Welcome Letter
Welcome to the 22nd Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly!
June 19-20, 2009
Whether this is your first or twenty-second synod assembly, here a few things you might like to know to make your experience a more enjoyable one.
Directions to Susquehanna University
Our assembly will begin in Weber Chapel Auditorium, at the corner of University Avenue and 18th Street.
- From Interstate 80, exit 224, Danville, take Route 54 east to Route 11 south; from exit 210A, Lewisburg, take Route 15 south. Follow signs to downtown Selinsgrove and Susquehanna University.
- From the Pennsylvania Turnpike, exit 236, follow Routes 11 and 15 north; from exit 242, follow Route 83 north to Routes 11 and 15; from exit 247, follow Routes 283 and 83 north/322 west to Routes 11 and 15 north. Follow signs to downtown Selinsgrove and Susquehanna University.
Parking and Registration
Parking close to Weber Chapel on the S.U. campus is in short supply. If you are more able-bodied, thank you for seeking a parking place in the upper parking lot, to the right as you drive into campus on 18th Street. Marked handicapped-accessible parking is available between Weber Chapel and the Degenstein Campus Center.
When arriving on campus, please check in at the Registration Tent (on the lawn in front of Weber Chapel, facing the main campus). Please register between 7:00-8:30 AM.
Overnight Guests on Campus
Those staying on campus Thursday night may check in at the Information Desk in the Degenstein Campus Center between 3:30 and 6:00 PM, and at the Registration Tent from 6:00 to 8:15 PM. Friday overnight guests may check in at the Registration Tent during Registration hours or at the Information Desk in Degenstein Campus Center after Registration hours. Checkout on Saturday will be at the Registration Tent 7:00 – 8:30 AM, or at the Info Desk 8:30 AM to 4 PM. (Failure to checkout before departure will result in a charge of $100 per person.)
Overnight guests should bring their own pillow. Linens and a blanket will be provided in rooms where previously requested. When checking-in you will receive a room key and an access card for the residence hall. Campus staff will be happy to direct you to your building, and posted signs will also help guide the way.
Weber Chapel Auditorium
The large gatherings (plenaries, worship, keynote Bible study, etc.) of the assembly take place in Weber Chapel. Enter the building from the side (facing Degenstein) to avoid climbing stairs. Bathrooms are located on the lower level, with stair access on either side of the auditorium. (A single bathroom is located near the Chaplain’s office for those unable to use stairs-through the doors nearest the stage to your left as you face the stage.) More accessible bathrooms are found in Degenstein, across the street from Weber.
Workshops/Lunch/Healing Service
Over the lunch hour on Friday, the assembly divides into two groups by conference to facilitate a more even division. During the first lunch period, those in one group (Buffalo Valley, Juniata Valley, and West Branch Conferences) may attend a workshop or hearing of their choice. While the first group is in workshops, the other group (Middle Creek, North Branch, and Tulpehocken Conferences) has lunch in Degenstein’s dining hall. At the midpoint of this time, the groups are reversed. A Healing Service will be offered only on Friday during the second period. Those planning to attend the service should plan to eat lunch during the first period. If your choice of workshop is only offered in one session, or you prefer to eat with someone in the other group, please feel free to switch groups on either day.
If you are on a restricted diet, please contact Keelie Schock, S.U.’s Assistant Director of Conference and Event Management, at 570-372-4354 or schock@susqu.edu. She will try to ensure there are lunch options within your dietary restrictions.
People with limited mobility will find a handy “shuttle” golf cart outside of Weber Chapel, with a driver ready to shuttle you to a workshop site and back again.
Saturday Ministry Fair/Workshops
Over the lunch hour on Saturday, the assembly again divides into two groups by conference. During the first lunch period, one group (Middle Creek, North Branch, and Tulpehocken Conferences) may browse the tables at the interactive Ministry Fair outside the dining hall in Degenstein. The other group (Buffalo Valley, Juniata Valley, West Branch Conferences) has lunch at this time. At the midpoint of this time, the groups switch. At 1:30 PM, each participant of the assembly attends one of more than twenty workshop from among the ministries on display at the Ministry Fair.
Bookstores
Two bookstores will be available at the assembly offering items of interest. The Along the Way Bookstore will be in a Degenstein meeting room, open Friday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM (note: only cash, checks, and invoice charges to congregations accepted). The SU Campus Bookstore is located on the lower level of Degenstein, and will be open Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Final Thoughts
A nurse will be available at the assembly for minor first-aid issues. Also, please note that some people find the air-conditioning in campus facilities to be chilly-bring a light sweater, if you’re so inclined. (All campus buildings are air-conditioned.)
To reach the Information Desk at Susquehanna University, please call 570-374-0101.
