Books in the A Quiet Service series

Jonathon Syzmoor was the first, in 1831. His legacy of working with Saint Nicholas continues to this day, around the world. Men and women have answered the call from Nicholas to do more and expect nothing in return, to share their lives without expectation. Each of these servants has a story. "Reaching beyond tomorrow" contains the stories of the four most recent members of this lineage, serving from 1972 to today and beyond tomorrow. These final chapters of the Lineage of Santa's Woodsmen also includes Natasaha's story (Missus Claus), and Alapouella Pohjantähti ("The North Pole").

In a land where Christmas was essentially a social holiday, a man who had turned his back on his neighbors was awakened to the importance of "sharing your life without expectation." Jonathon Syzmoor began a partnership with the man known as Saint Nicholas, who frequently made requests on behalf of those in need. Because these services were provided anonymously, Jonathon became known through legend as "The Woodsman." When Jonathon grew too old to continue to serve these requests, his grandson accepted the Woodsman's Staff, thereby continuing the work Jonathon started. Andrew's son, Abram, continued the family legacy, however his service was different, often traveling beyond the boundaries of Scandinavia. When Abram died, while in service to Saint Nicholas, the staff passed to a new Woodsman and a new family, Jameson Thorpe in Namsskogan, Norway. Each of these men shared their lives without expectation, but not always without question.