Frequently Asked (or Thought) Financial Questions

Who needs to pay registration fees?

All voting members, rostered and lay
All visitors who would like to participate in meals, receptions, coffee breaks, and other aspects of the assembly

Can someone visit the assembly and not pay the registration fee?

Yes. Visitors are welcome to be at the synod assembly without cost if they do not eat the meals offered as part of the assembly. Like registered visitors, non-paying visitors will not receive copies of the Bulletin of Reports and other printed assembly materials. In addition, in accordance with synod council decisions and synod by-law prescription some folks - retired pastors and some rostered leaders in specialized ministry, for instance - can request that their registration fees be waived or covered by the synod council.

Can meals that are part of the assembly be purchased on-site?

No. Planning for meals with the venue (hotel and/or convention center) is finalized about two weeks before the assembly so the venue can purchase food, plan for staffing, and address other related needs effectively. Local restaurants are nearby for those who cannot participate in the assembly meals.

What do registration fees pay for?

Assembly materials (e.g. binder, paper, photocopying, pre- and post-assembly communication)
Keynote speaker
Assembly musicians
Audio/visual support (projection, amplification, other technology)
Both evening meals
Receptions, snacks, coffee and tea
Special music for receptions
Worship expenses
Fees for guests of the synod
Rental fees for spaces we use (e.g. plenary hall, breakout rooms, worship space, booth area, electrical access, reception areas)

Why can't we choose not to pay for and, thus, not participate in the two dinners?

There are at least two reasons the dinners are bundled into the registration fee: (1) These dinners are important aspects of the assembly. They provide opportunities for fellowship, celebration, formal recognition of people and ministries, entertainment, information, and learning - all of which are significant aspects of what it means to be God's people together. (2) Food and beverages are an important part of the negotiations with venues regarding prices and services. Food and beverage, sleeping room costs, space rental, and various amenities are all tied together in elastic ways such that change in one affects the cost and availability of all the others. For example, including dinners as part of the assembly package helps to lower hotel room costs and space rental fees.

Why is lunch on the middle day of assembly not included the registration fee?

This is one part of the assembly agenda that offers options for participants: (1) The Recognition Luncheon which honors rostered leaders celebrating 25 and 50 years of ministry; (2) Lunch conversations about topics of interest, for which box lunches are offered; (3) Box lunch alone or with friends; (4) Lunch on your own at a local restaurant.

Why have the registration fees increased so much this year?

For some time assembly registration fees have not covered the costs of the assembly. The difference between cost and registration fees received has been covered by the operational budget of the synod. This budget is dependent on benevolence receipts from synod congregations. In a time when benevolence receipts are down and cuts are being made in the financial support of various synod ministries and ministers even while costs for everything from hotel rooms to food continue to increase, the synod council has decided that it is prudent to move toward registration fees covering a higher percentage of the cost of the assembly, with the goal of 100% coverage.