From Karen Krestensen,
Outgoing Bishop's Warden

As I come to the end of my term at Bishop's Warden, I look back on the progress we have made at St. Philip's in 2002.  It was a good year in the life of the church, and we did some important "firsts."
We weathered Martin's Sabbatical of three months.  It was renewing for him after 14 years as our Priest and guide to have those weeks of rest, reading and reflection.  It was certainly a growing time for the Bishop's Committee and congregation.  John Duncan and Bill Kelly took on the day-to-day business and worship in a most able and competent manner.  The Bishop's Committee continued to meet monthly and handle the business and make the decisions necessary to move forward.  Because of the support of the congregation, I dare to say that we not only survived, but managed to thrive.
Upon Martin's return in July, a Strategic Planning Committee was created, with members representing a cross section of the congregation.  Out of their work came a survey of the congregation which has helped to establish the priorities for the coming year. 
Another "first" was our Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival in October.  The rooms of the church building were transformed into booths, bright colors, lovely handmade items for sale, and good food for lunch and snacking.  It was very successful in its first year and raised $2,500. for St. Philip's.  We all look forward to this year's Festival--and the plans are already underway.
We created a Finance Team that meets regularly and advises the Bishop's Committee on financial matters that need decisions.  They prepared the budget which you've received and presented it for approval.  The Bishop's Committee then did its own wrestling with it, but in much shorter and easier time than previously.
The Bishop's Committee was a pleasure to work with.  They, individually and collectively, took on the tasks that needed to be done and carried them out.  In a time when women are