Over sixty five of the Synod's Rostered Leaders gathered at Notre Dame Retreat Center in Canandaigua for some time apart from their regular duties and responsibilities to learn, to think, to pray and play. Dr. Erik Heen, a professor who teaches at the Lutheran Seminary at Philadelphia provided food for thought around how Lutherans read the Bible. There was opportunity to breathe in the beauty of God's creation as folks sat on benches overlooking Canandaigua Lake. We are grateful to Dr. Hank Langknecht from Trinity Seminary, Columbus, OH and Pastor John Klatt, St. John's, W. Seneca who led us in contemplative and meaningful worship. The singing was heavenly. They are part of the Partners in Evangelical Worship (PEW) network of the ELCA. Connecting with old friends and making new ones, conversation and laughter, what Luther called the mutual conversation and consolation of the brothers (and sisters) is always a highlight. We are grateful to Conference Deans Elaine Berg and Dave Roppel for their organizing and to Mark Wimmer and the Mission Investment Fund for providing refreshments for our evening fellowship. Gatherings like this help us to "walk together" and support one another across the synod.