The synod of the Diocese of Quincy was held Oct. 13-14 in Macomb, Ill., at St. George's Church and on the campus of Spoon River College. Celebrating the 160th year of the Episcopal Church's presence in Illinois, the Rt. Rev. Keith Ackerman, Bishop of Quincy, recalled the work of Philander Chase, first Bishop of Illinois, and quoted from the first diocesan address of Alexander Burgess, first Bishop of Quincy: "We are a small diocese. This is incentive to large labor."

In his synod address, Bishop Ackerman challenged members of the diocese to large labor. He set five goals for each congregation: 1. Each congregation should take seriously God's call to good stewardship and actively increase the percentage of persons who pledge; 2. A 5 percent growth beyond transfers, including at least one "Guest Sunday"; 3. At least one Bible study per week; 4. At least one person to be confirmed or received at the bishop's visitation; 5. Mission, vision and evangelism goals to be established and working by Jan. 1.

The Rev. Richard Kew, director of the Russian Ministry Network, spoke at the synod banquet and stressed faithfulness to the core of the gospel message. He urged participants to see the diocese as a new mission field.

Delegates heard good news about a resolution of the legal conflict at St. John's, Quincy. It was reported the matter would be settled out of court and the church building will revert to St. John's congregation on Jan. 1.

A budget of $428,427 was adopted for 1996, a 5 percent increase over 1995.

(The Rev.) John Throop