• 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, including possible discussions related to Reconciling in Christ discernment, human sexuality, technology, and AI 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 Information

Registration opens at the end of August.

Additional details regarding lodging, costs, and schedule updates will be posted here as they become available.

For now, please save the date and plan to join us for this important time of learning, renewal, and shared discernment.

Because we are rooted in God’s story, we gather not only to learn, but to listen—to God, to one another, and to the Spirit’s movement among us.