Pastor

Rev. Dave's Raves
Rants, raves and other stuff I want to pass along. Often my Blog has sermon follow-up quotes, jokes and other links.

"I am tired of chasing my dreams. I'm just going to ask where they are going and hook up with them later."

Rev. Dr. Dave Weidlich, Pastor

I am a husband, a dad, a dreamer, a follower of Jesus Christ, and the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma (CA), since 2004. I have written for publication and written many webpages. I recently co-directed Tents of Hope Petaluma, a grass-roots organization that paints refugee-style tents to raise awareness of the needs of those who are displaced from their homes in Darfur, Sudan.

I grew up in a family of eight in North Carolina, Michigan, and Nebraska. I am a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute, the University of Nebraska (B.A., Philosophy), Denver Seminary (M. Div.), and Fuller Theological Seminary (D. Min.).

Carol and I met at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church. We were married in 1991. We have two children; Daniel, age 16, and Kimmy, age 12.

I enjoy playing guitar, riding my mountain bike, settling into my comfy chair (after kicking out the kids) to drink coffee and read Time magazine. You might occasionally find me on a golf course. Computers and Internet are hobbies of mine.

I'll do about anything for the church. I have played the fool for a dunk-tank (fund-raiser), been slimed (an attendance bet for Vacation Bible School) and have held a python snake (fund-raiser for preschool). But, I will never jump from an airplane (unless it is on the ground).

To contact me send email to Dave[at]petalumafirst.com
(for all email addresses, replace the [at] with @)

updated May, 2009

Happy Day Presbyterian School

Ruth Ann Gilstrap
Happy Day Presbyterian School Director

Ruth begins her tenure as the Director of Happy Day Presbyterian School, in December, 2009. Ruth has been the school's Interim Director since June 2009 and Teacher/Coordinator since June 2008.
Ruth-Ann moved to Petaluma in 2003, when she married Michael Gilstrap, former owner of the Gil’s Lock & Key. They are blessed with Hannah, a four year old bundle of joy, who is a Happy Day student.
Ruth-Ann brings a wealth of experience to this position, having worked for 11 years at Brent International School in Manila, schools in Manila, Interim Director at Marin Lutheran Children’s Center, preschool teacher at St. John’s Lutheran Preschool and as teacher and Designated Director at Bright Horizons Family Solutions in San Francisco. She is also a substitute teacher at the Santa Rosa Junior College Children’s Center.
Ruth-Ann brings to Happy Day a rich background of cultural diversity, speaking four languages: English, Tagalog (Filipino) Spanish and Japanese.
During her spare time she loves to sing Karaoke at home, visit with family, dine out with her family, and plans to travel to the Philippines for vacation.

`Ruth-Ann begins each day with thankfulness and a prayer. "Lord, make me worthy of the children and their families that You have entrusted in my care, Amen."

Children's Ministry Staff

Grete Hansen
Children's Sunday School Coordinator

Grete was born and raised in Petaluma. She is the oldest of 3 girls. Her sisters, Emma and Lara, are also members of the church. After attending Pepperdine University, she met her husband, Eddy. They made the decision to move back to Sonoma County to start a family of their own. Grete has a background in event planning and Eddy is the Technical Director at a local performing arts venue. They have one son, Trey, who is a bundle of fun! Grete became a member of the church in 2008 and has also worked as a Nursery Care Provider. She loves working with children and is looking forward to reaching out to the community through Children’s Ministries.. Email: grete[at]petalumafirst.com

Jeunee Craw-Molinaro, Nursery Coordinator

Jeunee Craw-Molinaro heads up our Nursery on Sunday mornings and selected other times. Jeunee (pronounced juh-nay) comes from Healdsburg where she was active in youth groups and church volunteering. Jeunee has earned a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Development from Humboldt State University. She taught preschool until she had her first child. She and her husband, Lance have two young boys. Email: Jeunee[at]petalumafirst.com

Worship Staff

"I have enjoyed, sung and directed both children's and adult choirs as well a bell group. My sisters and I grew up around the piano. 

I take a brisk walk every day with neighbors and enjoy my book club."

Kay Fish, Choir Coordinator

Kay has directed children's and adult choirs as well a bell group. Kay and her husband, Jim, moved back to California from Indiana in 2007 to be closer to grandchildren in Novato and Los Angeles. (I know you'll want to hear stories about how talented they are!) Jim is a retired Lutheran pastor (1LCA) and has retired to Oakmont.

Kay has worked for the church for twenty-five years plus a life time of volunteering. Kay was a program director and administrator in a theological seminary. She and Jim have lived in Lodi and San Jose, as well as Washington, Iowa, Oklahoma and Indiana. 

Born in Indiana and growing up in Michigan, her 93 year old father is a retired Presbyterian pastor. Along with my mother, I have three sisters, one of whom is a Presbyterian pastor. We are a close family. 

She attended Adrian College in Michigan and received a Masters from Arizona State.

Email Kay[at]spetalumafirst.com

Jenny Smith, Organist

Dean Di Lello,
Coordinator of Contemporary Worship

Dean and his wife, Andi, have been together for 28 years, and lived in Petaluma for 20 years. Before coming to 1st Presbyterian, Dean was part of the music ministry at Petaluma Valley Baptist Church and recorded some of his favorite praise songs.
When not working in his network development business or preparing for the Contemporary Worship, he enjoys being with his wife and boys, running, working out, skiing and playing pool with friends.

Email: Dean[at]petalumafirst.com

Administrative Staff

Ted Arntz, Facilities Coordinator

Lori Fox , Office Coordinator

Lori has three school-aged children and loves attending and volunteering at Gateway Christian Center in Rohnert Park. She is enthusiastic about partnering with us for ministry.

Lori can be contacted at Lori[at]petalumafirst.com

Kathy Francone, Bookkeeper

Kathy Francone began her work as FPC’s bookkeeper, March 2006. She is responsible to keep records of giving, get the bills paid on time and provide reports of the church’s financial activities. Kathy has plenty of experience in business. She has worked as an office manager and as a bookkeeper for a new church in San Rafael. She also spent several years in the business world as a corporate controller.

Kathy was born in Berkeley, CA and spent much of her youth traveling; her father was an airline pilot. She grew up in California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She is married to David. They have four children and eight grandchildren. About her grandchildren, she says, “I believe what someone told me one time, ‘Grandchildren are God's reward for not doing away with your children.’  I love spending time with our grandkids.”

Kathy can be contacted at Kathy[at]petalumafirst.com