From Karen Krestensen, our Bishop's Warden

Have you noticed how the pace of life changes in the summer?  Note that I didn't say "slows down," just that it changes. I notice that happening for me, even though I've not had children at home or been tied to the school year for many years. There's just a different feeling to life when June rolls around. We picnic, have more outdoor barbecue dinners, spend time at the beach with the kids and/or with a good book, go on vacation, and just generally do different things.
As we are well into the "lazy" days of summer, how has life changed for you?  Have you slowed down?--taken more time for yourself?--read that book you've been wanting to read but haven't had time?--talked to Julie O'Brien about helping out in Sunday School for a Sunday?--started a regular prayer time?--enjoyed more family time?
I was sitting at the beach early this morning after a workout at the health club doing some "God talk" around the two Boards on which I currently sit. My talking with God regarding St. Philip's centered around thanks--thank yous for this lively congregation of caring people, for all of you who serve quietly behind the scenes to make things happen and run smoothly, for the
Bishop's Committee and the commitment of its members, for our priest, Martin, and his dedication and commitment. My heart overflowed with gratitude at being part of this congregation.
In June, as we headed into summer, we honored Sunday School teachers and youth leaders at a Sunday service. We are blessed in this congregation to have these dedicated women who feel called to nurture and teach the children and youth of this congregation in the ways God would have us be. Eliza Linley said at the end of the service recently, "The last time I was here, there were 55 children and 47 adults in church." I've heard some people say that they came here because there was something valuable for their children. What's more important than the legacy we leave to our children?
We'll be welcoming Martin back on July 1, and he'll be preaching and celebrating on July 7. I'm eager to see him again, and I know you are too. That may already have happened by the time you read this. Please know that I have deep appreciation for how smoothly everything ran in his absence and how easy you all made my task as Bishop's Warden.