COLA

This team is appointed by the host presbytery, organized to carry out the responsibilities and tasks related to hosting the assembly, under the direction of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly/Executive Director of the Interim Unifying Agency. It remains accountable to the presbytery, while working closely with staff charged to coordinate the assembly.  The presbytery appoints the COLA volunteer leadership.  

In carrying out its ministry of hospitality, COLA is ordinarily responsible for: 

• Recruiting, training and overseeing hundreds of volunteers to accomplish dozens of tasks. These include: airport greeters, registration and information center volunteers, plenary ushers, communion servers and many others.

• Welcoming attendees to the city and assembly and providing essential information. Beginning at the airport, local volunteers are a constant presence of hospitality and help as they offer information on nearby attractions, travel tips, and other knowledge unique to locals.

• Planning special events including worship in area churches on Sunday and other events as determined.

• Planning opportunities for action and witness that will engage assembly participants and others in an issue identified by the presbytery, both as a focus of the community day during GA and beyond.

• Communicating with churches in the host presbytery and synod. This includes publicizing the General Assembly schedule with an invitation to visit the Assembly; asking for prayers, financial support and volunteers; and maintaining an online platform for presbytery and synod volunteers which includes an online sign-up form to serve.  

Among the responsibilities unique to the Stated Clerk and agency staff are:

• Developing the theme and logo for each General Assembly. 

  • The theme for the 227th GA is Persevering Towards Wholeness.

• Arrangements with the convention center and hotels, including meeting space and meals. 

  • In Milwaukee, this is the Baird Center for most GA events, and the Hilton, Hyatt and Springhill Suites for lodging and +some social events.

The host presbytery is responsible for developing and implementing a plan to fund the COLA budget, which will cover:

• COLA office expenses prior to the assembly, such as rent (if any), utilities, furnishings and equipment, supplies, etc.

• COLA sponsored special events during the assembly (optional) 

• Transportation costs for Sunday worship in area churches (not covered by the host churches).

• Funding for additional staff or contractors hired by the host presbytery to handle tasks or projects.

• COLA meeting expenses (refreshments, etc.).

• Local publicity efforts, including a web site, newsletters or other mailings, billboards, street banners, or other such “advertising” items.

• Badges or other identification for volunteers.

• Communications to volunteers.

• GA lodging costs for COLA members/volunteers for whom COLA leadership determines nearby accommodations are essential to the COLA operation. 

• Expenses related to volunteer check-in, management and hospitality at the convention center.