Registration Now Open for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Registration is now open for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers are invited to register by Friday, September 18, 2026.

Grounded in our synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, the Bishop’s Fall Gathering offers time away for worship, learning, renewal, and connection with ministry colleagues from across the Grand Canyon Synod. Together, we will reflect on faithful leadership in a changing world and the ways God continues to call, equip, and sustain us for ministry.

Featured presenter: Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos

This year’s featured presenter is Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD, theologian, pastor, and author of A Liberation Theology of the Brain.

Drawing together theology, neuroscience, liberation theology, and justice, Dr. Santos explores 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 can deepen our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and God’s work in the world.

His work asks us to consider how our minds and emotions are shaped by the stories and systems around us—and how communities of faith can participate in God’s work of liberation, restoration, and abundant life.

What to expect

The gathering begins Monday, October 12, with check-in at noon and opening worship and programming at 1 p.m. Tuesday will include a full day of learning, synod conversations, worship, and fellowship. The gathering concludes late Wednesday morning, October 14, with closing worship and Dr. Santos preaching.

The draft agenda includes three keynote sessions with Dr. Santos, daily worship and prayer, Grand Canyon Synod updates and conversations, fellowship and table discussions, and space for emerging topics in ministry. Possible conversations include Reconciling in Christ discernment, human sexuality, technology, and AI in ministry.

Participants will also view A Time for Burning, followed by a guided conversation led by Pastor Amalia Vagts. The agenda remains tentative and may evolve as plans are finalized.

Registration and lodging

The gathering will be held at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. Participants are encouraged to stay onsite for the fullest experience of connecting with colleagues.

Registration options are:

• Single room: $425

• Shared double room: $350 per person

• Commuter: $175

Meals are included with all registrations, including commuter registrations.

First Call Rostered Ministers and SAMs should use the designated First Call registration options for their extended event:

• First Call single room: $635

• First Call shared double: $520

• First Call commuter: $265

First Call registration also includes dinner October 14 and breakfast and lunch October 15. Room sharing is encouraged so that as many people as possible can participate in the First Call event.

When registering multiple people, please select and complete one registration at a time for each attendee before adding the next registration to your cart. This allows the synod to collect each participant’s contact information and individual needs.

Guests with severe food allergies are welcome to bring outside food into the dining room to supplement meals. The Franciscan Renewal Center cannot guarantee against cross-contamination during food preparation.

Registration closes Friday, September 18. Learn more and register on the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering page.

For registration questions or changes, contact the synod office at office@gcsynod.org or 602-957-3223.

We look forward to gathering again as colleagues in ministry—rooted in God’s story and renewed for the work to which God calls us.