Stressing his commitment to "serve Christ in you with all that I am and all that I have," the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, Bishop of Virginia, outlined a vision for mission and ministry for the diocese and then presided over a largely upbeat annual council that voted, time and again, in support of the vision and of new programs to bring the church forward into the next millennium.

Gathered Feb. 5-6 in Reston, more than 800 delegates, visitors and guests heard Bishop Lee express his hopes that "council will focus our resources on our priorities, tithe our income over revenue for overseas assistance, set aside money for development in poor countries, and strengthen the staff that serves the churches of this diocese."

For the first time in years, council had money to put back into the budget for 1999 left over from 1998: more than $370,000.

In 1998, churches gave $60,000 more than they pledged. That spirit has continued: For 1999 churches have pledged $319,000 more than they did in 1998, leading to adoption of the largest diocesan budget ever at $3.8 million. Among other programs, council voted to commit $100,000 to help rebuilding efforts in Colombia and Honduras and to support the church in Rwanda.

Council also approved funding to "unite youth ministry and congregational development and strengthen our witness in ministries of compassion and justice," according to Bishop Lee. The Rev. Lynne Washington has been appointed to fill the position of assistant to the bishop for outreach and witness, beginning March 15.

Two new programs aimed at addressing the pressing need for young priests also received funds: the young priests initiative ($25,000) [TLC, Jan. 31] and a pilot intern program ($45,000) to hire recent college graduates for two-year internships to work on the diocesan staff, providing services to congregations.

Special guests to council included the Rt. Rev. Kenneth Barham, Bishop of Cyangugu (Rwanda), the Rt. Rev. William Rukirande, Bishop of Kigezi (Uganda), and the Hon. Abel Alier, former vice president of the Sudan.

Council also was a time of celebration as the diocese welcomed the Rt. Rev. Francis Campbell Gray as assistant bishop.