....AND COUNTING!

From Karen Krestensen, Bishop's Warden   

Life at St. Philip's feels good.  God be praised! 
On Pentecost Sunday we had a wonderful brunch and celebration of the 35th
anniversary of John Duncan's ordination (and didn't he look smashing in his kilt!). 
Congratulations, John!
Actually all Sundays are special. People are greeted at the door as they arrive.  Sunday school hums along in its usual exuberant and enthusiastic manner.  There is Bible study at 9:00 a.m.  Youth activities flow all around us. All manner of refreshments appear on the tables in the parish hall after church.
Bible study groups meet also at Oak Tree Villa at noon on Mondays, and for women at Vicki Granger-Jones's on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday  evenings Planning continues for summer fellowship events and for special fund raising. Daisies are in full bloom in front of the sanctuary, and the star jasmine is about to bloom and fill the air with its fragrance.
At the meeting of the Bishop's Committee on May 20th, the members were enthusiastic about their particular areas of responsibility.  We are blessed with a group of strong, capable and committed individuals on this Bishop's Committee.  We are all praying AND working creatively to move St. Philip's forward in the areas of spiritual growth, financial soundness, fellowship and community spirit.
Worship and pastoral duties have been looked after ably by John Duncan and Bill Kelly.  Canon Jim Thomas preached and celebrated the Eucharist on May 12.  On Trinity Sunday the Reverend Eliza Linley joined Bill Kelly in a dialogue sermon on the colors and personal meaning of the Trinity. Eliza returns on June 2, and Canon Jim will be with us again  on a Sunday in June, and another in July.
St. Philip's continues to function as a lively center for community activities, and with aplomb Mary Rhodes holds everything together week in and week out.
We are blessed at St. Philip's by the many who, when asked, say "Yes!
Thanks for the chance to help.  I can do that."  When you are asked to bring refreshments, or serve on a committee, or work on a fundraising event, or help out in the nursery or Sunday School for a Sunday, thank you for saying "Yes!”   
With all of us working together, we make this adventure called "Martin's Sabbatical" a growth experience for our congregation.