“These moments are precious;” shares a SDSU graduate student, “school’s crazy and I'm grateful that this (community) isn’t.” Friendsgiving with college students near Mission Bay in San Diego feels like the perfect blend of coastal chill and festive energy. A table set on the grassy bluff adorned with Mexican blankets and patio chairs on a warm afternoon after a week of rain.  As guests arrived, the sun arched across the three palms near Bahia Point as the sun began to set ove

The old joke goes: What’s a calendar look like during uncertain times? January, February, March, March, March… November 13 was the latest prayer vigil in a long series of interfaith support for our migrant siblings.  Light rain punctuated an evening of prayer in the plaza outside the federal building in downtown San Diego. "I'm here because there's something important about this many people praying together," shared one of our students from UC San Diego.  Prayers from interf

Annual church gatherings, like Synod Assembly of our ELCA siblings and the recent Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal family in Southern California, are highlights of the year, especially the moments after business concludes on the first night.  The family reunion that follows offers a time to catch up and greet each other in an informal setting.  This is the spirit with which we brought the Campus Ministry Mocktail Bar to provide fun and flavorful alcoholic-free drinks to t

“Let us build a house where love can dwell.” (a hymn by Marty Haugen) Dear Friends of Agape San Diego campus ministry,  Blessings of Gratitude, Hope and Joy! Our fall mailer came to life through the imagination of Greg Tuttle, Assisting Campus Minister; the skill of Rahim Mansoor at Cal Copy; the organization of Deacon Jennifer Barker; the willing labor of unsung volunteers; and the inspiration of YOU, our generous partners who have made campus ministry happen since the 1950’

"I love coming here on Tuesdays to escape from transactions." -UCSD PhD Candidate From the text alert that you just got to “Would you like fries with that?,” we’re surrounded by transactions all day long. What’s it like to connect without an expectation of return?  Non-transactional community building centers on fostering relationships that are rooted in mutual care, shared purpose, and genuine connection, rather than on the expectation of receiving something in return. Unlik

Morgan Sayles she/hers SDSU Class of 2024 This year‘s fall retreat of 2025 was a time of healing, renewal, and experiences. The Agape retreats have always been very close to my heart. The first-ever retreat I had the privilege of going on was three years ago. It was our winter retreat. Well, I was a student at San Diego State University. I had never gone or done anything to that extent let alone extended myself to a community as open and as welcoming as Agape was that winter

A recent student shared with me, “Sure, it’s hard and I’m a bit creaky but I want to finish what I started.” Returning to university after the COVID-19 pandemic demands immense courage. For many students, the interruption brought uncertainty, personal loss, financial hardship, and mental health challenges. Walking back into classrooms meant confronting not only academic rust but also fears about social reintegration in a world that changed very quickly in a very short time. C

During a recent visit with the good people of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church , I reconnected with a recent graduate of SDSU and a...

Yesterday I was glad to meet investigative journalist Nicholas Kristof so I could thank him for his work. I have appreciated him for...