What is a Synod Assembly?

The Synod Assembly is a gathering of the members of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, some of whom have been granted the responsibility of being voting members to the Synod Assembly. The assembly gathers for worship, Bible study, workshops, fellowship and the business of the synod – budget, elections, resolutions and reports.

How is an assembly conducted?

Bishop Usgaard will run the business meeting of the assembly using Robert’s Rules of Order to preside over the proceedings. A parliamentarian will be in attendance and a recorder will take the minutes of the assembly for publication. One of the first actions of the assembly is the adoption of the rules and agenda of the assembly. Details will be in the Pre-Assembly Report.

What is a voting member?

At least two members of each of the 179 congregations and synodically authorized worshipping communities of the synod assemble as duly selected members of congregations with voting responsibilities for governance and elections on behalf of the synod. They are not sent as delegates from a given caucus; they are not gathered to act as some politicized delegates to a regional party convention.

The number of voting members each congregation is eligible to send can be found at semnsynod.org/assembly and is based on 2010 baptized membership.

What is the responsibility of a voting member?

In assembly, voting members review the work of the synod, adopt a budget, elect representatives, ratify resolutions, and oversee various other business of the synod. The synod assembly is the highest legislative authority. Voting membership is comprised of 60% lay voters and 40% clergy voters.

How to prepare?

The Pre-Assembly Report will be available online at semnsynod.org/assembly in early April. It will contain a preliminary agenda, reports, proposed budget, audited financial statements, nominations, and resolutions. These materials are to be reviewed with other voting members and rostered staff from the congregation prior to the assembly. This information should be brought to the assembly for easy reference. Additional materials will be handed out at the assembly. Each congregation is responsible for making sure its voting members get access to this report. If you do not have access to the internet, please talk to your pastor or congregation’s office.

What about parking?

Parking is available in several city parking ramps accessible by skyway connections to Mayo Civic Center. There is also a surface lot available on Center Street across from the Civic Center. Maps will be included in the Pre-Assembly Report or click here to view online.

What about meals?

A continental breakfast Friday and Saturday, lunch Friday and Saturday, and a dinner on Friday are included in the registration fee.

What about lodging?

A block of rooms has been set aside at the Doubletree Hotel. Call 507-281-8000 and ask for the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA block of rooms. April 16, 2012 is the deadline for booking a room at the Doubletree to get the special price of $119 plus tax. A list of other hotels is available at www.rochestercvb.org/stay

More information?

Assembly information is published monthly in River Crossings (click here for a list of all the latest assembly updates), the synod’s monthly newsletter, and online at semnsynod.org. You may also call the synod office for additional information – 507-280-9457 or 800-426-6376 in Minnesota.