COGA convenes in monthly meeting via Zoom on November 17. Screenshot.
COGA convenes in monthly meeting via Zoom on November 17. Screenshot.
The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly has made a few adjustments to the proposed schedule for the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). COGA met in closed session during its monthly meeting on Thursday and finalized the plans for online committee meetings, travel days and in-person plenaries at the Assembly in Salt Lake City in 2024.
Under the approved plan, virtual committee meetings will be scheduled for Tuesday, June 25–Thursday, June 27. The primary travel day for commissioners and advisory delegates will be Saturday, June 29. Assembly participants will be able to worship in area churches on Sunday morning, and plenaries will begin Sunday afternoon, June 30. The Assembly will conclude on Thursday, July 4.
“The updates will mean additional costs to produce General Assembly. Changes to existing hotel contracts are likely to increase costs by as much as $72,000,” said Kerry Rice, OGA’s deputy stated clerk. “There will be a short window to move in, set up and hold rehearsals due to the availability of the meeting space. A tight set-up schedule will likely require additional labor costs to ensure the plenary hall is ready for a Sunday afternoon start and may increase move-out costs on July 4.”
Last month, Office of the General Assembly staff visited the Salt Palace Convention Center and met with Utah Presbytery leadership.
“We are confident the Salt Palace will work most ideally for the leaders of online committees and the large ballroom will be able to accommodate our needs for plenary, providing a real and visual indication that the Assembly continues to evolve from past traditional Assemblies. It will also make it possible for mid council leaders to attend plenaries as well,” said Rice. “Use of a ballroom for plenary may also reduce certain decorating costs with a simpler stage and accompanying equipment.”
Rice said presbytery leaders expressed their desire for GA participants to worship in their churches on Sunday morning, adding that most of their churches are within 30 minutes of the Salt Palace and will provide transportation and meals for commissioners and advisory delegates who attend services.