1. When and where are the 2009 quadrennial events?
The 27th General Assembly & Conventions will be held at the Orange County Convention Center (North/South Building) in Orlando, Florida from June 24range County Convention Center (North/South Building) Orlando, Florida June 24-July 3, 2009.
The General Conventions for Nazarene Missions International (NMI) Nazarene Youth International (NYI), Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International (SDMI), & International Higher Education Council (IHEC) will take place June 24-28, 2009.
General Assembly will begin Saturday, June 27th and go through Friday, July 3rd, 2009.
2. What exactly is General Assembly?
The General Assembly and Conventions (auxiliary organization comprised of Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International, Nazarene Youth International, and Nazarene Missions International) convenes every four years, bringing together up to 30,000 Nazarenes from around the world. Components of this quadrennial gathering are various, including: legislative sessions (election of general church leadership and ratification of resolutions); worship services; exhibits; workshops; service projects; and fellowship. While voting is restricted to only those officially-elected delegates, participation in the events of the General Assembly and Conventions is open to the general public. The theme of the 2009 quadrennial events the 27th such gathering in our denomination’s history is “Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations.” The theme selection by the Board of General Superintendents is linked to the church-wide mission statement, “To Make Christlike Disciples in the Nations.” Delegates and visitors will also interact through multiple tracks of equipping workshops and will enjoy perusing a nearly-200,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall celebrating “Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations.” Event participants will gather nightly for times of corporate worship, music, and inspiration. The General Assembly is the “supreme doctrine-formulating, lawmaking, and elective authority of the Church of the Nazarene” (Manual, 131). Delegates, evenly distributed between clergy and lay persons, will elect denominational leaders for the next four years. Additionally, they will enact strategic legislation designed to facilitate the denomination’s engagement of global need through compassionate ministries, education and congregational development. Nazarenes continue to believe their presence in a city must be realized in more than room block pick-up and the economic impact to city restaurants and vendors. The event this year, as in previous events in Indianapolis, is preceded by a community-wide expression of the Nazarenes’ appreciation and interest in serving the city. One Heart, Many Hands will involve over 3,000 Nazarenes in community service to Orlando. The week-long effort will work to benefit needy groups and communities within the city. Coordinated efforts linked in tandem with other city resources are designed to leave their mark on the city.
3. When are the general services?
Day/Date/Time Speaker
Wednesday, June 24, 1-2:15pm, Covention Worship Featuring NMI
Wednesday, June 24, 7:00 8:15pm, Jesse C. Middendorf
Thursday, June 25, 10:30am - Noon, Convention Worship Featuring SDMI
Thursday, June 25, 7-8:30pm, J. K. Warrick
Friday, June 26, 10:30am - Noon, Convention Worship Featuring NYI
Friday, June 26, 7-8:30pm, Jerry D. Porter
Saturday, June 27, 9-10:30am, All The Nations
Saturday, June 27, 7-8:30pm, James H. Diehl
Sunday, June 28, 10am - Noon, Paul G. Cunningham
Sunday, June 28, 4-5:30pm, Nina G. Gunter
Thursday, July 3, 7-8:30pm, Installation of Newly-Elected General Superintendents
4. How and when can I reserve housing?
Experient, a housing and event firm, is serving the church by handling all housing reservations for all delegates and visitors to the 2009 General Assembly & Conventions. They are the only entity authorized to process reservations for the General Assembly and Conventions. Please do not contact hotels directly, as this will only delay your service. By working with the city and hotels surrounding the OCCC we have over 4,000 room nights in a wide variety of prices exclusively for participants in the General Assembly and Conventions. Housing registration is now open for both delegates and the general public! You can register here or with the form provided in the November/December issue of Holiness Today.
5. What if I'm interested in speaking/presenting/performing at General Assembly?
Those interested in this area of General Assembly 2009 may send press kits and references to the General Secretary’s Office, Attn: Program Committee. A representative from the Program or Music Committees will contact you if interest exists. Please note that submission does not guarantee acceptance.
6. How can I be an exhibitor?
All interested exhibitors should complete the Professional Exhibitor Application to be considered for participation in the General Assembly & Convention Exhibit Hall. If you have any questions, please contact us at ga2009@nazarene.org
7. What is the “One Heart, Many Hands” service project?
One Heart, Many Hands (OHMH) is a community-wide expression of the Nazarenes’ commitment to serve the city of Orlando and its residents. One Heart, Many Hands will involve over 3,000 Nazarenes in service to the communities of Orlando. The week-long effort will work to benefit needy groups and communities within the city. Coordinated efforts linked in tandem with other city resources are designed to leave their mark on the city. One Heart Many Hands website.
8. How can I get involved in "One Heart, Many Hands"?
Up-to-date information regarding the One Heart, Many Hands service project is available on their website. Additional inquiries can be directed to the OHMH coordinator, George Sisler at office@oneheartmanyhands.com.
9. What languages are offered at the General Assembly and Conventions?
Verbal interpretation of most general sessions will be offered in the following languages: Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Tok Pisin. Sign language interpretation will also be offered (in general worship services) for deaf/hearing-impaired attendees. When possible, many printed resources will also be translated into other major languages, including French, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.
10. Where should I park during the quadrennial events?
The Orange County Convention Center (North/South Building) has approximately 3,346 parking spaces. The parking cost for cars and motorcycles is $11 per day; the parking cost for oversized vehicles (large trucks, vans and motor coaches) is $22 per day. Both allow in and out privileges with daily paid receipt. Overnight parking is not allowed.
11. We are driving our RV to General Assembly. Where should we park?
The Orlando area offers a variety of facilities for those who wish to camp and/or utilize their RV during their stay. Click here for a listing of these facilities, including contact information, distance to/from downtown.
12. GAC 2009 Recommended Gratuities (what should I tip?)
Please see thisRecommended Gratuities PDF for current information that may apply during your time in Orlando.
13. General Assembly Shawl Project
Q: What type of materials can be used for shawls?
A: Cotton, wool, synthetics, and fleece are all acceptable. Knit and crocheted shawls are welcome!
Q: What is being provided for the male participants?
A: The Local Arrangements Committee will provide jackets and sweaters for male participants from world areas.
Q: Can the shawls be shipped in one box?
A: Yes, however, within the box the shawls should be individually packaged in two-gallon Ziploc bags for easy distribution.
Q: What date are the shawls needed?
A: Shawls should be sent by June 1 to the General Assembly Local Arrangements address (see below for details). This will allow time to organize and prepare for distribution.
Q: If I am coming to General Assembly, can I bring the shawls with me then?
A: The Arrangements staff prefers to receive shawls prior to the event, but will accept them on site by Tuesday, June 23, in the Information Center (South 220).
Shawl donations should be sent by June 1 to:
Tawanda Mills
General Assembly Local Arrangements
9939 Marsh Pointe Drive
Orlando, FL 32832
14. How do I view live web streams of the GA services and business meetings?
Please click here for up to date information about how and when to view GAC events live via the internet.
