FAQs

What do voting members need to participate in the 2021 SOS Assembly?

1. Attendance Device: A computer or tablet with BOTH a camera & microphone--This can be a shared device

2. Voting Device: A separate smartphone or tablet to download & use our voting app--This device can be used by one person only

3. Good internet connection

Can voting members gather in one location?

YES! As long as all voting members can gather safely based on current ODH guidelines, and they have access to a shared Attendance Device, we encourage voting members to attend assembly together. Perhaps even more than one congregation could gather if space allows.

What's the simple URL for the Assembly website?

http://bit.ly/ELCA-SOSAssembly

How many Voting Members may my congregation send?

According to the SOS constitution, each congregation may send two Voting Members, preferably one woman and one man, in addition to its pastor(s) and deacon(s). (See below for information on additional Voting Members.)

How many additional Voting Members may my congregation send?

In 2018, the Synod Council approved the following resolution establishing a process for allowing additional Voting Members for the Southern Ohio Synod Assembly.

1. Congregations of the Southern Ohio Synod who meet the following baptized, confirmed and worship thresholds as stated on their submitted reports to the ELCA in the calendar year of the Southern Ohio Synod Assembly will receive the following additional voting members to the Southern Ohio Synod Assembly.

a. Congregations exceeding 750 baptized members, 500 confirmed members and 250 worshippers (average weekly attendance) shall receive one additional lay voting member at the Southern Ohio Synod Assembly.

b. Congregations exceeding 1500 baptized members, 1000 confirmed members and 500 worshippers (average weekly attendance) shall receive two additional lay voting members (one man and one woman) at the Southern Ohio Synod Assembly.

c. Congregations exceeding 2250 baptized members, 1500 confirmed members and 750 worshippers (average weekly attendance) shall receive three additional lay voting members (at least one of a different gender) at the Southern Ohio Synod Assembly.

Congregations that desire additional voting members should submit a request to Susan Barton-Nonno (sbarton-nonno@southernohiosynod.org), including numbers of baptized members, confirmed members, and average weekly attendance as reported on the 2020 Parochial Report. After she has confirmed those numbers, she will contact the congregation with the number of Voting Members allocated.