The Diocese of Fond du Lac's 125th convention took place in the see city Oct. 22-23. One highlight was the presence of the Ven. John Park, Archdeacon of the Diocese of Honduras. A team from Fond du Lac put together by St. Thomas' Church, Neenah, traveled there last fall, bringing medical supplies and helping rebuild houses destroyed by Hurricane Mitch. A second mission, led by the Rev. Susan Burman and the Rev. Joan Smoke, will make the trip next January. Archdeacon Park spoke of the need for food, clothing, shelter and medical supplies. The offering taken at the convention Eucharist was designated for Honduras, and for the mission team traveling there.

Another highlight came with what diocesan Bishop Russell Jacobus characterized as his "state of the diocese address." The bishop first described a number of key events of the year - including the growth of healing ministries, the new diocesan web page, the recent visit of the Executive Council [TLC, July 4, 11], and the forthcoming meeting of the Association of Diocesan Liturgists and Musicians (ADLMC). He then challenged the diocese "to be a mission church with mission zeal." Bishop Jacobus reminded the convention that Christ calls us to discipleship, not mere church membership, and appealed to them to live their faith with passion.

Referring to the importance of younger generations in the ongoing life of the church, the bishop proclaimed, "The Xers and Y generation want to be challenged, and if you ask them, I believe every one would say that they want to make a difference in the world ... We need to have experiential learning that will form them into Christians, rather than just telling them what Christianity is about." Finally, he exhorted the diocese to "see ourselves as a 'pilgrim people' on a journey together - never content with the present - always seeking and always moving forward."