A Sacred Space for Rostered Leaders: Join Us This Fall at the Franciscan Renewal Center

  • 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering

  • Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This

  • September 29–October 1, 2025 | Franciscan Renewal Center, Scottsdale, AZ

Rostered ministers and SAMs are invited to the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, taking place Monday, September 29 through Wednesday, October 1, at the beautiful and serene Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, invites us to reflect on the gifts and challenges of Christian community in an age marked by division and longing for reconciliation.

Led by Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen, President of Wartburg Theological Seminary, and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka, Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Wartburg, we will explore Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together alongside biblical stories that challenge and shape our faith. Through teaching, worship, fellowship, and group discussion, participants will return home renewed and equipped with insight and resources for their congregations.

Event Highlights:

  • Begins 1:00 PM on Monday, September 29

  • Includes all meals (Monday dinner through Wednesday lunch)

  • Worship, synod updates, social time, and time for rest built into the schedule

  • Five rich sessions led by our esteemed guest theologians

  • Space is limited—active rostered ministers have registration priority

Cost & Registration (by Friday, September 5, 2025):

  • Single room: $420

  • Shared room (per person): $345

  • Commuter: $175

  • First Call single: $630 | shared: $515 | commuter: $265

    (Scholarships are available; contact the Office of the Bishop.)

The Franciscan Renewal Center provides a peaceful, gracious environment for rest and reflection. We encourage all participants to stay on-site to fully experience the blessing of gathering in community.

Please note: For dietary concerns involving severe allergies, outside food may be brought in to supplement meals, though the Center cannot guarantee a 100% allergen-free kitchen.

Questions? Email office@gcsynod.org or call 602-957-3223.

Please direct all questions to the Office of the Bishop—not the Franciscan Renewal Center.

Join us as we live into Christ’s call to be a community of lament, love, and hope.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment