A living altar for Christ at Santa Cruz
Faithful witness. Holy fire. Wisdom for the campus.
Watch Altars at Santa Cruz exists to establish a living altar of prayer, worship, Scripture, holiness, wisdom, and Gospel witness in one of the world's most influential university communities — forming students who love Jesus, pursue truth, and carry light into every residence hall, classroom, lab, and public square.
A forming chapter — new gatherings and teams are launching this year. Come help build the altar.
Two ministries. One altar.
Watch Altars at Santa Cruz shares the same architecture as every Watch Altars chapter — expressed through Santa Cruz's own community. Find the ministry that fits your season.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate Ministry
First-years, transfers, and continuing students — welcomed into fellowship near the residence halls and across campus. Discipleship cohorts, academic fellowships, witness teams, and prayer rhythms for the undergraduate life.
- First-Year Welcome
- Transfer Students
- Residential Network
- Discipleship Cohorts
Graduate & Professional
Graduate & Professional
One unified fellowship for master's, doctoral, professional-school, and postdoctoral scholars — plus student families and couples. Bible study, research & vocation, professional formation, and prayer for the life of the mind.
- Grad Bible Study
- Research & Vocation
- Professional Schools
- Students & Families
A weekly rhythm of prayer & witness
A shared cadence across the week. As a forming chapter, gathering days are set — exact rooms and times are confirmed after campus reservation approval and posted on our channels.
Morning Prayer Watch
the Great Meadow / outdoor & online
Discipleship Cohorts
University Center / library-adjacent
Main Bible Study
Wheeler / Dwinelle area
Faith, Truth & Public Witness Forum
McHenry / S&E Library / University Center
Prayer & Worship Night
University Center / Bay Tree Building
Outreach, Mercy & Service
Quarry Plaza / downtown Santa Cruz
Church Connection
Local partner churches
Serve on a ministry team
Every believer has a place to serve. These functional teams carry the work of the altar across both the undergraduate and graduate ministries.
Prayer & Spiritual Growth
Intercession, prayer watches & formation.
Worship
Praise nights & worship teams.
Discipleship & Bible Study
Cohorts, small groups & teaching.
Evangelism & Outreach
Witness teams on Quarry Plaza & beyond.
Media & Communications
Story, design & social presence.
Technology & Innovation
Tools, apps & digital ministry.
Academic Excellence & Tutoring
Study support & scholarship.
Creative Arts
Art, film & creative expression.
Missions
Local & global Gospel witness.
A student-led chapter
Watch Altars at Santa Cruz is a student-led campus chapter of Watch Altars and is separate from the University of California, Santa Cruz. We are a forming community — many gatherings and teams are launching this year, and details are confirmed as rooms and leaders are approved. Come and help us build the altar.