Rev. Dave Nagler, Bishop of Pacifica Synod of the ELCA Greg Tuttle he/him Assisting Campus Minister Isaiah 58:12 Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;     you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach,     the restorer of streets to live in. Monday of Holy Week, Agape students and leadership joined hundreds of believers from across several denominations in prayer and public witness as we continue to recognize then work t

Greg Tuttle he/him Assisting Campus Minister There’s a quiet thrill in uncovering the layers of rural history tucked into places like Ramona, where the landscape itself feels like a living archive. For students at both San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego, stepping beyond their campuses into a town like Ramona offers a chance to slow down and engage with a very different rhythm of history. For a year one of our student leaders has shared that, h

Do you remember the first time you had to dress for something that mattered professionally? It likely wasn’t about fashion. It probably wasn’t about looking impressive. If you’re like me, it was about walking into a room and hoping that you belonged there. I remember standing in front of a mirror, adjusting a shirt that didn’t quite fit right, wondering if anyone else could tell that I felt out of place. The clothes were just clothes, but they carried weight. They held the qu

(along with +Martin Luther+ as a silent partner) - 18 February 2026 Agape’s SDSU team marked Ash Wednesday with ashes to passers-by who accepted our open invitation on the lawn near South Campus Plaza. Simultaneously, Torrey, our greyhound, and I planted ourselves under the welcome sun by the fountain on Library Walk to offer the same at UC San Diego… No lunch, no drinks, no bean bags to rest on…just Presence…and ashes…lovably weird in context, I’d say–or “good wyrd” as Stuar

by The Rev. Darin Johnson, Agape Campus Pastor and Executive Director Bill Eadie supported, connected and guided the Agape community on and beyond our board of directors with kind wisdom and caring leadership on and off campus. So that you all can have a glimpse of a few ways that Bill advanced Agape’s mission of love, particularly at San Diego State University, I’d like to share a few reflections since Bill claimed his eternal home in God on 15 November 2025. I met Bill soon

Our Second Annual scavenger hunt was a blast, this year in our historic Gaslamp Quarter. Curated by Escapely , this activity brought students together from our two campuses on a beautiful San Diego day. Being out in the neighborhood during the scavenger hunt turned the entire city into a classroom filled with energy and possibility. As we moved from place to place, solving clues and completing challenges, we were not just exploring off campus—we were actively engaging with

A wonderful part of my work with Agape is reminding high school students that The Church loves them and their participation makes us better. During a recent time at Camp Stevens with The Diocesan Youth Retreat, I shared the blessings and struggles of their next steps and how a healthy young adult community will continue to support them as they leap into university life, trade school, or work. I like to think of this as our Continuum of Care. A continuum of care during the

Our work at UC San Diego is with The Center for Ethics and Spirituality (CES) and includes interfaith partners like Hillel UCSD, the Jewish Community Center near campus. This year we chose to combine forces for a community event celebrating Shrove Tuesday and Tu BiShvat. Shrove Tuesday is a Christian observance that takes place the day before Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent, a time for reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter. Like it's cultural si

Featured in an informative article in the News from The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, here are thoughts from one of our student leaders. "Getting to administer ashes to Rev. Deacon Jen last year felt super special. It felt so right–to be a part of this tradition that people have been doing for hundreds of years. Receiving ashes has always been something very special to me, but getting to take part in a tradition that people have been doing for hundreds of years, I feel clos

Tuesday and Wednesday, each week, we post a prompt on a sandwich board to help students dive into conversation beyond, "how was your weekend?"  Witnessing the depth and connection in the conversations that follow, I was invited to offer a forum with Good Samaritan Episcopal Church .  That forum highlighted the vital role that meaningful conversations play in strengthening both community and faith. The Rev. Paul Klitze and I  emphasized that honest, respectful dialogue creates

University students are in a powerful position to lead their peers because they are living the challenges, opportunities, and questions of this stage of life together. When students step up as leaders, they don’t need to have all the answers—they just need the courage to listen, include others, and act with integrity. Peer leadership creates spaces where voices are heard and ideas can grow, whether in classrooms, clubs, residence halls, or community projects. By leading with

Our Logo… Our circular logo features leaves and a cross which combines natural imagery with a sense of unity and purpose. Looking great on a sticker or a t-shirt, this circle represents wholeness, continuity, and balance, suggesting harmony and completeness. Within this shape, the leaves symbolize growth, life, and renewal, often associated with nature, healing, and sustainability. Their organic form softens the design and brings a sense of calm and vitality, making the logo

Faith to Go is our Diocesan Podcast with an international reach. Recently Luca, one of our student leaders, was featured on the show to share a GodSighting during the 12 Days of Christmas. Listen below or read even more below... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-to-go-podcast/id1225768078?i=1000742760968 https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Iixeb2sDC9D65h9O4dw3E?si=N67g9DFLRpuM0oTTxYEGug “I get to see people working with God on campus very clearly whenever I spend t

A wonderful part of my role is to spread Agape to local churches and, in December, I visited Missiongathering, Disciples of Christ, in La Mesa where I met several recent graduates from UC San Diego who shared heart-wrenching stories of the loneliness of that system and how they wished they knew about us during their time on campus.  I feel so grateful to offer community and kindness on our campuses because university campuses are often portrayed as vibrant, social environment

Finals can be a rough time for students and often a time when rest and nourishment are a distant priority.  Thanks to our connection with St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in National City and their parishioners who remember the university timeline, and the nimbleness of our ministry, we offered an enthusiastically welcome Pastry Pop Up during the recent end of the semester at SDSU. St. Matthew’s offered Christmas Craft Faire and Bake Sale the Sunday before final exams last se

Feeding students twice a week with Agape feasts is the heart of this campus ministry. Each term students experience faith active in love, often receiving Holy Communion for the first time, as they check their compass and transform into meals that feed others.  “I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, …” [1Cor.11.23] “This is my body, broken for you…this is my blood, poured out for you.”

Supporting hospitality for weekly on-campus gatherings is an investment in community, connection, and student well-being. These events often serve as a welcoming space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can share a meal, exchange ideas, and build friendships. Contributions help cover the costs of food, supplies, and the small touches that make gatherings feel warm and inviting on both campuses we serve. When students feel cared for and included, the entire campus envi

“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