Grace Presbyterian Church, Montclair, New Jersey

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View from the Loft

by Rachel Brown, Associate Pastor

Steps of Faith

March 2011

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 1:1

Having been born the granddaughter of an Irish soldier I can’t help but be reminded of the steps of faith many new Americans took to make this land, country and freedom of religion their own. My German Grandmother Elsie Stratmann married her Irish sweetheart, Paul Finn, much to the dismay of her parents.  The marriage was a step of faith and short lived as my grandfather was killed in action during WWII just 4 years later in April 1945.  The LORD brings together those He calls in life and in marriage for the time He appoints and we are to be faithful and respond in obedience with an outcome that cannot be fully known.  Take the steps of faith Jesus Christ calls you too knowing that He will be with you through the power of the Holy Spirit guiding you every step of the way.

– Rachel

St. Patrick’s Day Quiz: Fill in the Blank

St Patrick was born to wealthy parents in _________________.  At the age of ________ he was kidnapped by ____________ raiders who were attacking his family’s property.  They took him to ____________ where he lived for __________ years in captivity.  During those years he was a ______________, and kept away from people.  He turned to his religion for comfort and became a devout ____________.  After those years, he received a vision from God telling him that it was time for him to escape – so St Patrick did.  Upon returning home, he started a course of religious training that lasted___________ years.  After that he went to Ireland as a _____________.  It is legend that St Patrick used the _______ leaf shamrock to teach of the Holy __________ This plant was a sacred plant to the Irish because it symbolized the rebirth of ______________ and Irish have worn it as a symbol of their national pride.

Answers: Britain, 16, Irish, Ireland, 6, shepherd, Christian, 15,  missionary, 3, Trinity, spring