Sparking Traditions

As we look toward a new academic year, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to offer worship experiences unique to both San Diego State University and UC San Diego. Starting new rhythms of worship always brings a mixture of blessings, struggles, and excitement. We know that college life is full of competing demands, uncertain schedules, and students who are still searching for where they belong. Yet we also know that a small circle, gathered in prayer, can become a place of deep belonging and hope. We pray that these weekly moments of Evening Prayer will become a refuge where students can pause, breathe, bring their joys and burdens before God, and discover companions for the journey of faith.

On Mondays at SDSU, we will gather around a fire pit, recalling the sacred tradition of people gathering around fire for thousands of years; for warmth, storytelling, reflection, and community. There is something profoundly human and deeply holy about watching flames dance as prayers rise into the evening sky. We'll also bring special event Sundays, for our UC San Diego community, moving toward regular worship. We are grateful to hold Evening Prayer with our ministry partner, Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, just two trolley stops from campus. This partnership reminds us that campus ministry is strengthened when congregations and students walk together, making the Church accessible and welcoming beyond the boundaries of campus. In both places, we hope these gatherings will offer students an ancient pattern of prayer in a modern world, inviting them into God's enduring presence and the promise of authentic Christian community.