Connecting Generations

Greg Tuttle

he/him

Assisting Campus Minister

Our Deacon Jen is amazing.

The Rev. Jennifer Barker is the scaffolding that holds us together and I'm grateful for her gifted mind and kind heart. Earlier this year she wondered how to connect her congregation with students in our mission field and, last week, she delivered! Nearly 100 Blessing Bags were donated to Agape from Gethsemane Lutheran Church in San Diego to help our college students feel loved and welcomed from across the divide by people who they don't know and might not meet.

Intergenerational support between grandparents and college students is vital for fostering emotional well-being and resilience. Grandparents often provide a stable, nurturing presence, offering wisdom and perspective that can help students navigate the challenges of college life. This emotional connection can help college students feel grounded, reduce stress, and promote mental health. Grandparents may also share life experiences and advice that can enrich students' understanding of their own personal growth and future aspirations, making them feel supported during a transitional period of their lives.

Additionally, intergenerational relationships offer practical benefits. Grandparents often have more free time and a wealth of experience to offer, whether it helps with life skills, providing financial advice, or offering guidance on managing time and responsibilities. This life experience, coupled with a faithful connection, offers a solid support that can help ease the pressure that our students face, providing emotional and practical support during the rigors of college life. 

If you'd like to create similar bags, please contact me through this link.