In what must have been one of the shortest diocesan conventions in Central Florida's history, lay and clerical delegates from 15 counties got right to the point at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke on Jan. 29: The diocese is about growing God's church.

The centerpiece of the meeting was a prayerful plan - Vision 2000 - to strengthen existing congregations and plant new ones.

The convention allows representatives from all congregations to do the work of the diocese. Under the ministry of the Very Rev. G. Richard Lobs III and his staff, the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando was the ideal venue. The morning service set the tone for the day, connecting attendees in the body of Christ through the renewal of baptismal vows by all and the renewal of ordination vows by clergy. The preacher was the Rt. Rev. William Folwell, retired Bishop of Central Florida.

Three resolutions and the diocesan budget passed with no discussion and no opposing votes. Convention organizers said this was in large part because of the presentation of those matters at the five deanery meetings the month before convention.

The key resolution was the endorsement of the Vision 2000 initiative that is expected to result in planting at least 15 new congregations and strengthening existing ones over the next 10 years. The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe, Bishop of Central Florida, and the diocesan board developed the vision with contributions from other interested diocesan members.

Bruce Bauder of the finance committee presented the diocesan budget for 2000, which was adopted by the convention. This year's budget is $2.04 million, compared with $1.96 million in 1999. The largest increase is for the Vision 2000 initiative.