The Agenda Is Set: Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14

The agenda is set for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Registration is now closed, and we look forward to gathering once again with registered pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers from across the Grand Canyon Synod. View the full agenda on our fall gathering page.

Grounded in our synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, these days will offer time for worship, learning, renewal, and the conversations that strengthen our relationships as ministry colleagues. Together, we will reflect on faithful leadership in a changing world and the grace of God that calls and sustains us.

Our featured presenter, the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, is a theologian, pastor, and author of A Liberation Theology of the Brain. Born and raised in Puerto Rico and originally trained as a chemist, Santos brings theology, neuroscience, liberation theology, and justice into conversation. His sessions will explore healing, identity, suffering, and human flourishing, including how faith communities participate in liberation and restoration.

Here’s what participants can look forward to:

• Monday, October 12: Check-in opens at noon, followed by welcome and worship at 1 p.m., team building, and Santos’s first session at 3 p.m. After hospitality and dinner, a 7 p.m. screening of A Time for Burning will lead into guided conversation with Pastor Amalia Vagts.

• Tuesday, October 13: Breakfast begins at 8 a.m., followed by Morning Prayer at 9 a.m. Santos will lead sessions at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., with synod updates at 11 a.m. Following lunch and an afternoon group photo, 3:45 p.m. affinity groups will explore the Narrative Lectionary, AI, Revised Common Lectionary, Fresh Expressions, and Young Adult Ministry. Hospitality, dinner, 7 p.m. trivia, and 8 p.m. evening prayer complete the day.

• Wednesday, October 14: Breakfast and room checkout begin at 8 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. general session. We conclude with worship and sending at 10:30 a.m., with Santos preaching.

The gathering takes place at Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85253, a peaceful setting for reflection and connection.

As you prepare, consider which affinity conversation speaks to your ministry and what questions you hope to explore with colleagues. We look forward to sharing these days together, rooted in God’s story and renewed for the work to which God calls us.