At Christ’s
birth, the angels proclaimed to the shepherds (Luke 2:14):
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
This has
been another 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.
2016 also flew
by much too quickly.
God has
blessed us with a new home, just a few miles from our old home. In October we
moved into a smaller, one-floor plan; David won’t be able to fall down the
stairs in this place. One difference is a larger yard with many mature trees. It’s
a pleasant setting. We hope to close on the sale of our old home before the end
of the year.
Francesca (a.k.a.
Missy) is enjoying teaching at Eastern University as an adjunct in the areas of
International Development, Non-profit Management and Cross-Cultural Studies.
She continues with her board work for several different organizations and with
her commitment to the Rotary Club of Coatesville. Moving into a new home has been a challenge
but well worth it. It was wonderful to
count on family and friends to help us move. She is grateful to be more
available to help out with the grandchildren that live locally and hopes to be
able to travel to the Chicago area more often to enjoy our three granddaughters
in 2017.
This year Steve
continued 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. If all goes
according to plan, he will complete his ministry in Phoenixville in February
2017. In March, Steve began a new ministry as a part-time chaplain at Norristown
State Hospital. It is a challenge to minister to individuals during extremely
vulnerable times in their lives. He continues his relationship with the
Mennonite church and regularly participates in Conference activities and meets
with a group of pastors.
In September
Steve completed 11 years on the City of Coatesville Zoning Hearing Board. He
finished his service because of our move out of the municipality. He also serves
on the Board of Directors for Tel Hai Retirement community; there, he led a
team to develop new mission and vision statements and served on the CEO search
committee. Steve helps with the Tel Hai Ukulele
Band and joins Walt Kinsey for music programs at local institutions as he is
able.
Steve is a
bit disappointed that he was unable to travel internationally this year. Hopefully there will be opportunities in the
year ahead to minister in Latin America.
David
continues to enjoy his work at Brian’s House. 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 when we need some
help.
David
enjoyed two weeks of vacation at Jaycee Camp in Effort, PA. He was happy to see
some of his old friends from Eagle Springs Camp that closed last year. He came
home with a very full beard but it had lots of gray in it! How is that possible
for a 25 year old?
We were glad
to start the New Year off right at Evanston’s First Night with Steph’s family.
We were there again in June to enjoy the girls’ dance recitals. At the end of
July Steph, Morgan, Maya and Mercy joined us along with Bethany, Daniel and
Hannah for 2 weeks at our Pocono mountain cottage. Ben and Steve J. stayed too
when they were able to get away from work. We held the second annual “cousin
camp.” It’s 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 of our
lives.
The family
was all together for Thanksgiving. The pictures on our Christmas card were
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
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