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2010 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly
God's Work. Our Hands.
Congregations Alive in Communities
Frequently Asked Questions
When
Friday-Saturday,
May 7-8, 2010
Registration begins Friday at 7:30 a.m.
Place
Mayo Civic Center – Exhibit Hall, Rochester,
Minn.
Resolutions
For those wishing to submit a resolution for consideration at the Synod Assembly, check out the resolution writing guide for tips and rules for writing and submitting resolutions.
Nominations
Individuals who are nominated for a synod committee or to be a 2011 Churchwide Assembly voting member must submit a nomination Form to the synod office by February 28. (Youth and young adult Churchwide Assembly voter nominees should use this form.)
Voting Members
Each congregation may
send at least two voting members to the Synod Assembly. Additional members are
based on baptized membership from 2008. Find
out how many your congregation is eligible to send.
Members of this synod's roster (clergy, AIMs, etc.) who do not have a call at the time of assembly are welcome to come, but do not have voting rights. They are considered "voice without vote," meaning they may speak on the floor, but not vote.
Distribute Synod Assembly Brochures to voting members (or potential voting members) for the basic information on the assembly.
Why are they called voting members? Read the section titled "Assembly Vocabulary No Accident!" on this page from the ELCA website.
Youth Voters
In response to a resolution to encourage congregations to bring young people as
voting members to the Assembly, the Synod Council Executive Committee is
offering registration rebates for high school age voting members.
A $25 rebate is available if a
congregation brings one high school student as a voter. If a congregation sends
two high school voters, the congregation will receive a rebate of 50% of the
total registration for two people.
The rebates will be paid to
congregations after the Assembly when attendance is confirmed by the registrar. Notify the registrar at check-in if you have a high school voter.
Visitors
Anyone is welcome to observe worship and plenaries at no charge. To fully
participate - including receive a packet, eat the meals provided, and
participate in workshops - you need to register as a visitor at full cost. Anyone may
register as a visitor.
Cost
$150/person by postmarked by April 29 or submitted online by May 3; $190/person on-site. This can be paid by check with hard copy registration, or credit card or check with online registration. Checks accompanying online registration may be mailed or brought to the assembly.
Meals
Registration includes continental breakfast and lunch both days and a buffet supper Friday evening. Additonal Friday evening meal tickets may be purchased for $20. This registration is available through both hard copy and online registration.
Pre-Assembly Report
The report will be available in early April. It will only be available electronically. Each congregation is responsible for printing off as many copies as necessary. CDs or hard copies are also available by contacting Katie Livingood at the synod office -
or call 507-280-9457 or 800-426-6376 in Minnesota.
Housing
Idividuals or their congregations are responsible for housing arrangements. A block of rooms is available at the DoubleTree Hotel (formerly the Radisson) in Rochester. Call 507-281-8000 by April 15 and request a room in the block reserved for "Southeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA" to receive a special rate of $99/room plus tax. You can also book online! Click here to make a reservation in our block (also by April 15). For a list of other Rochester hotels/motels, click here.
Parking
Click here for an interactive map of Rochester. Search "parking" for a list of ramps.
Special Needs
Hearing amplifiers are available, but one must be reserved at least one hour
prior to when you wish to use it. Reservations can be made in the on-site
office in the Board Room off the North Lobby. If you have other special
needs, contact the synod office at least two weeks prior to Assembly,
507-280-9457 or 800-426-6376 in Minnesota.
Excused Absences
Rostered personnel who are unable to attend the assembly
and congregations unable
to send any voting members are requested to send a letter to the Bishop
asking to be
excused.
Refunds
A refund minus a $20 administrative fee will be given only if requested by April 29.
Clothing
The Mayo Civic Center is climate controlled. You may want to dress in layers
and wear your walking shoes so you are comfortable as you move from one area
of the center to another.
Environmental Stewardship
Please help recycle by returning all name badges, voting cards, unwanted
paper, and completed evaluation forms to the appropriate boxes upon leaving
the assembly. Also, please bring your own beverage mug. Throw-away cups are
provided for drinks, but their use is discouraged.
Blue containers are available
for general recycling. Please be aware and dispose of waste appropriately.
Online
Updates
Can't make it to the Assembly, but don't want to miss all the action? No
problem! Watch www.semnsynod.org for live updates and photos throughout the
Assembly.
Also, a complete Assembly
recap will be posted the evening of Saturday, May 8 for those who wish to
update their congregations on what happened. This recap can be used in
congregation bulletins, newsletters, or can be read to the congregation by
those who attended.
Questions?
Questions concerning assembly registration may be directed to
at the
Southeastern Minnesota Synod office, 507-280-9457 or
800-426-6376 in Minnesota.
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