March 17th, From The Pastor’s Desk

Dear Friends,

Today, we remember and honor the life of St. Patrick. I can still recall reading The
Celtic Way of Evangelism: How Christianity Can Reach the West… Again by
George G. Hunter III in my very first evangelism class in seminary back in 2013. I
was captivated by St. Patrick and the grace with which he carried the gospel.

Kidnapped at sixteen by Irish pirates and later enslaved in Ireland, Patrick
eventually escaped only to hear God’s call in a vision—to return and share the
gospel with those who once held him captive. Rather than storming in with
demands or lofty lectures on doctrine, he met the Irish exactly where they
were—among fierce, proud, and deeply rooted pagan tribes. As Hunter notes,
Patrick connected the Good News with the Irish’s actual lives – their physical,
emotional, and spiritual needs.

Patrick learned their language, ate at their tables, prayed for the sick, and found
creative ways to weave the gospel into their rich love for nature and community.
Patrick’s example nudges us outward—to meet our neighbors where they stand,
not where we wish them to be. Maybe it’s a coffee shared, a need met, or tell our
story – we, too, are called to meet people where they are.

St. Patrick’s humble yet courageous spirit reminds us that following Christ is not
about imposing our views but about embodying Christ’s love in our daily lives.

Imagine the legacy of St. Patrick, whose life was a testament to courageous faith
and gentle persuasion. Let his example encourage us to step out with open hands,
to walk alongside one another, and to trust the Holy Spirit to guide our every step
(John 16:13). We are a family, united by our shared commitment to Christ—a
family that uplifts one another, that meets challenges with love rather than fear, and
that stands together in a rapidly changing world.

So, let us embrace the call to be present, compassionate, and bold in our witness.
Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity and in our deep, abiding love
for Jesus—the rock upon which we stand. May our lives, like those of the saints
who have gone before us, shine as beacons of hope and grace.

In Christ’s Love,
Your Pastor

An Excerpt from The Prayer of Saint Patrick:

Christ with me, Christ before me,  Christ behind me,  Christ in me,  Christ beneath me,  Christ above me,  Christ on my right,  Christ on my left,  Christ when I lie down,  Christ when I sit down,  Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me,  Christ in the mouth of every person who speaks of me,  Christ in the eye that sees me,  Christ in the ear that hears me.