VOIS Fall Concert, Muscogee Teach-In, Diwali
VOIS Fall Concert, Muscogee Teach-In, Diwali
 
News and Programs 11.1.24
VOIS Fall Concert 2024
Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir: Fall Concert 2024
Saturday, November 9, 7:00 p.m. Cannon Chapel
Join the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) and the Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir (VOIS) for our annual Fall Concert. VOIS offers a space for soul-healing and reflection through worship music of many different Christian genres. VOIS has been active on Emory's campus for nearly 40 years, and is happy to be a part of Emory Christian life and history with the leadership of OSRL’s Music Director, Mr. Maury Allums. 
Refreshments will be provided immediately after the concert. Parking is free on Saturdays at Emory's Oxford Road and Peavine parking lots. RSVP Here. Questions: religiouslife@emory.edu
RSVP Here
Muscogee Teach-In 2024
Emory Muscogee Teach-In
Friday, November 8, 2024, 2:30-5:30 pm, Emory Student Center, Multipurpose Room
Join leaders, singers, and storytellers for the third-annual Muscogee Teach-In. Refreshments will be served. The program includes: opening remarks by Emory and Muscogee Nation leaders; Muscogee hymn-singing; Muscogee storytelling from the Mvskoke Language Program; and a stomp dance. To register, please click here.
RSVP Here
Dia de Los Muertos: To Honor and Remember Loved Ones
Friday, November 1, 6:00-8:30 pm, McDonough Plaza
Join us for the Emory Día de los Muertos event. 
Mark your calendars for a special evening honoring our loved ones this Día de los Muertos. Come together with friends, family, and the rest of the Emory community to remember and celebrate those who have touched our lives.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you. The link to RSVP and Submit Pictures is here. Co-sponsored by the Emory University Chaplaincy. 
Emory OSRL Giving Week 2024
October 28-November 1, 2024
In this season of thanksgiving, please join OSRL in supporting spiritual life at Emory. Donations made anytime now through Friday, November 1 will count toward our total and help to support spiritual life and interfaith work.
You can give to many funds including:
  • Emory Inter-Religious Council
  • Journeys of Reconciliation
  • Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir
  • Hindu Life
  • Buddhist Life
  • Jewish Life
  • Christian Life
  • Muslim Life
Learn more about Emory Giving Week here.
Make a Gift Today Here
University Chaplaincy Recap: Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024
Homecoming 2024 Homecoming 2024 Homecoming 2024
From October 25-27, 2024, the University Chaplaincy enjoyed seeing and meeting so many alumni, family members, and friends. There were great turnouts at the Homecoming gatherings for Muslim Jumu’ah, Hindu Aarti, Buddhist Meditation, Jewish Shabbat services, Catholic Mass, and Beloved Community Worship. Our tent at the Food and Music Festival Festival featured Kiddush with Rabbi Jordan, bracelet-making highlighting spiritual, religious, and ethical values, refreshments and OSRL giveaways. Many thanks for your participation and we are already looking forward to next year.  
Soundbath SoundBath
University Chaplaincy Recap: Sound Bath Meditation at the Interfaith Center
On Monday, October 28, in conjunction with the Health 1234 Program and the Center for the Study of Human Health, the Buddhist Chaplaincy held a special sound bath meditation hosted by Mrs. Noni Keyton, MSEd, a certified sound practitioner from the Kathmandu Center of Healing in Nepal. A sound bath is a meditative experience in which participants are "bathed" in sound waves using various tones and frequencies designed to provide relaxation and stress relief.
Emory Votes
From Emory Votes Initiative: Early voting has started in Georgia. You can vote early from October 15-November 1st. Check the My Voter Page to see where you can vote. Emory’s campus polling location is 1599 Clifton Road. Emory Votes is also looking for volunteers to support the DeKalb County Polling Site located on Emory’s Atlanta campus. Sign up today. Learn more about Emory Vote resources here and below. View our partner Interfaith Atlanta's voting website here
Polling volunteers needed Early Voting Day Emory Votes
Post-Election, Drop-In Silent Retreat Time
Wednesday, November 6, Noon-3:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary

After months and months of high-volume intensity, members of the University Chaplaincy team will host a mini silent retreat time as a space for reflection and restoration. All are welcome to join for part or all of the three-hour meditative space. No prior meditation experience needed, just a desire for calm and quiet after the election.
For questions, please email religiouslife@emory.edu.
After the Vote: Understanding and Repairing a Divided Nation
Post-Election Forum Featuring Ambassador Andrew Young
Wednesday, November 6, 3:00-5:00 pm, Room 252, Rita Anne Rollins Building, Candler School of Theology
The day after polls close for the U.S. presidential election, Candler School of Theology will host a forum reflecting on the election, the path forward for American democracy, and the role of faith communities in healing the country’s divides.
The event will feature Civil Rights leader Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, along with two distinguished Emory scholars: Joseph Crespino and Andra Gillespie. Dr. Robert M. Franklin, Jr., the program’s organizer, will serve as moderator.
Register to attend in-person or online here.
Belonging, Community and Justice: Election Listening Circles Series 
Cox Hall 3rd Floor
BCJ is hosting a series of Election Listening Circles on 10/29, 11/5, and 11/6 at various times. Join us on the third floor of Cox Hall. 
Each listening circle will provide students with space to process their feelings about the current election and consider how to navigate the before, during, and after the election.
Emory Diwali Celebrations
Diwali
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Diwali is a festival that carries a variety of significance for many Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs, and each tradition comes to the celebration with their own meanings. For Hindus, it is typically observed over 5 days and widely associated with the Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and prosperity, who is worshipped on the third day. Some turn to traditional narratives, specifically one in which the deity Rama is welcomed back to his kingdom by rows of oil lamps after having deafeated the king Ravana. However one choses to associate with the festival, Diwali marks a time for families and friends to come together and feel a sense of renewal and joy. It is a time to share community and find support in reflecting on our commitments to ourselves and to one another guided by the light of learning.
View some of the Emory Diwali offerings below and connect with Emory Hindu Chaplain Rajeev Persaud at rajeev.persaud@emory.edu for additional information about how to get connected.  
OSRL and HSA: Lakshmi Puja
Friday, November 1, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join OSRL and HSA for our Lakshmi Puja. Learn more about HSA here. For more information, contact Hindu Chaplain Rajeev Persaud at rajeev.persaud@emory.edu
ICA Diwali: Ticket Sales
Saturday, November 9, 7:00-11:00 pm, Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Every year, we take great pride in hosting Diwali, the festival of lights in India, which for several years has been Emory’s largest off-campus event. Diwali today serves to demonstrate India’s regional, religious, and cultural diversity.
This year's event will be held on Saturday, November 9, at the Atlanta Marriot Marquis from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM ET. We are expecting the celebration to be sold out at our capacity of 800 guests. Tickets are only $20 for a full night of festivities (including catered dinner) -- These can be purchased during ticketing slots (locations to be announced on Emory ICA's Instagram: "emory_ica" in the upcoming weeks). 
Ticketing Dates:
  • Monday, October 28, 3:30-5:30 PM
  • Tuesday, October 29, 6-8 PM
  • Wednesday, October 30, 9:30-11:30 AM
  • Friday, November 1st (TBD)
All are welcome. Come dressed in your favorite Desi attire. Learn more about getting a ticket here
Midweek Musical Mediation
Midweek Musical Meditation
Wednesdays during term, 12:00-12:15 pm, Zoom or Facebook Live 
All are invited to reflect and decompress in a mid-week, mid-day time of sacred music. Join Maury Allums, Director of Music, and the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in taking a moment to breathe and connect with others in our community.
Register on Zoom or follow on our Facebook Live.
Midweek Musical Meditation - 10.30.24
Upcoming Programs
No Meditation Tonight: Buddhist Guided Meditation
Thursdays during term, 6:00-7:15 p.m., Cannon Chapel and Zoom

Join us for Buddhist meditation Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. You may also come early starting at 5:15 p.m. for a period of community and snacking while we prepare for the meditation session at 6:00 p.m. Please feel free to enjoy the provided snacks and tea before and/or after the session. You are welcome to stay after to continue discussion. Zoom option: https://emory.zoom.us/j/515025945
Contact: Emory Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman, psraman@emory.edu
International Community Friday Lunch
Fridays during term, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
International Community Friday Lunch (ICFL) is a long-standing collaboration between the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
This gathering extends a warm welcome and builds community for international students and scholars over a free lunch. Attendees will also meet sponsors who will share helpful campus resources.
ICFL occurs on Fridays from 11:30 am-12:30 pm in Cannon Chapel Brooks Commons. Meals are limited in number and served on a first-come, first-serve basis. Learn more here
November 1 Host: International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers
Fridays during term, 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Friday Prayers followed by a hot halal lunch in Brooks Commons. Join the Emory Muslim Life elist here. For questions, please contact Muslim Chaplain Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov
Hindu Aarti  
Fridays during term, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join Emory's Hindu Chaplaincy and the Hindu Students Association for weekly Aarti prayers and community.
Contact: Emory Hindu Chaplain Pandit Rajeev Persaud at rajeev.persaud@emory.edu.  
University Catholic Center at Emory University: All Saints Day
Masses and social held at the Emory Catholic Center.
10/31: Vigil Mass at 6:00 pm
11/1: Mass at 4:00 pm, Post-Mass Social
Learn more here.
Shabbat
Hillel at Emory: Shabbat
Fridays, Services 6:30 p.m., Dinner, 7 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center, 735 Gatewood Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Join Hillel at Emory for Shabbat services and dinner. RSVP here. Sponsored by Hillel at Emory. 

Chabad at Emory: Shabbat Services and Dinner
Fridays, 8:00 p.m., 1500 N Decatur Rd, 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
Graduate Christian Fellowship: First Friday Dinner
Friday, November 1, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Brooks Commons at Cannon Chapel
Please mark your calendar for our November First Friday dinner. If you know you’ll be there, you can go ahead and RSVP on our linktree here.
University Catholic Center: Sunday Masses
Sunday, November 3 , 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Sunday Masses on-campus.
Contact: Catholic Religious Life Affiliate Michael Zauche, michael@emorycatholic.org.
Beloved Community
Beloved Community Christian Worship
Sunday, November 3, 11:00 a.m. Service; Noon Lunch, Cannon Chapel
Emory Beloved Community is a weekly ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community, held in Cannon Chapel and followed by a free lunch. All are welcome. All Emory students, staff, and faculty welcome. Contact: Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong, mhend25@emory.edu.
Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Lyn Pace 02T 17T, Oxford College Chaplain. Dr. Pace will be leaving Oxford College in December to become Assistant Dean of Religious Life in the Duke University Chapel. Come to hear him and wish him well.
Hillel at Emory: Hike at Stone Mountain
Sunday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.-1 p.m., Stone Mountain
We’re excited to invite you to a relaxing and fun-filled hike at Stone Mountain. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking to spend some time outdoors with friends, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature and connect with others. RSVP here. Let us know if you’ll need a ride or if you're able to offer one to others. We want to ensure that everyone has a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Moving Beyond Distractions: A Mindful Walk Through Lullwater Preserve
Friday, November 8, 1:00–3:00 p.m., Lullwater Preserve (gather at front gate at 1:00 p.m.)
Join us for a scenic walk through Lullwater Preserve with facilitators Tamiia Quinn, Alex Vigder, and Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman. We will participate in a session of mindfulness, contemplation, and sensory awareness. We will practice immersing ourselves in nature by exploring our creativity, expressing our observations through journal writing, drawing, and storytelling. Light snacks will be provided. Sponsored by Emory Buddhist Life.
For more information, please contact psraman@emory.edu
Beloved Community Bible Study
Tuesdays starting October 22, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Student Lounge


Beloved Community Bible Study will study the Book of Numbers for the remainder of the semester. If you’ve ever thought, “Numbers is too confusing” or “Numbers is boring and doesn’t relate to me today,” this study is for you. Join us weekly for a thematic study of Numbers as we engage with this rich Biblical text. 
To learn more, please email Emory Christian Chaplain, The Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
Muslim Life Weekly Halaqa and Dinner 
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
All Emory students are invited to join us for an Islamic text study on different topics each week. Dinner will be provided. No previous attendance required. 
For more information or to suggest a topic, please contact Emory Muslim Chaplain Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov at rahimjon.abdugafurov@emory.edu.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship: Weekly Events
Join OCF at one of our weekly events. Looking for fellowship? Come meet our community each Wednesday at Faith and Falafel.  We have free falafel sandwiches and an insightful spiritual discussion (RSVP Here)
Looking for worship? We have prayer services every Monday and Tuesday. Looking to learn more? Save the date for our Friday Bible Studies.
For questions, please contact Orthodox Affiliate Jacob Sparks.
Emory Christian Fellowship: Bible Study
Bible Study:
Thursdays starting September 5, 7:30-9 pm., Cannon Chapel Room 105D
Join Emory Christian Fellowship for Bible Study. Learn more here
Reformed University Fellowship: Small Group Bible Study
Starting the week of September 9
We are starting Small Groups. Want to be in one? DM us or check the groupme to know who to contact for more details. Learn more here
International InterVarsity Fellowship
Please check and sign up for our coming activities here. Learn more here
Off Campus Programs
Refugee Women's Network Global Feast Under the Stars
Refugee Women's Network: Global Feast Under the Stars
Saturday, November 9, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Legacy Park, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur
Join us for The Global Feast Under The Stars, an unforgettable evening hosted by the Refugee Women’s Network on November 9, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the beautiful Cochran Building at Legacy Park. Come and taste a world of flavors with dishes from countries around the globe. Enjoy captivating performances, live music, and a silent auction — all while supporting Refugee Women. Don’t miss this magical evening under the stars. RSVP here.

The Carter Center: Finding Peace of Mind
Friday, November 15, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Carter Center
The Peace of Mind event is suited for diverse faith and lay leaders who are interested in creating or enhancing a mental wellness ministry.  Our keynote speakers will detail the research and science on how religious practices have a positive effect on mental wellbeing.  Our panelists, including Drs. Grant and Negi, will field questions about spiritual practices.  Our hopeful outcome will include a new network of faith leaders who can share and exchange ideas for enhancing a more caring community.
RSVP here.
Campus Partner Programs
Candler School of Theology: Service of Word
Thursday, November 7, 11:05 am - 12:00 pm, Cannon Chapel
Join the Candler community for a Service of Word the two days following the U.S. national elections.
Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Robert M. Franklin, Jr., James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership   
Watch the Livestream here
The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies: Soul Singing
Tuesday, November 12, 7:00 p.m., White Hall 207
Born in Israel, BAMAH Visiting Artist Orit Tashoma is a rapper, spoken word artist, and singer of Ethiopian descent. Simultaneously an insider and outsider, her talk will feature musical selections from her album and touch on themes of immigration, acculturation, and systemic racism. 
RSVP here
Candler School of Theology: Howard Thurman Lecture 
Wednesday, November 13, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm., Rita Anne Rollins Building Room 252
Candler’s Black Church Studies program will host the annual Howard Thurman Lecture, presented this year by Kyle Brooks, assistant professor of theology and religious studies at the University of San Diego.

In this lecture, Brooks will explore the concepts of hauntology and haunting as lenses for interpreting how the religio-political work of Martin Luther King, Jr. is instrumentalized in the reproduction of a mythological paradigm for Black public leadership. RSVP here
Resources and Opportunities
Emory In Via: Open for Submissions
Emory In Via, a journal of Christian thought, is open for submissions. Whether you're interested in writing, design, art, or photography, we would love to provide workshops and editor support as you create a project this semester. Pieces should reflect an artistic or scholarly expression of the Christian faith.
Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis. Abstract form and more information is available here
Secular Student Alliance Interest Form
The Secular Student Alliance (SSA) is a national organization dedicated to atheist, humanist, and non-theistic students, and encourages students to proudly live and cultivate their identity.

Emory Secular Students (ESS) is seeking to be a chapter of this organization, with our main goal being to create a safe space for atheists, agnostics, and religious students who may be questioning their faith. Emory University students are welcome.

To learn more and receive information about joining, please click here. 

Department of Religion: Spring 2025 Course Offerings
Check out Spring 2025 course offerings from the Department of Religion. Learn more here
Scholarship Opportunity for Methodist Students
Applications for UMHEF Scholarships Open January 1, 2025.
Catch up on the latest details about scholarships from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation in our 2025 Reference Guide, found here.
Eligibility:
UMHEF scholarships are available to full-time undergraduates, graduate students, and Doctor of Ministry students who plan to attend United Methodist-related schools for the 2025-2026 academic year. Exceptions or additional criteria may apply.

Church Membership:
UMHEF remains committed to supporting students from Methodist traditions including United Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal, AME Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal, and churches that have disaffiliated from The UMC.
CAPS: Fall 2024 Groups and Workshops
Emory Couseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is offering a wide range of workshops and groups for Emory faculty, students and staff. 
  • APIDA Support Group: This is a gathering place for Asian/Asian-American students looking for connections and support. If interested, please email Dr. Cayla Leung (cjleun2@emory.edu)
  • Finding Your Calm: This is a 6-week Anxiety Skills Group. If interested, please email Dr. Alexandra Scott (ajscot7@emory.edu)
  • Create and Connect: Having trouble feeling connected at Emory? Join us for 1-hr of crafts and connections. For more information, please email Dr. Alexandra Scott (ajscot7@emory.edu)
  • Breaking the Mold: This is a 3 part workshop series to learn evidence-based skills to more harmoniously relate to perfection-seeking parts of yourself. The workshop is on October 8,15, 22 from 12-1 pm on Zoom. For more information contact Dr.RaiNesha Miller (rainesha.miller@emory.edu)
  • ADHD Workshop: This is a monthly workshop for students with ADHD looking for support and skills. For more information, email Dr. Kelch-Oliver (kkelcho@emory.edu)
  • International Student Support Monthly Workshop: This is a monthly workshop that provides a safe space for international students to connect with one another, learn coping skills, and celebrate your
    cultural backgrounds. If interested please email Dr. Shujing Zhang at szhan71@emory.edu
  • The Mindfulness Channel: Learn, discuss and practice mindfulness skills to feel less stressed. If interested, please email Rachel Freeman at rfree27@emory.edu
Eagle Food Pantry: A Free Food Pantry for Emory Students
Open: Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Bread Coffeehouse, 1227 Clifton Rd N E, Atlanta, GA 30307
Bread offers a free food pantry for students at Emory who are in need. If you have any questions or would like to donate any items to the food pantry, please email:  eaglefoodpantry@breadcoffeehouse.org.
Weekly Gatherings
Weekly Gatherings
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.
For questions, or to add an item to our weekly gatherings page, please email religiouslife@emory.edu.
Religious Accommodations: Major Holidays List for 2024-25
As planning continues for the 2024-25 academic year, the Emory University Chaplaincy seeks to provide support  regarding upcoming religious holidays that may impact large numbers in our university community. These dates are provided to assist the community with avoiding potential schedule conflicts. Please pay special attention to the bolded holidays, as they often require accommodations in our community. For a list of major religious holidays observed by larger religious demographic groups at Emory, please click here. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu
Upcoming Religious Holidays
These events are drawn from the multifaith calendar maintained by Harvard Divinity School. To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, please click here
Diwali (Dipavali)
Thu., Oct. 31, 2024
Tradition: Hinduism
All Saints Day
Fri., Nov. 1, 2024
Tradition: Christianity-Protestant, Christianity-Roman Catholic
Christian celebration of the lives of all the saints, especially those not having a special feast day; Orthodox churches observe the day in mid-summer.
Birth of the Bab
Fri., Nov. 1, 2024
Tradition: Baha'i 
Emory University Chaplaincy ENews is published weekly during term 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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