Rooted in God’s Story, Renewed for Ministry

Eighty-six ministry leaders and staff gathered October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering. Grounded in our synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, the gathering made room for worship, learning, renewed friendships—and some friendly trivia competition. Participants also contributed $581 to the gathering offering, which will be divided evenly between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and Lutheran Disaster Response.

Featured presenter the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, theologian, pastor and author of A Liberation Theology of the Brain, brought theology, neuroscience and liberation theology into conversation. His sessions invited reflection on healing, identity, suffering and human flourishing, and on how communities of faith can participate in God’s work of liberation and restoration.

Pastor Jacqui Pagel opened the gathering with a greeting and land acknowledgment on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Throughout the three days, worship coordinated and led by Pastor Jonathan Linman and Pastor Kylee Bestenlehner grounded our time together in prayer and the Word. The gathering concluded with worship and sending, with Dr. Santos preaching.

Learning also took shape through a screening of A Time for Burning and guided conversation led by Pastor Amalia Vagts. Affinity groups connected colleagues around preaching, artificial intelligence, Fresh Expressions and young adult ministry. Shared meals, hospitality and trivia led by Pastor Jacqui Pagel and Solveig Muus offered opportunities to laugh and enjoy one another’s company.

First Call pastors stayed after the main gathering for additional time together, continuing the learning and connection that help sustain ministry.

We give thanks for everyone who gathered, gave generously and helped make these days possible. Rooted in God’s story of grace, we return to our communities strengthened by the relationships we share in Christ.

Enjoy the photos below for a glimpse of our time together—and see how many familiar faces you recognize.