• October 12–14, 2026

  • Franciscan Renewal Center | Scottsdale, Arizona

Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers are invited to gather for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, a time of worship, learning, renewal, and connection with ministry colleagues from across the Grand Canyon Synod.

Grounded in our synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, this annual gathering creates space to reflect together on faithful leadership in a changing world, deepen relationships, and explore how God continues to call and sustain leaders for ministry.

Featured Presenter: Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos

This year’s gathering will feature Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD, theologian, pastor, and author of A Liberation Theology of the Brain.

Drawing on theology, neuroscience, liberation theology, and justice, Dr. Santos invites us into meaningful conversation about healing, identity, suffering, and human flourishing. Born and raised in Puerto Rico and originally trained as a chemist, he brings a distinctive perspective on how science and theology together can deepen our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and God’s work in the world.

His work explores how our minds and emotions are shaped by the stories and systems around us—and how communities of faith can participate in liberation, restoration, and abundant life for all.

What to Expect

The Bishop’s Fall Gathering is designed to nurture leaders through worship, learning, conversation, and community.

The draft agenda currently includes:

  • Worship and daily prayer

  • Three keynote sessions with Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos

  • Synod updates and Grand Canyon Synod conversations

  • Opportunities for fellowship and table discussion

  • Space for conversations around emerging topics in ministry

  • A screening of A Time for Burning, followed by guided conversation led by Pastor Amalia Vagts

Please note that the agenda remains tentative and may continue to evolve as plans are finalized.

Schedule at a Glance

Monday, October 12
Check-in begins at noon
Opening worship and gathering begin at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, October 13
Full day of keynote presentations, synod conversations, worship, and fellowship

Wednesday, October 14
Morning sessions and closing worship with Rev. Dr. Santos preaching
Concludes late morning (no lunch provided)

Location

Franciscan Renewal Center
5802 E. Lincoln Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85253

The Franciscan Renewal Center provides a peaceful setting for worship, reflection, and meaningful conversation together.

REGISTRATION

  • All registrations include meals.

    • Dinner on Monday, October 12

    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner on Tuesday, October 13

    • Breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, October 14

  • Registration deadline: Friday, 9/18/2026

Click a link below to register:

First Call Rostered Ministers and SAMs, use these links to register for your extended event:

Extra First Call meals include 10/14 dinner, 10/15 breakfast & lunch. We are encouraging room sharing to include as many people as we can for our First Call event.

For any guests who have severe allergies, those guests are welcome to bring in outside food to the dining room to supplement what is being served. The Franciscan Renewal Center cannot 100% guarantee that there won’t be any cross-contamination of food items (for example, no gluten or contact with gluten, etc.) in the kitchen and food preparation.

Meals are included for commuters, and are prepared and charged. Please enjoy the food to avoid food waste.

We encourage you to stay at the Franciscan Renewal Center for the full experience of connecting with other rostered ministers.

Please choose one registration at a time and fill out each attendee’s form as you add that registration to your shopping cart. Then we can capture each attendee’s email and needs.

Your cart is at the top right corner of the page, and you’ll see it fill up as you go. When you’re ready to check out and pay, click the cart.

For questions about registration or to make changes, email office@gcsynod.org or call the synod office at 602-957-3223.