Voting members
Voting members at the assembly serve on behalf of all the people of this synod. Voting members are called to make decisions for the well-being of our synod and the whole church. Voting members of the 2018 Synod Assembly will be entrusted to elect officers, Synod Council members, Consultation Committee members, Discipline Committee members, and 2019 ELCA Churchwide voting members. Read more here.

Download the Nominations Form, here.

Constitutionally, voting members are:

• all ELCA-rostered ministers in our synod (pastors and deacons)
• lay congregation members who have been elected by their congregation (typically voting members will be equally male and female)
• synod council members and officers of the synod
• ecumenical partners serving as pastor to a congregation of our synod

Synodically-rostered deacons are granted voice, but must be elected by their congregation in order to be a voting member. Congregations are strongly encouraged to register Alternate Voting Members (at no cost). Having alternates registered will ensure that if a voting member is unable to attend assembly, the alternate can take their place. 

A formula has been adopted for the election of voting members by congregations and authorized worshiping communities based on the current year’s congregational statistics: 

Congregations up to 699 baptized members: 2 lay voting members
Congregations of 700-999 baptized members: 3 lay voting members
Congregations of 1,000 or more baptized members: 4 lay voting members
Authorized worshiping communities: 1 lay voting member

Visitors
We encourage people to attend our annual assembly as visitors. Visitors must sit in the designated space but are otherwise free to participate in worship, forums, and community-building activities. This is a great opportunity for interns or those who want to learn more about our synod. 

Registration
For our 2018 Synod Assembly, the registration fees are as follows:

	January 15 – March 14	$125 per voting member* *Payment must be received by March 14	$50 per visitor	$150 per optional meal plan
	March 15 - April 20	$175 per voting member* *Payment must be received by April 20	$75 per visitor	$150 per optional meal plan
	May 11 - May 12	$300 per voting member* *Payment must be made to receive materials	$100 per visitor	No meal plans available

Click here to start your registration. ELCA-rostered ministers and Synod Council members who will not be attending the assembly are expected to request to be excused. 

Click here for a word about these assembly fees.

Payment is not required to register, but must be received before the end of the registration period to lock in that rate. Click here for our full Cancelation and Payment Policy.

Meal Plans
A meal package will be available for $150. The meal package will include 2 lunches and 1 dinner. Breakfast will not be included. The deadline for meal plan is April 20.
 Click here for a word about these assembly fees. 

Location and Room Reservations

Location
The Melville Marriott Long Island is located at 1350 Walt Whitman Rd, Melville, NY 11747, USA. 

Overnight Accommodations
The Melville Marriott has a block of rooms for us at the rate of $158 per night. Reservations can be made anytime between now and April 13 by calling 1-800-228-9290 and stating that you are with the "Metropolitan New York Synod" or by clicking, here. Please note that this special room rate will be available until April 13 or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.

Please note, if you are tax exempt, you must do one of the following for that status to be honored by the Melville Marriott:

 

• Bring a copy of your tax-exempt certificate and pay with a credit card that has the same name (i.e. a credit card that includes the church name)
• Bring a copy of your tax-exempt certificate and a certified check from the bank
• Mail a copy of your tax-exempt certificate with your check early enough for it to clear with the bank (often this is 2 weeks).

Will there be wi-fi?
Yes! We are excited to be able to offer wi-fi again for our 2018 Synod Assembly. This will ensure a paperless Assembly.

Guidebook Mobile App
To be the best stewards of our resources, we are going paperless again this year. As materials become available, they will be uploaded to the Guidebook app. If you want a paper copy, you will be responsible for printing it on your own. Participants should plan to either print materials or bring a wi-fi-enabled device with them. The Guidebook app will give access to the Bulletin of Reports, agenda, and all details of the Assembly.

If I don't have a device, will I be provided one?
No. You are responsible for your own device and are encouraged to either borrow one or plan to print items in advance. Guidebook supports iOS (Apple), Android (Google), as well as web and Windows. 
You will also need to make sure your device is charged and ready before plenary sessions. Extra electrical outlets will not be made available in the ballroom. If you are concerned about your device’s battery life, we encourage you to look into battery boost options. 

Do I have to pay to register?
Payment at time of registration is preferred but you may choose to send a check after registering or call the office (212-870-2385) to use a credit card after your registration is completed. Sending a check or calling with your credit card will allow you to pay for an entire group in one transaction.

Please note that payment is due by the end of the registration period March 14 for early registration or April 20 for regular registration. Late registration fees must be paid to receive voting materials. If you register during the early registration period, you must pay by March 14 or you will be charged the rates for regular registration.

What if I register someone, but they can’t make it?
Simple register an alternate if the original person will be replaced. If you are looking to have the registration fees refunded, make sure you are familiar with our Payment and Cancellation Policy.

How many people from my congregation can attend?
We encourage anyone to attend as a visitor. The number of voting members from each congregation depends on their membership and type. Details are found in the Secretary's Memo.

Do Synod Council Members count towards my congregation’s total number of voting members?
No. Since they are elected by the assembly, they attend as a synod council member without changing the number of eligible voting members from a congregation.

Do retired rostered ministers get a discount?
Yes, but they must complete their registration before March 14, here, or call Maria Rodas, 212-870-2387.

How do I know I am registered?
When your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. If you did not receive a confirmation email, first check your spam or junk mail. If you are still unsure, contact Maria Rodas ([email protected] or 212-870-2387) to confirm your registration or to receive a consolidated bill for all registrations from one congregation.

How do I receive tax exempt status for my hotel accommodations?
Individuals and congregations are responsible for their own accomodations. See more about what is required for the Melville Marriott to honor tax exempt status in our Payment and Cancellation Policy.