Where is the Synod Assembly being held?
The entire Synod Assembly is being held at the Doubletree Hotel – Boise Riverside, 2900 Chinden Boulevard, Boise, Idaho. If you are driving, use Mapquest or similar site to find driving directions If you are flying, there is a free shuttle to the hotel. Call the hotel from the phones at the airport between car rentals and baggage claim and let them know you need a shuttle.
Where can I park?
There is free parking at the hotel.
When can I check into my hotel room?
Hotel rooms will be available after 3:00 p.m. on Friday and checkout time is 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
What is a Synod Assembly?
The Synod Assembly is just that, an assembly of members from the 105 congregations and related ministries of the Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod, ELCA.. We expect to have between 300-350 people assembled to worship, to attend hearings and workshops, to be inspired by our guest speakers and to do the business of the synod. The assembly serves as the synod’s highest legislative authority. (Chapter 7 of the Synod Constitution – available online at www.ewaidsynod.org under Resource Documents)
How is an assembly conducted?
Bishop Martin Wells will run the business meeting using The Robert’s Rules of Order to govern the proceedings. A parliamentarian will be in attendance and minutes are taken for publication following the assembly. Voting members have the privilege to speak to an issue under consideration; they may move, second or amend any motion. Those speaking are asked to identify themselves by name and congregation before speaking from one of the three floor microphones.
Who is a Voting Member?
Each congregation is invited to send all their pastor(s) serving under call and all of their other leaders who are rostered by the church: Clergy, Associates in Ministry, Diaconal ministers, and Deaconesses. In addition, congregations send lay members, at least two for each congregation and more depending on baptized membership. Retired pastors are voting members as are members of the Synod Council.
How is voting conducted?
Again, this year we will be using a hand held electronic voting system. Each voting member will check out a remote at registration for use in voting. It will be their responsibility to have it with them at all Plenary Sessions for voting and to check it back in before departure from the assembly. Those failing to return their remotes will be charged $50.
Why do voting members receive voting cards if electronic voting remotes are being used?
Each voting member will be assigned voting cards.. Voting cards will be used at the microphones to indicate position (green – in favor of motion; red – opposed to the motion; white – point of order) and may be used by the chair to get a “sense of the house.”
What is a Hearing?
Hearings are opportunities to hear more and be in conversation about a particular resolution or topic before the actual Assembly begins. There will also be an Assembly Orientation during that time especially designed for folks who have never attended an assembly.
What is a Table Talk?
Table talks are opportunities for conversation about a particular subject or ministry during breakfast. We put the topic up on a standard at a table and folks are invited to bring their breakfast, sit and take part in the discussion.
How can I prepare?
You can prepare by
• praying
• thoroughly reading the registration material packet and this pre-assembly packet
• attending your Cluster Preassembly Meeting for conversation about matters coming before the assembly
What do I wear?
Large meeting rooms can vary a great deal in temperature. It is best to dress in layers so that you can stay comfortable during the assembly.
Where do I sit?
We will be sitting around round tables in the meeting room. At the first session, tables will be marked for each cluster of congregations. Following that first session you are welcome to sit anywhere in the meeting room.
What meals are provided?
Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast are all included with your registration.
What if someone needs to reach me?
Our Synod Assembly office can be reached at 208-610-8703.
What if I have further questions?
If you need additional information you can contact Registrar Diana Abken at dabken@juno.com; the synod office at 509-838-9871 or Synod Assembly Manager Karla Olson at 208-610-8703.