2018 Christmas from Steve and Francesca Crane

STEVE & FRANCESCA CRANE FAMILY CHRISTMAS 2018

The Christmas season is about the arrival of Jesus, Prince of Peace. Zechariah prophesied about John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus, who is the one “to guide our feet into the path of peace” (Luke 1:79).

More than ever, we need Jesus to guide us to peace. Our wish is that you will experience the peace, grace and love of God this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.

David continues working at Brian’s House Enterprises. He is capable of simple tasks such as sorting hardware and punch cards; these give him a sense of purpose and work place involvement. He particularly enjoys working on the Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty line.

The Book Family Farm continues to patiently work with David as he learns to care for horses, ride and enjoy animals. His niece, Hannah, is constantly there to encourage him. His sister, Bethany also helps.  David enjoyed two weeks of vacation at Jaycee Camp in Effort, PA again this year. We are thankful for his caring counselors.

Francesca (aka Missy) completed her work with Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties in May as Interim Executive Director. She helped guide the organization through major changes that resulted in uniting with Good Samaritan Shelter to form a new group, Bridge of Hope @ Good Samaritan Services. In September she took on a new interim executive director position at No Longer Alone Ministries. She also works as an Adjunct Professor at Eastern University as needed in the areas of Nonprofit and International Leadership Development and at Eastern Mennonite University Lancaster Campus.  She recently completed two three-year terms on the executive committee of the Chester County Advisory Board for Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities.

Steve continues in ministry as half-time chaplain at Norristown State Hospital. It is a challenge and a joy to minister to the patients in this forensic and psychiatric setting. In August he completed an 8 month interim as conference minister of the Atlantic Coast Conference of the Mennonite Church USA, serving churches in New York City. In July Steve returned to Grace Baptist Church of Blue Bell as interim pastor. He previously served as interim for 18 months in 2005-6. It has been a great joy to reconnect with this congregation and minister among them during this time of transition. Steve continues to serve on the West Brandywine Township Zoning Hearing Board. He also enjoys playing guitar and helping lead the Tel Hai (Retirement Community) Ukulele Band. He also joins Walt Kinsey for music programs at local institutions as he is able.

We enjoy being a part of Ridgeview Mennonite Church, although because of work requirements, we have not been able to participate as much as we would like.

We were happy to be able to visit with Steph and Ben and our 3 creative granddaughters, Morgan, Maya and Mercy, in Evanston, IL. Of course it’s always great to have Bethany and Steve, Daniel and Hannah nearby.  We were all able to gather at our Pocono mountain cottage in August and again for Thanksgiving. We held “cousin camp” with a lot of fun and activities.

In this world full of war, strife, polarization, and angst, we ask God to help us “Make every effort to live at peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14a). We pray that the Lord will guide our feet on the path to peace.

We are thankful for your friendship this past year and look forward to another year of family, friends and faith.

Sincerely,

            Steve & Francesca
                   and David