Greetings new student!
It’s an honor to be one of the many people welcoming you to campus this fall. My name is Maddie Henderson, and I am the Christian Chaplain in the Emory Office of Spiritual and Religious Life. In my role, I lead our Beloved Community Sunday worship services and a weekly International Student Lunch, provide pastoral care, host retreats, work with OSRL's staff and affiliate colleagues on ecumenical and interfaith initiatives, and more!
If you’re interested in getting involved in Christian life at Emory, there are many ways you can do that. First, you’re invited to join us for Beloved Community Worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 am in Cannon Chapel. This weekly ecumenical service has deep roots as Emory's student-centered chapel service, and it includes the beautiful musical gifts of our Music Director Mr. Maury Allums. We have an amazing assembly of speakers this semester who are leaders on campus and in the community. We always gather for a free lunch after worship in the Brooks Commons of the chapel. Our first service will be Sunday, August 21 at 11:00 am in Cannon Chapel. Over the semester we will have times of fellowship, Bible studies, and opportunities to serve in the community.
Speaking of Maury, a second way to get involved in Christian life is to join the
Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir. The VOIS choir, led by Maury Allums, sings at Beloved Community Worship on the fourth Sunday of each month, offers one campus concert each semester, and sings at university events such as Baccalaureate and other occasions. Voices celebrated their 31st anniversary this summer, and you’re invited to be part of this amazing tradition! It generally rehearses on Fridays at 6:00 pm to end each week.
In addition, we have ten affiliated Christian organizations that partner with OSRL to serve students, offer Bible study and worship experiences, and create service opportunities. You can see a list of active groups
here as well as contact information for the affiliate leaders of each organization. These folks are excited to meet you this fall as well. You are welcome to explore any and all of their communities.
And finally, I want to acknowledge the ups and downs that come with the strat of a new school year in a new place. Be sure to pace yourself as the semester starts, to make space for rest, and to ask for help when you need it. If you find yourself in need of a listening ear, do not hesitate to reach out to me (
mhend25@emory.edu) or our office more generally (
religiouslife@emory.edu). Joining students for coffee, a walk, or a conversation in our office is something that my colleagues and I always look forward to.
I hope to meet you soon, and that you have a great year ahead.
Peace and new year blessings,
Maddie
Christian Chaplain
Office of Spiritual and Religious Life
Biography