STEVE & FRANCESCA CRANE FAMILY CHRISTMAS 2021

 The Christmas season is about the arrival of Jesus, of whom the Angles sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). The pandemic has brought anything but peace on earth. Much of our world has experienced confusion, instability, and apprehension for the past nearly 2 years.

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

 Creating this letter was put off by more than our regular procrastination. The first week of December Steve hit a deer on his way home from a church meeting. That same week Francesca went to visit her brother in North Carolina who went to be with the Lord on December 13. We try to see God’s goodness in all things.

The pandemic has not been easy for David. He will turn 31 years old in January. His work program at Brian’s House Enterprises ended on Friday, March 13, 2020, because of the pandemic shutdown. Weekly zoom sessions were implemented after a few months and on (date) he began outings twice a week with Brian’s House. They spend time in parks, at the mall, and movies. His social skills have been affected.

 The Book Family Farm resumed work with David in June 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.  Normally David enjoys two weeks of summer vacation at Jaycee Camp in Effort, PA. This has not happened the past two years and we hope the situation will change so he can participate in 2022.

 Francesca (aka Missy) completed her work with No Longer Alone Ministries as Interim Executive Director in February 2020 just as the pandemic was gaining strength. She helped guide the organization through closure and turning over parts of the program to other organizations. She has also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Eastern Mennonite University Lancaster Campus. She began in December 2021 as a member of our township Municipal Water Authority.

 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. The pandemic changed the nature of the work, but as an “essential employee” he continued regular hours through the pandemic. The pandemic spread through the hospital, that led to a number of patient deaths. It continues to be a difficult ministry. In July 2020 he completed a 2-year interim pastorate at Grace Baptist Church of Blue Bell. In September of 2020 he began as interim pastor of Zion Mennonite Church located in Birdsboro, PA. He has found that pastoral ministry during a pandemic can be challenging. Steve continues to serve on the West Brandywine Township Zoning Hearing Board. In October he was elected as a member of the Executive Committee of the Atlantic Coast Conference of the Mennonite Church. He also enjoys playing guitar and returned to help lead the Tel Hai (Retirement Community) Ukulele Band a few months ago.

 Both Steve and Francesca came of Medicare age during the pandemic and made the transition. We are thankful for the help of our advisor at Everence to guide us through the process.

 We enjoy being a part of Ridgeview Mennonite Church, although because of pandemic restrictions and 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. Bethany and Steve, Daniel and Hannah moved about an hour away to be closer to new jobs.  We miss them being closer but are happy they have settled into a nice community. We were all able to gather at our Pocono Mountain cottage in August where we held “cousin camp” with a lot of fun and activities.

 We recently welcomed a new addition to our family. Luna Lovedog is a rescue puppy that came into our lives thanks to All 4 Paws Rescue, Animal Rescue, Malvern, PA. She is all puppy, full of energy and livening up our daily routines.

 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 bring peace to our lives and our world.

 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