Still exploring
Curious about Jesus, or carrying honest questions? Come and listen. You will never be pressured, only welcomed.
Meet Jesus
Join Watch Altars at UC San Diego
Welcome home.
Welcome home.
Come as you are.
Watch Altars is a family of students, staff and friends who worship, pray, study and serve together. Whether you're new to faith or have walked with Jesus for years, you belong here, and your first step takes two minutes.
Free to joinIn person and on ZoomEvery background welcome
You belong here
Wherever you are, start here
No one arrives with everything figured out. Watch Altars is made of students, scholars and friends at every stage of faith, and there is room at the table for you.
New to faith
Just said yes to Jesus? We will walk with you through your first weeks, your first Bible, and your first questions.
New to the faithFollowing Jesus
Looking for a church family on campus? Bring your gifts, grow deeper in the Word, and help others take their next step.
Bible StudyGrads, staff and alumni
Graduate students, faculty, staff and alumni are part of the family too, through Scholars, mentoring and our teams.
Say helloYour first steps
From hello to home in four steps
Becoming a member is simple and free. Here is what happens after you sign up.
Sign up
Fill out the short form below. It takes two minutes and there is no cost to belong.
We reach out
A member of our welcome team contacts you, answers your questions and saves you a seat.
Come to a gathering
Start with Wednesday Bible Study or Friday Prayer Meeting, in person or on Zoom.
Find your team
Visit a team on Thursday, discover your gifts, and start serving alongside friends.
Your first visit
What to expect when you come
Walking into a new room can feel like a lot. Here is what your first gathering will look like.
Come as you areNo dress code. Come straight from class, practice or the lab.
A friendly face at the startSomeone from our welcome team will greet you and help you settle in.
No one puts you on the spotJoin the conversation when you want to. Listening is welcome too.
Can't make it in person?Every gathering is also on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere.
This week at UC San Diego
Four simple ways to show up
Pick one and come. Every gathering is open to newcomers and also streams on Zoom.
Wednesday
Bible Study
Open the Scriptures together, ask honest questions and leave with something to carry into the week.
Join on ZoomThursday
Teams Meeting Day
Every service team meets on Thursday. Each team sets its own time, so ask the leader of the team you want to visit.
Join on ZoomFriday
Prayer Meeting
An unhurried evening of worship and prayer for our campus, our friends and one another.
Join on ZoomSaturday
Sports and Recreation Day
Pickup games, hikes and time outside. The easiest way to make friends in your first week.
Join on ZoomTimes are Pacific. Plans can change, so members get updates by email.
Use your gifts
Find where you fit
Watch Altars runs on fifteen service teams. Tap any team to see what it does, when it meets and how to join.
Prayer and Spiritual GrowthA campus wide culture of prayerWorshipMusic, vocals and soundBible Study and DiscipleshipSmall groups across collegesEvangelism and OutreachSharing Jesus on campusMissions and ServiceServing the city togetherEvents and FellowshipGatherings people rememberHospitality and Member CareEveryone seen and cared forWellness and RecreationSports, trails and restInternational Student EngagementA home far from homeMedia & CommunicationsTelling the story wellCreative ArtMusic, art and designAcademic Excellence and TutoringFree help, given with graceAlumni RelationsGraduates stay familyTechnology and InnovationBuilding tools for ministryFinance and StewardshipIntegrity with every giftFormation CirclesMen of Valor and Virtuous Woman
Formation circles
Grow with brothers and sisters
Alongside any team, our fellowships offer close friendship, honest accountability and steady discipleship. New circles start every quarter.
For the men
Men of Valor Fellowship
A brotherhood pursuing integrity, courage and Christ like leadership, with weekly accountability triads, mentorship and studies on biblical manhood and purpose.
Join Men of ValorFor the women
The Virtuous Woman Fellowship
A sisterhood growing in faith, wisdom and grace, with weekly discipleship circles, prayer and studies on identity and Proverbs 31 womanhood.
Join The Virtuous WomanMembership
What belonging looks like
Membership is not a club card. It is a promise we make to one another.
What you receive
- A church family on campus and friends who pray for you by name
- Weekly Bible Study, prayer and worship, in person and on Zoom
- Free tutoring and Fall tutorials through Academics
- Mentorship, formation circles and leadership training
- Your own profile with updates, reminders and your activity in one place
What we ask
- Show up when you can and stay connected when life gets busy
- Love people well, especially those who are new
- Keep Christ at the center of what we do together
- Serve on a team as you discover your gifts
- Pray for our campus and for one another
Good questions
Before you join
Do I have to be a Christian to join?
No. Everyone is welcome to come, listen and belong. Many of our members first came with questions, and we are glad to walk with you wherever you are.
Does it cost anything?
No. Membership is free, and so are our gatherings, teams and tutoring.
How much time does it take?
As much as you can give. Many members start with one gathering a week and add a team later. Your classes come first, and we will help you keep a healthy rhythm.
Can I join online?
Yes. Every weekly gathering is also on Zoom, so you can take part from your room, from home or while studying abroad.
I'm not a student. Can I still be involved?
Yes. Faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the chapter serve as mentors, Scholars and team members. Mention it in the form and we will connect you.
What happens after I submit the form?
Your details reach our welcome team. Someone will email you within a few days to say hello, answer your questions and invite you to your first gathering.
Welcome home
Become a Member
Tell us a little about yourself and we will help you get connected.
Want your own profile too? Create an account · Questions? [email protected]
See you soon
Come and see. There's a seat saved for you.
Your first step can be as small as showing up on Wednesday night. We would love to meet you.