Frequently Asked Questions
View answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you still have questions, feel free to email us.
When does the gathering start and end?
We will begin with pre-conferences on Monday afternoon, January 30. The gathering starts Tuesday January 31 at 9:00am and concludes on Wednesday February 1 at 5:30pm. See schedule for details.
Will there be child care available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide childcare. If you are bringing your child(ren) to attend any parts of the gathering with you, please let us know so we can make them feel welcome!
Do you offer scholarships?
We do not offer scholarships through our national office. Please connect with your local church and/or your presbytery to see if they may have some funds set aside to help!
Will there be a Synod business meeting? Will commissioners vote on anything this year?
No, not this year! The next Synod meeting will be in 2024.
Will you be taking an offering?
Yes we will be taking an offering and will let you know what it will go toward as soon as possible.
Who should attend the gathering?
Pastors, elder, lay leaders, spouses, seminarians and students, staff teams, covenant partners and those interested in learning more about ECO. We have designed this year's gathering to be beneficial for your entire leadership team and anyone involved in your local church.
There is an immense opportunity for growth and bonding when you come to the gathering with others from your congregation! Take free time during the week to plan and pray, get to know others serving in similar church settings, or just hang out, have fun and make memories together!
How can I find a roommate to share housing expenses?
How can I find a roommate to share housing expenses?
We encourage you to connect with others in your presbytery who may be interested in sharing housing. You may also post on our ECO Roommate Connections Facebook page and potentially find someone there! Please note that ECO monitors the page, but all posting, connections, correspondence, and details following will be handled on your own.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel your registration and receive a full refund up until December 31st. You may also transfer your registration to someone else at any point up until the conference. It is your responsibility to find someone to whom you may transfer your registration. Registrations canceled on or after January 1 will not receive a refund. Late cancellations for reasons including illness, family emergency, or weather-related travel delays/cancellations will be reviewed by the national gathering registration team and may not necessarily result in a full or partial refund.
If you need to cancel or transfer your registration, please email the national gathering team at nationalgathering@eco-pres.org.
May my spouse attend the gathering with me?
Anyone is welcome to attend the gathering, but please note, anyone who attends any part of the gathering including main sessions, breakouts, and meals MUST be officially registered, paid, and have a name badge.
Can I register for one day of the conference?
Unfortunately, no. You must register for the entire gathering. Clear your schedule for a few days- it will be worth it!
Will you accept walk up registrations?
You need to pre-register for the gathering. We are not able to accommodate walk up registrations.
Can I register for one day of the conference?
We will begin with pre-conferences on Monday afternoon, January 30. The gathering starts Tuesday January 31 at 9:00am and concludes on Wednesday February 1 at 5:30pm. See schedule for details.
What airport should I fly into?
John Wayne Airport (SNA) which is approximately 6 miles (16 minutes) from St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
Los Angeles International (LAX) - 44 miles (50 minutes)
Long Beach (LGB) - 25 miles (30 minutes)
If my church was not yet in ECO and/or I was unaware of the possibility to attend the National Gathering until after the October 31st early bird cut off, may I still receive the early bird registration discount?
Unfortunately, without exception, we are not able to offer early bird pricing after October 31. If you are unsure if you have registered, please search your email for your confirmation or send us a message at nationalgathering@eco-pres.org well before the early bird cut off and we can check for you.
What about parking?
St. Andrews is a neighborhood church. Parking is limited in the church parking lot so please plan ahead. Street parking is limited to 2 hours in the blocks immediately surrounding the church and is also competing with students at the high school. On Snug Harbor and Pirate, two streets at the back side of the parking lot, if cars are parked about ½ way down the street, there is no limit. There are two local parks, Bob Henry and Castaways Parks that have parking lots you may park in, but plan ahead- it is a bit of a hike to the church. Please check out this Google map for planning purposes.
We strongly suggest Ubering or carpooling! Please adhere to all signs and be a great neighbor!
I have more questions - who do I ask?
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have! Please email us at nationalgathering@eco-pres.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please do not contact St. Andrews Presbyterian Church directly with questions regarding the national gathering.
