Register by Sept. 5: Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Franciscan Renewal Center
Life Together: Bishop’s Fall Gathering 2025
Registration closes Friday, September 5
This fall, rostered ministers and synodically authorized ministers (SAMs) are invited to join Bishop Deborah Hutterer for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1, 2025, at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ.
The theme for this year is Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This. Drawing from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together and paired with stories from the Old Testament, participants will explore how Lutheran communities can embody a counter-cultural witness of Christ-centered inclusivity amid division, nationalism, and struggle.
We are honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen, President of Wartburg Theological Seminary, and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka, Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Wartburg, as our keynote leaders. Through presentations and small group conversations, participants will reflect on lament as a catalyst for hope and return home with resources to share with their congregations.
The Gathering includes worship, synod updates, fellowship, and meals (Monday dinner through Wednesday lunch). Costs are
Single room: $420
Shared double room: $345
Commuter: $175
Extended registration for First Call rostered ministers and SAMs includes additional meals and overnight stay beginning Sunday, September 28.
If cost is a barrier, please contact the Office of the Bishop to inquire about scholarships. We encourage participants to stay at the Franciscan Renewal Center to fully experience the community of rostered leaders.
📅 Registration deadline: Friday, September 5, 2025
For questions, contact the Office of the Bishop at office@gcsynod.org or 602-957-3223. Please do not contact the Franciscan Renewal Center directly.
