2016 Christmas Photos

Christmas 2015

2015 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM STEVE & FRANCESCA CRANE

 

At Christ’s birth, the angels proclaimed to the shepherds:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 (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 10^th 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 10^th 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

Easter 2015

 

2015 EASTER GREETINGS FROM THE STEVE CRANE FAMILY

We wish you all the blessings of our living Lord Jesus this Easter holiday and always.

It’s hard for us to believe, but in June we will have lived in our house in Coatesville for 10 years. It’s the longest period of time either of us has lived in the same house during our lifetime. Are we finally becoming stable?

In February Steve completed his ministry at Maple Grove Mennonite. The church gave us a meaningful and tearful send-off.  Currently Steve is exploring missionary service in Cuba and Caribbean. He will travel to Cuba on June 1^st.  Pray that the visa process will be positive. In the meantime, Steve has taken on more home duties; he continues in ministry with pulpit supply, counseling, consulting, and writing.

On a fun side, Steve joined the Happy Days Ukulele Band which meets at Tel Hai. Along with his brother, Bob, he also provides music programs at adult day care and retirement communities. 

Francesca continues with Bridge of Hope Lancaster and Chester Counties (bridgeofhopelancchest.org).   In December she completed 10 years as executive director.

We both enjoy our grandchildren; Daniel (10) and Hannah (8) Jacke live nearby. We don’t see Morgan (6), Maya (4) and Mercy (1) Mangrich as often because they live in Evanston, IL.

David continues to work at Brian’s House Enterprises (brianshouse.org/brians-house-enterprises/vocational-services). He leaves home each day about 8:30 am and rides Rover to the work facility in Exton. His work includes sorting and shredding. Last year Brian’s House Enterprises moved from Downingtown to the Exton facility. It was a rough transition for David, but he’s finally made the change. We appreciate the work of Robin, David’s supervisor.

We wish God’s Grace and Peace in your lives,

Steve & Francesca and David

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.”

(Pope John Paul II)