Welcome Events, New OSRL Staff, and Upcoming Programs
Welcome Events, New OSRL Staff, and Upcoming Programs
 
 News and Programs 08.20.21
OSRL Staff Masked
Welcome Back to Spiritual Life at Emory
The Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) is delighted to welcome you (back) to campus for the new academic year. Over the past year we have added a number of chaplains and staff to our team to better support our religious and philosophical diversity and all of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni across Emory's many Schools. 
To learn more about our multifaith team and their backgrounds and particular roles, please read their biographies here or at the button below. 
OSRL Team Biographies
Spiritual Life Resource Fair
Spiritual Life Resource Fair
Tuesday, August 24, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Cox Hall Bridge (Rain Location: Cannon Chapel) 
Join us on Cox Hall Bridge to meet chaplains, student leaders, and affiliates from Emory's many spiritual communities. Connect with resources for spirituality, community, and social justice for your time here at Emory. All are welcome. Learn more here. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu
Upcoming Programs
Muslim Move-in Jumu'ah Prayers
Friday, August 20, 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join Emory OSRL for Friday Prayers as you return to campus. For questions, please contact isam.vaid@emory.edu
Hillel Move-in Shabbat
Friday, August 20, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center 
Welcome to Emory. Whether you are a freshmen or a returning student we are so happy that you are here and ready to kick off the year with us. Please join us for a welcome back Shabbat dinner. Parents are more than welcome to join but please make sure to RSVP so we have enough food. RSVP here
Chabad Move-in Shabbat Dinner Party
Friday, August 20, 8:00 p.m., 1526 N Decatur Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Meet other freshman and their families. All visiting family and friends are welcome. Southern BBQ brisket, chicken and much more Our dinners are candle lit and always begin with a cup of wine. Sponsored by Chabad at Emory
MEOR Move-in Shabbat Shabbat Dinner
Friday, August 20, 8:00 p.m., 1582 Nantahalla Court, Atlanta, GA 30329
Join MEOR for Shabbat Dinner (no services) at 8:00 p.m. RSVP at yfleshel@meor.org
University Catholic Center Drop-In Meet and Greet
Saturday, August 21, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Monday, August 23, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday, August 24, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.; Wednesday, August 25, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; University Catholic Center at Emory University, 1753 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA
Welcome, class of 2025. Once you've settled into your dorm, swing by the University Catholic Center to meet some of our staff and student leaders, pick up a free welcome packet, and get a peek inside our "home away from home." Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Chabad Shabbat Morning Services and Lunch
Saturday, August 21, 11:00 a.m., Chabad at Emory
Join us for services at 11:00 a.m., with lunch following at 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Chabad at Emory
Catholic Reconciliation
Sunday, August 22, 8:00 a.m. -8:45 a.m., Cannon Chapel 
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation is available before Mass every week, sponsored by the University Catholic Center. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Catholic Sunday Mass and Reception
Sunday, August 22, 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m., Cannon Chapel 
Students and parents are welcome at a reception with donuts and coffee following the 9:00 am Sunday Mass, sponsored by the University Catholic Center. Get to know new and returning students and the local Catholic community following Mass. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Beloved Community
Chaplain Maddie Henderson, Christian Chaplain
Chaplain Maddie Henderson, OSRL Christian Chaplain
Maury Allums, Music Director, Office of Spiritual and Religious Life
Maury Allums, OSRL Music Director
First Beloved Community Protestant Worship Service of theYear
Sunday, August 22, 11:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel (Followed by Lunch)
Beloved Community gathers each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Eastern during the academic year. Worship is ecumenical and planned especially for the campus setting, providing a variety of worship experiences for the Emory community.
Preachers include Emory chaplains, Emory faculty, and distinguished guests from the U.S. and abroad. For questions, to get involved, and/or to join the Beloved Community elist, please contact Chaplain Maddie Henderson at madelyn.mary.henderson@emory.edu.
Jewish Life Bagel Brunch
Sunday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center 
Join Hillel, Chabad, Meor, and the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life as we host a Jewish student activities fair. Come learn about all the different ways you can become involved in Jewish life at Emory. Parents are welcome to join. Learn more here.  
Bread Coffeehouse Open House
Sunday, August 22, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., 1227 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30307
We'll be grilling hot dogs, burgers, and veggie burgers. Come by to see the house and meet our staff! Learn more about Bread Coffeehouse here
Catholic Reconciliation
Sunday, August 22, 5:00 p.m.- 5:45 p.m., Cannon Chapel
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation is available before Mass every week, sponsored by the University Catholic Center. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Catholic Sunday Mass and Reception
Sunday, August 22, 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m., Cannon Chapel 
Students and parents are welcome at a reception following the 6:00 pm Sunday Mass, sponsored by the University Catholic Center. Get to know new and returning students and the local Catholic community following Mass. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Hillel King of Pops on Campus
Tuesday, August 24, 10:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Cox Hall Bridge 
Join us on campus from 10am-12:30pm on August 24 to meet the Hillel staff, grab a swag bag, and cool off with some of Atlanta's famous King of Pops. We will be there until we run out. Sponsored by Emory Hillel.
Compassion Meditation
Compassion Meditation Group
Wednesdays starting August 25, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Room 106, Cannon Chapel, or Via Zoom
The Wednesday Compassion Meditation Group is open to everyone: undergraduate and graduate students,  faculty and staff from all schools and divisions of Emory, as well as to friends from the broader community.
We gather for the sake of compassion, engaging a range of meditation practices that draw on several contemplative traditions. Forms of practice include: resting attention on the breath, progressive relaxation of the body, calm abiding in the present moment, walking meditation, compassion and loving-kindness toward self and others, nature-related practices, and more. Beginners to experienced meditators are welcome! Teachers are trained and knowledgeable. 
We begin with brief self-introductions and continue with a guided meditation practice lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. The remaining time is given to reflections about the practice we just did, questions, and discussions of how this practice is relevant to daily life. We end promptly at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome. Join us in person or email Bobbi Patterson (bpatter@emory.edu). 
RUF Welcome Back Party
Wednesday, August 25, 7:00 p.m., Brooks Commons in Canon Chapel
Come meet new people, catch up with friends, and enjoy some food and drinks. Sponsored by Reformed University Fellowship
MEOR Sushi Social
Thursday, August 26, 5:00-7:15 p.m. Rudolph Courtyard, Cannon Chapel
Come and eat great food and meet Emory MEOR. Come any time from 5:00-7:15 p.m. for sushi, Israeli salad, fruit, and cookies. RSVP at yfleshel@meor.org. 
Emory Buddhist Club
Emory Buddhist Club Guided Meditation
Thursdays, 6:00 p.m., Starting August 26, Cannon Chapel or Zoom
We will kick off the fall 2021 semester with a hybrid combined in person and online (same Zoom link) starting next Thursday, August 26 and every Thursday at 6:00 p.m., in Cannon Chapel and on Zoom, all are welcome either physically or virtually. Note: Emory policy is to wear face masks while indoors.
Please welcome Venerable Priya Sraman as the new Emory University Buddhist Chaplain. Venerable Priya hails from Bangladesh, ordained and trained as a monastic in Sri Lanka, did his college in Thailand and graduate school in Hong Kong, prior to coming to the US and earning a degree from Harvard Divinity School. Learn more about Venerable Priya here. 
Information Session GCF
Emory Graduate Christian Fellowship Information Session
Thursday, August 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Brooks Commons and Zoom
Learn more about GCF and how to get connected! RSVP: sign up here. Zoom link for virtual attendees
InterVarsity IV3D
Thursday, August 26, 7:30-9:00 p.m., Harris Parlor 
Join us for an inter-fellowship gathering (snacks and fun included) with Collegiate Black Christians (CBC), Asian Christian Fellowship (ACF), and Emory Christian Fellowship (ECF). For more information contact Melody Falter.
Catholic Fellowship and Adoration Night
Friday, August 27, 7:00-8:30 p.m., University Catholic Center (1753 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307) 
The Catholic Fellowship and Adoration Night is a student-led bible study focused on growing in faith and experiencing Christ's presence in our lives through the practice of adoring the Eucharist. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Catholic Welcome Back Hike at Stone Mountain
Saturday, August 28, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Departing from Freshman Quad or the SAAC on Clairmont Campus 
Join the University Catholic Center and fellow students for a chill hike at Stone Mountain. Meet up on the Freshman Quad or at the SAAC on Clairmont campus at 9:00 a.m. to carpool to downtown Stone Mountain for free entrance to the park. If you have a car and you're willing to drive (and be reimbursed for gas), contact Michael Zauche at mzauche@emory.edu. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Emory Hillel Rafting Trip
Sunday, August 29, 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. 
Join us as we raft down the Oconee River. The day will start with lunch at the rafting site and rafting will start at 12:30 p.m. You are responsible for driving there but if you do not have a car we can pair you up with someone who does. There is a $20 sign up fee. To pay, click here.
Get to Know Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church
Sunday, August 29, 5:00 p.m., Glenn Memorial UMC 
Join us on August 29 as we re-launch our Sunday evening worship service at 5:00 p.m. at Glenn Memorial UMC. We'll share a little about Glenn and the ways we want to support undergrads at Emory as well as have food and drink. Sponsored by Wesley at Emory
Catholic Student Union Leadership Interest Meeting
Sunday, August 29, 5:00-5:45 p.m., University Catholic Center (1753 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307) 
Are you interested in helping us plan events for this academic year? Join us and learn how you can become involved in the Leadership Team! Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Catholic Sunday Mass on the Lawn
Sunday, August 29, 6:00-7:00 p.m., University Catholic Center (1753 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307)
Join us for an outdoor Mass (weather permitting) followed by a delicious cookout where you can get to know other Catholics on campus, get involved, and find a community to support you! If it is raining, Mass will be held at Cannon Chapel. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Catholic Welcome Back Cookout
Sunday, August 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m., University Catholic Center (1753 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307) 
Welcome back to campus. Stay after Mass for free hamburgers and hot dogs and get to know other Catholics on campus, get involved, and find a community to support you. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
RUF First Large Group
Wednesday, September 1, 7:00 p.m., in Brooks Commons in Canon Chapel 
Come fellowship, worship, and hear from our Fall Sermon Series on the Gospel of John. Sponsored by Reformed University Fellowship
MSA "Travel the World Thursday"
Thursday, September 2, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Cox Hall Bridge 
Highlights different regions of the world and the Muslim Student Association will be partnering with College Council and various other South Asian related organizations to welcome students, share South Asian foods, and teach students about diverse cultures in the first event of this series. MSA will have ice cream and fun activities to participate in. Learn more about MSA here
Bread Coffeehouse First DBS of the Semester
Thursday, September 2, 7:30 p.m., 1227 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30307
Join Bread Coffeehouse for a free home-cooked meal, a live band, and our staff sharing stories from our lives and the Bible. Learn more about Bread Coffeehouse here
Hindu Students Association First Aarti and General Body Meeting
Friday, September 3, 5:00 p.m., Room106, Cannon Chapel. Sponsored by the Hindu Student Association
VOIS Flyer
First Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir Rehearsal of the Year
Friday, September 3, 6:00 p.m., White Hall 101
The Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir, Emory's longstanding and dynamic gospel choir, welcomes all who desire to praise God with song and serve as taught in God's word. They sing at Beloved Community Worship the fourth Sunday of each month at 11 a.m. in Cannon Chapel, offers one campus concert each semester, and sings at university events such as Baccalaureate and other occasions. In addition, VOIS has offered an annual service learning trip in the continental U.S. or abroad during Spring Break and sings at churches around Atlanta and performs acts of service locally.

The choir welcomes enthusiastic singers who want to explore or join in its ministry of music. Rehearsals take place weekly during the academic year on Fridays from 6-8 p.m. in White Hall 101, and will begin on September 3. For more information, please contact Mr. Maury Allums, OSRL Director of Music, at mallums@emory.edu.
Catholic Welcome Dinner
Friday, September 3, 6:00-7:00 p.m., University Catholic Center (1753 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307) 
Welcome back to campus. Join the Catholic Student Union  before Fellowship & Adoration Night for a free dinner cooked by Fr. John. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Catholic Fellowship and Adoration Night
Friday, September 3, 7:00-8:30 p.m., University Catholic Center (1753 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307) 
The Fellowship and Adoration Night is a student-led bible study focused on growing in faith and experiencing Christ's presence in our lives through the practice of adoring the Eucharist. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
Emory Graduate Christian Fellowship First Friday Dinner
Friday, September 3, 7:00 p.m., Brooks Commons
Welcome new graduate students and welcome back returning graduate students. Join Emory's Graduate Christian Fellowship for our first one of the fall semester. This will be an opportunity to connect with fellow graduate students at Emory. RSVP Here
Catholic Volunteering at the St. Francis Table Soup Kitchen
Saturday, September 4, 6:45 -11:00 a.m., Departing from the Freshman Quad and the SAAC on Clairmont Campus
Put your faith into action and join us in feeding nearly 500 people. Meet the Catholic Student Union on the Freshman Quad or at the SAAC on Clairmont campus by 6:45 a.m. to carpool. Sign up in advance with Michael Zauche at mzauche@emory.edu - limited to 10 people. If you have a car and you're willing to drive (and be reimbursed for gas), please let us know. Check www.emorycatholic.org for more info.
RUF Labor Day Tubing Event: Float and Fellowship
Monday, September 6, 9:00 a.m., Depart from AMUC Circle
Come float down the Chestatee River in North Georgia with us. Rides leave from the AMUC circle at 9 a.m. Expect to return to campus around 2:00 p.m. Cost is $5 with lunch provided. Fill out this form to RSVP by Friday, September 3. Sponsored by Reformed University Fellowship
First International Community Friday Lunch of the Year
Friday, September 10, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Brooks Commons
All Emory international students and scholars are invited to join us for our first International Community Friday Lunch of the year. These lunches provide a space for international students and scholars to build community and receive support for their physical, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing and build multifaith and intercultural friendships. RSVP required so that we have enough food (link coming soon). For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu
Off Campus Programs
Contemplative Series
Interfaith Atlanta Contemplative Series
Wednesdays, 12:00p.m.-12:30p.m., on Zoom , passcode 060135
Join Interfaith Atlanta for a midday respite focused on peace, compassion and kindness. This program seeks to provide sanctity and perspective to participants, with new facilitators each week.  Learn more here
Partner Programs
InvolvEU Flyer

SILT InvolvEU Student Activities Fair

August 29 1:00-4:00 p.m., August 30-September 1, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Stop by the McDonough Field, Plaza, and Promenade to meet various organizations, offices, and partners of Emory. Learn about opportunities to get involved on campus and meet new people. 
Tuesday, August 31 will showcase Emory's religious and philosophical organizations. 
Opportunities and Resources
REL 170: Studying Religion at Emory Course
Wednesday evenings from 7:00–8:40 p.m. via Zoom
This 2-credit course introduces students to the wide range of course topics, traditions, themes, and approaches in the study of religion at Emory. Students will be treated to a presentation and engaged teaching session by one of Emory University’s many scholars of religion. Students will get a taste of the variety of methods used by these scholars in their study of religion — including literary, historical, philosophical, anthropological, art historical, cultural, and sociological approaches. Topics may cover major religious traditions such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Taoism, or African religions. Themes will introduce particular lenses such as gender, sexuality, race, ethics, politics, or media through which to consider religion. 
Register on Course Atlas.
Weekly Gatherings
Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
There are a plethora of weekly religious and philosophical gatherings offered at Emory. Many of them are listed here and at the button below.
Can't find what you are looking for? Contact many of our undergraduate and graduate communities directly or contact our religious life affiliates and OSRL staff.
For questions, or to add an item to our weekly gatherings page, please email religiouslife@emory.edu.
Weekly Gatherings
Upcoming Religious Holidays
These events are drawn from the multifaith calendar maintained by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at Harvard Divinity School. To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, please click here.
Raksha Bandan
Sat., Aug. 21, 2021
Tradition: Hinduism
Also abbreviated to Rakhi, it is the Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love. It is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Sravana in the lunar calendar.

Krishna Janmashtami (Sri Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami)
Sun., Aug. 29, 2021
Tradition: Hinduism
Celebrates the birthday of Krishna. According to the Hindu epics, Krishna was the eighth incarnation of the God Vishnu, opposed to the demon Kansa, who was responsible for the increase of evil in the world. Worship of Krishna is characteristically expressed in dance and song.

Paryusana Festival
Fri., Sep. 3 – Fri., Sep. 10, 2021
Tradition: Jainism
Considered the holiest period of the year, these eight days are marked for Jains by fasting, meditation, prayer and public readings of the life story of Lord Mahavira. Observed especially by the followers of the Shvetambara sect, Paryusana concludes on Samvatsari, the most solemn occasion of self-scrutiny and forgiveness. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word or thought.
Rosh Hashanah
Mon., Sep. 6 – Wed., Sep. 8, 2021
Tradition: Judaism
The Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world, Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe (also known as the Ten Days of Repentance) that conclude on Yom Kippur. It marks the beginning of the holiest time of the year for Jews.
Emory OSRL Enews is published weekly during term by the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life publicizing Atlanta-campus spiritual life programs. It is not a comprehensive listing. For Oxford College spiritual life, please click here. To submit information or to update your preferences, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
 
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