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News and Programs 08.21.26
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Welcome from Emory Spiritual Life
The Emory University Chaplaincy supports the spiritual lives of Emory students, faculty, and staff. Whether you are deeply rooted in a religious tradition, seeking a spiritual practice or home, or even curious about the place of religion and ethics in human lives and our world, Emory’s spiritual communities and programs are open to you to practice or simply to learn.
- If you have questions about how to connect with the resources you would like, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at religiouslife@emory.edu.
- To request an Emory University Chaplaincy printed calendar, please click here.
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Emory University Chaplaincy Sacred Spaces
The Emory University Chaplaincy maintains many prayer and meditation spaces across campus, including the Emory Interfaith Center at 1707 N. Decatur Road. 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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Spiritual Life Resource Fair
Tuesday, August 25, 12:00-2:00 p.m., ESC Promenade
Emory’s chaplains, religious life affiliates, and student leaders from Emory’s many spiritual communities welcome you with cold drinks, snacks, and information about their programs. Connect with resources for spirituality, service, and community at Emory. All students are warmly welcome. Religious, secular, and philosophical communities on campus include:
- Adventist Christian Fellowship
- Baptist Collegiate Ministry
- Beloved Community Christian Community
- Bread Coffeehouse
- Catholic Student Union
- Chabad at Emory
- Collegiate Black Christians
- Emory Buddhist Club
- Emory Christian Fellowship
- Emory Global Medical Missions Alliance
- Emory In Via
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Grace House (Lutheran/Episcopal)
- Hillel at Emory
- Hindu Students Association
- Holistic Hub
- InterVarsity: International Fellowship
- Jain Students Association
- Journey Christian Fellowship
- LaFe (Latino Christian Fellowship)
- MEOR at Emory
- Muslim Students Association
- Orthodox Christian Fellowship
- Reformed University Fellowship (PCA)
- Sikh Students Association
- UKirk Atlanta (PCUSA)
- Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir
- Wesley Fellowship
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Emory University Chaplaincy: Chaplain Office Hours in AMUC 125
Monday-Friday starting Monday, August 31, 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.
To schedule a time with a chaplain outside of these hours, please contact them directly here.
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Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
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Check back for more weekly gatherings as the semester gets started.
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Religious Accommodations: List of Major Religious Holidays 2026-27
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Emory University Chaplaincy seeks to provide guidance for the Emory community regarding upcoming religious holiday observances that may impact the community by providing a list of major religious holidays observed by sizeable religious demographic groups within the Emory community. These are provided in order to assist community members with avoiding potential schedule conflicts. For more information, please click here. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
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Lunch and Learn Book Talk: Engaged Compassion: Seven Practices to Cultivate Resilience, Connection, and a Joyous Life
Thursday, September 3, Noon, Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Join us for a lunchtime book talk with Lobsang Tenzin Negi, the longtime executive director of the Emory Compassion Center. Drawing on decades of scholarship and collaboration with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and rooted in CBCT® (Cognitively Based Compassion Training), Engaged Compassion integrates contemplative wisdom and modern science to show that compassion is a trainable skill and offers a practical path to greater resilience, deeper connection, and enhanced wellbeing.
Sponsored by the Emory University Chaplaincy, Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, and Candler School of Theology Chaplaincy Studies:
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Register Today: Emory University Chaplaincy Homecoming and Family Weekend Events
October 22-25, 2026
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 be sure to attend one of the spiritual gatherings hosted by our Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim chaplains throughout the weekend
A list of the events and registration info can be found here.
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Emory Jewish Life: Daily Creative Prompts for Elul with Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Jordan Braunig
For the fourth year running, Jewish Studio Project is honored to partner with Rabbi Jordan Braunig to offer daily writing prompts throughout Elul. Each evening, receive an invitation to pause, put pen to paper, and embark on the sacred journey toward the Days of Awe. Sign up here to receive the prompts in your inbox at 9 pm ET. For questions, contact jordan.braunig@emory.edu.
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International Community Friday Lunch
Select Fridays during term, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m, Cannon Chapel, Brooks Commons
International Community Friday Lunch (ICFL) is a long-standing collaboration between the Emory University Chaplaincy and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). The purpose of these events is to extend a warm welcome, share helpful resources from our sponsors, and create a space for the international community to gather over free lunches or coffee, tea, and refreshments. Available while supplies last, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fall 2026 dates:
- September 18
- October 16
- November 13
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Move-In Jumu'ah Prayers
Friday, August 21 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for ongoing Friday Prayers as you return to campus. Join the Emory Muslim Life e-list here.
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Hillel at Emory: Move-in Shabbat
Friday, August 21, Services 6:30 p.m., Dinner, 7:00 pm., Marcus Hillel Center, 735 Gatewood Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Join Hillel at Emory for Shabbat services and dinner and connect with other incoming Jewish students and families. For questions, and to RSVP (appreciated), please contact Hillel at Emory director Lee Shaffer at lee@emoryhillel.org.
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Chabad at Emory: Move-In Shabbat Service and Dinner
Friday, August 21, 8:00 pm services, 8:30 p.m. dinner, 1500 N Decatur Road
Saturday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. services, Noon Torah reading, 1:00 p.m. Kiddush Lunch, 1500 N Decatur Road
Join Chabad at Emory's signature weekly home-cooked Shabbat Dinner. Services at 8:00 p.m. Dinner at 8:30 p.m. To learn more and to RSVP, please contact Chabad at Emory here.
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Jewish Life Bagel Brunch for Students and Families
Sunday, August 23, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center, 735 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA
Students and families are invited to attend the annual Bagel Brunch to explore Jewish life opportunities at Emory, including through Chabad, Hillel, MEOR, and Emory University Chaplaincy. Families welcome. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
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University Catholic Center: Sunday Mass
Sunday, August 23, 9:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Sunday Mass on-campus during this orientation weekend. Stay after Mass to meet student leaders and staff members from the University Catholic Center over coffee and donuts with the Emory University Chaplaincy.
Future Weekly Schedule:
- Sunday: Confessions 8:00-8:50 am Mass at 9:00 am (Cannon Chapel)
- Sunday (starting 8/30): Confessions 4:00-4:50 pm Mass at 5:00 pm (Cannon Chapel)
- Monday: Confessions 4-4:50 pm Mass at 5:00 pm (Catholic Center)
- Tuesday: Mass at 9:00 am (Catholic Center)
- Wednesday: Confessions 4-4:50 pm Mass at 5:00 pm (Catholic Center)
- Thursday: Confessions at 8:00-8:50 am Mass at 9:00 am (Catholic Center)
Learn more at the University Catholic Center website here.
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Christian Life at Emory Reception: Coffee and Pastries
Sunday, August 23, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel’s Brooks Commons
Emory’s Catholic and Protestant communities welcome you to a shared reception after 9 am Mass and before 11 am Protestant Worship in Cannon Chapel. Come for coffee, pastries and fruit and learn about Christian Life at Emory.
For more information, please contact Emory Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
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Beloved Community Christian Worship
Sunday, August 23, 11:00 a.m Service, Cannon Chapel
Emory Beloved Community is a weekly ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community, held in Cannon Chapel. All are welcome. See below for a full preacher schedule for this upcoming semester.
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Beloved Community Weekly Bible Study
Tuesdays, Starting September 1, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
For questions, please contact Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
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Buddhist Meditation
Thursday, August 27, 6:00 p.m. Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join the Emory Buddhist community in guided meditation and discussion. Come to meditate, to make friends, and to learn about Buddhist life at Emory. Come to Cannon Chapel 106 for snacks and discussion beforehand at 5:30 pm.
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Welcome Back Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers and Halal Lunch
Friday, August 28, Prayers 1:55 p.m., Lunch 2:30 pm, Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
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.
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Hindu Aarthi
Friday, August 28, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join Emory's Hindu community for weekly prayers and community. All are welcome.
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Hillel at Emory: ShaBBQ Kickoff
Friday, August 28, 5:00-8 pm pm, Marcus Hillel Center, 735 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Join Hillel at Emory as we welcome the first Shabbat of the year in style with our first ever ShaBBQ Kickoff. Come together with friends old and new for an evening filled with music, food, and games. Whether you’re a returning student or it’s your first time at Hillel, this is the perfect chance to come together as a community. Shabbat services to follow.
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Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir: Choir Rehearsal
Friday, August 28, 6:00 p.m., Wesley Teaching Chapel
Come try out for Voices of Inner Strength (VOIS) Gospel Choir at our first rehearsal of the year.
For questions, please contact VOIS Music Director Maury Allums here.
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Additional Fall Welcome Programs
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Muslim Students Association: Ice Cream Social
Friday, August 28, 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. For questions, please contact Asmaa Ali at asmaa.ali@emory.edu.
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Hillel at Emory: Welcome Week Events
Welcome Week is Here! We’ve got a week full of events to kick off the semester, meet new friends, and make amazing memories.
Check out all the flyers for details — mark your calendars, grab your friends, and come join us.
We can’t wait to see you at Hillel. Learn more here.
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Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Sunday Worship Services
Sundays starting August 23, 8:30 am and 11:00 am, Glenn Memorial Church
Welcome back students. 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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Emory Wesley Fellowship: Welcome Lunch
Sunday, August 23, after 11:00 a.m. worship, Glenn Memorial Fellowship Hall
Undergrads and graduate students are invited to a free lunch on Sunday, August 23 at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church immediately following Glenn's 11:00 a.m. worship service. Come get to know other students over a meal and learn about opportunities to get plugged in with Glenn's Young Adult Ministry and our campus ministry, Wesley Fellowship. Reach out to Rev. Sutton Smith at ssmith@glennumc.org with questions.
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Bread Coffeehouse: Open House
Wednesday, August 26, 12:00-5:00 p.m., 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 3 at 7:15 p.m. Coffee on campus will begin September 3 at 1:45 p.m. outside of Cannon Chapel by White Hall. Regular DBSs will begin September 10 at 7:15 p.m. at Bread Coffeehouse.
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Reformed University Fellowship: Trivia Night
Wednesday, August 26, 7:00 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
We are so looking forward to students returning. Mark your calendars for our first event: trivia night. Learn more here. For questions, please email here.
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MEOR: Sushi Social
Thursday, August 27, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Underpass
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MSA: Quran Night
Friday, August 28, 6:30 pm, Cannon Chapel
Join us for an inspiring Quran Night. Come together for an evening of reflection, community, and connection.
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Emory Wesley Fellowship: Semester Kick-Off
Monday, August 31, 6:00 p.m., Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church lawn, 1660 N Decatur Rd
All are invited to Wesley Fellowship's fall kickoff on Monday, August 31 at 6:00 p.m. Get a free waffle from the Waffle House Food Truck. We'll be on the lawn outside the sanctuary of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, located right on the roundabout at Emory Village. Wesley Fellowship is a Christian ministry that professes values of curiosity, inclusion, and radical hospitality.
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Emory InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship: August Welcome Dinner
Friday, September 4, 7:00 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Join us for a time of fellowship to welcome back returning members and meet new faces. All grad students are welcome, regardless of program or religious background. This is a perfect time to invite someone new. To learn more, please email esomsen@emory.edu.
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Mindfulness Circle at Interfaith Center
Mondays starting September 14, 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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Save the Date: Muslim Students Association Welcome Back Gala
Friday, Septmber 18, 6:00 pm, ESC MPRs
Join Emory MSA for our Annual Welcome Back Gala on Friday, September 18 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. Stay tuned for more and contact MSA here.
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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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Interfaith Children's Movement: Growing Forward Together Birthday Fundraiser
Sunday, August 30, 2:00-5:30 p.m., The Carter Center, 2676 Clairmont Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
We're marking the completion of 25 years of bringing people of different faiths, backgrounds, and communities together around a shared commitment to Georgia's children. And while we'll certainly take time to celebrate where we've been, we're also looking forward to where we're going. Our theme this year is Growing Forward Together, and that's exactly what I hope the afternoon feels like: a joyful gathering of people who believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and that all of us have a role to play in making that possible.
Reserve a ticket or become a sponsor here.
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Grant Park Meditation: Mindfulness for Educators
Saturday, September 12, 10:00 a.m., Chua Quang Minh Temple, 1168 Benteen Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
For teachers, school staff, and education professionals on preventing burnout, cultivating presence, and bringing mindfulness into the classroom and daily life. Led by Emory University's Buddhist chaplain, Venerable Priya. Email Venerable Priya with questions: priyarakkhit@gmail.com.
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Georgia Interfaith Power and Light: Upcoming Programs
- Intown Family Garba — Saturday, Sept. 12, 4:30–9:30 p.m., Ebster Recreation Center, Decatur. (Metro Atlanta) — Celebrate Navaratri with music, aarti, dancing, and food. All proceeds benefit GIPL. Pre-Purchase Tickets Here Today.
- Reverse Tashlich — Sunday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. – noon, Mason Mill Park. (Metro Atlanta) — Join this global Jewish environmental ritual and river cleanup in partnership with Adamah ATL. Register Here Today.
- World Rivers Day Creek Cleanups — Sunday, Sept. 27, 2–4 p.m. (Metro Atlanta) — In celebration of World Rivers Day and Global Ismaili Civic Day, faith communities across metro Atlanta will come together for an interfaith service opportunity, caring for our waterways, local ecosystems, and neighbors by cleaning up our local creeks. Register Here Today.
Learn more about GIPL here.
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Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center: Community Development Symposium
September 17-18, Loudermilk Conference Center, 40 Courtland Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
The GIPPC Community Development Symposium bring together faith-based organizations, real estate developers, academics, national and local funders, and policy leaders to advance a shared vision for community development anchored by faith-based institutions.
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The Carter Center: Disagreeing in Good Faith Service of Prayer
Thursday, October 22, 7:00-8:30 p.m., The Carter Center's Cecil B. Day Chapel
As we prepare for the upcoming midterm General Election, please save the date for the fourth Service of Prayer event on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at The Carter Center. Join faith and youth leaders from Georgia for this unique multi-faith convening to help us all reflect on the values that connect us ahead of the election. Please RSVP here.
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2026 CSLR Berman Lecture at Emory Law: Tech Agnostic with Greg Epstein
Thursday, August 27, 3:00 p.m., Tull Auditorium, Emory Law
Join #EmoryLaw for the 2026 #CSLR Berman Lecture, featuring Greg Epstein and an interdisciplinary panel examining technology’s influence on belief, culture, and modern life.
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Undergraduate Student Involvement Fair 2026
September 2-3, 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 2026 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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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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Mawlid an-Nabi
Mon., Aug. 24, 2026
Tradition: Islam
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
Raksha Bandhan
Thu., Aug. 27, 2026
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.
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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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