Diwali Puja, VOIS Concert, Giving Week Thank You
Diwali Puja, VOIS Concert, Giving Week Thank You
 
News and Programs 11.9.23
Happy Diwali: Puja, Pakoras, and Patakas
Friday, November 10, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
This weekend is the festival of Diwali for many around the world. Diwali is a festival that carries a variety of significance for many Hindus. Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs celebrate around this time as well, and each tradition comes to the celebration with their own unique significances.
For Hindus, it is typically observed over five days and widely associated with the Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Some turn to ancient stories, specifically the image of Rama being welcomed back to his kingdom by rows of oil lamps after years of exile. Another story narrates the deity Krishna’s defeat over the greedy Narakasura. However one chooses to associate with the festival, Diwali marks a time for families and friends to come together and feel a sense of renewal, joy, and community.  
Join the Emory Hindu Chaplaincy and the Hindu Students Association this Friday, November 10 at 5:00 p.m. in Cannon Chapel for a special, interactive Diwali Puja (worship) in honor of Goddess Lakshmi. This will be followed by “Pakoras and Patakas”, or light snacks and sparklers. All are welcome. Learn more here
Emory Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir Fall Concert 2023
Saturday, November 11, 7:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel 
Join the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) and the Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir (VOIS) for our annual Fall Concert. 
VOIS offers a space for soul healing and reflection through worship music of many different Christian genres. VOIS has been active on Emory's campus for over 30 years and is directed by Mr. Maury Allums. 
A light dinner will be provided immediately after the concert. Parking is free on Saturdays at Emory's Oxford Road and Peavine parking lots.
Register for the VOIS Fall Concert Here
A Call for Compassion
Dear Members of the Emory Community,
Greetings of peace. In this time of deep loss, grief, ongoing bloodshed, and hurt, we write to you as leaders within the interfaith community at our Emory.
At moments such as this, let us avoid the vilification and polarization that have long plagued our society, take good care of each other, affirm each other’s dignity, and find ways to be in conversation across difference. We must seek to “other” no one, but instead, work towards making sure that everybody feels welcome and safe at our shared Emory, where “The wise heart seeks knowledge.”
The conflict in Israel and Palestine has triggered incidents of Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and Anti-Arab bias, across our country and across the globe. We ask that all of us would recognize our common humanity and the sacredness of every life.
Our hope is that Emory will be a place where hatred, prejudice, bias, and bigotry find no foothold. We are deeply pained by the loss of life and dispirited by the continuing cycles of violence, but we maintain a fervent hope that a time of peace will come. Let us live out the vision of a community guided by consideration, kindness, and understanding, right here at Emory.
If you are interested in an OSRL-facilitated, reflective conversation across differences about the war and its impacts, please express your interest here and we will be in touch.
Rabbi Jordan Braunig
Jewish Chaplain
Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL)
Emory University
Dr. Isam Vaid
Muslim Religious Life Scholar 
Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL)
Emory University 
Thank You From Emory OSRL: Giving Week 2023 
Emory OSRL Giving Week 2023 was a wonderful success – we exceeded last year’s totals and received over $14,411 from 150 gifts in just five days. These donations will help to make possible vibrant spiritual life at Emory. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously.
You can still make a gift anytime here.  
Make a Gift to OSRL Here
Recap: Emory OSRL Visits the Praise House Project
On Wednesday, November 8, the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life staff and religious life affiliates visited the Praise House Project, a public art installation and immersive digital experience honoring the African and African American traditions of the Praise House and Ring Shout. Artist and creator, Charmaine Minnifield, met with the team and shared more about her story and the overall project at the Emory Interfaith Center and then we walked down the road to visit the Praise House on the lawn of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church. The installation is open to the public through December 15, 2023. Learn more here
Emory Interfaith Center Hours
1707 North Decatur Road
Monday-Thursday: 9 am - 8 pm
Friday: 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday-Sunday: By reservation for programs

Students, faculty, and staff are always welcome to drop in for free coffee, tea, and snacks and to talk with the OSRL team. To request an event reservation, please visit interfaithcenter.emory.eduFor more information, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu
Racial Healing Circle at Emory (Virtual)
Thursday, December 7, 1:00-2:30 p.m., Zoom
The Emory University community is invited to participate in the first Racial Healing Circle hosted by the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Initiative. A Racial Healing Circle is an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together and establish connections through our shared humanity.
It is a safe, brave, and responsible space where people recognize they have more in common than different. The circle experience is a place where your story is seen, heard, and valued.
Register here.
Midweek Musical Meditation
Midweek Musical Meditation
Wednesdays during term, 12:00-12:15 p.m. EST, Zoom and Facebook Live 
All are invited to reflect and decompress in a mid-week, mid-day time of sacred music. Join Music Director Maury Allums and the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in taking a moment to breathe and connect with others in our community. Register on Zoom or follow on our Facebook Live
Midweek Musical Meditation - 11.8.2023
Midweek Musical Meditation - 11.8.23
Upcoming Programs
Guided Meditation and Discussion
Buddhist Meditation in Cannon Chapel
Thursdays, 6:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join the Emory Buddhist community in guided meditation and discussion. Come to meditate, to make friends, and to learn about Buddhist life at Emory.
Contact: Emory Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman, psraman@emory.edu
International Community Friday Lunch
Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel 
International Community Friday Lunch (ICFL) is a long-standing collaboration between the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
This gathering extends a warm welcome and builds community for international students and scholars over a free lunch. Attendees will also meet sponsors who will share helpful campus resources.
ICFL occurs on Fridays from 11:30 am-12:30 pm in Cannon Chapel Brooks Commons. Meals are limited in number; therefore, please register in advance for each week you will attend.  
MSA: Fallanthropy Calendar
November 3-15, 2023
MSA is excited to announce our annual Fallanthropy month. They are dedicating the month of November to give back to their community and brothers and sisters across the world. Learn more here.
Hillel at Emory: Upcoming Events
November 7-10, 2023
Join Hillel for fun activities this week. Learn more here.
TONIGHT: Synergy and Holistic Hub Serenity and Self-Care Event
Thursday, November 9, 7:00-8:00 p.m.. Woodruff Library
Need to unplug and unwind? We’ve got you covered! Cozy up with Cocoa & Crafts this Thursday. So excited to collaborate with @emorysynergy and practice some soothing self-care. Coloring books and hot chocolate provided. The event will be held from 7:00-8:00 pm in Woodruff Library 215 on Thursday, November 9. 
TONIGHT: Religious Misconceptions: American Jews, the First Amendment, and the Politics of Abortion 
Thursday, November 9, 7:00 p.m., MSC E208
Guest-lecturer Prof. Rachel Kranson of the University of Pittsburgh will uncover the history of the American Jewish lawyers and activists who advocated for abortion access to be protected by First Amendment guarantees. RSVP here
Pride Shabbat
Friday, November 10, 6:30 p.m., Emory Hillel
Join Emory Hillel for Pride Shabbat this Friday. There will be a 21+ Pride drink pre-Shab social at 6:00 p.m., optional student led services at 6:30 p.m., and dinner at 7:00 p.m..Learn more here
Beloved Community
Beloved Community Christian Worship in Cannon Chapel
Sundays, 11:00 a.m. Service, Noon Free Lunch, Cannon Chapel
Emory Beloved Community is the weekly progressive ecumenical Christian worship service for the campus community held Sunday mornings in Cannon Chapel and followed by a free lunch. All are welcome. For more information, contact Emory Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Henderson Herlong.
Pride Service has been rescheduled for Spring 2024 semester. 
Preaching November 12: Jauen Koo, Chaplaincy Intern, Emory OSRL
University Catholic Center Upcoming Events
Community Coffee Hour
Sundays at 10:00 a.m. - Cannon Chapel Brooks Commons
Join us on Sunday mornings after the 9:00 a.m. Mass for coffee, breakfast goodies, and conversation with friends.
Faith Formation: Catholicism 101
Sundays at 10:30 a.m. - Cannon Chapel Room 105D
Discover the beauty, spirituality, and truth of the Catholic Church - join Fr. John on Sundays if you are interested in learning about Catholicism and deepening your understanding of the faith. All are welcome. Interested in receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and/or First Eucharist? Sign up or request more info here.
Student Dinner and Bible Study
Sundays at 6:00 p.m. - University Catholic Center
After the 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass each week, join your fellow Catholic students for dinner followed immediately by our weekly bible study.
Community Rosary at the Catholic Center
Friday, November 17 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. - University Catholic Center
We can show our adoration to God in many ways, but in Eucharistic Adoration, we spend time adoring the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. We invite you to join us in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament every week.
Emory Catholic Caroling Day
Saturday, December 2 from 9:40 a.m.03:00 p.m. - University Catholic Center (Sign up here)
You're invited to join our Music Ministry team for a day of caroling at local assisted living facilities and senior homes around Druid Hills. We will be meeting at the University Catholic Center to carpool. At each stop, we will set up a mini concert in their common space and perform 20-30 minutes of Christmas Music. All the songs will be common Christmas songs, like what we perform at the Christmas party. You are welcome to sing or play an instrument. At 12:30 p.m., we will break for lunch (pizza, which will be provided as a thank you for your volunteering,) and then we will go to a couple more stops and end around 3:00 p.m. Sign up here so we can plan for food, and please email Chiara with any questions: chiara.j.antonioli@gmail.com
Emory Catholic Student Union: Upcoming Retreat
Saturday, November 11, University Catholic Center
We are pleased to announce our Fall Retreat on November 11 at the Catholic Center. Join us for a day of food, fun, fellowship, frolicking, and fire
Link to the RSVP form here.
Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: We've Come This Far by Faith
Sunday, November 12, 5:00 p.m., Ward Fellowship Hall, Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church
Join Glenn Memorial Methodist Church this Sunday, November 12, at 5:00 p.m. with Charmaine Minniefield (praise house artist), Dr. Nicole Phillips from Candler, and Duwanna Thomas (North Georgia clergy spouse who does work on brush arbors).  The title is “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” and they will talk about the history/role of the black church in providing safe space and hope in the midst of oppression and the church’s work (past and present) in moving towards freedom for all. Learn more here
Emory Latino Fellowship: Prayer Service
Tuesday, November 14, 7:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Emory Latino Fellowship will be hosting a Prayer Service on November 14 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Join us in this time of destressing from school and studying as we come together to pray, sing, and hear an encouraging Word. There will be food provided after.
Learn more here



In Via: Open Discussion Day
Tuesday, November 14, 8:00 p.m., Cox Classroom A
Come join Emory In Via for a our discussion day, open to anyone interested in discussing questions of religion, faith, academia and more with videos from the Veritas Forum. We'll have a popcorn bar and great conversation. Come chat with us.
Contact Ulia at ulia.ahn@emory.edu with any questions.
International Community Friday Lunch (Special Thanksgiving Edition!)
Friday, November 17, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel 
Join ISSS and OSRL for a special Thanksgiving edition of the International Community Friday Lunch!As this is the final ICFL of the semester and just prior to Thanksgiving we will be serving special Thanksgiving meals
International Community Friday Lunch (ICFL) is a long-standing collaboration between the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). The purpose of this gathering is to extend a warm welcome and build a community for international students and scholars while enjoying free lunch!  Attendees will also meet sponsors who will share helpful resources.
CFL occurs on Fridays from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm in Cannon Chapel Brooks Commons. Meals are limited; therefore, please register in advance for each week you will attend.  
Register here
InterVarsity: Thanksgiving Dinner
Saturday, November 18, 5:00 p.m., First Alliance Chuch of Atlanta
International InterVarsity Fellowship offers a THANKSGIVING dinner and game time for international students & visiting scholars, who are studying and researching at colleges in GA.
In this event, you will:
  • Have a free Traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
  • Learn more about Thanksgiving traditions and American cultures.
  • Enjoy cross-culture conversations with our fellows.
  • Have a chance to win a valuable awards. (around $1000 spent for awards)
  • Experience a real love community that loves you.
Deadline for registering: 12pm (Noon) Nov 14, 2023. Limitation up to 100 students.
NOTES: Registration fee is $10, you will receive your $10 at our check in table, if you cancel or dont show up, we will not refund this. (Food is expensive and we do not want to waste money to order food then you dont show up.)
Register here
Candler School of Theology: Hanging of the Greens Advent Service
Tuesday, November 28, 11:05 a.m., Cannon Chapel 
Join the Candler community in welcoming the Advent season during the hanging of the greens worship service at 11:05 am on November 28th. You may join in person or online here
Monday Mindfulness Meditation
Mondays 6-7 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. 
For more information, please contact Venerable Priya at psraman@emory.edu.
Muslim Students Association: Qur'an Study
Every other Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on the first floor of Cannon Chapel
Emory MSA is excited to announce the beginning Quran Study starting October 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the Canon Chapel 1st floor and continue every other Tuesday. They are starting this week off with the first 20 ayahs of Surat Hijr and go from there.
Learn more here
Orthodox Christian Fellowship: Wednesday Bible Study
Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Room 314
Welcome back to campus. We’re beyond excited to kick off this school year with Orthodox Christian Fellowship.
For questions, please contact ocfemory@gmail.com
RUF: Wednesday Large Group 
Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Love God. Love People. Love Emory.
Contact: RUF Affiliate Rev. George Hamm, rufdooley@gmail.com
Partner Programs
Silver Jubilee and Emory Tibet Week
November 6-11, 2023
Coinciding with our annual observance of Tibet Week, our “Silver Jubilee” celebration will feature events exploring the history of the Emory Compassion Center, its relation to Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and culture, and the global implementation of our programs. Events include the construction of a sand mandala by the monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery, daily compassion meditations, public talks and more.
All events are free and open to the public. Learn more here.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Friday, November 10, 11:00 a.m., Emory Quadrangle
The Emory community is invited to attend the 15th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 10 at 11:00 a.m. This event will take place on the Quadrangle on Emory's Atlanta Campus and is open to the entire community. Boxed lunches will be served immediately after the ceremony which should last approximately 35 minutes. 
Remarks will be provided by President Gregory L. Fenves and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Dr. Ravi Thadhani. These remarks will be followed by a keynote speech given by Major General Burke W. Whitman, United States Marine Corps Reserve (Retired).
Click here for event details. 
Emory Mehfil and Emory PSA: Qawwali Night 
Friday, November 10, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Harland Cinema
Join Emory Mehfil this Friday, November 10th, from 7-8 pm in the Harland Cinema for a pop qawwali set. Learn more here
Emory Cares Day of Service
Saturday, November 11, 11:00 a.m., ESC MPR 4, 5, and 6
Join Volunteer Emory in our volunteerism-based mission to serve our surrounding community during our upcoming Emory Cares Day at 11:00 am on November 11th.

Take part in the Emory community's greatest service-based tradition by registering to volunteer at any of the service sites listed on thehub.emory.edu under the "Service" tab or by going to Emory OPEN atopen.emory.edu.

Trans Day of Remembrance Altar Making
Monday-Friday, November 13-20, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., LGBT Life, Cox Hall 324
Bring flowers, a photo, artwork, an electric candle, or anything else to LGBT Life between November 13 and November 20 to add it to our altar to celebrate the lives of the trans and GNC family we have lost. Learn more here
Poland Study Abroad Info Session
Tuesday, November 14, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Kaldis at the Depot
The Tam Institute is thrilled to announce our second-annual study abroad experience of a lifetime this summer: a highly subsidized eleven-day, 1-credit, study abroad program in Poland, taking place May 19 - May 30, 2024. Students are invited to a drop-in event at Kaldi’s Depot on Tuesday, November 14 (stop by anytime between 3:00 p.m.  - 5:00 p.m.) to enjoy a cup of coffee on TIJS’ dime, and hear Prof. Goldstein’s vision for the program.
Learn more here
Off Campus Programs
World River Day: River Clean-Up
Sunday, November 12, 2:00-4:00 p.m
Plan to join us, the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, and Ismaili Civic for a river clean-up on Nov. 12 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. This clean-up is a rescheduling of World River Day, originally planned for Sept. 17.
We hope that you can join us at one of three sites: Peachtree Creek Greenway in Brookhaven, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur, or Chattahoochee RiverKeeper in Southwest Atlanta. This interfaith river clean-up celebrates our local waterways and puts our shared ethics into action as we work together to be better stewards of our planet and Common Home.
Learn more here.
Green Team Summit: Rooted in Resilience
Saturday, February 3, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Oak Grove United Methodist Church
Georgia Interfaith Power and Light is thrilled to announce that their seventh annual Green Team Summit will be on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, Georgia. As with Summits in the past, Green Teams, faith leaders, and environmental activists from across the state are invited to gather for a time of fellowship and shared learning. You may register here today.
Additional Opportunities
Bread Coffeehouse: Food Drive Competition
See which grade level can collect the most food for the Eagle Food Pantry, a free food pantry for Emory students located in Bread CoffeeHouse.
If you have questions, please contact kaela.rochester@emory.edu, aditi.wamorkar@emory.edu, orsarah.arnold2@emory.edu.
Drop food off at the Bread House 1227 Clifton Rd NE. You can give pasta, canned soup, or peanut butter. Learn more here
Multi-colored background watercolor stylem photo with the text: Queer Divinity Students Thriving in the South January-April 2024
Queer Divinity Students Thriving in the South January–April 2024 Cohort
The Resource Center for Women and Ministry in the South (RCWMS) is looking for queer students to join a four-month, virtual, peer-supported cohort led by an experienced facilitator.
Learn more information here.
Banner with three portraits of students/young adults with the text
Scholarships for Methodist Students
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation offers $2+ million in scholarships to Methodist students planning to attend a United Methodist-related school next year. Applications open on January 1 for most awards. Learn more here
Annual Major Religious Holidays List -- Academic Year 2023-24
As planning begins for courses, programs, and meetings for the 2023-24 academic year, OSRL seeks to provide guidance for the Emory community regarding upcoming religious holiday observances that may impact large numbers in our community. These dates are provided to assist community members with avoiding potential schedule conflicts, and can be found below. Please give special attention to the bolded holidays, as they often require accommodation. In some cases, it is ideal to avoid assignments and programs on these dates to be most equitable.
Below are lists of major religious holidays observed by sizeable religious demographic groups within the Emory community.
For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu
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.
Community 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
Diwali (Dipavali)
Sun., Nov. 12, 2023
Tradition: Hinduism
Perhaps the most popular of all Hindu festivals, also known as the Festival of Lights, it is dedicated to the goddess Kali in Bengal and to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, in the rest of India. As with several other festivals, Diwali is associated with one of the stories about the destruction of evil by Vishnu in one of his many manifestations.
Diwali/Mahavir Nirvana
Sun., Nov. 12, 2023
Tradition: Jainism
This "Festival of Lamps" celebrates the attainment of Moksa by Lord Mahavira. A burning lamp symbolizes the "light of knowledge," which dispels the darkness of delusion and ignorance.
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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