2015 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM STEVE
& FRANCESCA CRANE
At Christ’s
birth, the angels proclaimed to the shepherds:
(Luke 2:14)
This has
been a difficult year for this world; the peace that comes with the presence of
Jesus is needed more than ever. We wish you the peace, grace and love of God
this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.
2015 has
turned out to be a year of transition for our family.
At the end
of December Francesca (a.k.a. Missy) will retire as executive director of
Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties after 11 years of service. She
has served on the board of directors of the Western Chester County Chamber of
Commerce for four years ending this year and continues serving on the Chester
County Advisory Board for Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental
Disabilities. She recently began helping
on the United Way of Chester County’s Community Impact Committee and the
Communications Audit committee for the Brandywine Health Foundation. As a
member of the Rotary Club of Coatesville since 2008 she is now in the position
of President Elect to take leadership on July 1, 2016. All that is to say, she
will not be bored as she considers options for a new job in the near future.
In February Steve
completed his ministry as pastor of Maple Grove Mennonite Church after nearly 8
years. He continued being of service to the Atlantic Coast Conference with a
couple of projects. In addition, he was able to make 4 ministry related trips
abroad this year. Three were to the Dominican Republic; it was great to renew
old friendships and make new ones. A highlight was spending two weeks in Cuba
ministering among Baptist churches under the sponsorship of International
Ministries. Steve will be part of an International Ministries team working in
Cuba; the next trip is scheduled for March. He is sad that he was unable to get
to Bolivia this year; hopefully this will be possible in 2016.
In May,
Steve began serving as transitional (interim) pastor of the Grace Crossing
Community Church in Phoenixville. He is thankful for the opportunity to serve
this wonderful group of people during this time of transition. He hoped to
begin as a part-time chaplain at Norristown State Hospital in July, but that
was (is) put on hold until the PA legislature has a budget.
Steve
continues as chair of the Coatesville Zoning Hearing Board, his 10th
year on the board. He serves on the Board of Directors for Tel Hai Retirement community.
Steve helps with the Tel Hai Ukulele Band and also regularly joins Walt Kinsey
for music programs at local institutions.
David enjoys
his work at Brian’s House. Earlier this year his place of work moved from
Downingtown to Exton. He has a variety
of jobs that include sorting hardware, shredding paper, and punch cards. David
enjoys horseback riding at the Book Family Farm. He’s thankful to his sister for taking care
of him while we work.
David
enjoyed two weeks of vacation at Eagle Springs Camp in Pine Grove, PA. He is
sad that the camp has closed and we are looking for a new camp opportunity for
him.
We were glad
to be able to spend time with Steph and Ben and family in Evanston, IL in June.
At the end of July Morgan, Maya and Mercy stayed with us for 10 days at our
Pocono mountain cottage while Steph and Ben went on a 10th
anniversary cruise. Bethany and her children, Daniel and Hannah joined us and
we held a week of “cousin camp.” It was great place to gather the family
together and enjoy the beach, lake and hiking, and to spend a relaxing time away
from the regular duties our lives.
We were all
together for Thanksgiving. The picture at the end of the post was taken at
Hemlock Lake at that time.
“And may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7)
We are
thankful for your friendship, letters and caring.
Sincerely,
Steve & Francesca
and David
