Wilsons of the Northwoods

Monday, December 25, 2006

Christmas


Nice Adam!

Monday, December 04, 2006

Christmas Letter


Season's Greetings from the Wisconsin northwoods to all our loved ones and friends.

Mark continues to serve as Senior Pastor of Hayward Wesleyan Church -- fifteen years and still excited about the possibilities! The church continues to thrive and is making a significant impact on the Hayward area. This year, we "birthed" a baby church in Minong, a village about 20 miles away. We secured a delightful church planting couple -- Ben & Ingrid Kidder -- and they are really doing an outstanding job. The daughter church has grown to 70-80 people and they're still just meeting on Saturday nights!

Besides his duties at the church, Mark enjoys posting on his blog, writing his weekly newspaper column, and encouraging pastors in small communities. He had the opportunity to speak at a couple of conferences this year. He also teaches FLAME courses across the country, and serves on the Wesleyan Native American Ministries Board.

Cathy continues to teach the children at home, providing leadership for our Bible Quizzing Program, and the local homeschool support group. She had a major health challenge this fall, including a couple of surgeries, but is feeling much better, and is now operating at almost 100%. It's been a long autumn for us -- but we are thankful for the Great Physician, as well as our loving friends.

Adam, a sophomore at Bethany Bible College, is majoring in Church Planting. He was selected as the Outreach Director for the campus this year, and is really enjoying school. We've noticed that he's developed a keen interest in a beautiful young lady from Waterloo named Allegra. We certainly look forward to seeing him again this Christmas.

Ryan, in his senior year, is exploring his college options -- and has narrowed it down to a couple of possibilities. He's developed into an outstanding musician/worship leader, and has written several songs. We think he might go into youth/music ministry.

Luke and Wes are best buds. They enjoy Bible Quizzing, youth group, computers, great books, swimming, and using their imaginations! We laugh a lot together!

Luke, Wes and Ryan all qualified for the Bible Quizzing Nationals in Kansas City this past year -- and are looking forward to Missouri this coming Spring (Ozarks!) Ryan, by the way, was on of the top quizzers in the nation last year, and received a scholarship for his efforts.

Hannah is our "spark plug"! She keeps herself busy with violin, choir, gymnastics, girl scouts and Followers (a kid's program at the church.)

Luke, Wes and Hannah have been working with dad on a rock tumbling project -- polishing agates.

Kitty, a stray cat who adopted us, has become the newest member of the family, despite Dad's reluctance.

A highlight of the year for us was a week in Door County, where we made lots of special memories: swimming, golfing, the beach, cherry picking, visiting tourist shops, special restaurants -- thanks to Curt and Marilyn, our gracious friends who allowed us to use their beautiful condo.

During this Christmas Season, remember that Jesus is why we Celebrate! Blessings to you all!

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