Reactions and Responses to Violence The Rev. Darin Johnson, Agape San Diego Campus Pastor and Executive Director On Monday two lost boys of San Diego attacked the Islamic Center, taking the lives of three men who instinctively put their own bodies between the attackers and the school children. At last night’s vigil, Imam Taha Hassane gathered about 5000 of us to nearby Lindbergh Park. His gracious welcome and prayerful leadership guided us transform this tragedy from pain and

This weekend at Camp Stevens with Agape felt like stepping into holy ground shaped by wind, stone, and ancient trees. The further we moved from the noise of campus and glowing screens, the more clearly I could hear the quiet invitation of God in the wilderness around us. Morning light filtered through the branches of old oak trees, painting the paths in shifting gold and green, while the cool mountain air carried the scent of earth and oaks. We shared meals, laughter, and lon

Returning to Camp Stevens for our annual Spring Retreat was a gift in every sense of the word. A dozen of us stepped away from the pace and pressure of campus life and into a space where conversation, prayer, and laughter came naturally. Throughout the weekend, we shared spiritual practices that invited reflection and rest, creating room to listen more deeply to one another and to God. Meals around the table, walks beneath the trees, and moments of quiet reminded us how meani

It was a genuine joy to spend time with The Rev. Beth Scriven, whose warmth and attentiveness were evident from the moment she arrived. As someone new to Bishop Susan’s staff, Beth brings both fresh perspective and a deep sense of vocation to her role, and that spirit was clear in every conversation. Even with the fancy title of Canon to the Ordinary for Leadership Development, her curiosity about our campus ministry at SDSU, paired with her thoughtful listening, created a s

The generosity shown through donations of professional clothing to students at San Diego State University has made a meaningful and lasting impact. For many students, access to appropriate attire can be a barrier to stepping confidently into interviews, internships, and early career opportunities. These gifts do more than fill closets—they restore dignity, build confidence, and open doors that might otherwise feel out of reach. Each donated item carries with it a quiet messag

Hosting a mocktail bar at the annual Polly Bond Awards, in St. Paul's Cathedral, on April 16, offered campus ministry students a meaningful, visible way to embody our unique brand of hospitality in action. Rather than simply attending, students became contributors—welcoming guests, sparking conversation, and creating a warm, inclusive environment that reflected the spirit of the church. A thoughtfully prepared mocktail bar signaled care for all attendees, including those who

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