Register Now: Bishop’s Fall Gathering Deadline is September 5, 2025
Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This
Bishop’s Fall Gathering | September 29–October 1, 2025 | Registration Deadline: September 5
Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and colleagues from across the synod for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, held Monday, September 29 through Wednesday, October 1, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This year’s theme—Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This—invites rostered ministers and SAMs into deeper reflection on what it means to live faithfully in Christian community amid division, political polarization, and rising Christian nationalism. Inspired by Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together, we’ll explore biblical stories and theological insights that challenge us to foster radical, Christ-centered inclusivity.
We’re honored to welcome two guest presenters from Wartburg Theological Seminary:
Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen, President of Wartburg Seminary and scholar in systematic and comparative theology, whose work explores feminism, Buddhism, and liberation theology.
Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka, Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible, whose research brings anti-caste and Dalit feminist perspectives to Scripture and who draws connections between biblical texts and Indian cultural contexts.
Our time together will include worship, theological conversation, synod updates, and space to connect with peers over shared meals and community. Sessions will alternate between large group teaching and small group conversation, providing rich material for personal reflection and congregational use.
Registration is open now and closes Friday, September 5.
Registration includes meals and accommodations. Commuter options are available. Scholarships are also available for those in need—please reach out to the Office of the Bishop to inquire.
📞 For questions, contact the synod office at office@gcsynod.org or 602-957-3223.
Let us gather in hope, grounded in the love of Christ, for life together.
