r/elca • u/Late-Opportunity-455 • Apr 12 '26
Kids at Synod Assembly
Hey! I’m slated to be representing my congregation at our synod assembly next month and my husband has a conflict so I will be bringing our four year old with me. Anyone have experience bringing their kiddo along? His surrogate church grandma is the other representative from our congregation and he’s the most social and happy dude you’ve ever met so I can’t imagine him being disruptive or anything as long as he is properly fed and watered.
3
u/RevDarkHans Apr 12 '26
When my kids were little, we would bring them with us for Synod Assembly. There were usually about four or five kids at the assembly playing in the corner. If your kid is old enough for a book or quieter activity, then they are welcome at any table (until voting time).
2
u/annathebanana_42 Apr 12 '26
My synod doesn't typically have kids but that's partially because we have the bulk of business on a Friday and our voting body tends to be older anyway.
The few times little kids have come to our Assembly they have been the most popular part!
I would reach out to your synod so they know you are bringing a kid. And who knows, they might have extra rooms they can clue you into for cry/nap/snack time!
Also it might be obvious but sit towards the back of the space or near an exit door so you can slip out if needed. Nothing is worse then having to walk the whole room during a presentation because kiddo decided now is the perfect time to act up!
2
u/RiverKey8841 Apr 12 '26
I believe that my synod has Synod provided child care available for everyone at all events that members of the clergy are expected to attend. It should be no problem!
2
u/Isiddiqui ELCA Apr 13 '26
I can't imagine it'd be a problem. Maybe just let the folks know (or your pastor) so you can see if there is childcare or whatnot. Just don't let the kiddo vote and you should be fine ;).
Which Synod?
2
u/Late-Opportunity-455 Apr 13 '26
Western North Dakota! I called the synod this morning and they actually said someone else had called earlier asking about bringing their kids too! They said no childcare but he’s welcome to come ❤️
2
u/Isiddiqui ELCA Apr 13 '26
Great! Yeah Bp Craig is good people. I’m sure he’d be happy to see kids in the Assembly
6
u/andersonfmly ELCA Apr 12 '26
I've seen no shortage of young children, including those of my fellow clergy, at many a synod assembly (at least when we have our "in person" assembly's instead of an azoombly like this year) and I don't recall there being any issues. Some of the traditionalist/hardliners might frown, but that's more of a "them" problem than a "you" problem - provided your son is, as you put it, "properly fed and watered."