Rooted in God’s Story: Save the Date for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers from across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather October 12–14, 2026, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale for the annual Bishop’s Fall Gathering.

Centered on this year’s synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, the gathering will offer time for worship, learning, conversation, renewal, and connection with ministry colleagues from across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

This year’s featured presenter will be Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD, theologian, pastor, and author of A Liberation Theology of the Brain. Santos brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective, weaving together theology, neuroscience, liberation theology, and questions of justice, healing, and human flourishing.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico and originally trained as a chemist, Santos explores how science and theology can work together to help us better understand ourselves, our communities, and God’s ongoing work of healing in the world. His work invites participants to reflect on how our minds, emotions, and experiences are shaped by systems and stories—and how faith communities might participate in liberation, restoration, and abundant life.

The gathering will also include a screening of the landmark documentary A Time for Burning, followed by guided conversation led by Pastor Amalia Vagts. First released in 1966, the film explores race, faith, and justice through the lens of a Lutheran congregation wrestling with questions that continue to resonate today.

The draft agenda includes:

  • Worship and daily prayer

  • Three keynote sessions with Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos

  • Synod updates and Grand Canyon Synod conversations

  • Time for fellowship, table discussion, and relationship building

  • Space for conversations around important ministry topics, including possible discussion related to Reconciling in Christ discernment, human sexuality, technology, and AI in ministry

  • The screening and discussion of A Time for Burning

The gathering will begin with check-in at noon on Monday, October 12, and conclude late Wednesday morning, October 14, following closing worship with Rev. Dr. Santos preaching.

Location:
Franciscan Renewal Center
5802 E. Lincoln Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85253

Please note that the agenda remains tentative and may continue to evolve as plans are finalized.

Registration will open at the end of August, with additional details about lodging, costs, and schedules to follow.

For now, ministry leaders are encouraged to save the date and plan to join colleagues for this time of learning, discernment, and renewal.

Because we are rooted in God’s story, we do not lead alone. We gather to listen, learn, pray, and discern together what faithful ministry looks like in a changing world.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment