 |
Emory OSRL Recap: Ash Wednesday Service
On Wednesday, March 5, Emory Christian Life and the Candler School of Theology hosted an Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service to mark the beginning of the Lenten season with prayer, scripture, and the imposition of ashes. A reflection was provided by Dr. Roger S. Nam, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Candler School of Theology. The service was hosted by OSRL Christian Chaplain, The Rev. Maddie Herlong, and musical meditations were provided by OSRL Director of Music, Mr. Maury Allums.
See below for a Lenten message from The Rev. Maddie Herlong, Emory Christian Chaplain.
| |
Lent
Wednesday, March 5 – Thursday, April 17, 2025
The season of Lent is a season of fasting and preparing our hearts for Holy Week, culminating in Easter. Lent began as a season of preparation for those who would be baptized as Christians on Easter. Through prayer and fasting, they prepared both their body and soul for the sacrament of baptism. Today, we follow in this tradition by fasting or taking on a spiritual practice from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday. These 40 days (not counting the Sundays) are a time to repent and turn our hearts to God. I invite you to consider a spiritual practice for this season. Below are some examples of practices and some resources for you.
| |
Goizueta Business School Adds New Prayer Room
Emory OSRL has worked with the Goizueta Business School to identify and outfit a new Prayer and Meditation Room, located in Room 431. The room includes prayer rugs, meditation cushions, sacred texts and religious goods, soft seating, and information about spiritual life on campus. It is located just down the hall from two washrooms. For more information, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
| |
Ramadan Weeknight Iftars 2025
Weeknights, March 3 - March 7, 6:30 pm; and March 17 - March 28, 7:40 pm
Ramadan Kareem and Mubarak! We had a wonderful first week of Ramadan iftars in Cannon Chapel. We are grateful to the OSRL staff, MSA student leaders and volunteers, special guest Vice Provost Dr. Carol Henderson, Dean Kimberly Arriola, members of the Emory Inter-Religious Council who have participated.
The Muslim month of Ramadan spans March 1-March 29, 2025. During this time, many Emory Muslim students, faculty, and staff will be observing with daily fasting from dawn through the sunlight hours and nightly iftar communal prayers and dinner.
On Atlanta campus, Emory Muslim Life, MSA, GMSC, and other sponsors will host weeknight Ramadan Iftars with fast-breaking, call to prayer, prayers, and a halal buffet dinner. Emory Muslim students, faculty, and staff do not need to register, but guests should register by emailing the Muslim Chaplain Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov at rahimjon.abdugafurov@emory.edu. Location changes will be shared on the Emory Muslim Life elist here: http://bit.ly/EmoryMuslimElist
Please note there will not be weeknight iftars during Spring Break (March 10-14). We thank the OSRL staff, MSA leaders, and all of our campus partners for their hard work and dedication to celebrating Ramadan.
| |
Eid al-Fitr 2025
Saturday, April 12, 6:00-10:00 p.m., McDonough Field
Join us for Eid al-Fitr 2025, "Gardens of Islam" on Saturday, April 12. Tickets are available for purchase now on the Transact app. All proceeds go towards the Save the Children charity. We hope to see you there. Tickets on TransAct now.
Co-sponsored by Muslim Students Association, Dooley After Dark, and Emory OSRL Muslim Life.
| |
#RedFlags: In Relationships and Spiritual or Religious Groups
Thursday, March 20, 12:30 p.m., Swoop Room, Alumni Memorial University Center (AMUC)
Relationship harm can happen to anyone at any point in their life. Join the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life and the Office of Respect for an interactive experience to learn how to spot healthy and unhealthy behaviors in interpersonal and group relationships.
| |
Flourishing Fellows: Community Supper
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 North Decatur Road
Join the Flourishing Fellows Community Supper for a family-style sit-down dinner on the theme of "Petals and Plates." Bring your springtime spirit and be ready to share your favorite warm-weather actcivity with the group. More information and the RSVP form is available here.
| |
Emory University Chaplaincy: Emory Day of Giving
Wednesday, March 26-Thursday, March 27, 2025
The Emory University Chaplaincy provides opportunities for spiritual, religious, and philosophical life and exploration for all Emory students, faculty, and staff. Our multifaith team and campus spiritual communities enrich the campus community by offering opportunities for worship, prayer, meditation, education, service, social justice engagement, and pastoral care.
For Emory Day of Giving, we are highlighting these giving opportunities:
- Gifts to the Center for Religious Life (Interfaith Center) support the ongoing programming of the Emory Interfaith Center, which includes dialogue events, special holiday celebrations, and more.
- Gifts to the Journeys of Reconciliation Endowment Fund support an interfaith travel program for students, faculty, and staff to learn about peace and social justice issues in the world.
- Gifts to the Inter-Religious Council support weekly gatherings of 25 representatives of undergraduate Atlanta-campus spiritual organizations for dialogue and building interfaith leadership.
- Gifts to the Voices of Inner Strength Choir support Emory’s longstanding and dynamic gospel choir in their ministry of music through semesterly performances.
- Gifts to the Dean’s Discretionary Fund support students, faculty, staff, and community members in need, charitable causes, and proposals that reach beyond other initiatives.
- You can also designate your support for Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, or Muslim programs, which will support the expansion and deepening of community-specific leadership and programming.
| |
|
Midweek Musical Meditation
Wednesdays during term starting January 22, 12:00-12:15 p.m., Zoom or Facebook Live
All are invited to reflect and decompress in a mid-week, mid-day time of sacred music. Join Maury Allums, Director of Music, and the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in taking a moment to breathe and connect with others in our community.
| |
Midweek Musical Meditation 2.26.25
| |
Emory Buddhist Club: Movie Night
Friday, March 7, 5:00 p.m., 1707 N. Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307
Join the Emory Buddhist Club on Friday, March 7, on the ground Floor of the Interfaith Center for EBC movie night. They will be watching ‘Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds’ and having a bit of a discussion after. Dinner will be provided but it will be first come first serve.
| |
Graduate Christian Fellowship: First Friday Dinner
Friday, March 7, 7:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center
Join us March 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Emory Interfaith Center (new location). The interfaith center is located at the corner of Clifton Rd and North Decatur Rd (1707 N Decatur Rd). Please RSVP here.
Graduate Christian Fellowship: Academic Journey Dinner
Saturday, March 22, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Millers' Home
Save the date, March 22nd, for our next Academic Journey Dinner at the Millers' House. It will feature a talk from a Chemistry professor about how his faith has impacted his research and work/ life. Please RSVP here.
| |
Health 1234 Program and Center for the Study of Human Health: Sound Bath Meditation
Monday, March 17, 6:00 p.m., R. Randall Rollins Building, Room P01, 1516 Clifton Road
Experience deep relaxation and guided thought exploration through the power of sound. Hosted by certified sound bath practitioner Mrs. Noni Keyton from the Health 1234 program at the Center for the Study of Human Health, this session begins with intentional breathwork, leading into a soothing blend of frequencies and vibrations designed to create space for clarity and restoration. No experience needed—just come as you are and let the sounds guide you. RSVP here. For questions, email noni.keyton@emory.edu.
| |
Chabad at Emory: Shabbat 770
Friday, March 21, 2025
Join Chabad at Emory for largest Shabbat dinner in Emory's history. Text host to 404-999-7787.
| |
Clothing Swap
March 27-29, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., McDonough Plaza
Let go of what no longer serves you and welcome something new. Bring clothes ready for a fresh home and discover pre-loved treasures from your peers. No need to bring items to participate.
Sponsored by Emory Buddhist Club. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to uwijetu@emory.edu.
| |
Emory Beloved Community: Holy Week and Easter 2025
April 13-20, Cannon Chapel
Join Emory's Office of Spiritual and Religious Life for Holy Week and Easter April 13-20, 2025. Palm Sunday's worship will be led by Hannah Shultz at 11:00 a.m. Good Friday's worship will be led by The Rev. Dr. Tonya L. Miles at Noon. And Easter Sunday's service will be led by UMC Bishop Robin Dease at 11:00 a.m. Please click here to learn more. Sponsored by the Emory Christian Chaplaincy.
With questions, please contact Emory OSRL Christian Chaplain, The Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
| |
University Catholic Center
For Holy Week updates and service times, please refer to the University Catholic Center website here.
Orthodox Christian Holy Week and Easter
For more information about Emory and local observances of Orthodox Holy Week and Easter, please contact Emory Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong or the Emory Orthodox Christian Fellowship here.
| |
Buddhist Guided Meditation
Thursday, March 6, 6:00-7:15 p.m., Cannon Chapel Room 106 and Zoom
Join us for Buddhist meditation. You may also come early starting at 5:15 p.m. for a period of community and snacking while we prepare for the meditation session at 6:00 p.m. Please feel free to enjoy the provided snacks and tea before and/or after the session. You are welcome to stay after to continue discussion.
Zoom option: https://emory.zoom.us/j/515025945.
For questions, please contact: Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman, psraman@emory.edu.
This meditation will be led by Sister Khema. Sister Khema is a Buddhist nun born in Vietnam. She is currently interning as a chaplain doing clinical pastoral education (CPE) at Emory Cancer Institute. Sister Khema is a member of the Quan The Am Buddhist Temple of Georgia which is a Vietnamese nunnery serving Buddhist communities in Georgia. Before coming to the US, Sister Khema studied and practiced in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
| |
Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers
Fridays, 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Friday Prayers followed by a hot halal Ummah lunch during term in Brooks Commons. Join the Emory Muslim Life elist here.
| |
Hindu Aarti
Fridays during Term, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join Emory's Hindu Chaplaincy and the Hindu Students Association for weekly Aarti prayers and community.
| |
Hillel at Emory: Shabbat
Fridays during Term, Services 6:30 p.m., Dinner, 7:00 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center, 735 Gatewood Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Join Hillel at Emory for Shabbat services and dinner. RSVP here. Sponsored by Hillel at Emory.
Chabad at Emory: Shabbat
Fridays during Term, Services 6:30 p.m., Dinner 7:00 p.m., 1500 N Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30306
Join fellow Emoryites and experience Shabbat at Chabad. A perfect blend of gourmet food, spirited singing, friendly schmoozing, and inspired ideas. RVSP is a must. Text “Shabbat Dinner” to 404.999.7787 to register. Sponsored by Chabad at Emory. Learn more here.
| |
University Catholic Center: Sunday Masses
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Sunday Masses on campus.
| |
Beloved Community Christian Worship and Free Lunch
Sundays during Term Starting January 19, 11:00 a.m. Service; Noon Lunch, Cannon Chapel
Emory Beloved Community is a weekly ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community, held in Cannon Chapel and followed by a free lunch. All Emory students, faculty and staff are welcome. For questions, please contact Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
| |
Beloved Community Bible Study
Tuesdays, Starting January 21, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
For questions, please contact Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
| |
Mindfulness Circle at Interfaith Center
Mondays starting January 27, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Meditation Room, 1707 N. Decatur Road
Facilitated by Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman, the Mindfulness Circle is a space exclusively for Emory students to practice mindfulness as a group. Every Monday during the semester, we will engage in a mindfulness exercise followed by conversations around the practices of mindfulness. Light refreshments will be provided.
| |
Buddhist Worship
Tuesdays during Term Starting January 28, 1:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Shrine Room, 1707 N Decatur Road
Welcome to the weekly Buddhist worship service where we recite traditional Buddhist chants/texts. We will gather in the Shrine Room of the Emory Interfaith Center for contemplation, worship, and discussion if there is any question regarding the practice/chant/text.
Chants/texts in Pali and English will be available. If you prefer a text in a different language (e.g. Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, etc.) please reach out to Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Sraman in advance. No prior Buddhist background is required to attend and we welcome all Emory students interested in learning more about Buddhism or connecting with the Buddhist community. For questions, please contact Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Sraman at psraman@emory.edu.
| |
Quaker Silent Worship
Wednesdays during term, 4:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Room 106
Emory students, faculty and staff are welcome to a meeting for silent worship in the manner of Friends. You may join in the spirit of worship, or simply to share in mindful quiet. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact Derek Harootune Otis, derek.harootune.otis@emory.edu, (they/them).
| |
Emory Orthodox Christian Fellowship Faith and Falafel
Every Wednesday during term, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Room 314
Come for the falafel, stay for the conversation. Join us every Wednesday night from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Cannon Chapel 314 for free falafel sandwiches, fellowship, and rich discussion.
Bring youself, your friends, and a curious mind. All are welcome, no matter your faith. Join us as we get to know each other, study the spiritual life of the apostles, and grow in Christ together–week by week. We can't wait to meet you–each week brings something new. You can learn more or RSVP here or email samuel.salameh@emory.edu.
| |
International InterVarsity ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Classes
Thursdays, 6:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Room 314
The International InterVarsity Fellowship (IIF) is sponsoring free ESL Class
(English for Speakers of Other Languages) with iInstructor David Miller, M.A.,(has taught at Georgia Tech, Univ of Michigan,
Northeastern Univ, and MIT). These classes will include both informal conversation
and “Technical English Workout": Pronunciation Accuracy, Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, Fluency,
Listening/Reading Comprehension, Culture. Registration is available here. For questions, visit the IIF Instagram page here.
| |
Office of Respect: Call for Submissions for Take Back the Night event
Submissions due March 17,
Event to be held on April 3
Take Back the Night (TBTN) is the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence in all forms. Invited to submit proposals for artistic expression - spoken word, dance, singing, or visual art - to be a part of the event. Applications will close on March 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. and are available here.
The Emory Office Of Respect is also collecting anonymous student survivor stories that will be read by a participating Emory staff member. Anonymous stories can be submitted here.
Save the date to join us for this evening of supporting survivors, educating our community and empowering change on April 3.
| |
Carlos Reads: A Selection of Jain Texts
Monday, March 17, 2025, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
In conjunction with Call and Response, Ellen Gough, associate professor in the Department of Religion, whose work focuses on ritual, sacred space, narratives, and material culture, will lead discussions over two evenings (March 17 and March 31), on a selection of writings on Jainism that explore historical texts, traditional stories, memoirs, and contemporary interpretations. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Fee: $20 for members; $30 for nonmembers and includes a bound physical copy of all reading selections.
More information and registration link is available here.
| |
Fox Center for Humanistic inquiry: Finding God in All the Black Places
Wednesday, March 19, 7:00 p.m., Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
The Emory Digital Publishing in the Humanities initiative and the Auburn Avenue Research Library welcome Dr. Beretta Smith-Shomade in conversation with Dr. Nsenga Burton for a discussion of Smith-Shomade's new book Finding God in All the Black Places: Sacred Imaginings in Black Popular Culture.
In Finding God in All the Black Places, Dr. Smith-Shomade contends that Black spirituality and Black church religiosity are the critical crux of Black popular culture. She argues that cultural, community, and social support live within the Black church and that spirit, art, and progress are deeply entwined and seal this connection. Including the work of artists such as Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Prince, Spike Lee, and Oprah Winfrey, the book examines contemporary Black television, film, music and digital culture to demonstrate the role, impact, and dominance of spirituality and religion in Black popular culture.
Following the talk, please join us for a catered reception and a chance to purchase the book from a local bookseller. This book is also freely available online as an open-access digital edition.
For more information and to RSVP, visit the event page here.
| |
Opportunities and Resources
| |
Building Interfaith America Emerging Leader Grants
Identify a need or opportunity in your community, propose a project to address it, and leverage the strength of interfaith cooperation to achieve your goal. Grants are offered to the members of the Emerging Leaders Network (formerly known as the Alumni Network of IFYC) to create initiatives, events, or projects that Build Interfaith America. Grant recipients will use the funding to carry out projects that address a social need through an interfaith lens and/or to participate in activities that further develop the individual’s interfaith leadership skills. Topics could include racial equity, environmental protection, bridge building, etc. For more information or support, please email religiouslife@emory.edu.
Learn more and apply here.
| |
Center for Student Wellbeing: Survey on Health and Well-Being
The Center for Student Wellbeing is inviting all students to participate in a survey on health and well-being. Your invaluable input will help shape the future and drive meaningful change to the systems that support student health and well-being at Emory. Check your email for the link by searching "Impact Your Health."
Survey closes March 9.
| |
Support the Eagle Food Pantry and Atlanta Community Food Bank
Saturday, March 9, 2025
Brooke Vore, the Director of Emory’s Bread Coffeehouse, home of the Eagle Food Pantry, will be participating in the Atlanta Community Food Bank's Hunger Walk Run 2025 This event is one of the most important hunger relief efforts of the year and all the money she raises will help stock the Eagle Food Pantry for students at Emory University.
If you would like to join in supporting this important cause, you can make a donation on Brooke’s behalf, or take the next step against hunger by participating in-person or virtually. In addition, the cost of registration for the event also goes toward Bread’s account so if you choose to walk/run yourself, they also benefit from that.
Please email brooke@breadcoffeehouse.org with any questions or visit here to donate or register.
| |
Student Interfaith Conference Opportunity in Utah
Fall 2025
Dean of Religious Life Rev. Dr. Gregory McGonigle will be leading a group of students to attend and participate in the "Interfaith at Faith-based Universities" conference at Brigham Young University in Utah in Fall 2025. Students who are interested in developing and presenting research about interfaith studies or interfaith engagement or case studies of interfaith work are encouraged to contact Dean McGonigle for sponsorship to attend the conference. Travel scholarships are available. For more information, please contact greg.mcgonigle@emory.edu.
| |
Wellbeing Coaching at Emory
Wellbeing Coaching is a free service for all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at Emory University. Wellbeing Coaching is a good fit for students who would like to make changes in their lives through support, discussion, reflection, developing a plan, and taking action. Wellbeing Coaching is the collaboration between you and your coach to identify motivations, values, and strengths while creating a map for positive behavior change. Every session is tailored to you and the goals you identify. Discussions will include exploration of short- and long-term vision/goals, your individual values, wellbeing assessments, obstacle discussion, brainstorming solutions, and more. Your coach also provides you with an added layer of accountability and support to help you reach your goals. Click here for more information or email wellbeing.coach@emory.edu
| |
Eagle Food Pantry: A Free Food Pantry for Emory Students
Open: Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Bread Coffeehouse, 1227 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Bread Coffeehouse offers a free food pantry for students at Emory who are in need. If you have any questions or would like to donate any items to the food pantry, please email: eaglefoodpantry@breadcoffeehouse.org.
| |
Weekly 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.
| |
Religious Accommodations: Major Holidays List for 2024-2025
| |
As planning continues for the 2024-25 academic year, the Emory University Chaplaincy seeks to provide support regarding upcoming religious holidays that may impact large numbers in our university community. These dates are provided to assist the community with avoiding potential schedule conflicts. Please pay special attention to the bolded holidays, as they often require accommodations in our community. For a list of major religious holidays observed by larger religious demographic groups at Emory, please click here. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
| |
Upcoming Religious Holidays
The holidays we highlight are drawn from the multifaith calendar maintained by Harvard Divinity School. To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, please click here.
| |
|
Emory University Chaplaincy ENews is published weekly during term 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.
| |
|
|
|
|
