Our Christmas Tree

This year has been a good one for our family, busy in many ways, and a year of preparation in many other ways! While there have been no major changes for us, we are just months away from both our daughters’ graduations, with all of the planning and dreaming that is a part of waiting for what is yet unknown. Carolyn and I both continue to enjoy good health, for which we are thankful. Much of Carolyn’s time is occupied with the home, and assisting our youngest daughter, Chrystalynn, with her many duties and obligations. For relaxation, we enjoy caring for our two Golden Retrievers, Breeze and Booty, taking them on walks and to Carousel Park, where they can run free and practice retrieving in the lake. A highlight for Carolyn this year was having Lasik surgery done on her eyes. She has now joined me in this wonderful gift of perfect eyesight. Just as I had done a few years ago, Carolyn’s surgery was done at my brother Michael’s optometric practice in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Boot Camp Blues

We continue to be abundantly blessed by our church, WFA (Wilmington First Assembly) as we are now in our ninth year of ministry here. The Lord continues to do great things, and the fellowship of this very multi-ethnic group is fantastic. I had the opportunity to look at the past and the future of WFA this year, as I had the privilege of performing a Valentine’s wedding for a couple (Erin and Anthony Miller) that met under our ministry here at WFA, as well as two homegoing services for two dear sisters (Jeannette Lefler and Midge Rogers) who had been at the very heart of our church since the days of “23rd and Pine.” We celebrate what the Lord has done, as well as what we eagerly anticipate what He will do in the future!

Chuck Mangione and Me

In addition to my ministry as pastor in Wilmington, I continue to serve as the Presbyter for the state of Delaware. I am also privileged to serve on the team of facilitators for the Assemblies of God national Church Multiplication Network, presenting at various “Boot Camps” across our nation for new church planters as well as revitalization churches. This year, I taught at Boot Camps in the Potomac, Peninsular-Florida, Michigan, and Penn-Del districts, as well as serving as a host at Multiplicity08 in Houston, TX.

Our oldest daughter, Jessica

One “Highlight” of my year was a major automobile accident in August, totaling my vehicle. While en route to the airport to go to the Florida Boot Camp, I encountered a parked car – in the left lane of the freeway! Miraculously, no one was injured. And, as a testimony to how the Lord provides, a couple from our church was driving by, saw me in need, and drove me to the airport. Not only did I not miss my flight, but I was bumped up to first class! Not exactly the way I would have preferred it, but I thank the Lord for His care!

Jessica at Work

I will never forget the opportunity I had this year to personally meet two of my favorite musicians of all time – Chuck Mangione and Gerry Niewood. Jessica and I saw them twice this year in concert, and in October, we were invited to meet and speak with them! What an exciting night that was!

One Act Play

Our oldest daughter, Jessica, has had a busy year as she continues in the final year of her master’s degree in theater at Villanova University. In addition to her classes, she serves as a graduate assistant in the area of properties, locating and building the props for each main stage show at Villanova Theatre. Her theatrical work at Villanova this year included serving as the assistant stage manager for the musical production “Baby,” stage manager for “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” acting in “Le Dindon,” and currently music consultant for “Metamorphoses,” which will go up February 3-15, 2009. Jessica was the music director/arranger for the Ringside Theartre Group’s summer production of “Lights Out, Bethlehem,” as well as serving as the music director for Consortium for the Arts’ 2008 musical presentation of “Cinderella.” Consortium is a summer fine arts program run by a number of Philadelphia area school districts. As a result of her work there, she has been hired and will be working as Vocal Director for Upper Merion Area High School’s spring musical, “Hello Dolly.”

Jessica and Chrystalynn

For Jessica’s final semester, she has been granted approval to make her proposal for pursuing her comprehensive oral examination in directing. This approval was granted in large part due to her final directing project of a one act called “No Shoulder,” by Nina Shengold. We are very proud of Jessica, and praying for what the Lord has in her future following her graduation in May.

Our youngest daughter, Chrystalynn

Our youngest daughter, Chrystalynn, is now in her senior year at Thomas McKean High School, with preparation under way for her graduation in May, and selection of her future education. She is examining colleges and opportunities, and looking strongly at California University of Pennsylvania.

McKean High School Field Hockey

Always the active one, Chrystalynn completed her fourth year as a part of the McKean High school field hockey team. Also, she recently participated in the Drama Clubs “One Act” plays. She has expressed a renewed interest in the theater, and is considering pursuing this in her education.

Chrystalynn Prom Photos

Of course, Chrystalynn continues to love her horse, Chaz, and rides regularly in “hunter-jumper” and “jumper” shows. As a part of her senior year, she is doing a “co-op” class by assisting in all of the work at Grassy Hill Farm, where Chaz is boarded.

Carolyn and Chrystalynn

She has worked this year for the Karen Meyer Gymnastics School, teaching gymnastics to young children in Kennett Square, PA as well as at the Hockessin Athletic Center. Currently, she is employed at the Hockessin Animal Hospital, where she assists with the kennels.

Our prayer for you and your family is for this Christmas to be a joy and a delight, and for the New Year to bring you an abundance of opportunities to prosper in serving our Lord Jesus Christ!

Christmas Blessings,
Pastor Tim and Carolyn
Jessica and Chrystalynn