Delegates and visitors to the annual council of the Diocese of Texas braved record-setting cold weather and completed their business in record-setting one day's time. Meeting in Waco Feb. 3, delegates moved through their business quickly before the dedication of a Habitat for Humanity home built by Episcopalians.

In his convention address, the Rt. Rev. Claude E. Payne, Bishop of Texas, identified a fundamental imperative for the Episcopal Church. "We must move into our vision of One Church Claiming the Future through growth," he said, "if we are to survive as a church of any significance in the future." The imperative calls for networking resources and talents, a deepening spiritual life, and a clergy/lay partnership focused on evangelism with churches moving from maintenance to mission.

Describing a network of churches with the diocesan center where resources are shared, the bishop expanded on his vision of a diocese growing from 74,000 members to 200,000 in 10 years. He said work already has begun to restart several churches that were stagnant or in decline, and teams of clergy and laity are being build to assist in congregational development

"In identified locations, not only do we propose to purchase the new church site, but also construct initial and sufficiently adequate facilities to house a resource-size congregation," he said.

Bishop Payne introduced Joel Shannon, newly named resource development coordinator, who will identify funds throughout the diocese to be used for new growth in conjunction with funds from already existing foundations.

"It is my firm and cherished belief that among the 70,000-plus disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Diocese of Texas," Bishop Payne said, "there are at least 1,000 who would readily and eagerly give $1,000 annually if they knew that the money would launch ... a new congregation."

Carol E. Barnwell