Commissioners and advisory delegates
Registration is now open
Welcome in the name of Jesus Christ! As a commissioner or advisory delegate to the 219th General Assembly (2010), you will have the opportunity to engage in discerning God’s intent for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We hope this Web site is useful as you prepare for this important task. Come back often for regular updates.
The theme for this year’s assembly is Rivers of Living Water, taken from John 7:38:
… and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said,
‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’
We pray that the Spirit will continue to flow out of each of you, blessing you and others as you prepare for the assembly. We also pray that the Spirit will flow from the gathered faithful at the 219th General Assembly, blessing the whole church!
- Where will the assembly take place?
- The business meetings, exhibit hall, and most other official events will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- What is the schedule?
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The 219th General Assembly will convene at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, and adjourn no later than noon on Saturday, July 10.
Riverside Conversations
are scheduled for Saturday morning (July 3). This optional pre-assembly experience offers commissioners and advisory delegates the opportunity to begin engaging the key issues before the assembly, encountering each other, and listening for God’s Spirit of discernment as a gathering body. Two periods of Conversations are scheduled, at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The six topics will be repeated, so you may take part in two. As you go through the registration process, you will be asked to indicate the two conversation topics that most interest you.The proposed docket includes more information on the official assembly meetings. Please also review the Schedule of Events
for the complete list of assembly activities, which includes many other optional events sponsored by PC(USA) related entities and organizations. These can be good ways to learn about church programs, meet other attendees with similar interests, and hear outstanding speakers. You will see that some conflict with assembly business meetings - they are planned for observers and others without official responsibilities during business meetings.Some events require tickets, which can be purchased as part of the registration process. The deadline for advance ticket sales is June 14.
Opportunities abound for spiritual nourishment at the assembly. Worship services are scheduled for each day, including the opening worship celebration on Sunday, July 4.
- When do I need to be in Minneapolis?
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Commissioners and advisory delegates are expected to be present for the full assembly (from 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 3 through noon on Saturday, July 10); you are urged to also take part in the Riverside Conversations
on Saturday morning, July 3. Commissioners – please travel to Minneapolis on Friday, July 2.
Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs) – please travel to Minneapolis on Thursday, July 1, in order to participate in an orientation for YAADs that will begin with breakfast on Friday.
Theological Student Advisory Delegates (TSADs) and Missionary Advisory Delegates (MADs) – please arrive in Minneapolis in time to participate in orientations that will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and include dinner.
- Who pays for my travel and hotel expenses?
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Commissioners’ and advisory delegates’ travel, lodging, and meal expenses are covered by the assembly – this is part of the denomination’s per capita budget.
- Air travel is arranged through the assembly’s travel agency and charged directly to the assembly.
- Lodging (at the shared rate) at one of the six assembly hotels is paid directly by the assembly; you will incur out-of-pocket hotel charges only if you request a single room (or bring a spouse/family) or reserve additional nights at the hotel for personal reasons.
- Meals are provided in two ways: there are seven group meals during the week (including the July Fourth Picnic, and the G.A. Breakfast on Monday); you will receive a per diem for other meals when you are on your own.
Please review the detailed travel expense policies and procedures
before you begin making your plans. - How will I make travel arrangements?
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Airline tickets are booked through Azumano Travel, the assembly’s designated travel agency, so the ticket cost is charged to the assembly budget. (Please do not purchase your airline ticket from another travel agency or airline.)
Watch for an email from the G.A. Meeting Service with a link for booking your travel on-line using Cliqbook and Azumano; please use this on-line method if possible — it allows you to see and select from available itineraries from your home airport, and there is a considerable savings in fees.
Note: the on-line booking system cannot be used for one-way or multi-stop tickets. If you are planning a stopover in another city on your way to or returning from Minneapolis, book this with an Azumano agent (see below), who will document the cost difference between your itinerary and the round trip fare available between your home and Minneapolis. The G.A. Meeting Service will invoice you for the difference.
If you cannot book your travel on-line, call Azumano at (800) 283-2619, ext. 1; hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific time. Please tell the agent that you are a commissioner or advisory delegate.
Make your travel arrangements as soon as possible (by April 30th) for the best fares and choice of flights. The assembly begins on a holiday weekend, so flights will fill quickly!
Delta Air Lines is offering a discount on published fares for travel to the General Assembly. This discount is applied automatically when travelers book through Cliqbook and Azumano. If you book travel directly with Delta, please call
(800) 328-1111, and refer to File Number NM4FP.As you plan your travel, remember:
Commissioners - if possible, arrive by Friday evening, in order to take part in the Riverside Conversations
on Saturday morning. TSADs and MADs – please arrive in time to attend orientations that begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
YAADs – please travel Thursday, in order to attend the YAAD orientation that begins on Friday morning.
The assembly will adjourn by noon on Saturday, July 10; try to select a return flight that departs after 1:30 p.m. that day.
Be sure of the dates you need to travel before making your reservation—airline change fees are expensive and usually not reimbursable.
Amtrak ((800) 872-7245) provides some service into the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. The Amtrak station is located in St. Paul, about 6 miles from downtown Minneapolis. Reimbursement for train fare is limited to the equivalent of the lowest available airfare as determined by Azumano Travel.
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- How will I make housing arrangements?
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As you complete your registration (either on-line or using a printed form), indicate your arrival and departure dates, your preferences among the assembly hotels, and other information needed for the G.A. Meeting Service to make your hotel reservation. Rooms are blocked at six hotels
located within 4 blocks of the convention center in downtown Minneapolis, but you must complete your registration (as soon as possible - no later than April 30th) for a reservation. Please do not contact these hotels directly.The assembly pays the hotel directly for your allowable charges. Lodging is covered from Friday, July 2, for commissioners, TSADs and MADs, and from Thursday, July 1 for YAADs.
Lodging is paid at the shared rate; this means that if you share a room with another commissioner or advisory delegate, the assembly pays for both your and your roommate’s half of the room charge. If you request a single room, or share with someone who is not a commissioner or advisory delegate (your spouse, friend, etc.), the assembly pays the hotel only for your half of the room charge, and your roommate is responsible for his/her share.
You may designate a roommate when you register — make sure that he/she registers as early as possible, as the hotel reservation is not made until both registrations are completed.
The G.A. Meeting Service provides roommate-matching assistance for commissioners and advisory delegates if you wish to share a room, but do not know other attendees.
If you choose to stay beyond the assembly dates for personal reasons, you are responsible for the additional costs.
Carefully read the travel expense policies and procedures
for more information.You will receive a registration confirmation and hotel assignment notice from the G.A. Meeting Service within about 4 weeks of your completed registration.
- Are meals provided?
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Six group meals are provided for commissioners and advisory delegates (Saturday dinner, Sunday lunch, Monday breakfast, Thursday dinner, Friday lunch and dinner). In addition, commissioners and advisory delegates receive a ticket to the Fourth of July picnic (Sunday dinner) at Nicollet Island. You may purchase additional tickets for most of the group meals for a spouse/guest.
If you have food allergies or other special dietary requests, please indicate these when you register, or contact the G.A. Meeting Service ((888) 728-7228 x2417).Commissioners and advisory delegates receive a per diem of $45 ($12 for breakfast, $12 for lunch, and $21 for dinner) to cover other meals. This is provided via a credit card (distributed at on-site registration) with a limit set to the per diem amount, less the value of the group meals.
There are concession areas in the convention center, restaurants in the assembly hotels, and many other restaurants and other dining outlets nearby – at all price ranges. Westminster Presbyterian Church (located one block from the convention center) is serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Breakfast is pay-as-you-go (no reservations required); purchase tickets in advance for the box lunches.
More information about dining options on-site and in the area will be available later.
Many of the optional events listed in the Schedule of Events
include a meal — you may order tickets for these when you register. Order tickets soon, as some events sell out, and the deadline for advance ticket sales is June 14. Event sponsors reserve the right to cancel events if a minimum number of tickets are not sold on or before June 14.Remaining tickets to some events will be on sale on-site, beginning Friday, July 2.
Other than for canceled events, the G.A. Meeting Service does not refund payment for ticket orders canceled after June 18.
- Can I bring my spouse/partner/friend/family?
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They are welcome as observers — at your expense for their travel, lodging and meals. (The assembly covers only your half of the hotel room expense; you will pay for their half.)
They are not required to register as assembly participants, unless they plan to observe assembly plenary sessions, where an assembly name badge is required for admission. You may register your spouse/partner when you register, and pay the $60 advance registration fee, or they may wait to register on-site, and pay the $30 on-site registration fee.
The on-site registration fee is waived for children age 16 and under who are accompanied by a registered attendee.
- Are there arrangements for children at the assembly?
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The activities of the General Assembly are open to all ages but an assembly is primarily a business meeting with very long and busy days. Children may enjoy certain parts of the assembly, such as the exhibit hall and the Fourth of July Picnic, but few particularly family-oriented activities are planned and short-term child-care options in downtown Minneapolis are very limited.
Parents — especially commissioners and advisory delegates involved in meetings for twelve or more hours most days — are encouraged to carefully consider whether to bring their children to the assembly. Consider arrangements with family or your usual child-care providers.
Child care expenses are reimbursable for commissioner/advisory delegates, up to $30 per day. Contact the G.A. Meeting Service for more information.
The G.A. Meeting Service is seeking information on Minneapolis child-care facilities and programs that may be able to accommodate children of assembly attendees. Note that parents are responsible for determining the suitability of these programs for their children, for arranging any necessary transportation, and for paying the provider directly for the services. Please check the appropriate box when you register if you are interested in receiving this information, but be aware that licensing regulations and normal high demand for such services may mean that there are no available spaces that week.
An option for some families may be Presbyterian Clearwater Forest a camp and conference center located about 120 miles north of Minneapolis. Its summer schedule
offers camp opportunities July 4-10 for those in elementary, junior high and senior high grades; children of assembly attendees are welcome. Transportation will be provided between downtown Minneapolis and the camp (at an additional fee) if there are sufficient registrations. Contact the camp at (218) 678-2325 for more information. - OK, I think I’m ready to register...
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Before you begin the registration process, please:
- Review the travel expense policies and procedures.
- Know the assembly docket.
- Make your travel plans – you will need to know your arrival and departure dates to reserve accommodations.
- Review information about the assembly hotels.
- Review the Schedule of Events and select the tickets you will want to purchase.
- Have your credit card (AmEx, MasterCard, or VISA) available if you plan to purchase tickets to optional events or register your spouse/guest. (The assembly registration fee is waived for commissioners and advisory delegates.)
Registration is now open. To register, obtain housing, and purchase event tickets:
- On-line – have the user name and password from the mailing you received from the G.A. Meeting Service.
- OR – Download the registration/ticket order form.
Make your travel plans and complete your registration and housing request no later than April 30, 2010.
The deadline for advance ticket sales is June 14. - Review the travel expense policies and procedures.
- What if I need to make a change in my registration?
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Changes and cancellations to registration, hotel reservations or ticket purchases CANNOT be made on-line. Contact the G.A. Meeting Service or 888-728-7228, ext. 2417 about any changes in your plans after your registration if finalized. Registration fees, less a $10 cancellation fee, are refundable if notice of cancellation is received by June 18, 2010. Other than for canceled events, there is no refund of payment for ticket orders cancelled after June 18.
- How will I get from the airport to my hotel?
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The Minneapolis/St. Paul airport (MSP) is located 8 miles (about 20 minutes) from downtown Minneapolis. Assembly shuttles will operate from the airport to the assembly hotels on Thursday afternoon, all day Friday, and Saturday morning (July 1-3), and for returns to the airport when the assembly adjourns on Saturday, July 10.
More detailed information on airport transportation services will be sent to registered participants a few weeks before the assembly.
- Are shuttles provided between the convention center and hotels?
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No. The assembly hotels are located within 4 blocks of the convention center, and there are numerous restaurants, shops and other services within walking distance.
- I have a disability/special circumstances related to my participation in the assembly.
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Please indicate this when you register, or contact the G.A. Meeting Service ((888) 728-7228 x2417). The assembly provides a number of services in business meetings, worship services, and elsewhere, but it is most helpful to be able to plan ahead to meet the particular needs of each commissioner and advisory delegate.
Note that the physical demands of navigating the assembly may be more difficult than you expect. Even the walking required in a large convention center may be challenging. If you have difficulty walking three to six blocks comfortably, please alert the G.A Meeting Service so we can plan with you.
It is important to you and to us that there are no barriers that would prevent you from bringing your gifts, your understanding, and your experience to the work of Christ’s church.
During the assembly, a Special Assistance counter will be located in the convention center lobby, staffed by volunteers from the Committee on Local Arrangements.
- Will there be language interpretation?
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Volunteers will provide simultaneous Spanish and Korean interpretation during the business meetings. Please check the appropriate box when you register if you will use this service.
- What business will the assembly consider?
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Each assembly acts on hundreds of items of business, which it receives through the reports and recommendations of various assembly entities, and through overtures from synods and presbyteries. You will want to read as much of this material as possible before you arrive in Minneapolis.
These reports and recommendations are available electronically, through PC-biz.
- What is PC-biz?
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PC-biz is the electronic system used to access assembly business before, during, and after the assembly.
The reports to the assembly are available for reading at PC-biz.org. During business sessions at the assembly, most official participants use laptop computers to access an Intranet and read and track the business and the assembly’s actions on it in real time.
For information on using PC-biz refer to the General Advice presentations here.
- What if I do not have access to a computer or laptop?
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Please make all reasonable efforts to make use of a computer/laptop with Internet access for reading the assembly reports. Those who can do so will have more immediate access to the reports and recommendations, and the experience of navigating PC-biz will make it easier to use this system at the assembly.
If you do not own and cannot borrow a computer, please check with your presbytery — some may have equipment they can make available. You need not have a particularly up-to-date or powerful computer in order to be able to access PC-biz. You will need access to the Internet.
Those who cannot read the assembly reports on PC-biz will have the opportunity to request printed copies of the Reports to the General Assembly. These are mailed in a few batches during the spring.
Rented laptop computers will be provided on-site during the assembly for commissioners and advisory delegates who do not have one and cannot borrow one from their presbytery or another source. Please indicate if you will need one when you register.
- What about assembly committees and my committee assignment?
- Each commissioner and advisory delegate is assigned to an assembly committee. These assignments are made in accordance with the process outlined in the assembly’s Standing Rules to ensure that each committee is broadly based and representative of the spectrum of commissioners. Look for information on your assignment in late April.
- Will I receive other mailings and materials?
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Prior assemblies have supported the principle of enabling individuals and sessions to communicate their concerns directly to commissioners and advisory delegates, trusting their wisdom and discernment. The Stated Clerk provides, upon request, the mailing list of assembly commissioners to G.A. entities, governing bodies, educational institutions, ministers, elders, and independent organizations composed primarily of members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This is in accordance with Standing Rule B.6. Expect to receive a number of such mailings.
The Stated Clerk does not regulate either the content or number of these mailings. The mailings may contain advocacy materials about issues that will be brought to the assembly but do not represent official recommendations or business for the assembly.
- What else can I do to prepare for the assembly?
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First, know that you are not alone. Most commissioners will be attending their first assembly. Here are some suggestions:
- Contact your presbytery stated clerk or executive presbyter if you have questions about your role and responsibilities — and especially if you find that your plans have changed and you are no longer able to serve as a commissioner.
- View the orientation videos that are posted here. More will be added throughout the fall and spring.
- Read all the official information available to you about the assembly. Visit www.pcusa.org/ga219 frequently for the latest information, and PC-biz for the reports to the General Assembly.
- Attend the orientation session(s) offered by your presbytery. Contact your presbytery stated clerk for details.
- Pray constantly and ask others to pray for you. Nothing we accomplish as an assembly will have fruit unless it is rooted in the work of God. Prayer is one way of opening ourselves to God’s will and entering into Christ’s work in the church.
- Who can I contact if I have other questions?
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The staff of the Office of the General Assembly is ready to assist you in your preparations and to answer your questions:
G.A. Meeting Service email gameetingservice@pcusa.org G.A. Meeting Service toll-free number 888-728-7228, ext. 2417 - How can we “give back” to our hosts in Minneapolis?
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Assembly attendees are invited to bring a gift that will benefit a mission designated by our generous hosts. This year, Presbyterian Women from the three host presbyteries: Twin Cities Area, Northern Waters, and Minnesota Valleys — are coordinating the Gift Project. When you are packing for your travel to Minneapolis, please bring new socks and underwear to be distributed to men, women and children living in shelters. The Gift Project collection table will be located in the convention center lobby. Information on the shelters designated to receive these donations will be available later.
FAQs
NOTICE
The General Assembly represents the bond of union, community and mission among Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations and governing bodies. As such, individual Presbyterians and many others are interested in the work and activities of the General Assembly.
As a participant or observer at the 219th General Assembly (2010), your image, name, and voice, as well as any presentation, speech, or written document submitted by you to the General Assembly or any of its committees, may be used, reproduced, distributed, and/or modified by the General Assembly and its related entities at any time in a variety of media for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to print, video, photographic, CD-ROM, television and radio broadcasts, and sound recordings, all of which may be available on the Internet.
Using a camera, camcorder, or tape recorder is permitted during assembly business and committee meetings, provided that participants in the meeting are treated with courtesy and respect, the photographer does not obstruct the view of other participants, and camera flashes or other lights do not interfere with participants or proceedings.
During worship or other times of prayer, all participants and members of the press should be respectful of the sacred nature of the event. Photographs made with the use of existing lighting are permitted in these services if taken unobtrusively and without disrupting either the service itself or individual worshipers. Flash photography is not permitted.
Those taking photographs or other images using children as subjects should assure that the child’s identity is protected, or receive permission from the parent/guardian.
