UC San Diego Chapter
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Faith · Meetings & Gatherings

When we gather, heaven leans in.

From electric Thursday night main gatherings to quiet morning prayer circles, Watch Altars meets all week long. Find your time, walk through the door, and discover what happens when students show up together for Jesus.

Why We Gather

A rhythm of coming together

Meetings are the heartbeat of our community, they breathe in and breathe out. We gather to be filled, then scatter to live it. Here is what every gathering is built to do.

Worship

We lift our eyes off ourselves and onto Jesus together, sung, spoken and surrendered.

The Word

Scripture taught clearly and applied honestly to real student life on campus.

Belonging

No one walks alone. Gatherings are where strangers become friends and friends become family.

Sending

We breathe out what we receive, equipped and commissioned to bless the campus.

“And let us not neglect meeting together, but encourage one another.”, Hebrews 10:25

Find Your Gathering

Types of Meetings

Six kinds of gatherings, each with its own texture and pace.

Bible Study

Open the Word together every Wednesday, in person and on Zoom.

Wednesdays · 8:00 PM

Prayer Meetings

Every Friday we seek God for our campus and one another.

Fridays · 7:00 PM

Small Groups

Living room sized gatherings across the colleges for study, life and accountability.

Various · Weeknights

Leadership Meetings

Team huddles and vision nights where leaders are trained, aligned and sent.

Thursdays · Teams Day

Special Events

Worship nights, conferences, retreats and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.

Seasonal · See calendar

Hangouts & Meals

Free dinners, game nights and coffee runs, low key gatherings to simply belong.

Saturdays · Sports Day
Around the Week

Weekly Schedule

Four gatherings every week, each on Zoom too.

  • WED Bible Study · 8:00 PM
  • THU Teams Meeting Day
  • FRI Prayer Meeting · 7:00 PM
  • SAT Sports and Recreation Day
No Surprises

What to Expect

Walking into something new can feel uncertain, so here is exactly how a gathering unfolds.

A Warm Welcome

A real person greets you at the door, hands you coffee and helps you find a seat. No name tags required.

Worship Together

A few songs led by a live band, stand, sit, sing or simply soak it in. There is no wrong way.

A Real Message

Around 25 minutes of teaching from the Bible that connects to actual student life, honest, not preachy.

Hang Around

Stay for snacks and conversation. This is where friendships start, no pressure to rush off.

What should I wear? Whatever you wore to class. Hoodies, jeans, sweats, come exactly as you are. We care about you, not your outfit.

Where We Meet

Locations & Venues

We are scattered across campus so there is always a gathering near you.

Price Center West

Ballroom · The Gathering

Main campus hub

Geisel Library Hub

Study rooms · Small Groups

East quad

Warren Mall Lawn

Outdoor · Worship Nights

Under the stars

Revelle Commons

Lounge · Coffee & Prayer

South residential

Can't find us?

Drop a pin and we'll send walking directions plus a friendly face to meet you at the entrance.

First Time?

The Newcomer Guide

Four simple pieces that snap together into a great first visit. You belong here before you ever believe a thing.

1

Just Show Up

No registration needed. Arrive a few minutes early so you can grab coffee and settle in.

2

Find the Welcome Desk

Our team in cyan lanyards will orient you, answer questions and introduce you to a few faces.

3

Sit Anywhere

There are no reserved seats and no spotlight on guests. Sit, observe and participate as you like.

4

Connect After

Grab a snack, meet a leader, or just slip out, your pace, your choice. We'll be glad you came.

Will I be singled out?

Never. We will not ask you to stand, raise a hand or give money. Guests stay anonymous unless they choose otherwise.

How long does it run?

The Gathering runs about 90 minutes. Smaller meetings range from 45 to 75 minutes.

Can I bring a friend?

Please do! Most people come the first time because someone invited them. The more the better.

Flow of the Night

Order of Service

Here is how The Gathering usually flows.

6:30
10 min

Doors & Coffee

Arrive, grab a drink, find your people.

7:00
5 min

Welcome & Vibe

A host kicks things off with announcements and a laugh.

7:05
20 min

Worship Set

Four songs led by the live band.

7:25
5 min

Prayer Moment

A guided pause to quiet our hearts.

7:30
25 min

The Message

Bible teaching that meets real life.

7:55
10 min

Response & Send

A closing song and a chance to respond.

8:05
open

Hangout & Snacks

The night spills into conversation, stay as long as you want.

Who Leads

Leadership & Speakers

Our gatherings are guided by pastors, students and guest voices who all point one direction, toward Jesus.

DL

Pastor David Lee

Campus Director

Teaches the main message most weeks. Former engineer who loves faith and science conversations.

GR

Grace Rivera

Worship Pastor

Leads worship and mentors the band. Senior in music, full of joy and grit.

MT

Marcus Tan

Student President

Hosts the gatherings and coordinates student leaders across all twelve committees.

+

Guest Voices

Monthly

Authors, scientists, missionaries and alumni regularly join us to share their stories.

The Sound of Us

Worship & Music

Music is woven through every gathering. Our student led band blends modern worship with raw, honest moments, the soundtrack to what God is doing on campus.

Live Band Every Week
Guitars, keys, drums & vocals, all students
Set Lists Posted Early
Learn the songs before you come
Worship Playlist
Stream our originals & favorites anytime
Beyond the Meeting

Community Connection

One conversation becomes a friendship, a friendship becomes a circle.

After Parties

Late night food runs and dorm hangouts where the real conversations keep going.

Connect Groups

Get plugged into a smaller circle that meets midweek to do life together.

Serve Teams

Use your gifts, tech, hospitality, music or welcome, and belong by contributing.

Can't Be There?

Virtual & Hybrid

Distance is no barrier. Every main gathering streams live, and our online community is just as real as the room.

Live Stream
Every Thursday at 7 PM, free on YouTube
Watch Party Chat
Pray, react and connect in real time
On Demand Replays
Missed it? Catch up any time, anywhere
Changed Lives

Stories & Impact

Here is what showing up has done for students like you.

“I came my first week feeling completely alone in a new city. By the third gathering, I had a table of friends who felt like family.”

A
Aisha · Sophomore
Cognitive Science

“I wasn't a believer when I started coming, I just liked the music. Slowly the message got under my skin, and one Thursday I gave my life to Jesus.”

N
Noah · Junior
Mechanical Engineering

“Leadership huddles taught me how to actually lead. I went from shy freshman to hosting the whole gathering in two years.”

L
Lena · Senior
Public Health
Good To Know

Questions, Answered

A few common questions before you come.

Do I need to register or pay anything?

Never. Every gathering is completely free and there is no sign up required. Just walk in, coffee is on us.

What if I show up alone?

Most people do their first time. Our welcome team will greet you, and you'll be sitting with new friends before the first song ends.

I'm not religious, can I still come?

Absolutely. Skeptics, seekers and the simply curious are genuinely welcome. There is zero pressure to believe or participate in anything.

How do I find the right meeting for me?

Start with The Gathering on Thursday, it's our front door. From there, our team can point you to the small group or prayer meeting that fits your schedule.

Is there parking or transit nearby?

Yes, Price Center is steps from the shuttle loop and several bike racks. We can also arrange a ride from your dorm your first time.

There's a seat with your name on it

You don't have to have it all figured out. Just come once, walk through the door, grab a coffee, and see what happens when we gather. We'll be looking for you.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”, Matthew 18:20