"I have a dream, a vision that we are becoming evermore recognizable as the body of Christ. That we are learning and growing together as a community of miraculous expectation, utterly dependent on God, fully gifted by the Holy Spirit, joyously living Christ's great commandment and great commission in Western Massachusetts and the world."

These words from the annual address of the diocesan bishop, the Rt. Rev. Gordon Scruton, to the convention of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts echoed in delegates' ears as they met at the Mont Marie Conference Center in Holyoke, Mass. Nov. 5-6.

Resolutions that were adopted included: a growth goal for congregations of 10 percent in 2000; that congregations strive to increase clergy and lay employee compensation; commending the Odyssey Network; and calling for the suspension of the use of the death penalty.

Bishop Robert Isaksen of the New England Synod of the ELCA, preached at the opening Eucharist.

A program plan and budget for 2000 of slightly more than $2 million was unanimously adopted which called for each congregation to increase its assessment for common ministry by 10 percent.

(The Ven.) William H. Coyne