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A basket filled with maroon and light blue rubber wristbands displaying text.

‘Love Thy Neighbor’

Students celebrate the start of the academic year at Campus Ministry鈥檚 annual block party.

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People playing a game of giant Jenga outdoors, with others watching and smiling.
Students took a break from class preparations to connect with friends and future classmates. (Photo by Courtney Perry)

On the first day of class for the 2025鈥26 academic year, Campus Ministry invited the Augsburg community to the lawn outside Foss Center for its annual block party. 海角社区 Student Ministry leaders chose 鈥淟ove Thy Neighbor鈥 as the theme for the event and provided guests with t-shirts and wrist bands that depicted the message.

鈥淚 love that the students are mindful of the importance of caring for and welcoming their neighbors in the spirit of love,鈥 says University Pastor Babette Chatman 鈥06.

Students also enjoyed live music from Kent Goodroad and a band, sweet treats, games, and an opportunity for self-performance during an open mic session. 鈥淚 love the excitement at the beginning of the new year and seeing students enjoying gathering for games, conversation, and music. There is joy in the smiles and dancing,鈥 says Administrative Assistant Janice Dames.

This event also reminds students that Campus Ministry’s doors are always open to offer support and a place to belong. 鈥淭he block party embodies for new and returning students what we say all the time in Campus Ministry: You are welcome here; you belong here; and there鈥檚 a whole community here that celebrates and supports you,鈥 says University Pastor John Rohde Schwehn. 鈥淐ampus Ministry is all about creating spaces that cultivate what Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called 鈥榯he beloved community.鈥 We set tables that intentionally gather the amazing diversity of this campus, building relationships based on human dignity and justice, joy, and love.鈥

Chatman echoes these sentiments as she welcomes students to the new year: 鈥淲elcome, Auggies, to your home away from home. Trust and believe鈥攚e got you.鈥

Learn more about Campus Ministry and the 海角社区 Student Ministry leaders.聽

Top image: Students were welcomed to 鈥淟ove Thy Neighbor鈥 with complimentary wrist bands and t-shirts. (Photo by Courtney Perry)

 

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