June 25–27, 2026 • Scottsdale, Arizona • 141st Annual Meeting
All year long, we’ve been living out Scripture’s beautiful invitation — One Another. Gather is where that comes alive. Where we step into the same room, open God’s word, and remember that we were never meant to do this alone.
A historic milestone: Gather 2026 commemorates 50 years since the Covenant Church began ordaining women as pastors. Join us as we celebrate this landmark moment together.
The Annual Meeting is the highest legislative body of the Evangelical Covenant Church. During Gather, the entire Covenant family comes together to worship God, welcome new churches, ordain and consecrate ministers and global personnel, select leaders, and make important decisions about our shared mission and ministry.
Every congregation is entitled to representation — and every attendee gets to strengthen old friendships and make new ones along the way. Whether you represent your congregation or are simply part of the Covenant family, there’s a registration type for you.
Official church representatives with full voice and vote in business sessions. Named by their sending congregation.
Any adult participant who isn’t a delegate. May observe business sessions and attend all worship services.
Credentialed Covenant clergy attending the Ministerium business session on Thursday, June 25.
Gather 2026 marks fifty years since the Evangelical Covenant Church voted to ordain women as pastors — affirming that women are called and gifted for ministry. This anniversary is an opportunity not only to celebrate, but to reflect on the ongoing work of living into that decision across the life of the church.
The women below will each speak at Gather. Their stories reflect different generations, contexts, and expressions of ministry within the Covenant — some who helped open doors that had been closed, others who continue to lead in spaces where women’s leadership is still questioned. Together, they offer a living witness to God’s call across fifty years.
Rev. Danielle “Dani” Kilgore
Thursday Evening Speaker
Rev. Evelyn Johnson
Friday Morning Devotions
Rev. Debbie Blue
Friday Morning Devotions
Rev. Sandi S.K. Lee
Friday Evening Speaker
Rev. Alma Zamudio
Saturday Morning Devotions
Rev. Carol Shimmin Nordstrom
Saturday Evening Speaker
All times listed in Pacific Time. Central Time is two hours ahead; Eastern is three hours ahead.
Registration is now closed.
| Registration type | Early by May 15 | Regular May 16–June 5 | Late June 6–16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delegate — in person | $319 Best value | $379 | $429 |
| Delegate — virtual | $149 | $179 | $209 |
| General Conferee — in person | $179 | $209 | Same as regular |
| General Conferee — virtual | $149 | $179 | Same as regular |
| Ministerium — in person or virtual | $55 | $65 | Closes June 5 |
“We gather to discern future direction, select leaders, and encourage one another to greater discipleship.”
— Evangelical Covenant Church
Extend your time in Scottsdale with these pre-conference and concurrent events.
The annual business meeting for credentialed ECC clergy. Members must have all elements of Good Standing current by June 5 to vote. No on-site payment of dues will be available.
Cost: Early: $55 · Regular: $65
Deadline: June 5
Cost: $25 — provides clean water for one person in DR Congo
Cost: Included with registration
Cost: Free
Two virtual orientation sessions are available to help delegates prepare for the Annual Meeting process and technology.
Everything you need to plan your trip to the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort for Gather 2026.
Official Conference Hotel
7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
To receive the group rate, you must book through the link below. Do not call the hotel directly — the group rate will not be available that way.
Book your hotel room →Alternate Housing
7300 E Gainey Suites Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Alternate housing is available at the Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch, located just a half-mile from the Grand Hyatt. Rooms are available at $114/night (king) and $124/night (double). Use group code 06232026EVAN when booking.
Special discounted fares are available for Gather attendees on two airlines. Book early for the best availability.
Airline Discount
United is offering special meeting discounts for Evangelical Covenant Church attendees. MileagePlus members will earn miles on discounted bookings. Booking fees are waived for meeting reservations.
Airline Discount
Delta is offering special meeting discounts for Evangelical Covenant Church attendees. Book online or by phone for assistance.
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is approximately 18 miles from the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, with three convenient transportation options available.
Best Value
We have partnered with 1AZ Select Transportation & Tours to provide door to door between Phoenix Sky Harbor and the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort.
Add 4% for credit card payments. No fee when paying with Zelle or Cash App. Gratuity appreciated. Can also provide shuttles to the Grand Canyon or Sedona upon request.
Reserve your shuttle →Ride Share
Both Uber and Lyft are available in the Phoenix area. Pick up is available directly from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Prices vary depending on time of day and demand. Surge pricing may apply during peak travel times. No advance reservation required — simply use the app upon arrival.
Driving
If you are driving to Scottsdale, the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort offers self-parking on site.
The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is located at 7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.
Requests must be submitted by email to events@covchurch.org by June 16. A $50 cancellation fee applies. No refunds after June 16 except in emergencies. Substitutions accepted through June 16.
By attending Gather, you grant the ECC permission to use your image, likeness, or voice in recordings or promotions for this or future events.
Questions? Call (800) 910-2442 or email events@covchurch.org
CovChurch Now is a weekly email to share news, stories, and resources with the Covenant family.
ECC Conference: Central
Gender: Female
Receiving New Directees: Yes
Directing Clergy: Yes
Client Genders: Both men and women
Skype or Facetime: Yes
Languages: English, Spanish
Retreat/Workshop Leader: Yes
C. John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction, North Park Theological Seminary
Pastors/Church Leadership, Missionaries, University Students, Discernment Process, Transitions, Multi-Ethnic Issues, Second Half of Life, Prayer, Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
Prior to moving to the USA, I was a professor at the National University of Colombia and served with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students in Colombia for 16 years. Starting in 2001, I served as InterVarsity National Staff in the USA. I have a master’s degree in Christian Ministries, and I serve in Spiritual Direction to those who want to be fully present and available to God and receive His grace over them. My joy is to see professors and college students coming to know Jesus and being transformed into people that bring the good news of righteousness and justice to others.
