A clap of thunder sounded just as the Rt. Rev. Wayne P. Wright shared his dream that in the years ahead, the Diocese of Delaware might experience a stirring of the Holy Spirit that would bring growth, in holiness, in diversity, in generosity and service, and in numbers as the leadership of the diocese gathered April 23-24, at St. Philip's Church in Laurel for its 214th convention.

The bishop's resolution for an ad hoc committee to explore the establishment of a Diocesan School for the Study of Prayer and Ministry stirred excitement. The Rev. Nick Nickerson, a member of the exploratory committee, described the concept as "a 'spiritual think tank' that would consider what is happening in the wider world, addressing issues like Kosovo and the Colorado school tragedy."

A resolution from the Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew called for slates for all offices in the diocese be completely diverse in terms of race, gender and geography. The Rev. Thom Jensen, chairman of the commission on ministry, introduced seven people who had been approved for postulancy.

Delaware's former companion diocese, the Diocese of Pretoria, South Africa, will receive this year's convention offering - $2,026 - in gratitude and as testimony to the value of such a relationship.