The convention of the Diocese of Northern Indiana Nov. 10-11 was held at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Elkhart, as part of the parish's sesquicentennial celebration.

The Rev. Colenzo Hubbard, director of the Emmanuel Center in Memphis, Tenn., spoke twice during the convention. He told of his ministry in one of the poorest sections of Memphis, in which programs are offered for children and adults. All are invited for a meal and a message: "We love you and God loves you. God hasn't given up on you, so don't give up on yourself."

The Rt. Rev. Francis C. Gray, Bishop of Northern Indiana, emphasized congregation revitalization in his annual address. He said during the past six years the population of the diocese has remained stable, but that people are attending church 30 percent more often and are giving twice as much money to the church.

Bishop Gray reported on the success of the diocesan capital funds campaign, "Forward in Faith," and commented on some of the recent events at the national church level.

He spoke of the pastoral care Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning gives to other bishops, and said, "As with many public figures, Bishop Browning's shortcomings are quite public, while his considerable virtues remain private."

A budget of $623,361 was approved for 1996, an increase of 91/2 percent.

(The Rev. Canon) David L. Seger