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News and Programs 9.18.26
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Emory OSRL: Chaplain Office Hours in AMUC 125
Monday-Friday starting Monday, August 31, Noon-2:00 pm, AMUC 125
The Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life 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. You can also contact our religious life affiliates here.
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Sacred Conversations: Spirituality and Mental Health Discussion Group
Fridays, 11:00 am-Noon, AMUC 125 starting Friday September 25
Facilitators:
- Dr. RaiNesha Miller, Staff Psychologist, Emory Counseling and Psychological Services
- Rabbi Jordan Braunig, Jewish Chaplain, Office of Spiritual and Religious Life
Join us for 4, 1-hour discussions of how spirituality and mental health relate to each other. Limited to 10 Emory undergraduate students. Students of all religious, spiritual, and philosophical identities are welcome. Register here. For more information, email religiouslife@emory.edu. Sponsored by Emory Counseling and Psychological Services and Office of Spiritual and Religious Life.
Note: This is an educational and community-building discussion series, not a therapy or treatment group. We will ask for your anonymous feedback about this program as part of your participation, to learn its value for students and others. This program is co-sponsored by The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab.
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OSRL Recap: First Inter-Religious Council of 2026-2027
On Monday, September 14, twenty-six students met over dinner in the private dining room of the Dobbs Common Table to kick off the 35th year of the Inter-Religious Council. Since 1992, Emory’s Dean of Religious Life has annually convened and appointed the Inter-Religious Council (IRC) as an undergraduate student council of representatives from all of the recognized religious and philosophical student organizations (RPSOs) on the Atlanta campus.
Learn more about the IRC here.
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OSRL Recap: Emory University Fall Well-being Expo
On Tuesday, September 15, the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life tabled at the Emory University Fall Well-being Expo and offered information on the many ways to get and remain healthy.
Participants were encouraged to build their own spiritual care kit, roll the dice of mindfulness activities, and received interfaith calendars and journals - in addition to enjoying fresh smoothies, a mini farmers market, and more. Event sponsored by Healthy Emory, Staff Council, and Employee Resource Groups at RSPH.
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Religious Accommodations: List of Major Religious Holidays 2026-27
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The Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life 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.
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Yom Kippur at Emory
The Jewish High Holidays conclude this coming week with Yom Kippur 9/20-21. Yom Kippur is the conclusion of the Ten Days of Awe and the most solemn of all days in the Jewish year. It is observed by fasting, repentance or "return", and atonement.
There are a number of ways to observe the Jewish High Holidays at Emory. Please see below for some of the upcoming programming and check our website for updates.
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Hillel at Emory: Yom Kippur
September 20-21, Marcus Hillel Center and Cannon Chapel
Celebrate the High Holidays with Emory Hillel. Events will either take place in the Marcus Hillel Center (735 Gatewood Rd NE) or on campus in Cannon Chapel (515 South Kilgo Circle NE). Please RSVP here.
If you have any questions, please email Lindsay Rosenzweig here.
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Chabad at Emory: Yom Kippur
September 20-21, various times and locations, 1500 N. Decatur Road
To RSVP, text code word to 404-999-7787. Check for the schedule updates here or reach out here with questions.
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MEOR: Yom Kippur
Monday, September 21, Fleshel House
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Emory Buddhist Life: Special Guest Visit with Dr. Jan Willis
Monday, September 21, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center`
We will host Dr. Jan Willis for a special conversation about her Buddhist, Baptist, and spiritual experiences. We encourage you to visit the Black Women’s Religious Activism website to learn more about her background, activism, and academic pursuits. This is part of an interfaith exchange program, a special collaboration between Emory Buddhist Life and Religious and Spiritual Life at Davidson College.
Please join our Emory community and friends from Davidson as we listen to interesting stories of Dr. Jan’s life and reflect on spiritual, civic, and interfaith practices of today. Light refreshments will be provided.
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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 OSRL 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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Flourishing Fellows: Breathe and Brew
Saturday, September 26, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center
Join the Flourishing Fellows and Office of Spiritual and Religious Life for Breathe and Brew. Wind down with a coffee-shop style study session. Drop in and say hi. Open to all. For questions, contact liana.kressel@emory.edu.
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Register Today: Emory OSRL Homecoming and Family Weekend Events
October 22-25, 2026
Join the Emory OSRL 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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Upcoming Spiritual Life Programs
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Beloved Community Fall Retreat
Saturday, September 19, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center
The Beloved Community Fall Retreat is a time to step aside from the busyness of the semester and connect with friends and our faith. A typical schedule includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner; morning and evening worship; individual reflection time; crafts; down time; and more.
All students are welcome. Please register here.
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Beloved Community Christian Worship and Free Lunch
Sundays, 11:00 a.m Services, Noon Free Lunch, Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Emory Beloved Community is a weekly ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community, held in Cannon Chapel. All are welcome. See above 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
Join us for Bible Study over drinks and snacks every Tuesday at 6 pm at the Emory Interfaith Center. The theme this Fall 2026 semster is Call Stories.
For questions, please contact Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
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Buddhist Meditation
Thursday, 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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Mindfulness Circle
Mondays starting September 14, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Meditation Room
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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Day-Long Vipassana Meditation Retreat
Saturday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Kim Cang Monastery, 4771 Browns Mill Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038
Join us for a day of meditation and reflection guided by Venerable Priya-Rakkhit Sraman and Venerable Dong Hue. This retreat offers multiple sessions of sitting and walking meditation, cultivating focus, clarity, and insight. Traditional chants and prayers will be included. A simple vegetarian lunch will be provided. Participation is free. Donations to support the monastery and future meditation programs are encouraged. All are welcome. Learn more and register here.
Emory University students are encouraged to contact Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya-Rakkhit Sraman for transportation support and other related questions psraman@emory.edu .
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Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers and Halal Lunch
Friday prayers, 1:55 p.m., Lunch 2:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join us for Friday prayers, which will be followed by a hot halal lunch in Brooks Commons.
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Emory Muslim Life and MSA: Weekly Halaqa
Wednesdays starting September 9, 6:00-7:00 pm, Cannon Chapel 314
All Emory students are invited to join us for an Islamic text study on different topics each week. Dinner will be provided. RSVP here.
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MSA: Quran Circle
Beginning September 11, 12:30 and 1:15 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Meet members of the Emory Muslim community to study, discuss, and learn from the Quran every Friday.
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Save the Date: MSA Welcome Back Gala
Friday, September 18, 7:00 pm, ESC MPRs
Join Emory MSA for our Annual Welcome Back Gala on Friday, September 18 from 6–9 pm.
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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MSA: Emory Impact Day
Saturday, September 26, 12:30-1:30 pm, ESC
Assalamu alaykum everyone! Join Emory MSA in volunteering for Emory Impact Day on September 26th! We will be volunteering from 12:30-1:20 pm (shift 3) with the Emory Sandwich Project. This opportunity is a great way to dip your toes in volunteering and service, while simultaneously allowing you to engage with the Muslim community on campus! It will be held on campus at the Emory Student Center (ESC). Please fill out the Google Form via the QR code here or our bio if you plan to attend.
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Weekly Hindu Aarthi
Friday, September 18, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join Emory's Hindu community and HSA for a weekly aarthi service. All are welcome for an evening of prayer, discussion, and community. Join us after aarti for samosas in Room 106.
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Torah Study with Rabbi Jordan
Fridays starting September 4, 2:00 p.m., AMUC 125 (*No meeting on 9/11 for Rosh Hashanah)
Join Rabbi Jordan, Emory’s Jewish Chaplain, for a weekly exploration of Jewish wisdom. Meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Friday’s in the Alumni Memorial University Center (AMUC) Suite 125, students will encounter classical and modern Jewish texts that speak to the moment that we are living through. Light snacks and weighty wisdom will be served.
For questions or more information, please contact Rabbi Jordan Braunig here.
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Hillel: Upcoming Events
Please join us for High Holiday programming, Schmooze & Schmear, and more coming up. Check out what’s happening over the next week. We can’t wait to see you around Hillel.
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Hillel: Bagel Rescue Pre-Shabbat Volunteer Opportunity
Friday, September 18, 5:00 pm, Emory Hillel
Come lend a hand, give back to the community, and help us get ready for Shabbat. Join us at Hillel to help package bagels for those in need. RSVP here.
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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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MEOR: September Event Dates, various times and locations
Mark your calendars for upcoming events in September. For more information, click here.
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University Catholic Center: Sunday Mass
Sundays 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
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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Catholic Center: Fall Retreat
September 25-27, 202, Bridge Ministries, Blairsville, GA
Discover a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus through the transformative spirituality and humble witness of St. Francis of Assisi.
On our Fall 2026 retreat, we invite you to step away from the noise of daily life and enter into a sacred space of reflection, prayer, and renewal centered on the Heart of Christ, led by our chaplain, Fr. Branson Hipp. Please visit here to register.
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Emory Wesley Fellowship: Upcoming Events
Building Resiliency with Dr. Andra Opalinski
Thursday, September 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall, Glenn Memorial UMC
Dr. Andra Opalinski, Professor at Nursing at Mercer University, will lead a session on building resiliency for students, teaching practical skills about how to handle academic pressure and cope well with stress. Come and learn from her and your peers about ways to be your best self this semester! We'll gather on Thursday, September 24 from 6-8PM in the Fellowship Hall at Glenn Memorial UMC with dinner provided. RSVP here if you plan to join to give us a headcount for food.
Monday Night Dinner and Worship
Monday, September 21, 6:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, 1660 N Decatur Road
Monday night worship at Wesley Fellowship is underway, and we'd love for you to join us! Come enjoy a free dinner at 6 in the Fellowship Hall at Glenn Memorial UMC, then worship with us in Glenn's Little Chapel at 6:30. In worship, you can expect a blend of traditional and contemporary music, a message, prayer, scripture, and Communion. Stick around after for fellowship and a treat. Contact Sutton at ssmith@glennumc.org with questions.
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Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Young Adult Gatherings
Young adults and college students are invited to gather for Sunday School each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Wesley Room in Glenn's Church School Building, room 211. This fall, we're reading the book of Acts. All are welcome — no preparation needed. Let me know if you need help finding our room, and I'll share directions. Donuts provided.
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Bread Coffeehouse: Lazarus House Health Day Love in Action
Sunday, September 20, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Participate in some hands-on service with local community by helping pass out iced coffee to neighbors in need. A group of students and staff will leave from the Bread house at 1:00 p.m. and return by 5:30 p.m.
Sign ups for Bread smallgroups are now open. Please fill out this form to share your interest and availability.
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RUF: Upcoming Programs
Connect with RUF at these upcoming programs.
For more information, please contact Rev. George Hamm here at or click here for more information.
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RUF: Fall Conference
October 9-11, Sharptop Cove in Jasper, GA
A weekend to make new friends, play games, go to seminars on the Bible, hike, and rest! It costs $165, but if you need financial assistance, we have scholarships! Don’t let the cost be a reason you don’t come!
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Emory Christian Fellowship: Bible Study
Thursdays, 7:15 p.m., Few Hall Room 131
We are a non-denominational Christian student organization apart of Intervarsity on campus. We host weekly bible studies on Thursdays from 7:15-9pm in Few Hall rm 131. Learn more here.
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Emory InterVarsity Christian Fellowship: Welcome Dinner
Saturday, September 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m., First Alliance Church
Join us for a time of fellowship to welcome back returning members and meet new faces. All students are welcome, regardless of program or religious background. This is a perfect time to invite someone new. You can register for the dinner here. To learn more, please email intl.intervarsity.iif@gmail.com.
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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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Emory Journey Church: Upperclassmen Bible Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Callaway S102
Join Journey Church for upperclassmen Bible study group to talk about your faith.
Click here to learn more about the Bible study and Journey Church of Atlanta.
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Georgia Interfaith Power and Light: Upcoming Programs
- 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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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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Candler School of Theology Methodist Studies: Upcoming Events on Faith & Justice
Attend virtually or in person.
These events resonate and engage deeply with our shared United Methodist social principles— our call to justice, hospitality, and the dignity of every person. We sincerely hope you will join us for one or all of these September events.
Queer, History, Memory, and the UMC - with Dr. Ashley Boggan | September 22-23
In-person and virtual options | Two Registration Links Below
Join us alongside Pitts Theology Library for three public gatherings on collecting, preserving, and sharing queer history in the UMC — a Service of Word & Table with guest preacher Ashley Boggan (Sept. 22, 11:05 am, open to all), a panel on queer and community archival practices-How we preserve the history of LGBTQ+ United Methodists (Sept. 22, 3:00 pm, register here), and the Dean's Lecture, "Reclaiming the Heart and Method of Methodism" (Sept. 23, 11:00 am, lunch provided, register here).
The registration deadline for the Sept. 22 and 23 events (to attend in person) is Sept. 15
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Army Chaplaincy Lunch and Connect
Tuesday, September 22, 12:00-1:30 p.m., RARB 252
Join current Army chaplains and members of the U.S. Army Chaplain Recruiting Team for lunch and conversation. Learn about Active Duty and Reserve chaplaincy opportunities, ministry and leadership roles, and the application process. Open to students, faculty, and staff from Candler, Emory, McAfee, and Columbia Theological Seminary. Lunch will be provided.
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Volunteer Emory: Impact Day
Saturday, September 26, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., ESC Multipurpose Rooms
We are only one month away from the BIGGEST service day of the semester. Reserve your spot today by scanning the QR code or by clicking the link below, and bring your friends for an amazing day dedicated to helping the community around us. RSVP here.
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Aquinas Center: Upcoming Programs
Catholic Social Teaching and the Meaning of Work
Tuesday, September 29, 6:30–9:00 p.m., Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Atlanta)
Dr. Kate Ward will explore how Catholic social teaching can help us reconsider the purpose of work, confront workplace injustice, and make space for rest, leisure, and human flourishing. This free program includes dinner for registered guests. Register Here Today.
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Emory University’S TAM Institute for Jewish Studies: God Bless the Pill
Wednesday, September 30, 4:00 p.m., Callaway Memorial Center, room N204
Join TAM for a seminar with Samira K. Mehta, a professor of Women and Gender Studies and Jewish Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. A graduate of the Emory University's Graduate Division of Religion, she is the author, of God Bless the Pill: The Surprising History of Contraception and Sexuality in American Religion.
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Emory Advance
January 3-7, 2027, North Georgia
The Emory ADVANCE is a five-day experiential program for Emory undergraduate and graduate students focused on purpose, values, leadership, reflection, and connection. It will take place January 3–7, 2027, in North Georgia, and participation is free.
This event will be a transformative five-day experience for students who want to pause, reflect, and prepare for what comes next — in college and beyond. Students will step away from campus, engage in conversations about purpose, values, and leadership, connect with peers and faculty across disciplines, and recharge in a reflective retreat setting.
To apply or for more information, click here.
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Eagle Food Pantry
Open Fridays 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., September 4-December 4, 2026, Bread Coffeehouse, 1227 Clifton Road
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Emory Office of Spiritual and Religous Life Sacred Spaces
The Emory Office of Spiritual and Religious Life 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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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. 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.
Check back for more weekly gatherings as the semester gets started.
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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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Yom Kippur
Sun., Sep. 20 – Mon., Sep. 21, 2026
Tradition: Judaism
The conclusion of the 10 Days of Awe, Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the Jewish year. It is characterized by repentance, fasting, and forgiveness.
The holiday begins at or around sundown on the calendar date listed.
Sukkot
Fri., Sep. 25 – Fri., Oct. 2, 2026
Tradition: Judaism
An eight-day Jewish festival of booths (or tabernacles) and the fall harvest. The name refers to the booths (sukkot) used by Israelites during desert wanderings and constructed in the fields during the harvest season. It is a time of thanksgiving for Gods presence in creation and among the Jewish people. The Eighth Day (Shemini Atzeret) is considered both the end of Sukkot and a distinct festival. The holiday begins at or around sundown on the calendar date listed.
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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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