Ecumenical Christian Service with Rev. Jonathan Young-Scaggs, Housing Service Center Supervisor for Escondido Village, Preaching.

Rev Jonathan Young-Scaggs was born in Illinois and raised in the humble Midwest city of Kansas City, MO. A fan of baseball, he played catcher during the summer leagues sponsored by the local YMCA. Later in High School he developed a love for both cross country and middle and long distance running.

College athletics proved not to be a solid choice, and the academic work took priority. Initially studying Chemical Engineering, he finished a double bachelor’s degree in political science and history. His Master’s degree from Boston University in 2004 at the School of Theology.

Since he has spent 9 years in public education as a mathematics teacher. Today he works at Stanford University. His marriage of 30 years has been a highpoint. Rev Dr Sakena Young-Scaggs is the Sr Associate Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life and Pastor of Memorial Church and the work both the Revs do together interacts with the student body residents of Ujamaa House, the Black Diasporic Theme House where they serve as the Resident Fellows. Parent to 3 children – all grown, and 3 granddaughters.

The Revs, as they are known to the residents, are active in the lives of the students doing all we can to encourage and nurture the next generation of young minds. This is our work at Stanford, this is what we love to do, this is how we impact the world, seeking a better place for them in their futures.

Ordained by the African Methodist Church in 1006, Rev Jon has pastored churches in Massachusetts, Arizona, and Rhode Island. His favorite scripture is John 16:33; “I have told you these things so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble But take heart, I have overcome the world.

University Public Worship gathers weekly for the religious, spiritual, ethical, and moral formation of the Stanford community. Rooted in the history and progressive Christian tradition of Stanford’s historic Memorial Church, we cultivate a community of compassion and belonging through ecumenical Christian worship and occasional multifaith celebrations. Doors open at 10:30 am.