Winter 2014 - Agape House

AGAPE HOUSE
Winter 2014
Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry at San Diego State University
The 11th Annual Agape House
Chili Cook-off & Cookie Chill-off
A benefit for LutheranEpiscopal
Campus Ministry @ SDSU
Sunday, April 27
4:00-6:00pm
Christ Lutheran Church
4761 Cass Street (Pacific Beach)
Enjoy San Diego’s best chili and cookies!
Music, awards, door prizes, and free child care!
All are welcome—invite your friends and neighbors!
* Support Campus Ministry by making a donation today! Gifts received by the
end of the event will be credited toward your congregation’s entry.
Congregations raising the most money will receive bragging rights to the
highly coveted Golden Ladle and Golden Spatula awards! *
Please post/share this flyer, and contact us for more information:
Call 619-583-3972 or email [email protected]
(Thank you to Thrivent Financial for co-sponsoring this event!)
“God has told you, O mortal, what is good; over fifty years now, God continues to provide…
and what does the Lord require of you but to through you! Thank you!
do justice, to love kindly, and to walk humbly
In 2013 our funding from the Pacifica
with your God?” [Micah 6.8]
Synod and the ELCA churchwide organization
were stable for the first time in decades—
THANK YOU!!! Since that adds up to over 40%
The Agape House sign displays a student
paraphrase of this verse, and we are living into of our annual fund, this was an important moment
to catch our breath. We are also grateful that
that call on a new level. As we have recently
the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego has
reported, college student hunger and
remained faithful in their support. Because the
homelessness seems to be growing in the San
wider church ‘has our back’, we are recovering
Diego area. In fact, college students across the
from the blow of the recession.
country are having a harder time. Tuition and
fees have risen at many times the general rate of
However, last year support from
inflation, food stamps and other relief programs
fundraising and individual gifts were
have been cut, and housing costs have put
suddenly down 35% -- a total of nearly $17,000
affordable shelter out of reach for many. Check
below year 2012. Ouch! We are not sure what
out this recent article in the SDSU student
happened there, and we would appreciate the
newspaper for more details: http://
chance to speak with you about any concerns or
www.thedailyaztec.com/2014/01/homelesssuggestions you might have.
aztecs-find-little-aid-on-campus/
Of course, we look forward to an abundant
Fortunately, as we have begun gathering
gathering of gifts at the Chili Cook-off & Cookie
community and university leaders around this
Chill-off!
issue, we have seen a strong turnout. As our
We owe special thanks to the Pacifica
students share their stories of struggle, hope and Synod for the Threefold Cord campaign for
resilience, a growing cadre of servant-leaders is extra-mile support! And Thrivent Choice grants
beginning to rally a response. Thanks to a new
are up significantly. Thank you, Thrivent
partnership with faith-rooted community
members for those few minutes online that adds
organizers from Justice Overcoming
up to real money for ministry! (see our Thrivent
Boundaries (a Gamaliel affiliate), we are
flyer page for more info.)
expanding our efforts in this area. Students,
Of course we continue to be well-disciplined
university staff, and congregations are being
in our spending, and we spend more time finding
empowered to help, and you are most welcome
and applying for grants.
to join the rally around students in need.
To balance the rest of our costs, we had to
If and when the church shows up for
raise
facility and parking fees, take on an office
people in these vulnerable situations of life, it
tenant,
and ask more from students for special
waters the seeds of church renewal. We
events. Higher fees mean that students miss out
embody God’s gracious welcome of all people,
on our bigger events.
and in so doing, God provides the energy and
In these changing times, we count on the
talents to accomplish God’s good purpose for us.
abundance
that you share for the sake of
In this caring faith community, students who were
nearly defeated are discovering their worth, their students’ faith and developing sense of
power to affect change, and that they are blessed vocation. Thank you for all the ways that you
strengthen this outreach!
to be a blessing to others.
We thank you for your contributions to
this witness of God’s love in Christ on
campus! Every year is a bit of a juggling act to
balance about 8-10 separate streams of funding
into a sustainable ministry. Rather than anxious
striving, we always forge ahead by faith, and for
We Gratefully Remember
Our Dear Friend and Faithful Supporter...
Rena Rusted died on Monday, January 20, Gethsemane is written, the
2014, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. pastors of Gethsemane are
Here are a few words from her pastor, Gloria always mentioned. What is all
too often missed are people like
Espeseth:
Rena…may we remember her
“Rena served the church her entire
life among us with thanksgiving to God for
professional life. When she came to San Diego
calling and sustaining her life.”
for a warm weather retirement, she continued
Her Memorial Service was held at First
that service…on the Campus Ministry Board, as
Lutheran in Northwood, Iowa, on Saturday,
Secretary of Pacifica Synod, and in her life at
Gethsemane. She did not come to Gethsemane January 25th.
Remembrances and condolences may be
asking ‘What can the church do for me?’ but
sent to Rena’s sister, Helen Senne, 1361
rather, ‘How can I serve?’
Highway 105, Northwood, IA 54059.
She restarted our Sunday School (my son’s
first Sunday School teacher), served as
congregational President at the time of our
building program, sang in our choir, and went
calling in the neighborhood. When the history of
Rena, thank you from all of us at Agape
House for the many ways that you supported the
students of SDSU and the whole Pacifica Synod.
A Warm Welcome to Our New Staff Member
Agape House has always
been a place on campus
where I feel comfortable
and at ease. I have spent
countless hours studying
and hanging out with
friends at the lounge.
Now I am the new Agape
House Program Assistant,
and I couldn’t be more
excited! I feel honored that I get to be a part
of the Agape House staff because I love
what Agape House stands for. I like how it’s a
place of compassion, openness, and a
place that strives to help those less fortunate.
I recently went with a couple of students
from Agape House to Third Avenue
Charitable Organization (T.A.C.O.) to feed
the homeless in downtown. Seeing the
expressions of gratitude for the meals we
sometimes take for granted was powerful. It’s
experiences like these that make me all the
more excited to work at Agape House. I’m
looking forward to working with the rest of
the staff to plan fun events and volunteer
opportunities such as this!
I’m also looking forward to everything
that this Spring semester has to offer. From
work, classes, and my other student
organization Association of Chicana Activists
(A.Ch.A.) where I hold the Herstorian position,
I’m ready for it all!
2013 was an amazing year for
Agape House! We were blessed with
the support of many.
The individuals, families, and organizations that commit to monthly
financial contributions, help us to
help others. Agape House provides
outreach to San Diego State University students ranging from spiritual
support, to free Scantrons, to weekly
dinners, to monthly forums.
help of several people who donated
their time in the form of volunteering. These incredible individuals
assisted in everything from setting
up for our weekly dinners to helping
out at our fundraisers.
Everyone who has helped Agape
House in any way whether it be
through contributions, volunteering,
or used our facility in exchange for
service hours has become a part of
The organizations and companies our family!
who donated items for our annual
Please continue your support, or
Feast on the Mesa event helped us
begin to support your San Diego
raise funds for all our fun events
State University students and leave a
and services!
legacy of generosity and love.
We were also blessed with the
Thank You!
Thank you to our supporting Congregations &
Organizations
All Saints LC, San Diego
Ascension LC, San Diego
Atonement LC, San Diego
Atonement LC-Women, San Diego
Carlton Hills LC, San Diego
Christ LC, San Diego
Clairemont LC, San Diego
College LC, San Diego
Concordia College
Delta Chiropractic
Episcopal Diocese of San Diego
First LC, San Diego
Gethsemane LC, San Diego
Grace LC, Des Moines, WA
Hope LC, San Diego
LC of the Incarnation, Poway
Lemon Grove LC, Lemon Grove
Lutheran Community Foundation
Our Saviour’s LC, Ft. Collins, CO
Pacifica Synod, ELCA
Resurrection LC, Coronado
San Marcos LC, San Marcos
Shepherd of the Valley LC, La Mesa
Smith And Union LLC
St Andrews LC, San Diego
St Peter’s by the Sea LC, San Diego
Thrivent San Diego Chapter #30222
Thrivent South San Diego County Chapter
Transformational World Opportunities
University Lutheran Center, Brookings, SD
A Special Thank You To Our Generous
Contributors this past year...
Andy Taylor
Anita Reith
Anthony & Kristine Fillius
Bea Lathrop & Dudley Coke
Camelia McRae Gower
Carl Nelson
Carol Holler
Christian Meyer
James & Teresa Mathes
James E West
Jan & Tiffany Shawkey
Jan Neuhaus
Janis Peterson
Jean Overstreet
Jeffery & Shaunda Jacobson
Jennifer & Matt Fenner
Corita Cazares
Cynthia M & R Scott Page
Darin & Angie Johnson
David Ortiz
Deborah Attwood
Dennis & Shirley Brokaw
Donald & Carol Rutherford
Donald & Emilee Johnson
Donald & Shirley Owen
Doug & Tracy Provins
Edward Stockton & Karla SeybStockton
Elda Ramirez
Eleanor Bevege
Ellen & Mark Taylor
Elmer Seevers
EvE' Bond
Fielding McGehee & Rebecca
Moore
John Moore
Jay Nicholson
John & Marjorie Wahlsten
John & Mary Frisella
John Wheeler
Joyce Butler-Wurm & Larry
Wurm
June Mertz
Karen & Carl Denneson
Karen Marohn
Kate Walter
Kathleen Boeckelman
Kathleen E. Rios
Kenneth & Jacquelyn Hanson
Kevin & Chin Gannon
Kimeth & Candace Springer
Laurie Line
Leslie B & Timothy B Lucas
Lois Hellberg
Lois Yahr
Lorna Neuhaus
Floyd & Ruth Sedlund
Gina Seashore
John & Ginny Hovermale
Gloria Espeseth & Roger Nies
Helen Roberts
Herbert & Betty Jane Ruiz
Howard & Joan Kontje
Lyle & Pat Swanson
Lynn Nicholson
Mac & Connie Collins
Marcia Nelson
Marian Dunnick Privett
Mario Armstrong
Marlene Pommerenke
Mary & Douglas Swenson
Mary Klinger
Matthew & Stephanie
Boomhower
Melinda Wetherby
Michael Stone & Rebecca
Andrews
Nicole Owen
Philip Schey
Prudence Hay
Rachel Line
Radbeh Ravaz
Raymond & Gritli Granstedt
Rena Rustad
Rick & Deborah Schowalter
Robert Chell
Robert Montana & Teresa
Spoulos
Robert Schroeder
Sandra Boelter
Sandra J & Gary B McCauley
Sara Kamoei
Shirley Iverson Kirsten
Stacey Wolfson
Terri Robertson
Victoria Wilson
Wanda Davie
Wilbert (Wilk) & Dagmar Miller
William & Ruth Halter
William Stothers & Cynthia
Jones
We make an effort to recognize all our
donors, and sometimes we make
mistakes. We apologize for any errors or
omissions and ask your help to correct
them. Please send us any corrections on
the gift form or call 619-583-3972.
Thank you!
Easy Money from Thrivent Choice Dollars
Are you a member of Thrivent Financial?
If so, you can help Agape House automatically at no cost to you!
With the “Thrivent Choice” program, money is already set aside for you to
direct to Agape House. Agape House received $1,897.00 in fiscal year 2013 through
this program. To find out more and sign up, please go online to
thrivent.com/thriventchoice. It only takes about 3 minutes, and here are easy, stepby-step instructions to get this free money flowing to Agape House.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Online / Internet Instructions:
Step 1 — Visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice
Step 2 — Click on “Log In” at the top right of your screen.
Then enter your MyThrivent user ID and password. (If you haven’t registered on
Thrivent.com before, click on “register now.” to choose a user ID and password)
Step 3 — Click on the “MyThrivent” box in the upper left corner.
Step 4 — Click on “Direct Choice Dollars” in the Thrivent ChoiceSM box on MyThrivent page.
Step 5 — Under “Search Organizations” type “Lutheran Campus Center” & “San Diego” & “CA”
and Click on “Search”
Step 6 — If you are already using recurring direction and would like your Choice Dollars to continue
to automatically flow to Agape House, Click on “Set Up Recurring”. When the pop-up box
appears, Click on the square box to agree, and Click on the “Yes” bubble. Then Click on
“Done” and you are done!
Step 7 — OR, Click on “Direct Choice Dollars Now” to direct your designated Choice Dollars.
Phone Instructions:
Step 1— Call 1-800-847-4836 and when prompted, say, “Thrivent Choice.”
Step 2— When prompted, say, “Choice Dollars.”
Step 3— Say or enter your Social Security number.
Step 4— Press 1 to direct Choice Dollars,
or press 2 to hear the Thrivent Choice program terms and conditions.
Step 5— A representative will then work with you to direct Choice Dollars.
How to keep ‘free money’ flowing to Agape House:
Thrivent Financial is phasing out automatic distribution, so you will
need to login at least once a year (or at any time) to distribute your
Thrivent Choice Dollars to Agape House.
Thank you to Thrivent Financial
for supporting Agape House
campus ministry with
Thrivent Choice Dollars!
Your gifts in God’s hands are sure to change lives at Agape House!
Name ________________________________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________
E-mail ________________________________________
City ________________________________________ State _______ Zip __________
Agape/SDSU Alum? _______ (years _____________)
Thank you for your support of Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry at SDSU. 100% of your gift will be used at Agape House.
Please apply my gift of $____________ as follows:
General Ministry Fund
$_____________
Facility Improvement
$_____________
Other _____________________ $_____________
This gift is in Memory or Honor of:*
Please Check any that apply:
 Contact me about automatic donations
 Contact me about serving as a volunteer
 Contact me about making an in-kind or estate gift
Students, Alumni, Staff or Faculty for us to contact:
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________
*Please notify (name) __________________________________
____________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________________________________
(address) ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________
Please make checks payable to:
Agape House
(Please tear here  and return to Agape House)
Please return to:
Agape House, 5863 Hardy Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
or email: [email protected]
Ways for You to Give
Agape House is a qualified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, so your gifts are fully tax deductible within IRS limits.
Please contact your tax advisor to confirm current tax laws regarding charitable contributions as they apply to you.
Here are just a few creative ways that you can support the outreach of Agape House.
1. Gifts of Cash
Cash contributions are an itemized deduction in the
year you make the donation, up to 50% of your
adjusted gross income (IRS rules are subject to
change). Excess charitable deductions can be
carried forward for up to five additional years.
2. Congregational Pledges
Suggest including or increasing Agape House
support in your congregation’s annual spending
plan (budget). Even one-half of one percent of your
budget can make a big difference!
3. Donation of Assets
By donating appreciated assets such as real estate,
stocks, bonds, mutual funds, coins, etc., you will
build up our ministry for years to come. There also
may significant tax benefits in gifting property.
4. Donations of Materials, Labor, etc.
Call to learn about current and upcoming projects.
5. Wills and Bequests
Planned giving in wills, trusts, life insurance and
retirement plans are means to leave a legacy of
ministry while benefitting you and your heirs by
saving on estate and other taxes.
6. Memorials
One way to express lasting gratitude for people who
have shaped your life is by giving a gift in their
name and/or to a purpose close to their heart.
7. Corporate Matching Gifs
Your company or employer may already have a
matching program in place that will multiply your
gift, even if you are retired. Find out how to multiply
your support by contacting your human resources
department.
8. Challenge Gifts
Consider challenging others to grow in their giving
by offering to match their gifts.
Lutheran Campus Council
of San Diego, California
5863 Hardy Avenue
San Diego, CA 92115
NONPROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
SAN DIEGO CA
PERMIT NO. 2406
Return Service Requested
Agape House - Lutheran-Episcopal
Campus Ministry at San Diego State U.
Board of Directors:
Teresa Spoulos, President
Cyndi Jones, Vice President
Bea Lathrop, Treasurer & Staff Advisor
Pat Swanson, Secretary
Ryan Frisella, Student Org. President
Campus Ministry Staff:
Darin Johnson, Campus Pastor
Patricia ‘Patty’ Ruiz, Campus Ministry Assistant
Jessica Marin, Program Assistant
Radbeh ‘Rod’ Ravaz, Resident Assistant
www.agapehousesdsu.org
619.583.3972
[email protected]
Call for Worship & Small Group Events:
Wednesdays, 6:00pm Dinner
Volunteer with T.A.C.O. 3pm Mondays & 8am
Fridays
Upcoming Special Events:
02/06—Student Poverty Meeting with Justice
Overcoming Boundaries (JOB) 11am
02/14—St. Valentine’s Day
02/21—Student group Day Hike
02/28—Staff & Faculty Luncheon
03/05—Ash Wednesday Worship at Noon
Save The Date!
Chili Cook-off & Cookie Chill-off
Sunday, April 27, 2014