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News and Programs 12.11.25
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Happy Holidays from the University Chaplaincy
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As the fall semester and 2025 come to a close, we are grateful for your involvement in our communities and programs over the past year, some of which are highlighted here.
From the WISE Pre-Orientation Program, to our Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir 40th Anniversary Celebration during Homecoming and Family Weekend, to longstanding programs like the Inter-Religious Council, Journeys of Reconciliation (to Uzbekistan in May 2025), and so many weekly gatherings and holiday celebrations, we are grateful for sharing the past year with you.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if we can support you during the end of the semester.
We wish you many blessings in this season and we look forward to seeing you in 2026.
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Emory Chanukah Celebration
Sunday, December 14, 2025, 5:00-6:30 pm; Candle Lighting at 5:45 p.m.
Kaldi’s in the Emory Student Center
All are welcome for an Emory Chanukah celebration sponsored by the Emory University Chaplaincy in conjunction with Chabad, Hillel and Meor. Chanukah treats will be provided as well as a festive candle lighting. Come shine light and share joy with the whole Emory community.
For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu. RSVP appreciated here. Sponsored by Emory University Chaplaincy and Chabad, Hillel, and MEOR.
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Interfaith Atlanta's Winter Lights Program
Saturday, December 13, 4-6 p.m, Cannon Chapel
Please join us in a celebration of light this year at our annual Interfaith Winter Lights Program. We will have a collection of poems, songs, and stories presented by local artists and practitioners as well as time for fellowship and dialogue to follow.
We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Eagle Food Pantry at Bread Coffeehouse for Emory students. Most needed items are dry pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, oatmeal, canned beans, and canned soup.
Parking is free on Saturdays at Emory's Oxford Road Parking Deck, 1390 Oxford Road NE.
Sponsored by Interfaith Atlanta and cosponsored by the Emory University Chaplaincy.
For more information click here.
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Celebrate the Winter Holidays on Emory's Atlanta Campus
The Emory community is celebrating winter holidays with music, art and special spiritual events.
For a list of programming on the Atlanta campus, please click here. This list will continue to be updated. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
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Emory Interfaith Center: Fall 2025 Final Exam Study Hours
Address: 1707 N. Decatur Road
Hours: Open 9:00 am-5:00 pm starting Thursday, December 11 through Friday, December 19 (Monday-Friday)
Join the Emory University Chaplaincy for study hours during final exam season. Enjoy quiet study space and complementary snacks, coffee, and tea in our kitchen.
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Save the Date: Emory King Week 2026
Emory University King Week is a series of programs offered in January by Emory schools and units to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. Programs include educational lectures, spiritual events, community service projects, celebrations, and exhibits.
See a list of current programs on the King Week website here (This list will be updated from last year by December 12, and will be further updated as additional information becomes available.) Check back in January for new events and final times and locations. For more information, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
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Emory University Chaplaincy Recap: Literature of Interfaith Education Lunch and Learn
On Thursday, December 4, the Emory University Chaplaincy welcomed Dr. Michael Hubbard MacKay, BYU Professor of Religious Education for a lunch and learn examining the literature related to interfaith education. Dr. MacKay discussed how interfaith education can lead to enriching interfaith relationships, and he recently hosted a conference on interfaith and faith-based universities at BYU.
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Emory University Chaplaincy Recap: Bodhi Day 2025
On Thursday, December 4, Emory Buddhist Life and Emory Buddhist Club hosted their annual Bodhi Day--a celebration of the life, teachings, and enlightenment of the Buddha, aligning with traditional celebrations. This year's Bodhi Day featured chants, choral song, and even a Tibetan dance followed by a vegetarian dinner.
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Emory University Chaplaincy Recap: Saraswati Puja and Blessing of Books
On Friday, December 5, Emory students joined Emory Hindu Life and the Hindu Students Association in a special Saraswati puja, honoring the Mother of knowledge in Hinduism as we entered the final examination period. Students worshipped, had their books and laptops blessed, and reflected on learning as a means to serve the world. This was followed by a delicious dinner where students had some time to unwind, connect, and recharge before exams.
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Emory University Chaplaincy Recap: Jain Society of Greater Atlanta Temple Visit
On Sunday, December 7, Emory University Chaplaincy led a group of Emory students, faculty, and staff on a visit to the Jain Society of Greater Atlanta as part of our ongoing Dharmic life programming, in partnership with Candler’s Jainism postdoc Dr. Dhruv Nagar. The group got to witness the beautiful sanctuary and rituals and share community and a delicious vegetarian lunch.
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Emory University Chaplaincy Recap: Emory Christmas Party
On Sunday, December 7, Emory Christian Life hosted their annual Emory Christmas Party. Students gathered to enjoy food and fellowship at the Interfaith Center. Emory OSRL Music Director Maury Allums led the singing of Christmas carols, which eventually turned into Christmas karaoke. Students made ornaments to put on their Christmas trees while sharing about favorite family Christmas traditions. The party was a pleasant break in a sometimes stressful season of finals. We wish the Christian community and all who celebrate a wonderful Christmas season.
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Emory University Chaplaincy Recap: Local Interfaith Leaders Panel with the Emory Inter-Religious Council
On Monday, December 8, the Emory Inter-Religious Council (IRC) hosted a Local Interfaith Leaders panel with the heads of three of the region’s most prominent interfaith organizations: Rev. Cassandra Henderson of Interfaith Children’s Movement; Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser of Interfaith Atlanta; and Codi Norred of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light—two of whom are Emory alums. These leaders shared a meal with 18 students who learned about their organizations, their paths to interfaith leadership, and their challenges and joys. Several students asked to stay in contact with their organizations going forward (The IRC has had higher attendance this year than any year over the past six). Many thanks to the panelists and to our Interfaith Speakers Series for making this possible.
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Emory University Chaplaincy Recap: Interfaith Outing to Atlanta Botanical Garden
On Tuesday, December 9, members of the Inter-Religious Council and WISE Pre-Orientation programs traveled to the Atlanta Botanical Garden to experience the annual “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” light display. Hot cocoa and warm apple cider, musical light shows, greenhouse exhibits, frogs and toads, and large model train villages brought joy and laughter to close out the semester.
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Protect Yourself From Unhealthy Religious Groups
Emory University has many healthy spiritual life opportunities led by Emory’s chaplaincy staff, Religious Life Affiliates, and the many Emory-affiliated religious student organizations listed here. Unfortunately, there are unaffiliated religious groups in the local area that display unhealthy behaviors such as high pressure, dishonesty, inappropriate outreach, etc. Please familiarize yourself with Emory’s policies on unhealthy religious groups to know if you encounter one, and if you do or if you have questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
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Upcoming Spiritual Life Programs
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Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers and Halal Lunch
Fridays Year Round, Prayers 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Friday Prayers every week, which will be followed by a hot halal lunch in Brooks Commons during term. Join the Emory Muslim Life elist here.
Simple prayers December 12 and 19.
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Weekday Fajr Prayers
Mondays and Wednesdays During Term, Times Vary, Cannon Chapel Room 106
Join the Muslim Students Association and Emory Muslim Life for Fajr prayers in the morning in Cannon Chapel Room 106. Students must request EmoryCard access through the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in order to attend. For EmoryCard access and instructions, please email religiouslife@emory.edu.
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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: Upcoming Activities
This week at Emory Hillel are packed with community, celebration, and Jewish joy.
From weekly favorites to special holiday moments, there are so many ways to connect, recharge, and start the new year together.
Check out the calendar here and mark your dates—we can’t wait to see you.
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University Catholic Center: Weekly Offerings
- Sunday - Catholic Mass, 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Cannon Chapel
- Tuesday - Catholic Eucharistic Adoration, 5:00 p.m., University Catholic Center, 1753 N Decatur Rd
- Wednesday - Catholic Mass, 5:00 p.m., University Catholic Center, 1753 N Decatur Rd
- Friday - Catholic Mass, 5:00 p.m., University Catholic Center, 1753 N Decatur Rd
We also have the Rosary being prayed as a group on:
- Monday/Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. on the Quad
- Tuesday/Thursday at 1:00 p.m. on the Quad
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International InterVarsity: Holiday Events
International students and visiting scholars are invited to be a part of the International InterVarsity Christian community's Holiday activities.
December 13 - Christmas Dinner and Gift Exchange
December 14 - Christmas Concert
December 15 - Gingerbread House making
December 16 - Atlanta exploration
You can learn more and RSVP here.
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Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Sunday Worship Services
Sundays, 8:30 am and 11 am, 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 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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Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: December 2025
See below for some highlighted events happening at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church this December. See the full calendar at their website here: https://www.glennumc.org/.
Christmas Caroling for All Ages & Children’s Nativity Pageant
Sunday, December 14, 9:45am & 10:15am | Ward Fellowship Hall
All ages join us for a sing-along of favorite carols hosted by The New Class and led by beloved pianist Jim Gibson and Covenant Choir Director, Katie Woolf. Then, at 10:15am, the Cherub Choir will present the Nativity pageant, directed by Mary Lindsey Lewis. Perhaps the most delightful 15 minutes of the season, with much laughter and levity, Glenn’s Pre-K, Kindergarteners, & 1st Graders bring the story of the first Christmas to life. Then, stay for 11am Advent 3 Worship in the Sanctuary and be sure to visit our Nativity animals petting zoo, enjoy Here & Now Coffee Co., & support the Alternative Giving Catalogue on your way home
Nativity Petting Zoo (Coffee with a Camel!)
Sunday, December 14, 12:00-2:00pm
Following our Third Sunday in Advent Worship at 11:00am, all ages are invited to visit with our favorite stable animals that bring the magic of the Christmas story to life. We heard that Obadiah the camel (or one of his friends?!) is following the Christ star and will make a stop by Glenn Church again this year! Here & Now Coffee Co. will be offering coffee & hot cocoa for purchase and the Justice Team will be offering a treat as we receive donations for the Alternative Giving Catalogue supporting mission and ministry locally and globally.
Young Adult Ministries Christmas Party
Tuesday, December 16, 7pm | Address upon RSVP
Young adults and college students are invited to our 2025 Young Adults Christmas party on Tuesday, December 16 from 7-9PM. Show off your cutest or tackiest Christmas apparel. We'll have appetizers, treats, and festive beverages. Optional activities include cookie decorating and Christmas crafts. RSVP at this link to get the address, and reach out to Sutton with questions.
In the Bleak Midwinter
Wednesday, December 17, 6:00 pm | Little Chapel
Is all the uncertainty of this Season too much to bear? Many of us have struggles in our lives that make being jolly & merry the farthest things from our hearts and minds. Whether you are grieving, stressed, or lonely, join us on winter's longest night to find comfort and hope in the midst of this season.
Christmas Eve at Glenn
Wednesday, December 24 | Sanctuary
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior through story and song. We hope you find the service that best fits you and your loved ones.
- 4pm | Christmas Pageant
- 7pm | Candlelight Service with Choir & Organ
- 11pm | Candlelight Service with Communion
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Opportunities and Resources
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United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Scholarships Available
Beginning January 1, students are invited to apply for scholarships from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation to help fund the 2026-2027 academic year. Annually, they award upwards of $2 million to hundreds of students planning to attend a United Methodist-related school, including Emory. Visit their website here for more information.
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SOUUL Summit 2026: Living Liberation, Leading Change - Building Courageous Communities that Thrive
March 19-22, 2026, UU Church of Atlanta
Whether you’re a longtime congregational leader, a seminarian, or stepping into your first leadership role, SOUUL Summit is designed to meet you where you are—and inspire where you’re going.
Participants will:
• Develop grounded, resilient leadership for turbulent times
• Learn practical tools to strengthen congregational life
• Experience dynamic worship and communal music-making
• Build networks of support with leaders from across the country
Come to be inspired.
Come to be renewed.
Come to live liberation—and lead change our communities need. More information and registration can be found here.
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Eagle Food Pantry 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-5 pm during the semester 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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Emory Community Fridge and Food Pantry
How to get involved:
Simply bring in any sealed, shelf
stable items. Place anywhere on the
pantry shelves.
Most needed items:
Rice, pasta, beans, canned foods, canned vegetables, snacks, cereal bread, fruits, paper products.
Drop location:
Alumni Memorial University Center (AMUC) 1st Floor
inside the ADA entrance right next to the fridge. 630 Means Drive. Live updates here.
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Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
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There is 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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Religious Accommodations: List of Major Religious Holidays 2025-26
Emory OSRL 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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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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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Fri., Dec. 12, 2025
Tradition: Christianity-Roman Catholic
Commemorates the day on which the Guadalupana (the Virgin of Guadalupe) appeared to San Juan Diego and her image appeared on his tilma (apron). The miraculous roses Juan Diego found and carried to the Bishop took the form of the image of Mary exactly as she had appeared to him at the hill of Tepeyac.
Chanukah
Sun., Dec. 14 – Mon., Dec. 22, 2025
Tradition: Judaism
Celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews’ victory over occupying forces in 165 B.C.E., which reestablished for a time their religious and political freedom.
Christmas
Thu., Dec. 25, 2025
Tradition: Christianity-Protestant, Christianity-Roman Catholic
Celebrates the anniversary of the birth (nativity) of Jesus. Dec. 25 is the date of this observance for Roman Catholic, Protestant, and many Orthodox Christian churches. In some Orthodox churches, Christmas falls on January 7.
Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ
Thu., Dec. 25, 2025
Tradition: Christianity-Orthodox
Celebrates the anniversary of the birth (nativity) of Jesus. December 25 is the date of this observance for Roman Catholic, Protestant, and many Orthodox Christian churches.
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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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