The synod of the Diocese of Quincy celebrated numerical and spiritual growth and development, marked by a call from its bishop, the Rt. Rev. Keith L. Ackerman, SSC, to embark on an ambitious capital funds drive beginning in 2000.

Synod delegates met in Galesburg, Ill., on Oct. 16, with Grace Church as host and business sessions at a hotel. The parish is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year.

There were no formal resolutions presented in advance. An attempt from the floor to amend the diocese's giving to the Episcopal Church nationally was soundly defeated. Delegates also gave the bishop an increase in his stipend, not included in the original budget because of a potential slight budget deficit. A desire to give deacons the ability to be elected to standing committee and to the diocesan council again was referred to the constitution and canons committee.

Instead, delegates focused on prayer, sacrament, and sermons from the bishop and, in what may be a first in Episcopal Church history, from the bishop's secretary. The bishop continued his review of his predecessors' legacy, focusing this year on the late fifth bishop, the Rt. Rev. Francis Lickfield, drawing on his desire to see the diocese grow, flourish and to plant new churches.

The bishop's secretary, Fr. Luis Gonzales, O.S.B. of St. Benedict's Abbey in the diocese, posed the question, "What if we were to say, 'The Messiah is already among you?'" Drawing upon the depth experiences of monasticism, Fr. Luis gently challenged delegates to seek Jesus' presence in every aspect of their lives and in their communities.

Delegates passed an amended budget of $354,434, with a $6,200 deficit to be made up during the year from additional pledged monies.

(The Rev.) John R. Throop