Assembly Basic Information

Registration

Voting members

• All ELCA Rostered Ministers in our synod (Ministers for Word and Sacrament {Pastors} & Ministers for Word and Service {Deacons})
• Lay congregation members and Synod Deacons* 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

A formula has been adopted for the election of voting members by congregations and authorized worshipping 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 worshipping 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 Fees

Early Registration

Click here for a word about these assembly fees. 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. 

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 Cancellation and Payment Policy.

Meal Plans

Location and Room Reservations

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

Overnight Accommodations
The Marriott Melville has a block of rooms for us at the rate of $169 per night. Reservations can be made anytime between now and April 10 by calling 631-423-1600 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 10 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first.

If you are tax-exempt, you must do one of the following for that status to be honored by The Marriott Melville:

• 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).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be Wi-Fi?
Yes! We are excited to be able to offer Wi-Fi again for our 2020 Synod Assembly. This will ensure a "We are Church Together" paperless Assembly.

ELCA Mobile App
We care for creation TOGETHER; this is why we are going paperless again this year. Our Assembly Guidebook, living under the ELCA mobile app (available in the Apple Store and in Google Play,) will be published prior to our time TOGETHER. If you desire a paper copy, you will be responsible for printing it on your own. Participants should plan to either print materials or bring a WiFi-enabled device with them. The Assembly app will give access to the bulletin of reports, agenda, and all details of the Assembly. All those resources will be also available on our website. 

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. Please make sure your device is charged and ready before plenary sessions. 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. Please note that payment is due by the end of the registration period: March 2 for early registration, or April 15 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 2 or you will be charged the rates for regular registration. If you register during the regular registration period, you must pay by April 15 or you will be charged the rates for onsite registration.

What if a registered voting member won't be able to attend? 
Register an alternate voting member. 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 toward 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 ordained ministers get a discount?
Yes, but they must complete their registration before March 2, here, or call Karina Terán at 212-870-2379.

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, please check your spam or junk e-mail folder. If you are still unsure, contact Karina Terán at [email protected] or 212-870-2379, to confirm your registration.

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