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News and Programs 08.29.25
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Celebrating the WISE Pre-Orientation Program 2025
From August 18-22, 2025, the Emory University Chaplaincy offered the fifth year of our WISE (Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration) Pre-Orientation Program. The program is designed to welcome entering first-year students to Emory's Atlanta campus while providing an opportunity to learn about different faiths and interfaith work and to build relationships on campus and in the city of Atlanta.
We are grateful to our group of about forty students and to our campus and Atlanta community partners for their participation throughout a full week of activities, which included:
- dinner and speedfaithing at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church;
- touring historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center in downtown Atlanta;
- practicing meditation and enjoying delicious pho at Kim Cang Buddhist Monastery,
- joining in prayers and conversation at Al-Farooq Masjid;
- experiencing a puja service and vegetarian lunch at Shree Shakti Mandir;
- learning about the Torah at Congregation Bet Haverim;
- and sharing a Langar Lunch at the Guru Nanak Mission Society of Atlanta
We're excited to continue working with these interfaith student leaders and great community partners for years to come. To learn more about WISE, please visit our website here. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
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Guru Nanak Mission Society of Atlanta
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Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
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Spiritual Life Fair Recap 2025
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Spiritual Life Resource Fair on Tuesday, August 26 on the ESC Promenade. OSRL chaplains, affiliates, and student leaders from over 25 spiritual, religious, and philosophical communities were present and shared information on gatherings, practices, and opportunities to get involved with spirituality and social justice.
OSRL has also been able to meet students tabling at the resource fairs at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Candler School of Theology, Laney Graduate School, Emory School of Law, Rollins School of Public Health, and the Emory School of Medicine. Our team is looking forward to participating in the fair at the Goizueta Business School soon. If you missed us, please drop by the Student Involvement Fair on Wednesday, September 3 from 8:00-10:00 p.m. on McDonough Field. You can also read more about our communities here.
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Emory University Chaplaincy: Chaplain Office Hours in AMUC 125
Monday-Friday starting Wednesday, August 27, Noon-2:00 pm, AMUC 125
Emory University Chaplaincy chaplains are available Monday through Friday from approximately Noon-2 pm during term in AMUC Suite 125 to offer pastoral care and have meetings with students, faculty, and staff. The general schedule is below and may vary semester to semester.
- Monday: Rev. Maddie Herlong
- Tuesday: Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman
- Wednesday: Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov
- Thursday: Pandit Rajeev Persaud
- Friday: Rabbi Jordan Braunig
To schedule a time with a chaplain outside of these hours, please contact them directly here.
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Book Talk and Lunch: The Islamic Mary by Younus Y. Mirza
Thursday, September 4, Noon, Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been historically revered throughout the Islamic tradition. This began already in the Qur'an, where she is called by the name "Maryam." This book examines the varied appearances of Maryam in different Islamic cultural and theological contexts. For more information, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
Sponsored by Emory University Chaplaincy and the Aquinas Center of Theology at Emory University with the Department of Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies and the Department of Religion.
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Register Today: Emory University Chaplaincy Homecoming and Family Weekend Events
October 23-26, 2025
Join the Emory University Chaplaincy for many spiritual programs and festive receptions over Homecoming and Family Weekend. Find our table at the Food and Music Festival on Saturday, October 25 from Noon-4:30 pm on the Quad and check out our many other spiritual events including:
- Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir 40th Reunion Celebration
- Jumu’ah Prayer and Communal Reception
- Hindu Aarti and Communal Reception
- Shabbat at Chabad: Friday Night Shabbat Dinner and Saturday Shabbat Day Services and Lunch
- Shabbat at Hillel: Friday Shabbat Dinner and Sunday Brunch
- Buddhist Meditation and Communal Reception
- Catholic Center Open House and Catholic Masses
- Beloved Community Christian Worship and Lunch
A list of the events and registration info can be found here.
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Emory Interfaith Center
Monday-Friday 9:00 am-8:00 pm starting Tuesday, September 2.
Available on weekends by reservation.
The Emory University Chaplaincy maintains many prayer and meditation spaces across campus, including the Emory Interfaith Center at 1707 N. Decatur Road. Hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 am-8:00 pm starting Tuesday, September 2. Available on weekends by reservation. Please feel free to stop by for a free coffee or snack, reserve space for your spiritual gatherings, talk with a chaplain, or just relax.
Learn more about the Emory Interfaith Center here. Learn about our other sacred spaces here.
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Beloved Community Christian Worship and Free Lunch
Sunday, August 31, 11:00 a.m Service, Noon Free Lunch Cannon Chapel
Emory Beloved Community is a weekly ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community, held in Cannon Chapel. All are welcome.
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Beloved Community Fall Retreat
Saturday, September 20, 9:30 am-9:00 pm, Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
Join us on Saturday September 20 for the Beloved Community Fall Retreat. We have a great day of fellowship, time in Lullwater Park, crafts, and worship planned. If you have questions, contact Rev. Maddie at mhend25@emory.edu. Register by Monday September 15. We will meet at the Interfaith Center (1707 N Decatur Road) at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast and opening worship. We'll venture to Lullwater Park for a walk and a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, we will have time for crafts, games, and fellowship. We will enjoy dinner together and evening worship. We will conclude by 9:00 p.m. We hope you'll join us for this fun time of community and fellowship building. This retreat is for current Emory students.
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Beloved Community Fall Bible Study: Claiming Our Identity in Christ
Tuesdays beginning September 9, 6:00 pm, Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
Beloved Community Bible Study is led by Rev. Maddie, Emory's Christian Chaplain, and OSRL chaplaincy interns. Join us as we explore what the Bible has to say for us today and as we deepen our community bonds. This fall, we'll explore what scripture has to say about our identity as Christians. Sign up in the Hub or email mhend25@emory.edu.
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Buddhist Meditation
Thursdays starting August 28
Community Tea and Refreshments, 5:15 pm, Cannon Chapel 106
Guided Meditation and Dharma Discussion, 6:00 pm, Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
This session will be facilitated by Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya-Rakkhit Sraman. We will talk about Emory Buddhist life, community, and resources. Come to enjoy light refreshments before meditation, and to connect with Emory Buddhist Club leaders and friends. Contact: Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman, psraman@emory.edu.
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Mindfulness Circle at Interfaith Center
Mondays starting September 8, 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.
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Buddhist Worship
Tuesdays during Term Starting September 2, 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.
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Welcome Back Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers and Halal Lunch
Friday, August 29, Prayers 1:55 p.m., Lunch 2:30 pm, Cannon Chapel
Join us for a special Welcome Back Friday Prayers as you return to campus, which will be followed by a hot halal lunch in Brooks Commons with the Refugee Women's Network. Join the Emory Muslim Life elist here. For questions, please contact Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov.
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Muslim Students Association: Ice Cream Social
Friday, August 29, 3:00 pm (immediately after Jumu'ah prayers and Ummah lunch), Cannon Chapel Underpass
Every year, the Muslim Students Association (MSA) welcomes new Muslim undergraduates at the start of the academic year with a special event following the first Jumu'ah prayers. This year, we will be hosting an Ice Cream Social immediately after Jumu'ah to introduce new students to Emory MSA, share our mission, and highlight opportunities to get involved.
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Muslim Life Weekly Halaqa and Dinner
Wednesdays during term starting September 10, 6:30-7:45 pm, Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
All Emory students are invited to join us for an Islamic text study on different topics each week. Dinner will be provided. Previous attendance not required. For more information, please contact Emory Muslim Chaplain Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov at rahimjon.abdugafurov@emory.edu.
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Muslim Students Association: Welcome Back Gala
Friday, Septmber 12, 6:00 pm, ESC MPRs
Join Emory MSA for our Annual Welcome Back Gala on Friday, September 12 from 6–9pm.
Kick off the semester with good food, fun games, exciting giveaways, and the chance to meet new and familiar faces in the Muslim community. Whether you're a returning student or new to Emory, this is the perfect way to celebrate the start of the year.
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Hindu Aarthi
Friday, August 29, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join Emory's Hindu community for weekly prayers and community. All are welcome.
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Hindu Students Association: Garba
Friday, September 19, 7:00-11:00 p.m., ESC MPRs
Garba is a Gujarati festival that takes place during the nine-day Hindu celebration of Navratri. The Hindu Students Association (HSA) has been hosting a university-wide Garba for the past 12 years, making it our biggest special event. In recent years, we’ve welcomed over 600 attendees, bringing together students, faculty, and community members.
Our Garba includes an aarti (small Hindu prayer), performances by on-campus dance groups, three types of open dance floors (Garba, Dandiya, and Bollywood), a full catered dinner, and a South Asian DJ. Emory HSA strives to ensure that Garba is accessible to anyone who would like to attend. The event is held at the Emory Student Center, at the heart of campus, and is completely free. Learn more here.
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Hillel at Emory: ShaBBQ
Friday, August 29, 5:00 pm, Marcus Hillel Center
Join Hillel at Emory for a BBQ Shabbat dinner, frozen treats, a DJ, and games. Shabbat services to follow.
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Chabad at Emory: Shabbat
Fridays during Term, Services 7:30 p.m., Dinner 8:00 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.
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Hillel at Emory: Newish and Jewish; Exploring Atlanta Edition
New to ATL or just looking for an adventure? Come explore the city with Emory Hillel. We’re hitting up some of Atlanta’s best spots this semester:
- Braves Game – Tuesday, September 9 at 7:15 pm
- World of Coke – Sunday, October 5
- Dinner at Ponce City Market and Holiday Lights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens – Saturday, Nov 15 at 6:30 pm
Transportation is included if you need it. Tickets are just $12 each or grab the bundle for $35 for all 3. Register now here. We can’t wait to explore ATL with you.
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University Catholic Center: Sunday Masses
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Sunday Masses on campus.
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Graduate Christian Fellowship: First Friday Dinner
Friday, August 29, 7:00-9:00 pm, Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Kick off the new semester with us. We'll have food and a short devotional. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with GCF or to invite a friend for the first time. Register here.
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Collegiate Black Christians: Kaldis Kickback
Sunday, August 31, Noon-2:00 pm, Kaldi's Depot
We’re so excited to kick off the 2025-2026 school year with: Kaldis Kickback. If you’re new to CBC or Emory this is the perfect chance to come meet our leaders and members while enjoying some drinks and snacks. Learn more here.
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Baptist Collegiate Ministry: Upcoming Fall 2025 Events
August 28-September 8, 2025
Welcome week is upon us. Come check us out at these upcoming events. Learn more here.
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Reformed University Fellowship: Welcome Events
We are so looking forward to students returning. Mark your calendars for these events next week so you can come by and see us. Learn more here.
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Bread Coffeehouse: Knead to Knows
August 26-28, Bread Coffeehouse, 1227 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30307
Join us for an Open House and come see the house, play some games, drink some coffee, and enjoy a treat. Learn more here. Stay tuned for more details regarding a kick off party on September 4 at 7:15 pm. Regular DBSs will begin September 11 at 7:15 pm.
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Emory Orthodox Christian Fellowship Faith and Falafel
Every Wednesday starting September 10, 7:30 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.
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Collegiate Black Christians: Weekly Bible Study
Wednesdays starting September 3, Cannon Chapel 106
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Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Sunday Worship Services
Sundays, 8:30 am and 11:00 am, Glenn Memorial Church
Glenn Memorial UMC invites you to worship with us. A short walk to the edge of campus, Glenn has a thriving young adult group, and we welcome newcomers anytime. Are you an early riser to get a head start on homework? The 8:30 service might be for you. Do you sleep in on Sundays? We'll catch you at 11:00 am. There is a place for you at Glenn, and we'd love to help you find it.
For more info about worship or young adult ministry, visit our website here https://www.glennumc.org/young-adults or contact Director of Young Adult Ministries Sutton Smith at 334-707-1486.
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International InterVarsity Fellowship
Our summer activities ended and our new school year is about to start. Please check and sign up for our coming activities here.
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Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
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There are a plethora of weekly religious and philosophical gatherings offered at Emory. Many of them are listed here and at the button below.
Check back for more weekly gatherings as the semester gets started.
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Interfaith Atlanta: Interfaith Fall Festival
Sunday, September 14, 2:30-5:00 p.m., Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030
Save the Date: We are so excited to present our 5th annual Interfaith Festival. Join us for entertainment, food, friendship, community service, and music. Learn more here.
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Compassionate Atlanta: Peace Pop-Up
Saturday, September 21, 3:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Waller's Coffee Shop
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World River Day: Interfaith Creek Cleanup
Sunday, September 28, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Six Metro Atlanta Sites
Join Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Adamah Atlanta, and Ismaili CIVIC on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. for a special interfaith creek cleanup across six metro Atlanta sites. This meaningful cleanup celebrates World Rivers Day, Reverse Tashlich, and Global Ismaili CIVIC Day—three powerful traditions of service, reflection, and environmental care. World Rivers Day highlights the international importance of our rivers and inspires renewed commitment to protecting them. In Reverse Tashlich, Jewish communities turn ritual into action by removing human “sin” (pollution) from waterways and offering a clean start to the new year. And Global Ismaili CIVIC Day calls Ismaili Muslims to serve their communities worldwide through volunteerism. Together, communities of all faiths are invited to act upon a shared ethic of environmental stewardship and care for our Common Home. All living creatures deserve clean water
Cleanup sites include Cobb County, the Chattahoochee River, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, Fulton County Public Works, Mason Mill Park, and the Peachtree Creek Greenway.
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Undergraduate Student Involvement Fair 2025
September 3-4, 2025, 8:00-10:00 p.m., McDonough Field
Are you just eager to get involved and see how organizations can benefit both you and the community? Come to the 2025 Fall Student Involvement Fair to learn more about student organizations on campus. Registered Student Organizations (RSO) will be there showcasing what they do and how you can get involved. You will get to meet individual members of organizations and ask any questions you have. Involvement opportunities are in abundance on this campus and there is definitely something for everyone at Emory. Register on the hub.
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Center for Ethics: Ethics Across Traditions: Atonement and Repentance
Thursday, September 11, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Center for Ethics Room 102
Wrongdoing, suffering, and repairing are part and parcel of the human condition. Yet these are variably understood across traditions. Some traditions speak of such experiences in terms of transgression and atonement, others use terms like sin, guilt, and repentance. Forgiveness and reconciliation, dignity and humility, vulnerability and trust mix and mingle in this eternal pursuit to mend profound wounds. Come and hear this conversation between scholars of religion, theology, and ethics. Learn more here.
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Pastoral Leadership in a Time of Christian Nationalism
Public Lectures | September 24-25, 2025 | In person or onlin
In a time when Christian nationalism is gaining both cultural and political traction, the work of pastoral leadership requires renewed theological reflection, moral clarity, and prophetic courage. Candler is hosting this set of four public lectures to start conversations and offer resources to equip pastors and church leaders to respond faithfully to the challenges posed by this growing movement.
All lectures are free and open to the public in both in-person and virtual formats, with advance registration required. Learn more, and register, here.
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Year of Compassion
Compassion Shift Launch: September 30-October 1, 2025
The Year of Compassion is a yearlong celebration hosted by Emory College of Arts and Sciences, dedicated to empathy, healing, and human connection. This initiative invites faculty, staff, and students to explore how compassion is expressed through teaching, research, creative work, service, and daily interactions.
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Opportunities and Resources
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Emory Recreation and Wellness: Welcome Back Newsletter
Whether you’re returning for another semester or joining us for the first time, we’re excited to have you as part of the Emory community. Our facilities, programs, and events are here to help you stay active, connect with others, and make the most of your time at Emory. From group fitness classes and intramural sports to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone.
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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.
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Das Laxana Festival
Thu., Aug. 28 – Sat., Sep. 6, 2025
Tradition: Jainism
A 10-day festival that is considered to be a holy convocation. During these days, Jains impose some restraints on their daily activities by fasting, meditation, and prayer. The last day of Paryushana is the most solemn occasion of forgiveness and the examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word, or thought.
Mawlid an-Nabi
Thu., Sep. 4, 2025
Tradition: Islam
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
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Emory University Chaplaincy ENews is published weekly during term by the Emory University Chaplaincy, 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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