“Love Thy Neighbor”

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

“I love that the students are mindful of the importance of caring for and welcoming their neighbors in the spirit of love,” says University Pastor Babette Chatman ’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. “I 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,” says Administrative Assistant Janice Dames.

This event also reminds students that the department’s doors are always open to offer support and a place to belong. “The 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’s a whole community here that celebrates and supports you,” says University Pastor John Rohde Schwehn. “Campus Ministry is all about creating spaces that cultivate what Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called ‘the beloved community.’ We set tables that intentionally gather the amazing diversity of this campus, building relationships based on human dignity and justice, joy, and love.”

Chatman echoes these sentiments as she welcomes students to the new year: “Welcome, Auggies, to your home away from home. Trust and believe—we got you.”

Learn more about Campus Ministry and the Augsburg University Student Ministry leaders. 

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