Do you know who St. Patrick is?

You probably think of parades and green beer. Maybe you think of the snakes St. Patrick supposedly drove out of Ireland.

The truth is, Patrick lived in Roman Britain in the fifth century. Britain had received missionaries and Patrick was raised in a Christian family. At age 16, Patrick was taken captive and carried to Ireland by one of the raids that kept pestering the borders of the weakening Roman Empire. For six years, young Patrick tended flocks in Ireland. His inherited faith became personal and deep through prayer.

Eventually, Patrick was able to win his freedom and go back home to Britain. While there, he dreamed that he received a letter from the Irish begging him to come back to Ireland to preach Christ.

Patrick responded to what he believed was God's call and went back to Ireland. The Irish were open to his message and he baptized thousands. He put much of his focus on training pastors. Eventually, Ireland became an island headquarters of Christianity. From there, Christianity spread to Britain, Western Europe and eventually to the New World.

St. Patrick took seriously God's call to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Who knows whether we would know Christ if young Patrick had not been faithful to God's call.

What is God calling you to do?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

About Us

An email newsletter from
Pastor Dave Weidlich
First Presbyterian Church Petaluma
939 B St.
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-762-8269

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"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4

 

Take the FPCP "Passion" Survey

Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion of the Christ," is the talk of the entertainment news. After three weekends, it remains the top movie in the U.S. It is headed for being the top-grossing - movie (what a distinction for a movie based on the Bible. I've always said the Bible is not a G-rated book).

But is that the way it really happened? Could the movie stir up anti-Jewish feelings? Did the movie-makers have to use such graphic violence to convey the message? Why did God allow his son to be a victim of such horrible violence? What was the point? What's with that strange baby? These are some of the questions that viewers are asking.

I am addressing these subjects in our Sunday worship services. In addition, this Thursday, we'll have the opportunity to discuss our impressions and questions. Whether you've seen the movie or not, this will help you better understand the life and death of Jesus Christ. I hope you'll come.

There's a lot of interest among our neighbors and friends. How about inviting someone to come with you?

Here are links to some good articles on the movie:

Christianity Today's Page on The Passion of the Christ: http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/special/passionofthechrist.html

Michael Medved: The Passion and the Prejudice
Why I asked the Anti-Defamation League to give Mel Gibson a break: http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/commentaries/passion-prejudice.html

Parents and The Passion of The Christ
For Parents of Teens: Want to help your teenager process what they've seen in The Passion? These questions are a good place to start. http://www.christianitytoday.com/cpt/2004/001/11.0.html

Why some Jews fear The Passion
Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ gives Christians the chance to disavow a shameful history of anti-Semitism. http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newsletter/2004/feb20.html

The Official movie website: http://www.thepassionofthechrist.com/splash.htm

 

 

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