"Let me tell you what a remarkable thing has happened. People have been calling the diocesan office for weeks now, asking if they could possibly be allowed to attend this convention. That does not often happen." So said the Rt. Rev. Robert L. Ladehoff in his address to the Diocese of Oregon's convention Nov. 18-20 in Salem.

Bishop Ladehoff referred to "Breaking the Mold," the convention theme, and the eight workshops scheduled. The calls he mentioned came from people who wanted to attend the workshops but weren't convention delegates.

Workshops, created by clergy and lay teams from around the diocese and reflecting programs now in place, included: "Studio C: Exploring Creativity and Spirituality"; "Identifying and Cultivating Young Vocations"; and "Rites of Passage - Empowering Our Youth through Journey to Adulthood."

A celebration of the Eucharist at St. Paul's Church in Salem opened the convention. Bishop Ladehoff was celebrant and convention keynote speaker, the Rev. Arlin Rothauge, was preacher. The next day Fr. Rothauge's presentation on innovation and change provided a lead-in to the "Breaking the Mold" workshops. A professor at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, Fr. Rothauge is the founding executive director of Seabury Institute.

Convention highlights included recognition of St. Matthew's, Eugene, as a parish. In celebration, some 50 St. Matthew's members, led by a bagpiper, acolytes, crucifer and the Rev. Bryce McProud, rector, filed proudly into the convention hall.

Bishop Paul Swanson, of the Oregon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), discussed Called to Common Mission, recently approved by the ELCA. "Let's break the mold together," he said.

"Mark Hatfield sees public service as a ministry," said Bishop Ladehoff when introducing the banquet speaker. "The church has penetrated where government can't in poverty-stricken neighborhoods," retired Senator Hatfield said.

Convention adopted a budget of nearly $1.8 million.