There are just three more days until our 2022 Pacifica Synod Assembly begins in Irvine. Our staff will begin arriving at the Irvine Marriott Tuesday evening to begin preparations for the start of the Assembly on Thursday.

Our Synod office will be closed Wednesday, May 18 through Monday, May 23. The office will reopen on Tuesday, May 24. In the event of an emergency during this time, our staff may be reached at 619-333-0828.


Some Important Reminders About This Year's Assembly:

COVID-19 Protocols
As previously shared, full vaccination for this event is defined as both shots of Moderna/Pfizer vaccine or one shot of Johnson & Johnson, PLUS at least ONE booster, if eligible.

Persons 12 years and older are considered up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination if they have completed a primary series of COVID-19 vaccine and have either received a booster shot or are not yet recommended to receive a booster dose according to current CDC guidance. Those less than 12 years of age are considered up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations if they have completed their primary series according to CDC guidance. (From County of Orange Health Officer’s Orders and Strong Recommendations – January 14, 2022 – Section E2.)

Synod Assembly attendees were asked to do one of the following when they registered online for the assembly:

  • Upload proof of vaccination (photo of vaccination card or digital COVID-19 vaccine record)
  • Acknowledge they will show proof of vaccination/one booster upon arrival at the Synod Assembly. 
  • Acknowledge they will show proof of negative test upon arrival at the Synod Assembly. Test result may be from either PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of the start of the assembly, but self/home tests will NOT be accepted.      
      
Following Orange County, CA Public Health Guidelines, face masks at the event are not required, but are strongly encouraged for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. (Subject to change as local guidance is updated.)

Attendees are asked to not enter any assembly spaces if they are feeling unwell or experiencing flu-like symptoms. If a person tests positive for COVID before or during the event, or if they begin to exhibit COVID symptoms, even if vaccinated, we ask that the individual isolate in their hotel room until they depart, or until they receive a negative COVID test.

When You Arrive at the Irvine Marriott
All attendees are asked to visit the COVID Clearance Table in the hallway between hotel check-in and the ballroom, PRIOR to going to the registration area near the ballroom entrance.

If you didn’t upload your proof of vaccination at the time you registered, please be prepared to show your vaccination card (or a photo of it, clearly displaying your name as registered) or your digital vaccine record. For those not able to do so, please be ready to show proof of your negative COVID test, taken within 72 hours of the start of the assembly. Those who uploaded their proof of vaccination when they registered will be directed to a separate line.

After proof of vaccination or negative test has been verified, you will be given a wristband to wear throughout the Synod Assembly. We ask that you do not remove this wristband! You then are ready to visit the registration area to receive your assembly name badge, voting device (for voting members only), meal tickets and other necessary items.

Don't Miss the Vote - Arrive Early to Check-In
Registration and check-in for the Assembly open at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 19. You are encouraged to arrive early and check-in (and then grab lunch somewhere) so that you ensure the process is completed and you are seated in time for the opening session of the Assembly at 1:00 p.m.

Prior to each vote in the Bishop Election, a credentials report is prepared and registration will be closed for approximately 30-40 minutes between the time the report is finalized, read, and all ballots are cast and collected. In order to vote on the first ballot for bishop on Thursday, you must check in NO LATER THAN 1:30 p.m.

Pre-Assembly Reports/Guidebook App
Please be sure to print or download to your device the Pre-Assembly Reports in advance of your arrival and take time to review them prior to the start of the Assembly. They may be found on our Assembly webpage.

IMPORTANT - Please replace the copy of Resolution 22-02 found in your notebook with this updated version. An error was discovered in the final resolved of the original resolution and this updated resolution is a correction of that error. We will be voting on the updated resolution at the Assembly.  

Unfortunately, we will NOT be able to offer the Guidebook app at this year's Assembly, so it's even more important that you arrive at the Assembly with these reports.

Hotel Information
The address of the Irvine Marriott is 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine. Check-in time for hotel guests is 4 p.m. Discounted parking for Assembly attendees is $15 per day with validation.

Wi-Fi is complementary in every guest room. However, there is not Wi-Fi access in the ballroom, so please download your materials BEFORE you arrive.

Where is the Coffee?
In previous assemblies, coffee was available to all attendees. Due to the rising cost of coffee provided by the hotel, we are unable to cover the cost. There is a Starbucks located in the lobby of the hotel and coffee makers in the hotel rooms. There are several coffee shops located within walking distance of the Marriott:

Krisp Fresh Living, 2272 Michelson Dr. #100, Irvine (0.4 mile walk)
Starbucks: 2961 Michelson Dr., Irvine (0.9 mile walk)

Worship Services & Synod Assembly Offering
Both worship services during Synod Assembly are open to all. The first will be on Thursday, May 19 at 8:00 p.m. and the closing worship will take place on Saturday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. Synod Council has designated offerings received during Synod Assembly to be shared equally between Lutheran Disaster Response - Eastern Europe Crisis and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). For those wishing to give their offering online, you may do so HERE.

Stay Connected!
We encourage those in attendance to share your Assembly experiences through social media by using the hashtag #PacSynod22. Follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page for the latest updates.

Synod Assembly business sessions and worship will be livestreamed on our Pacifica Synod YouTube Channel. Share this information with those in your congregation!



We give thanks for the many hours of hard work by our Assembly Planning Team members and the many volunteers who give so generously of their time to make our Assembly happen. We are grateful for your prayers for our Synod staff (including Bishop Andy and our Bishop-Elect), Assembly voting members, guests, hotel staff, vendors, and volunteers. We look forward to welcoming you when you arrive!
Safe travels to all!