the "mission to reach those outside the church family." These two things should be in harmony with each other, but are often in competition. Part of the issue is that most of the folks that want to be more knowledgeable about the Bible or more Christlike in their character through discipleship, don't have enough time to do that and to volunteer their time, talent or treasure in order to help reach others.
I know that's a gross oversimplification of the problem, but it is something that almost every pastor I talk to struggles to reconcile all the time.
Pastors are, by nature, sensitive to not laying demands upon their already "stressed out" people. On the other hand, they feel the clear call of The Great Commission that was not just for the first century but applies to those of us who walk with the Lord in these days, as well.
It may be your responsibility to figure out where God wants you to give something of your time or your giftedness or perhaps your money to help advance the Kingdom. My experience is that as you do that with faith, you will grow in your journey of faith in the Lord and become more like Christ in your character!
Blessing,
Pastor Jay
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Comeback!
I read with interest that Pittsburgh is the #3 city on MSN "Comeback Cities" list.
http://money.msn.com/investing/americas-comeback-cities
Those of us who live here are not surprised. Sure, we all know our limitations
and frustrations with systemic problems in the architecture of government and
education; but it's the people that make this city 'great'!
I've had numerous conversations lately with folks that are 'new' to the area
because of job opportunities or education (mentioned in the article); and they
are universally impressed with just how 'real' and 'friendly' Pittsburgh people are.
You have to lived elsewhere to fully appreciate this. I had some time in a small town in Virginia; two years outside of D.C. and 3 1/2 years in Pasadena, CA;
along with extended visits in Arizona. All of these areas have their strengths, but
none have our balance or our character.
Of course, the article doesn't mention the spiritual fabric of the 'Burgh as it's more of an 'economic' look than a cultural one. Even there, however, I see
ever present signs of spiritual hunger and health; not in big numbers as much
as solid commitment. It's in this one area that I'd love to be on the forefront
of a real comeback; or better, a whole new paradigm of city-wide spiritual
renewal.
So, even if you tempted to see what isn't so good about our city; just remember
it's already "America's Most Livable" AND it's coming back! The next five years
should be very interesting!
Jay
http://money.msn.com/investing/americas-comeback-cities
Those of us who live here are not surprised. Sure, we all know our limitations
and frustrations with systemic problems in the architecture of government and
education; but it's the people that make this city 'great'!
I've had numerous conversations lately with folks that are 'new' to the area
because of job opportunities or education (mentioned in the article); and they
are universally impressed with just how 'real' and 'friendly' Pittsburgh people are.
You have to lived elsewhere to fully appreciate this. I had some time in a small town in Virginia; two years outside of D.C. and 3 1/2 years in Pasadena, CA;
along with extended visits in Arizona. All of these areas have their strengths, but
none have our balance or our character.
Of course, the article doesn't mention the spiritual fabric of the 'Burgh as it's more of an 'economic' look than a cultural one. Even there, however, I see
ever present signs of spiritual hunger and health; not in big numbers as much
as solid commitment. It's in this one area that I'd love to be on the forefront
of a real comeback; or better, a whole new paradigm of city-wide spiritual
renewal.
So, even if you tempted to see what isn't so good about our city; just remember
it's already "America's Most Livable" AND it's coming back! The next five years
should be very interesting!
Jay
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