The convention of the Diocese of Montana met in Glasgow, Oct. 6-8, with St. Matthew's Church as host.

Delegates from the 47 congregations across Montana gathered for worship, diocesan business and fellowship. Guest speaker was the Rev. Art Stevens, who is noted for his addresses on decision-makinging. He encouraged his listeners to have hopes, rather than expectations.

An expectation, he said, is a wish - a fearful response to a perceived scarcity, which constricts our vision of the possibilities in a given situation. A hope, he said, is the "why" of a wish, a response to perceived possibilities for abundance that helps us to see creative alternative possibilities.

The Rt. Rev. Charles I. Jones, Bishop of Montana, presented his address to convention at the opening Evensong at St. Raphael Roman Catholic Church. He spoke of the recent meeting of the House of Bishops [TLC, Oct. 15] and the comments of Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning concerning the "mean spiritedness" he has observed in the church of late, an attitude that "dishonors and diminishes all of us."

In contrast to this debilitating spirit, Bishop Jones spoke of the recently announced grant to the Diocese of Montana of up to $325.000 from the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief. This grant is for ministry among addicted Native American young people, primarily through the Thunder Child Youth Home in Great Falls.

Also featured in the bishop's address were the extensive improvements that have been made at the diocesan Camp Marshall on Flathead Lake and the successful summer camp program, overseen by the Rev. Rick Johnson. deacon, who is camp director.

The bishop quoted the Rev. Herbert O'Driscoll, a well-known Canadian priest, who said that the church is to offer to the world healing, community, wholeness, transcendence. empowerment and hope. He cited five areas in which the Episcopal Church in Montana can offer these gifts. These are ministries among children, the sin of racism, the expansion of congregational ministry, Christian unity, and the care of the clergy and their families.

Bishop Jones plans to explore these areas of ministry with members of the various Montana congregations as he visits each of them during the coming year.