Dani first discovered Jacksonville Campus Ministry through a sign on campus that read, “God adores you,” with a rainbow smiley face. “Before that, I didn’t know queer people could do church,” they said. Curious, Dani followed JCM on Instagram and saw a Queer Bible Study happening that week. “After my first meeting, I thought, ‘These people are so weird—I love it!’ I’ve been going ever since.”

Coming into college, Dani had sworn off religion. “I had such bad experiences being queer and religious that I didn’t want to touch anything faith-related. But when I saw those two things combined—queerness and Christianity—I thought, ‘Maybe this is something I can explore again.’”

Now a regular at both Food for Thought and Queer Bible Study, Dani has invited others to join too. “It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. But I always say, ‘Hey, I know this really cool thing—want to try it out?’”

For Dani, the most meaningful part of JCM is the sense of acceptance. “Everyone listens without judgment. At my old church, it was all about ‘you’re not doing this right, so you can’t be a real Christian.’ But here, I feel genuinely accepted.”

That acceptance has helped reshape Dani’s faith. “Sarah told me there’s no such thing as a good or bad Christian—that stuck with me. In my old church, it was about doing everything right to earn heaven. But Sarah helped me understand that faith is about a personal relationship with God, not about checking boxes. That conversation opened my eyes.”

When asked about their favorite JCM memory, Dani couldn’t pick just one. “The first Queer Bible Study stands out—I was nervous, but everyone welcomed me. I also loved when we did sex education. I learned so much I hadn’t known before college, and I thought it was a really important thing for JCM to do.”

Looking ahead, Dani is excited to start confirmation classes at Redeemer and officially join the Episcopal Church. “My parents have been really supportive. When I asked if they wanted to do Advent with me, they said yes. It feels good to have them be part of this journey.”

Your generosity allows people like Dani to join us in community and move from skepticism to full embrace. Thank you.

Kai was looking for a change. After coming out, they felt a deep desire to find a faith community that didn’t just tolerate their queer identity— but celebrated it. So they turned to the internet, searching for a church where they could be fully themselves. That’s how they discovered Redeemer Episcopal Church.

During one of their early visits to Redeemer, Kai learned about Jacksonville Campus Ministry and Food for Thought, the weekly gathering where students share a meal and stories. “I went that day, and they just happened to be talking about Jacksonville Campus Ministry,” Kai remembers. “I thought, ‘That sounds interesting!’ But the meetings were on Tuesdays, and I had a class then.” By a stroke of luck— or perhaps divine timing— that class was canceled the following week. “So I went.”

That one visit turned into five years of active involvement.

Since that first Food for Thought, Kai has become a beloved presence at Jacksonville Campus Ministry, showing up not just for weekly gatherings but also for events like Jax Pride, retreats, and service trips. Over the years, they’ve witnessed the ministry grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of students. When asked what their favorite era of JCM has been, Kai doesn’t hesitate: “I think probably now, because people engage with me, and I feel like people are my friends. It’s an affirming place, and I feel like I belong there. It’s a place where it doesn’t matter that I’m gay and nonbinary— I’m accepted for who I am.”

One of Kai’s most cherished memories was the spring break trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee. It wasn’t a typical college getaway— instead, it was a much-needed pause to rest, reconnect with friends, and just have fun. The group visited an alpaca farm, watched the Twilight movies, explored an aquarium, and attended a local church service. “It was the first time I had been to church in five years,” Kai says. That experience, surrounded by peers who affirmed and supported them, left a lasting impact.

Now preparing to graduate next year, Kai reflects on how deeply rooted they feel in the community. “JCM has always had my back. I moved to Gainesville, then I moved to Atlanta, but I’ve always been welcomed back.”

For Kai, Jacksonville Campus Ministry isn’t just a ministry— it’s a home.

It’s your generosity that allows us to create a home for students like Kai. Thank you for continuing to support this ministry with your gifts. We are so grateful to you. 

Adalynn (in green) taking communion from Sam on a Tuesday night at Food for Thought.

When Adalynn first discovered Jacksonville Campus Ministry, she was searching for an inclusive faith community. She had been an active member of her church at home but hadn’t found a faith community at college. "When I started being involved with Jacksonville Campus Ministry, I didn’t really have a Christian community at all," she explains. "I felt like I had nothing to tie me to my religion, and I was losing my connection."  But everything changed when her friend invited her to an event called Food for Thought. “I came, and I was hooked,” Adalynn recalls.

Food for Thought offered Adalynn the inclusive and supportive Christian community she had been seeking. She was excited to find a space where she could engage with others who shared similar experiences; particularly those who, like her, had grown up Christian and queer. “I was looking for people who understood me,” she says. “It’s by queer people, for queer people. That’s really important to me.”

One of Adalynn’s most cherished memories with the ministry comes from their fall retreat. “It felt like a peaceful moment in a frantic time,” she says, recalling the sense of calm she felt as she spent time with her friends. The retreat was full of meaningful moments, including singing Christian songs a cappella, some of which she remembered from her childhood. “It’s the little moments that really stand out— being able to live together, eat with people who understand me,” Adalynn says. For her, it was the first time she experienced being around people who could appreciate both her queer identity and her Christian faith.

Reflecting on how Jacksonville Campus Ministry has impacted her, Adalynn shares how the ministry has allowed her to consider her own faith and learn from others. “It’s nice to see people at different stages in their religious journey gathered together," Adalynn shares. "That’s something I never had before.” 

Adalynn also appreciates the opportunity to experience a wide range of perspectives. “I didn’t realize the difference between different denominations, faiths, and people,” she says. “It’s nice to be able to say I’ve grown as a Christian by seeing other people on their journeys in faith and how they think theologically.” 

Because of generosity like yours, we are able to provide weekly gatherings like Food for Thought and transformational retreats like the one Adalynn experienced. Thank you for your generosity.

Geo grew up in a deeply religious household, shaped by his family's involvement in the Church of Christ. His father, a preacher, led congregations and remained active in ministry, particularly in outreach to the homeless. This meant Geo spent much of his youth engaged in church activities and service projects. However, despite his involvement, he struggled to feel fully aligned with the faith of his upbringing.

"I never fully felt in line or intertwined with it because I had differences of opinion on certain issues like social rights and how things are processed and done. I backed away and broke away from it pretty early on. I still went to church because I had to. But I would just kind of show up; I would go on Sunday and that would be it."

As he got older, Geo found himself drawn to philosophy and comparative religion, expanding his perspective beyond Christianity. He read the Koran, the Torah, and other religious texts, realizing that he had the freedom to find his own spiritual path. 

"Coming to college I thought I was going to focus on my own personal stuff and keep those notions of 'whatever comes my way, will come my way' and, surprisingly, it has led me to JCM."

Geo’s introduction to Jacksonville Campus Ministry (JCM) came through an unexpected connection on a study abroad trip. A fellow student who had also grown up in the Church of Christ shared their own journey of reconnecting with faith through JCM and encouraged Geo to check it out. 

"I thought it sounded interesting but I was a little wary at first, but I was told to at least come to a Food for Thought and try it out. I was open to doing that and right away I knew it was going to be a good place."

JCM was unlike any Christian ministry Geo had encountered before. Instead of rigid doctrine and exclusion, he found a welcoming, open-minded community.

"It is a collective community of people who have either been wronged by a religion or wronged by themselves in a certain way and they can come together and feel connected. Everyone is really open-minded and that is what kept me coming back."

Through JCM, Geo found himself engaging in meaningful discussions, forming deep connections, and re-evaluating his perspective on Christianity. His experience on the fall retreat rekindled memories of past church retreats, but this time, he was surrounded by people who encouraged exploration and dialogue rather than forcing belief.

What stands out to Geo the most is the way JCM functions beyond its scheduled events. The casual, everyday moments of community are just as important as the organized gatherings.

"Anytime there is a small event outside of scheduled JCM time is what the community is really about. When we text each other and say 'Hey I’m going to grab food or I’m going to head to the library' people get together. Furthering those connections has been nice because then people get to learn about each other, and care about each other, and it doesn’t matter whether you are new to JCM or you have been there forever. Or if you believe this or you don’t believe this, it all kind of weaves together."

JCM’s atmosphere provided a stark contrast to the pressure Geo had felt growing up as the "epitome of young Christianity." He no longer has to uphold an image or conform to a single way of believing. Instead, he sees Christianity practiced in a way that resonates with his values— genuinely inclusive, open to questioning, and deeply rooted in community.

"I had the mentality that I knew what Christianity was about and I wasn’t going to touch it again. I knew it wasn’t for me. Pre-college I only had one view of Christianity and I didn’t want anything to do with that. Now I understand that it can mean so many different things to different people."

Geo’s journey with JCM has not only reshaped his view of Christianity but has also inspired him to share his experience with others.

"I enjoy promoting JCM and saying, 'Oh no, you may have heard that about other ministries, but JCM isn’t like other Christian ministries on campus.'"

For Geo, Jacksonville Campus Ministry has become more than a faith group— it’s a true community where he can explore spirituality without fear, embrace meaningful relationships, and redefine what Christianity can be. Because of your generosity, we are able to continue this important ministry and reach students like Geo.

Your generosity to Jacksonville Campus Ministry helps nurture faith journeys that last a lifetime—not only for our current students but also for our alumni. This fall, we experienced firsthand how God creates opportunities for growth and aligns people for Kingdom work.

On Tuesday nights at our Food for Thought gatherings, we found ourselves running out of space. Every week, we scrambled for chairs as more students than ever showed up, eager to share in food, fellowship, and faith. Unsure of what to do, I reached out to one of our alumni Alex who faithfully attended and noticed the problem as well.

“I moved back to Jacksonville from Kissimmee because I want to be a part of this faith community,” Alex told me. “My people are here. But we need to make room for new students too.”

Soon after, campus ministry colleagues approached us about a grant they had received to create new worshipping communities for alumni. The Holy Spirit, it seems, had something up Her sleeve! We joined the grant process and began planning a new alumni faith community— opening up more room for current students while ensuring that the bonds formed during college don’t end at graduation.

This new group will give former students a space to continue their spiritual growth, support one another, and engage in service here in Jacksonville. And alumni leaders like Alex are stepping up to lead the way. “I want to make sure this community is there for others the way it was for me,” Alex shared. “This is one way I can give back.”

Currently, we’re training three alumni to lead this group, which will meet weekly to deepen faith and foster connection. We are delighted that the community will be officially launched next month! 

During this Season of Giving, your support will sustain our ongoing ministry—including Food for Thought—and help launch this vital alumni community. Would you consider a gift of $20, $50, $150, $500, or even $1,000 or more? Your partnership makes all the difference. Thank you for sharing in this ministry and investing in the future of young adults.

Anna's first introduction to JCM began in the way that many students discover it: through their table at UNF’s Market Wednesdays. “I went because my friends enjoyed it,” they shared. Initially seeking connection, Anna quickly found that JCM offered much more than they anticipated.

Anna’s first event was a weekly Food for Thought meeting. “JCM is a melting pot,” they explained. “You feel comfortable there no matter what religion you are. It’s a group of people who care for each other and are there for one another.” Anna says that they felt that they had found community from their very first Food for Thought. “I saw how welcoming everyone is. Yes, it is about religion, but it’s more about the spirit of religion than the doctrine of the religion. It’s more about the community. People come because they want to be a part of the community.”

Participating in JCM’s spring break and fall retreat solidified Anna's sense of belonging. “It’s a time where you can become really good friends with people,” they noted. “You might not have strong friendships going into it, but during spring breaks and fall breaks you’re with these people for a few days or a week and you start bonding with people.” During these trips, Anaa felt accepted for who they were and felt like they could advocate for their needs without judgment or rejection.

“That’s a very healing thing about being in JCM, especially if you grew up in a religious household or grew up neurodiverse,” they said. “Being different, you sometimes have so much guilt and anxiety about not being perfect. JCM is really good at allowing you to come without the guilt. It’s like, ‘Come as you are, you are welcomed here, and you are loved here.’ It is a place that feels like home.” Anna appreciated this feeling of acceptance, and found value in a community that bridged the gaps between a diverse group of people. “Being neurodiverse, mentally ill, and gay, you are different from a lot of people. And so naturally, you’re the odd one out. At JCM, they understand that people are different, but they try to understand each other,” they said.

Looking ahead, Anna sees JCM as a lasting support system. “They’ll be your family when you’ve left and gone. Even if you graduate or transfer out, we’ll still be here for you. It’s a long-term community thing.” Your support allows this community to last. We are grateful for you.

Eliza knew from the start of her college experience that she wanted to find a faith community. Having grown up in a religious environment, she was familiar with the teachings of Christianity, but as she entered adulthood, she realized it was time to take ownership of her faith. "I had never stopped believing in God, but it was hard not having any community surrounding my faith," she recalls. For Eliza, it wasn’t just about finding a Christian group on campus; she wanted a community that was affirming, inclusive, and celebrated diversity.

After some reflection, she knew her ideal faith community would be one that was accepting of all people, regardless of background or identity. As a queer student, it was crucial for her to find a place where she could be her authentic self without judgment. That’s when she stumbled upon an Instagram post from Jacksonville Campus Ministry (JCM). Something about the way JCM presented themselves as both open-minded and deeply rooted in faith caught her attention, so she decided to check them out.

Her first event with JCM was Food for Thought during "Good Christian Sex" month, a time when the ministry opens up discussions on topics that are often seen as taboo in many Christian circles. "The group was willing to talk about sex and faith. I was included from my first time in the conversation," Eliza says. "I spoke up, and people really listened. I felt like I could say exactly what I was thinking, and no one would judge me. I was part of the conversation from day one."

The sense of belonging she felt that day sparked something in Eliza, and soon, attending JCM events became a regular part of her routine. "People really engaged with me," she remembers. "It only took a couple of meetings for people to get to know me, and it was really nice. That’s why I kept coming." What stood out to her was not just the welcoming atmosphere, but the depth of relationships she formed with other students in the ministry. It wasn’t superficial or forced; it was a genuine connection based on shared values and mutual support.

Now, Eliza is an integral part of JCM. She recently participated in the River City Pride Parade with the ministry, an experience that had a profound impact on her. "It’s really cool that it was so affirming," she says. "It’s still hard for me sometimes to mix that part of my identity with the Church, but it’s great to see how many people are supportive of queer people and still a part of the Church." For Eliza, this was a moment of clarity—she had found a faith community that not only welcomed her but celebrated her for who she is.

Reflecting on her time with JCM, Eliza feels a deep sense of belonging. "I feel a lot of support now. I feel like I am a part of a community that really does feel like a community. Even the people I’m not as close with, I could go to them for help." For her, the most significant impact JCM has had is helping her reconnect with her faith. “JCM has brought me back to faith when my previous churches pushed me further away from it,” she says. Those past experiences had left her feeling distant from Christianity, but JCM offered her a fresh start—a place to rediscover her relationship with God in a supportive, affirming environment.

For Eliza, Jacksonville Campus Ministry has become more than just a place to explore her faith—it has become a home, a sanctuary where she can grow spiritually while being fully embraced for who she is.

Courtney grew up surrounded by love and support despite the challenges of being raised by a single mother. Her grandmother, who Courtney calls her “superwoman,” played a central role in her life. "Our bond was unbreakable," she recalls. 

However, tragedy soon struck when her beloved grandmother passed away, leaving Courtney devastated. "Right before she passed, she told me I would never find someone to love me like she did. And I have felt that ever since," Courtney shares. Not long after, her biological father also died, just as they were rebuilding their relationship. These back-to-back losses were a crushing blow. "It broke me. I had two heart attacks in a matter of weeks, was diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes. I was broken," she confides.

Her grief led her down a dark path, turning to the streets to cope. But one day, a woman from her father’s church reached out, inviting her back to the community she had drifted away from. "I became engulfed with the things of God. I became aware that God truly had a plan for my life," she reflects. That realization prompted Courtney to enroll at Edward Waters University (EWU), Jacksonville Campus Ministry's latest campus partner. She found healing and purpose through education and her involvement in the university choir. "The choir has been my saving grace. It gave me strength to make it through this season," Courtney says.

But even as she worked to better her life, new challenges arose. Courtney lost three homes, struggled with homelessness, and faced countless financial hardships. Despite these overwhelming obstacles, she continued to persevere with the support of her faith, her choir, and her mentor, Dr. Shingles. "Doc has helped pray me through everything. I never thought at 36 I’d be walking and catching the bus to class, but here I am."

Through it all, Courtney has kept her faith alive, knowing that God has a purpose for her journey. But her financial situation remains precarious. "I often have to choose between paying the light bill, eating, or getting to class," she explains.

With the help of our student financial aid fund, Courtney has been able to breathe a little easier. We were able to support her in catching up on her rent payments. "Having help from Jacksonville Campus Ministry just lifted my spirit. This is huge. Your support is truly a blessing, and I can’t thank you enough," Courtney says with heartfelt gratitude.

Courtney's story is one of resilience, faith, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Thanks to the support of her community and generous donors like you, she is taking one step at a time toward a brighter future.

Toye’s journey with Jacksonville Campus Ministry (JCM) has been transformative in ways he never anticipated. It all began during one of the University of North Florida's Market Days, where a simple interaction led to a profound connection.

"During one of the Market Days, I stopped to get a sticker and I spoke to Pastor Sarah. It was a breath of fresh air because speaking to some of the other ministries on campus, it is almost transactional. Pastor Sarah actually listened and she was chill. She expresses herself in a way that people can relate to her. After that, I went to a meeting and I just liked it," Toye recalls. This meeting sparked a journey that would shape his college experience.

Toye started attending Food for Thought in the fall of his freshman year. What he found there surprised him. "I didn’t think there would be food, to be honest. I thought it was a cool name for just coming together and marinating on the Bible. My first time, I was surprised by how everyone was contributing. From my upbringing, usually it is like a classroom. You sit in rows and you listen to one person speak, you ask questions, and then you go. But it was actually a conversation and people were expressing themselves. You don’t have to be right, you have the leniency to just be open and ask questions, and have people think about things together."

This atmosphere of open conversation and critical thinking was different from anything Toye had experienced in a religious setting before. It wasn’t just about studying the Bible—it was about applying its teachings to everyday life, which, as Toye notes, "seems trivial but it’s a big thing, especially as college students."

Toye’s involvement with JCM deepened when he joined the group for a trip to Germany. Initially drawn by the affordability of the trip, he quickly realized that the experience would offer him much more. "Germany taught me that there are so many intelligent people out there with opinions and views. And I come back to listening. Listening does so much. I can have my own thoughts about something, but JCM bringing us together to talk about it is important." 

One of Toye's most cherished memories is seeing snow for the first time. "I was so mesmerized. That first time was so precious to me. And it happened in Germany with JCM. And that will stay with me forever."

The trip also provided an opportunity for deeper connections with fellow students. "In the evenings, we would sit in a circle... I enjoyed those conversations and I loved that book, This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley... That book itself was a different perspective on religion and upbringing. It was such a raw expression of what this person was feeling and what they believed to be true."

Another pivotal experience was a retreat to North Carolina, where Toye found rest and peace. "After the trip to North Carolina, I realized this is what I want. I want a life of travel, but I also want serenity with people I can call my people."

The relationships Toye built through JCM have been a source of strength and joy. Whether it's working alongside friends to clear a path in the woods or facing the challenge of whitewater rafting, Toye has found a supportive community. "JCM really brings people together and puts the community into UNF. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of something like that. It is a space for people to come and be themselves."

Thank you for your continued generosity that allows us to travel and provide new opportunities for students like Toye. We cannot do this work without you.

When Jules joined Jacksonville Campus Ministry in their second semester of freshman year, they didn't anticipate the profound impact it would have on their college experience and personal growth. Especially since Jules is Jewish. 

“I didn't really know anybody before I joined the Interfaith Center for some events,” Jules recalls. “Pastor Sarah came to a conversation on anti-semitism, and then I came to Food For Thought. I remember other people telling me about it, but I think my main draw to actually go and be involved in that work was how inclusive she was and how attentive she was to attending events that weren’t about her own religion.”

Growing up, Jules faced significant challenges that shaped their spiritual identity. “My mom converted to Christianity when she married my dad, who is Jewish. They tried to raise me with both religions. I went to Jewish preschool and church.” Middle school was especially tough for Jules. “After coming out, I faced cyberbullying at youth group. The guys called me disgusting and the church itself didn’t feel affirming. I felt like I was faking it, singing songs I didn't believe in. Christianity didn’t resonate with me, and the type of Christianity presented to me wasn’t right.”

These negative experiences left Jules wary of Christianity. “Going into college, I didn't want to hear about Christianity. I was scared to be friends with people who were actively Christian. But meeting Pastor Sarah broke down those walls. Being exposed to good Christians who believe in welcoming everyone no matter who you are was life-changing.”

Through the inclusive and supportive environment of Jacksonville Campus Ministry, Jules began to find their footing. As a social work student, Jules found a significant crossover between their classes and the discussions within campus ministry. “I had classes on diversity, where I felt like I had more of a foundation for talking about those issues. We were already discussing pluralism and community in campus ministry and the Interfaith Center.”

It wasn’t until the spring break trip to Germany that Jules felt fully integrated into the community, though. “The Germany trip made my college experience. It is a core memory I will keep for the rest of my life. It was the first time I traveled outside of the country. We were learning about history more organically than taking a class– by going to museums and sites. I got to meet really cool people on that trip. Both of my roommates were people I didn’t know well before.”

More than anything else, Jules believes that the campus ministry allowed them to understand themself better. “I know how to find community now. I know the types of people I want to surround myself with. I feel confident in making friends. Before college, I was bullied in elementary and middle school. I always sat alone at lunch. My mom always told me that I would find my true friends in college, but I never believed her. I had spent so long alone that it was hard to imagine it would be different. But it was. I was so shocked, in the best way, finding people who wanted to get to know me.”

Now, Jules finds a balance in their spirituality. “Christianity isn’t for me, but being around Christianity is. My spirituality is Jewish, but part of it is being in a community with people of all differences, including Christianity.”

Jules’ story is a testament to the power of inclusive communities and the profound impact of interfaith dialogue and support. Through Jacksonville Campus Ministry, Jules found not just a community, but a place to grow, advocate, and form lasting connections. Thank you for your generous support of our community and students like Jules.

Annaliese grew up in a church environment that limited her view of God and the Bible. That community was important to her, but she decided that it was time to make faith her own when she came to college. 

"There was a lot of confinement where I grew up and college was breaking me out of that. I think it's important, even if it makes me uncomfortable."

She found Jacksonville Campus Ministry during her freshman year and began attending Food for Thought on Tuesday nights. Initially, she was uncomfortable with the fluidity of Food for Thought. "I was like: 'I don't know. It's interesting, but I don't know.'” She was a little uncomfortable about the loose structure of the gatherings and conversations about other religions and freedom within students’ own religions.  

Annaliese kept showing up, though, because she felt welcomed into the community. "People knew my name and said ‘hi’ to me when I walked in. I could have a conversation with people and feel like I was friends with them."

She recalls one such instance of this welcoming.  "I haven't been able to go to Food for Thought this semester because of class conflicts. But one time my class got out early and I came in. Everyone shouted ‘ANNELIESE!,’ and I was like ‘Oh, we are family even though I am not here. I still have connections in this group even if I am not physically present. It was such a delightful moment. I was like ‘Oh, I am loved.’”

Annaliese started going to Queer Bible Study her freshman year too. Unsurprisingly she was hesitant about that gathering as well, even though it was more structured. "At first I thought 'I don't know how I feel about this. We're talking about passages that I know so well and I've never looked at them this way.'  But I want to be able to see things from a new perspective. It's worth talking about things I've never talked about before or looking at things from a completely different perspective."

Even though she was initially hesitant about the community, she has really become a vital part of who we are and it has strengthened her faith this past year. "JCM has made me more open to interfaith experiences and more firmly affirmed in my own faith. I've definitely found my people."

Your generosity to campus ministry allows us to offer programs that broaden the perspectives of students and counsel them as they experience new lenses. We could not do this important ministry without you. 

Jennifer’s career has always involved duties she excels at. Writing, communicating, and marketing have always been at the center of what she brings to the table. When Jennifer moved to Jacksonville, she expected to use that skillset at a new job. It did not turn out that way.

Her new career path went in a different direction from what she was suited for as she was asked to do a lot of fundraising.  “It’s an awesome organization I was working for. They do a lot of great work for people who truly need help in this world.  However, what I was asked to do went way outside of what I enjoy or am suited to accomplish.”  

Eventually, Jennifer left her new position, which had brought her to northeast Florida.  A little of the joy she experienced in life to help others had taken a hit.

At the same time, Jennifer served as President of the First Coast Conference in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Think of it as the lead lay leader for the Jacksonville area of the Lutheran church, bringing together pastors and other lay leaders to help further the church's mission.

It was there that Jennifer met Pastor Sarah Locke.  At this time, Pastor Sarah was beginning to revive Jacksonville Campus ministry.  Jennifer got to hear firsthand Pastor Sarah’s plans to bring back JCM, which was close to shutting down.  “I was heavily involved in campus ministry when I was in college at American University in D.C.  Listening to Pastor Sarah’s plans made me think of that time in my life that meant so much.  It was great to hear about what was happening, especially when I was so down after my last job had not worked out as I had hoped.”

Jennifer wanted to be involved in what was happening at UNF. After Pastor Sarah's arrival, she became one of the first new members of the Jacksonville Ministry board of directors. “My work on the board at JCM brought back a lot of joy in my life that had been sapped at the time. Seeing Pastor Sarah starting with virtually nothing and bringing it to its current point was inspiring.  

I see how she is so protective of the students.  She also emphasizes the quality of relationships vs. just pulling as many people as possible.  She is in it for the students in an age that’s become so difficult for college students to maneuver through.  I’m so glad I got to play a part in bringing Pastor Sarah’s vision to fruition.  It restored a lot of joy in my life.”

Eventually, Jennifer was able to get another job that allowed her to return to doing what she does best in communications. While her current career path brought even more joy back into her life, it was working with Jacksonville Campus Ministry that gave her that first big positive step after experiencing a down time in life.

Your generosity to Jacksonville Campus Ministry helps Pastor Sarah draw more students into long-lasting and substantive relationships with each other and God. It will also certainly bring more joy into the lives of our young adults. Thank you for your generosity to this vital ministry to young adults.

Paolo spent a lot of time in the game room at the University of North Florida.

He was looking for food in the Student Union and found it at Food for Thought. He would play games with his friends, come to Food for Thought, and then go back to the game room, often with leftovers for friends who hadn’t joined. 

He also found radical hospitality, humility, and vulnerability– some of the key components of our Tuesday night gatherings. “I wasn’t afraid to ask questions there because everyone made it cool, and it was obvious there were no stupid questions.” Paolo found the space there to be vulnerable in a way he had not experienced in other spaces before. “I’m a big nerd,” he said. “Many people in my generation will not have an excuse to have a vulnerable conversation like that every day because normally my conversations are about video games, anime, movies, and all that nerd stuff.

Paolo still joins us at Food for Thought occasionally, even though he graduated a few years ago. “I’m glad you still have Food for Thought. New students should come because I bet they won’t have those kinds of conversations in high school. And if they are just doing school and hanging out with a small group of friends, they are not going to have the opportunity to discuss their feelings about such serious topics.” 

From the outside, a gathering like Food for Thought sometimes looks like a group of random students talking to a pastor about fairly random subjects, but Paolo understands that it is much more than that. “Sometimes people won’t have the environment to talk about stuff like that until they get to college, and it’s really important that they do."

Your generosity allows Jacksonville Campus Ministry to provide a caring pastor who helps create a place for students to ask important questions in a safe, inviting environment. Thank you for your generosity. 

During this season of new growth, your generosity to Jacksonville Campus Ministry nourishes the faith of students who are finding their identity as beloved children of God. Milesh has been one of our most faithful attendees of campus ministry events for five years. He invites friends, shares our events with others, and helps create a welcoming space for students. But he wouldn’t call himself a Christian. 

During one of our gatherings, he mentioned that he didn’t have a Bible and, perhaps if he did, he might start reading it. Suddenly, Bibles became a part of our ministry budget. A few weeks later, after hearing the story of the first Christian community in Acts, Milesh remarked, "maybe someday I would join a Christian community and be a part of that.” 

“It’s too late,” I told him, “you’re already here,” as I gestured to our gathered students, who sat around eating and introducing themselves to one another. Still, though, Milesh never claimed a Christian identity. When introducing himself, he confidently asserted that he was agnostic and “mostly here for the good conversation.” 

Last summer, we invited a small group of students who were serious about diving deeper into their faith and asking hard questions to participate in a twelve-week discipleship group. It would be more intimate and vulnerable than anything we had done before, and Milesh was immediately interested. We dove deep, and as we began to talk about the Holy Spirit, Milesh revealed that he had been feeling what he called “Jesus tingles” in worship on Sunday mornings. 

In December of last year, you read in our newsletter that Milesh could “see [himself] converting somewhere down the line.” We are delighted to share that Milesh was welcomed into the Body of Christ through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. In true Milesh fashion, he invited many friends to the sunrise Easter service at Redeemer Episcopal Church, and fifteen pulled themselves out of bed to support him. We are excited to see what the Spirit has in store for Milesh as he grows in his faith.     

During this season of growth, your generosity to Jacksonville Campus Ministry will provide for the ongoing ministry of Food for Thought, retreats, and pastoral care helping make space for our students to ask questions, grow, and deepen their relationship with God. We invite you to consider a gift of $20, $50, $150, $500, or even $1000 or more to invest in this vital ministry with young adults. Thank you for partnering with us in this ministry we all share. 

When Reenard came to the University of North Florida, he was experiencing something so many students go through. He was grappling with his faith. He had just left the church he grew up in because he disagreed with the values they taught. 

“I left that church, and I wrestled with that because those were the people who raised me in my faith,” Reenard said. Like so many students entering college, Reenard felt disconnected from the congregation that had raised him, but also conflicted about how to move forward. He did not want to leave Christianity, but he needed to experience it differently. 

“I wanted change in the church. I wanted to see the church grow. I love to share my ideas, but it’s hard to share your ideas when people don’t see things the same way you do. Sometimes you have to say, ‘Maybe this isn’t the place for me.’”

Reenard found Jacksonville Campus Ministry like many students do: at Market Days. He met Sarah on a Wednesday morning, and she invited him to join the ministry at Food for Thought the next Tuesday. He has been attending ever since. 

In JCM, Reenard found something he was searching for even before he left his previous congregation. “I just really enjoy the community aspect.  People are very welcoming and I think that’s what I love about campus ministry: a sense of community and fellowship.” 

More than that, though, Reenard has found the campus ministry is helping transform his own relationship with God, himself, and others. “I have a better understanding of who I am, my values, and what I stand for because of my involvement.”

After several years of being a vital part of our ministry, Reenard is always quick to invite others to our gatherings. “I have found a great community. I love this campus ministry because I get to see new people come in and see their lives transform. I love the impact that it made on my life, and I want the same impact for somebody else.”

Your generosity allows Jacksonville Campus Ministry to continue to transform lives and invite new people into our community like Reenard. Thank you so much for your generosity. 

Did you know there's a cure to the clergy shortage?

There are actually four things that research shows make pastors in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Make pastors!  What good news! They might not be surprising to you if you have been listening to Pastor Sarah for very long. And if you're here, you know the importance of campus ministry and other ministries to young people! 

• Summer Camp

• Sunday School 

• The ELCA Youth Gathering 

• Campus Ministry 

Jacob Sorenson wrote an article for The Connect Journal about exactly this subject. About campus ministry, he writes: 

"No surprise here. We know that campus ministry is vital, and we also know that it is chronically underfunded. Less than half of the roster (43%) attended an ELCA college or university. The others attended a mixture of public and private schools not affiliated with the ELCA. At most of these schools, there was a LuMin (or Lutheran Campus Ministry) presence. These ministries, while usually small in numbers, have proven consistently impactful on the participants. Rated in terms of importance on both faith formation and call to ministry, campus ministry was behind only Sunday school, serving on camp staff and the year-long Lutheran service organizations (LVC and YAGM). Like with the Gathering, those who participated in campus ministry (whether with LuMin or at an ELCA school) were rostered at a much younger age, on average, in comparison to those who did not participate or participated less frequently."

You can read the entire article at the link here and learn more about the importance of these ministries. Thank you so much for your continued support for Jacksonville Campus Ministry and campus ministries across the country. You are making pastors! 

If you saw Mackenzie at Jacksonville Campus Ministry, it would appear that she has been a part of our community for ages. She sits down among the students chatting about last week’s bible study and doesn’t miss a beat. But that wasn’t how Mackenzie always felt in religious spaces.

“I grew up going to a bunch of different types of churches but I never felt comfortable in any of them. Especially when I realized I was queer. But even before that, I always had a hard time finding community in those places. The groups that I met seemed clique-ish and it was as if they were just tolerating me.”

Even after these experiences, Mackenzie still looked for a Christian community where she could feel comfortable and welcome. 

“I knew I wanted to find a place to explore my faith and identity together when I came to college.” Mackenzie had heard about our Queer Bible Study and Jacksonville Campus Ministry in her freshman year, but never felt comfortable enough to attend by herself. Last fall, her religion class gave her a good excuse to go observe every week. 

“We had to do a semester-long project. We had to pick a group that we weren’t familiar with and study them for the entire semester. I wanted to do something with queerness in the church because even though I was a part of the community, I didn’t feel like I was a part of the community.”

Mackenzie attended Queer Bible Study every week, participating in the discussion and asking questions as she felt more comfortable with the other students who attended. “It started out as an assignment, but I found that I could easily talk to people and fit in with people even on the very first day.” 

Now Mackenzie is a regular part of not only our bible study but also Food for Thought and our other ministry activities. Our ministry would be incomplete without her. 

“There have been a handful of people who have kind of adopted each other in this space. For the first time in my life, I feel comfortable and even welcomed in a Christian community. I don’t feel like I have to fight to fit in.”   

Your generosity to Jacksonville Campus Ministry makes it possible for us to have opportunities to reach new students like Mackenzie.

Sam came to college looking for something. “I think it has always been a little bit in my soul that I have sought out meaning through religion. But it has always been kind of complicated for me. No one in my family has the same religion. So I didn’t grow up going to a church or a temple or really having any religious upbringing.”

It wasn’t for lack of trying that Sam had not found a community with which he connected. In fact, it seemed that he had done more spiritual exploration than most people his age. “I tried getting into the Wiccan/witchcraft scene, and there was a brief time when I considered converting to Judaism. I joined a local Quaker group when I came to college but I didn’t find community there. It felt like I needed community and tradition. That was always a void in my life that I was trying to fill.”   

Last year, our campus ministry spent some time focusing on faith and sex during one of our Tuesday night dinners. It was there that Sam first encountered our community. “When I think about what Christianity is, a lot of it is a communal thing– it is how you care for the people around you, it’s how you treat strangers, it’s how you treat friends, it’s how you think about family. It’s all about other people. If you aren’t applying your beliefs and your faith in your life, then it’s all kind of academic. That is what struck me about JCM. People are truly interested in being in community.” 

But ultimately it was the tradition of the sacraments that is embedded in campus ministry and Christianity that claimed Sam as a child of God. 

“In general, I love all of our informal traditions like having food together, talking together, introducing ourselves, and having a question at the start of our gatherings. But the first time we had communion, I cried so hard because it felt like, ‘Yes, oh this is it!’ That stuck with me.” 

Several weeks later, Sam joined 11 of our students on a weekend retreat that focused on Eucharist and Baptism. After sharing communion together on Saturday night, Sam was baptized in Crystal Lake. 

“I remember when I came out of the water, one of the first things you said to the people standing on the beach was ‘Welcome your new sibling Sam!’ and something about that– I was like ‘Oh! This is what I was looking for but even deeper.’ It wasn’t that I felt excluded before, but afterward, I felt included in a whole new way that was so profound.” 

“It felt like a family,” Sam concluded. “It felt like yes, I am on the right track now. Like a coming home.” 

Your generosity to Jacksonville Campus Ministry makes it possible for us to go on retreat and dive deeper into community and the sacraments. Thank you for being a part of this ministry that helps create a place of belonging for our college students.

“I used to go to church at least once a month with my family before I went to college,” Alex said, “But when I went to college I didn't really do that anymore.” He wasn’t necessarily looking for a faith community, but he didn’t shy away from one either. He just hadn’t quite found what he needed at that point in his life.  

“I remember Sarah was at the Welcome Week Luau and handed me a popsicle and a card that said ‘Come to Food For Thought’ and I said ‘I remember that club from my freshman year! I'm absolutely going to go!’” He admits that he was mostly interested in the free food at first, but he was also curious about the conversations the group was having from week to week. 

“For me it was a really good space to figure out things I didn't even think I had questions about and I appreciated that there was a place for that on UNF’s campus. I really enjoyed the conversations of current events mixed with Sarah’s views and how she would listen to us and integrate how it relates to faith.” Alex became a part of our leadership team and invited people to join the community. He found the combination of faith and life– the basis for Food for Thought gatherings– to be particularly helpful. 

“Jacksonville Campus Ministry turned into an outlet to explore my journey into what faith means to me and the place it has in my life. Sarah listened to our faith stories and our thoughts– and it wasn't just faith either, it was that she treated us as human beings. She asked us our thoughts and challenged our worldviews, and I enjoyed that.” 

After graduation, Alex stayed in touch with the campus ministry and with many of the current students. In October 2023, he joined the Jacksonville Campus Ministry board as the first alum. He is passionate about the work of the campus ministry continuing. 

“I see serving on the board as a way to give back to the community that uplifted me and my faith. I want other people to be able to experience that.” 

Serving on our board of directors is one of many ways our volunteers invest in Jacksonville Campus Ministry. Thank you for your continued commitment to this important work in the faith and life of young adults. 

Rachel grew up in the Presbyterian Church from infancy. She built a career as a graphic designer, and her artistic rendering of the entrance to her current church adorns the cover of its weekly worship bulletin. 

When her husband John began teaching at Clemson University, they joined a Lutheran congregation that supported a large campus ministry. Rachel became friends with the campus minister and volunteered to help with providing meals for weekly ministry gatherings, which regularly hosted 60 students or more. Through this service, she developed a deep appreciation for the sense of belonging campus ministry provided to students, and the ties they developed with the congregation.

When Rachel and John moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and joined St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, she volunteered to assist with meals for Jacksonville Campus Ministry. This service led to her being asked to serve as a member of the ministry’s board of directors after St. Mark’s previous representative came to the end of her term. She served in this role for ten years, including as the ministry’s secretary. 

This coincided with a very fraught time for the ministry due to the loss of a major funding partner and ministry staff. At one point, she was one of three board members remaining as plans were made to dissolve the ministry. Asked how she persevered, she says, “I just couldn’t give up on campus ministry!” At just this time a new campus minister arrived unexpectedly and revitalized the ministry. Before leaving the JCM Board in 2022, Rachel was able to see the ministry regain a stable footing and embark on a new era of service.  

Rachel feels that her service with campus ministries has driven home to her the importance of outreach by congregations to the wider community in spreading God’s love in a tangible way.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who uplift our ministry in a variety of ways, from providing meals on Tuesday nights to serving on our board of directors. We are so grateful for your partnership in this vital work.