Christmas 2009

Dear Friends and Family,

Every now and then you get an insight into what life is about. Sometimes it’s simple and a little humorous, like, “Life is a continual filing project.” Sometimes it’s obvious, but more profound, like, “Life is a series of transitions.” Change is one of life’s constants, bringing lots of stress, but also making life interesting, stimulating, and fresh. In the changes, we learn life’s significant constant: God doesn’t change, but He changes us constantly as we put our trust in Him.

In November we went on a self-directed spiritual retreat at The Shack Country Inn (White Cloud, MI) sponsored by Broom Tree Ministries (www.broomtreeministries.org). We enjoyed the gift of stepping out of our driven, busy schedules, relaxing in beautiful surroundings, and basking in five unhurried days with the Lord and with each other. As we continue to reflect on that time, we find we are re-learning what the Scripture means when it says: Be still, and know that I am God…The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress (Psalms 46:10-11).

Some constants (mostly) this year:

• Nan continued as Short Term Missions Director at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Plymouth, MI and substituting from time to time in the school district where she worked for 10 years.

• Ed was appointed for another 3-year term as the Assistant Stated Clerk of the EPC’s General Assembly. Twelve years in the same job – the longest he’s been in one spot! As an outgrowth of Ed’s doctoral work (completed February 2008), he led a conference and started an online book discussion for leaders of small churches (http://z410.blogspot.com/).

• Dan and Christina are still in Phoenix – Dan remaining in his position as a software developer and Christina transitioning in her architecture career, as many are doing in this economy.

Some of life’s transitions and learnings this year:

• Nan’s mother, Jean Newlin, passed away in February at age 90. We heard the unexpected news while we were on a mission trip in the Central African Republic. Within eight hours of hearing the news, the seminary community hosting us gathered for a memorial service in support of “our sister Nan” whom they had only known a few days (see photo). While our grief was sharp, the comfort extended by this wonderful community of Christians was deeply encouraging. It was a unique opportunity to experience the reality that the church truly is worldwide.

• Nan led an exploratory trip to San Pablo Presbyterian Seminary in Merida, capital of the state of Yucatan, Mexico. She plans to return in April to lead a team to finish the interior of the library and develop relationships with the students and churches.

• John, Andrea, and Kayla moved back to Plymouth from Cincinnati where a job did not work out as it had been promised. Both John and Andrea were able to go back to the employers they left at the end of 2008.

• We are homeowners in Phoenix! Unexpectedly, we returned from a July vacation in Phoenix with a purchase order on a patio home near 32nd St. and Camelback, about a half mile from Dan and Christina. It was definitely the right time to buy, but not to move. We have renters now, but we plan to move there eventually. As Ed can do much of his work from anywhere there’s phone and internet, we may get there in stages, perhaps starting 3 years from now.

Two more of life’s truths we’re trying to understand and practice:

• Our call to serve never changes. The avenues for our service may change with the seasons of life.
• Experience teaches us nothing. From intentional reflection on our experience we learn much.

We pray you will have a meaningful Christmas season. Wish we could greet you all personally.  Please leave us a comment with some of your news.