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News and Programs 6.18.26
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Make Note of Religious Holidays for the Academic Year:
List of Major Religious Holidays 2026-27
Emory University Chaplaincy seeks to provide guidance for the Emory community regarding major religious holiday observances that may impact large numbers within the Emory community by providing a list of major religious holidays. We recommend you note these dates to avoid academic, programmatic, or administrative conflicts. For more information, please click here.
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Emory University Chaplaincy Recap:
Anatomy Lab Chaplaincy Program Service of Gratitude
On Monday, June 8, Emory University Chaplaincy hosted a service of gratitude for medical students who just completed their learning in the anatomy lab. This is an occasion for the class to offer their respects and gratitude to those who donated their bodies to make possible their medical studies. The event included poetry, musical offerings, and heartfelt reflections by the first-year medical students, anatomy faculty, and university chaplains.
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Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration Pre-Orientation 2026
Program Dates: August 17-21, 2026
Registration Deadline for incoming First-Year Students: Friday, June 26, 2026
Imagine your first Emory campus experience being filled with community, good food, and deep conversations while experiencing an array of beautiful and welcoming spiritual communities across campus and Atlanta. Our 12 peer mentors are preparing to facilitate and welcome up to 40 incoming students through the WISE (Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration) Pre-Orientation program.
Meet these WISE Peer Mentors here. Learn more about the WISE program here.Incoming students register here.
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Students, Apply for Interfaith America's Prestigious BRAID Fellowship for 2026-2027
Application Deadline: Friday, June 19, 2026
This program supports undergraduate student leaders who want to deepen their interfaith cooperation and pluralism leadership skills while leading bridgebuilding work on their campuses.
Fellows become part of a national intercollegiate network and receive training, mentorship, and the opportunity to design and implement interfaith projects in their communities, in our case, at Emory.
Applications close on June 19. We encourage Emory students to apply and take the next step in their leadership. Contact our office for support. More information and application available here.
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Upcoming Spiritual Life Programs
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Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers
Fridays Year Round, Prayers 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel; No communal prayers on Juneteenth
Join Emory Muslim Life for Friday Prayers every week. Join the Muslim Life elist here.
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Christian Affiliated Organizations
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Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Sunday Worship Services
Sundays, 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., Glenn Memorial Church
Glenn Memorial UMC invites you to worship with us. A short walk to the front gate 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 a.m. 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.
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Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Happening Around GMC
Upcoming Events
- LGBTQ+ Lunch — Folks who identify in the LGBTQ+ community are invited to a time of intergenerational fellowship over lunch. We'll gather for lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, June 21. If you plan to join us, please RSVP here to help us get a headcount for food and accommodate dietary needs. Let me know if you have any questions.
- Young Adults x Glenn Youth Collab — Glenn Young Adults and Glenn Youth are co-hosting a cookout on Sunday, June 28 at 5 p.m. at Glenn's Youth and Activities Building at 1669 N Decatur Rd. Join us for burgers and lawn games, and get to know students in Glenn's youth group.
- Glenn has recently formed an all-ages hiking group for folks interested in urban and nature hikes in and around Atlanta. If you would like to get connected to the group, reach out to Roger Lee, chair of Glenn's Welcome Committee, at rogerlee197066@gmail.com.
Volunteer and Service Opportunities
- Glenn's annual Summer Picnic at Branan Towers will be Monday, June 22 at 11 a.m.. Branan Towers is a senior living community in East Atlanta Village. Sign up here to join for the picnic to help serve lunch and spend time visiting with residents. Reach out to Diane Bryant, a member of Glenn's Justice Team, with questions at dianebrain@gmail.com.
Each Sunday in August, Glenn folks of all ages are invited to participate in Sunday Service Projects that benefit our justice partners including Intown Cares, Snack in a Backpack, Lost-n-Found Youth, The Welcome Co-Op, and more. Most of the projects entail packing things like hygiene kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness or school supplies for children in need. You can help us get ready for these service projects throughout the summer by donating all the items that will be assembled and delivered in August. See the links below for details about what all is needed. See Glenn's upcoming events page for more information about Sunday Service Projects.
Learn more about Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church here.
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Glenn UMC Young Adults Summer RetreatAugust 14-16, Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville NC
This retreat offered by Glenn United Methodist Church's Young Adult Ministry will kick off their year-long focus on Discernment and Discipleship, thanks to a grant from the Forum for Theological Exploration.
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University Catholic Center: Farewell to Fr. John Boll
Sunday, June 21, 9:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel
On May 15, 2026, the Archdiocese of Atlanta announced new priest assignments for the upcoming year, at which time it was formally announced that Fr. John Boll would be leaving his role at the University Catholic Center at the end of June. His last Mass is June 21 at 9:00 a.m. in Cannon Chapel, at which time we will also be celebrating the baptism of Michael Anthony Bertram, the son of our long-time musicians Michael and Chiara. A joint reception will be held after Mass in Brooks Commons to welcome our newest Christian brother and to thank Fr. John for his faithful and dedicated service to our community for the last 12 years. Fr. John will be moving to St. Louis, Missouri, to begin a year long sabbatical and we are gathering contributions for a group gift to support him in the coming year. To learn how to make a contribution to Father John, contact University Catholic Center campus minister and Religious Life Affiliate Michael Zauche here.
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University Catholic Center: Summer Offerings
- Sunday - Reconciliation, 8:00 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:00 a.m., Community Coffee Hour, 10:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel
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Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States: Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with the Ismaili Council
Wednesday, June 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m., Duluth Jamatkhana, 4475 River Green Pkway #300, Duluth, GA
On the occasion of America's 250th Anniversary, the Ismaili Council invites you to gather with us in a spirit of friendship, appreciation, and shared celebration. Together, we honor the elected officials, first responders faith leaders, civic partners, and neighbors whose dedicatio strengthens our community and embodies the pluralism and unity at the heart of America's greatest promise.
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Interfaith America: A Faithful Struggle: Historically Black Protestant Churches Reflections at America’s 250th
Tuesday, June 30, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia
Join Interfaith Atlanta at Ebenezer Baptist Church to examine the Historically Black Protestant Churches community’s unique past and future roles in building bridges across difference, upholding religious liberty, and protecting democracy. This event is free, but advance registration is required. People of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to attend.
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Book Launch with The Rev. Raphael Warnock: The Crooked Places Made Straight
Saturday, June 20, 6:00 p.m., Glenn Memorial at Emory University, 1660 N. Decatur Road, Atlanta
A Cappella Books welcomes Senator Raphael Warnock to Glenn Memorial at Emory University for the launch of his new book, The Crooked Places Made Straight: Reflections on the Moral Meaning of America. He will be joined in conversation by Emory’s Carol Anderson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of African American Studies. Together, they will discuss issues including democracy, voting rights, mass incarceration, and the ongoing pursuit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Beloved Community.” Each ticket includes a signed first edition.
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Compassion-Centered Spiritual Health program 2026 CCSH Fellow Presentations
July 20 - August 10, In-person and Virtual
Join the Compassion-Centered Spiritual Health Program for the 2026 CCSH Fellow Presentations. Fellows will share reflections on their work as Spiritual Health Clinicians and their integration of the CCSH model. Please see the poster for presentation dates, times, locations, and registration details. You can register for virtual attendance here.
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ISSS: World Cup Watch Parties
July 10, 14, 15, and 19, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
Join ISSS for a series of watch parties which will feature some of the most exciting matches of this summer’s World Cup tournament.
Each event will feature food, drinks, and a live broadcast of key matchups during the FIFA World Cup’s final stages. Register today and enjoy watching the world’s best teams face off.
Register for July 10 here.
Register for July 14 here.
Register for July 15 here.
Register for July 19 here.
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ISSS: Montgomery Field Trip to Equal Justice Initiative Sites
Wednesday, July 22, 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m
ISSS, in collaboration with Workplace Culture and Belonging, is hosting a field trip to Montgomery, Alabama. We will visit two Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) Legacy Sites—the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The experience offers participants an opportunity to better understand the social and historical context in which they live, work, and study, while also connecting US history to global perspectives on justice and belonging. This opportunity includes bus transportation, lunch, snacks, and museum tickets.
Registration is required here by July 14.
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Opportunities and Resources
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Rediscovering Your Well of Spiritual Wisdom: A Retreat for Chaplains
Saturday, July 18, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cranaleith Spiritual Center
13475 Proctor Road, Philadelphia, PA, USA
This Cranaleith Communities of Practice program is for full-time chaplains in campus ministry, health care, elder care, prison care, senior living communities, industry chaplaincy or military chaplaincy. Give yourself a day of rest and contemplative practice, a day in community with other chaplains who understand what you have experienced. Tools we may use include conversation, quiet reflection, art, music, poetry and song. Weather permitting, we will enjoy Cranaleith’s beautiful ten-acre property; if you wish to go outside, please dress for the weather. This program has wisdom expressed in all spiritual traditions. All are welcome. More information and registration available here.
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2026-2027 Emerging Leaders for Community Change (ELCC) Cohort Application Form
Applications are due on August 16, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET
The Emerging Leaders for Community Change (ELCC) Cohort — an initiative of the Faith Forward Democracy (FFD) network and the Carter Center (TCC) — is now accepting applications. Designed to empower the next generation of peacemakers and drive lasting positive impact across metro Atlanta, the program welcomes applicants ages 18–30 from all backgrounds, traditions, and ideologies.
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Faiths United to Save Democracy: Faith in Action at the Polls Poll Chaplain Trainings
Mondays, July 13, September 28, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Faiths United to Save Democracy invites faith leaders to sign up for a virtual Poll Chaplain/Peacekeeper, "Know Your Rights," and De-escalation Training training. Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers can help provide a calm, moral climate for citizens to exercise their sacred right to vote and de-escalate potential conflicts that hinder voting.
Poll Chaplains/Peacekeepers serve in AZ, GA, MI, NC, OH, PA, TX, VA, and WI.
You can sign up here if you are interested.
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Eagle Food Pantry and Donations
The Eagle Food Pantry is a free food pantry for Emory University Students housed at Bread Coffeehouse. We are open Fridays from 9 am-12 pm during the summer and can be found at 1227 Clifton Rd. Students can visit the pantry as many times as needed and there is no food limit.
Donations can be made through our Amazon wishlist, our website, or dropped off at Bread Monday-Thursday 12-5 pm. Our most desired items are pasta, pasta sauce, oatmeal packets, peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, fruit cups, canned beans, canned veggies, and canned soup. For questions, please email eaglefoodpantry@breadcoffeehouse.org.
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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.
First of Muharram (Ra’s al-Sanat Al Hijrayah)
Wed., June 17, 2026
Tradition: Islam
The first day of the first month of the Islamic year. This day commemorates the Hijra (“migration”) of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 C.E., where the first Islamic community was established. In 2023, the new year is 1445 A.H. (Anno Hegirae-in the year of the Hijra).
Ashurah (‘Ashurah)
Wed., June 24, 2026
Tradition: Islam
For Sunni Muslims, it is a voluntary fast day. Many important events are believed to have occurred on this day, such as Noah’s leaving the Ark and the freedom and departure of the Children of Israel from Egypt. For Shi’i Muslims, it is a time of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Husain (the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad) on the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram.
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Emory University Chaplaincy E-news 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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