The convention of the Diocese of Albany was held at Camp of the Woods, Speculator, N.Y., June 4-6. This convention was the largest ever held in the diocese and was attended by nearly 1,000 adults and almost 200 young people.

In his opening address, the Rt. Rev. Daniel Herzog, Bishop of Albany, said, "We have moved intentionally to set our focus on returning to our roots of being a missionary church." He mentioned the grim figures that portray the trends of the diocese, and said, "Our job is to move from membership to discipleship." He challenged members of the diocese to "become more proactive," showing as examples the churches that are growing which model a radical, enthusiastic joy about God, and the ones declining which model a low-profile, non-personal approach to faith. Bishop Herzog urged parishioners to increase their giving by 1 percent "to enable vestry leaders to stop worrying about the budget so they are free to work for the kingdom."

The guest speaker for the weekend, the Rev. Canon Kevin Martin, bishop's assistant for congregational development in the Diocese of Texas, talked about church growth, sharing various techniques to bring in and keep new people, and about the issues which must be faced in order to move from maintenance to mission.

The budget was approved, with a focus on outreach and evangelism, designed to contribute to growth. Delegates approved a budget which cuts the diocesan assessment by 10 percent, so that each church will have more money to use toward its own growth.

The delegates also approved Bishop Herzog's call for the election of a bishop suffragan. It is hoped the new bishop will be in place by January 2000. A salary schedule for diocesan clergy was overwhelmingly approved.