CHRISTMAS 2007

Steve and Francesca Crane
Est. 1976 – 31 years and still going strong

We send our Christmas greetings and blessings to you as we celebrate the arrival of Jesus into this world. God is good and we’re doing our best. We thank the Lord for another year of life and the joy we have serving God’s Kingdom in some small way.

STEVE
Steve left the Exton Community Baptist Church in April, after seven months as Associate Pastor of Children and Family Ministries. Since May he has been full-time Interim Pastor of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church (http://maplegrovemennonite.blogspot.com/). It’s a wonderful and supportive church family. You can find his sermons and other thoughts posted on his blog (http://pastorstevesmusings.blogspot.com/).
In June he left his work teaching English for the Hispanic community in Coatesville and as a literacy teacher at Handi-Crafters because of the demands of a full-time pastorate. Most every Wednesday he enjoys singing with his brother Bob and Walt Kinsey (http://mysite.verizon.net/rcrane13/) as part of Brother Bob and Friends. Most of their fans are from the retirement community crowd. He continues to enjoy his guitar and banjo and serves as a member of the Zoning Board for the City of Coatesville.

FRANCESCA
Francesca (a.k.a. Missy) continues to serve as executive director for Bridge of Hope of Lancaster and Chester Counties (www.bridgeofhopelcc.org). It’s a joy to see churches empowered and trained to mentor women at their most difficult moments. Bridge of Hope has brought long-term changes in the lives of many women.
This year Francesca’s parents let us know that their home and yard was too much work to keep up. In May we helped them down-size to a smaller place with less maintenance. They are still in North Carolina and close to Francesca’s brother and family. We pray the Lord will help them adjust to a new home.

DAVID
David is doing well at the Chester County Child Development Center (http://wwwold.cciu.org/CCDC.html). He was moved to a vocational class this fall and he enjoys Miss Becky, his teacher. We are starting to make a long term plan for him and we trust the Lord will guide us in the right path.
It was difficult for him to change churches (again) this year; we certainly appreciated the loving care he received at the Exton Community Baptist Church. The folks at Maple Grove Mennonite Church have received him well; he has many new friends and is part of the Junior High Sunday School Class and Junior Youth Group. He asks almost every morning if it is Sunday yet so he can see his friends!

We have lots of family photos posted at http://cranefj.shutterfly.com.

STEPH & BEN
Steph and Ben celebrated their second anniversary in July. A couple of months ago they shared some exciting news - they are expecting their first child in May! It’s difficult to have them live so far away; it will be even more difficult having a grand-child that far away.
They enjoy living in Evanston and we are pleased that they have a supportive church family. It is easier being far away from them knowing that they have people who care so much about them nearby. We’re pleased that Ben became an Elder of his church this year.
Steph continues working with the same medical practice at two locations. Ben has enjoyed his job as a material engineer with the company where he interned while he was at Northwestern University.
Steph & Ben have photos posted at http://mangrichphotos.shutterfly.com.

BETHANY & STEVEN
Bethany and Steven are doing well; it’s great to have them live so close by. We hope we don’t become “Raymond’s Parents” for them, but we like dropping in and visiting.
Daniel will turn 3 in January. He had surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in February ‘06 and is having some recurring problems. Keep him in your prayers.
Hannah Joy had her 1st birthday in August. She is advanced for her age and is quickly becoming a 2 year old. It’s so much fun living close to them!
Bethany is a real help for us in caring for David as well. He seems to treat Daniel and Hannah more like siblings so she has plenty of challenges when they are all together.
Steven is a manager with Sodexho at Eastern University working mainly with their on campus coffee shops. Daniel loves to go to work with Daddy to “his restaurants.”
Bethany & Steven have photos posted at http://bethanycranejacke.shutterfly.com.

Snail Mail:
Steve & Francesca Crane (and David)
90 S 11th Avenue
Coatesville, PA 19320-3551

Steven & Bethany Jacke (Daniel and Hannah)
1514 Olive Street
Coatesville, PA 19320

Ben & Stephanie Mangrich
1237 Emerson St
Evanston, IL 60201

Coming Soon!

Our Christmas letter will be posted here. Check back later.

Thanks for your understanding!

-Steve & Francesca Crane

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Steve and Francesca Crane