Emory Chanukah, Giving Tuesday, and Native American History Month
Emory Chanukah, Giving Tuesday, and Native American History Month
 
News and Programs 11.19.21
Emory Chanukah
Emory Chanukah Celebration
Monday, November 29, 7:00 p.m., Emory Student Center Plaza
All are welcome for a Chanukah celebration at the Emory Student Center Plaza. Emory’s Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, in conjunction with the Bayit, Chabad, Hillel and Meor, will be hosting a festive candle lighting. 
 Hot cider and Chanukah snacks will be provided. All are welcome.
Come shine light and share joy with the whole Emory community.
For more information, contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
OSRL Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday with Emory OSRL
Now through Tuesday, November 30, All Day
A sense of belonging isn't always immediate for new college students, and for many students at Emory for more than a generation, it has come through the Voices of Inner Strength (VOIS) Gospel Choir within the Emory Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL).
The choir began with a concert on April 21, 1985 that included a homily by Civil Rights leader The Rev. C.T. Vivian and it has continued to offer empowerment, encouragement, support, and a home-space for Emory students and audiences ever since. 
VOIS sings at the Beloved Community worship service once each month, performs a campus concert each semester, and sings at university events such as Baccalaureate. In addition, VOIS’ activities have included spring break service trips, singing at churches around Atlanta, and performing acts of service locally. 
To learn more about VOIS, please visit the VOIS page.
In this season of Thanksgiving, OSRL invites you to join us in giving to support spiritual life at Emory on Giving Tuesday. Gifts made anytime now through Tuesday, November 30 count toward our total. This year, we are emphasizing our Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir Fund in order to make VOIS a permanent part of spiritual life at Emory. But you can also support OSRL's many vibrant programs. Thank you for your support, and a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Emory OSRL Celebrates Native American History Month
November is Native American History Month. There are many upcoming opportunities to learn more about Native American culture and history. 
Check out this list to find some Atlanta events and exhibits to celebrate NAHM, including at the Carlos Museum. Find additional opportunities here
VOIS Fall Concert
Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir Fall Concert 2021
This past Saturday, November 13, 2021, the Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir hosted their annual fall concert in Cannon Chapel. If you missed the concert live, you have the chance to watch it on YouTube here
VOIS fall concert VOIS fall concert VOIS fall concert
First Emory Buddhist Student Retreat a Success
From Emory Buddhist Chaplain, The Venerable Priya Sraman:
Last weekend, on November 12-13, I spent a joyful time in a wholesome retreat with sixteen members of the Emory Buddhist community at the Mountain Retreat and Learning Center in North Carolina. Our retreat started on Friday, November 12, with a delicious vegetarian dinner followed by stargazing, laughter, and community. We shared reflections on our interconnections with the nature and world around us.
The next morning, we enjoyed watching the sun rise colorfully over the mountain range. After our communal chanting we had a mindful morning walk exploring the different trails and spots on the mountain. The rest of Saturday, we spent in silence, eating our meals mindfully in gratitude, meditating together, exploring the mountain alone and engaging in meaningful discussions and reading Buddhist texts as a group. We ended our retreat reflecting on gratitude, care and community.
The retreat was a great opportunity to reconnect with ourselves individually, and with each other as a community. It provided us a wholesome space to rest, rejuvenate, and learn with and from each other.  
To learn more about opportunities with the Emory Buddhist community, contact Venerable Priya Sraman.
Buddhist Retreat Buddhist Fall Retreat
Faith in the Vaccine Project
Emory Students Help Atlanta Communities have 'Faith in the Vaccine'
The day after Georgia reported its millionth case of COVID-19, a band of Emory students tested their belief that together they could make a difference in the course of the pandemic. Serving as Faith in the Vaccine Ambassadors through Emory’s Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL), the students collaborated with Emory Healthcare on that August day to set up a mobile vaccination site in the parking lot of a church two miles north of the university’s quad.
Read more about the Faith in the Vaccine project here
Beloved Community Protestant Worship
Janjay Innis
Janjay Innis 
Content Specialist for Diversity and Inclusion, UMASS Medical School
Beloved Community Protestant Worship
Sunday, November 21, 11:00 a.m. service, 12:00 p.m. lunch (outside), Cannon Chapel
Beloved Community gathers each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. during the academic year. Worship is ecumenical and planned especially for the campus setting, providing a variety of worship experiences for the Emory community. Preachers include Emory chaplains and affiliates, Emory faculty, and distinguished guests from the U.S. and abroad.
November 21 Preacher: Janjay Innis, Content Specialist for Diversity and Inclusion, UMASS Medical School
Title: 
Text: John 18:33-37, Psalm 93:1-5 
For questions, to get involved, and/or to join the Beloved Community elist, please contact Christian Chaplain Maddie Henderson at madelyn.mary.henderson@emory.edu.
Mid-Week Musical Meditation, November 17
Mid-Week Musical Meditation, November 17
Mid-Week Musical Meditation
Wednesdays in Term, 12:00-12:15 p.m., Zoom and Facebook Live
Take a moment to breathe, relax, and connect with others, guided by OSRL Music Director Maury Allums. To register for updates and register for the event via zoom, visit http:bit.ly/OSRLMidWeekMusic. You can also watch the event live on Emory OSRL Facebook
Rothschild Lecture on Justice Ginsburg: Video Recording 
The lecture explores the life and jurisprudence of Justice Ginsburg through a Jewish lens, including how her religious upbringing and immigrant background shaped her constitutional worldview and philosophy of what America could and should be. Sponsored by the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies and co-sponsored by the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life. 
Watch the recording of the lecture here.
Jewish Approaches to Environmentalism Course
This course opportunity for Spring 2022 explores Jewish sources and arguments surrounding environmental ethics.
Learn more about the course here
Upcoming Programs
Emory Hillel Pre-Shabbat Senior Happy Hour
Friday, November 19, 5:30 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center
Join Emory Hillel for their Pre-Shabbat Senior Happy Hour to celebrate Israel. You must be 21+ to attend. RSVP here
Emory Hillel Haudalah and Hot Chocolate
Saturday, November 20, 2:00 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center 
Join Emory Hillel to celebrate Havdalah with hot coco, a jam sesh, and writing gratitude cards, all in the Thanksgiving/Holiday Spirit.
To RSVP click here
Muslim Students Association Food Pantry Volunteering
Saturday, November 20, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., 6200 Memorial Drive
This Saturday MSA will be having their last event of Fallanthropy. It is in collaboration with ICNA Relief. There will be an 11:00 am shift for delivering heaters to families who need them around Atlanta. And there will be a 3:00 pm shift for organizing the food pantry of ICNA Relief.
If you would like to participate in one of those shifts, make sure to fill out the RSVP form here.
Bread Coffeehouse Thanksgiving Day Lunch
Thursday, November 25, 2:00 p.m., Bread Coffeehouse
Not going home for Thanksgiving? Come to Bread on Thursday November 25 at 2:00 p.m. for yet another delicious Thanksgiving potluck. All are welcome. Talk to Josh for more details. Find more information about Bread Coffeehouse here
Glenn Memorial Church: A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Friday, December 3, 8:00 p.m., Glenn United Methodist Church
For many Atlantans, the start of the Yuletide season begins with Emory University's annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Performed by the Emory University Concert Choir and University Chorus, this magical melding of scripture lessons read in conjunction with the performance of international carols has been an Atlanta tradition since 1935. The benediction will also be led by Emory's Christian Chaplain, Maddie Henderson. 
For information on performance times and availability, click here.
UKirk Advent
UKirk Advent 2021 Program
Sundays, November 28, December 12 and 19, 7:30 p.m., Zoom
We are excited to welcome Rev. Bethany Benz-Whittington as she leads us in a virtual Advent series that will focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus. This is sure to be an amazing series where we will learn about Mary as presented in scripture, church history, and culture. We will await the birth of Christ through a young woman who yearns for peace and justice, just like the rest of us. 
Please register for the event by November 27, 2021 so you can receive the zoom information. 
University Catholic Center
Fellowship and Adoration Night
Friday, November 19, 10:30 a.m., University Catholic Center
Join the University Catholic Center every Friday for a student-led bible study focused on growing in faith and experiencing Christ's presence in our lives through the practice of adoring the Eucharist.
A Biblical Walk Through the Mass Series
Sunday, November 28, 10:30 a.m., Cannon Chapel 105D
As Catholics, the Mass is central to our Faith. We celebrate it every day. We know all the responses. We know all the gestures. But do we know what it all means? In A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, Dr. Edward Sri takes us on a unique tour of the liturgy, explores the biblical roots of the words and gestures we experience in the liturgy, and explains their profound significance
Donation Drive with the Catholic Student Union
Now until December 1, 2021
Until the beginning of December, the Catholic Student Union is sponsoring a donation drive for the local Saint Vincent de Paul thrift store. We will be collecting items such as clothes, shoes, jewelry, books, dishes, glassware, utensils, kitchen appliances, cookware, toys/games, and linens. Donation boxes are located at Cannon Chapel, the University Catholic Center, the ESC, Eagle Hall, and Woodruff Residential Center.
For more information on the activities being held by the University Catholic Center, click here.
Off Campus Programs
Church Action eNewsletter
Church Action eNewsletter: The Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Inc. Events
  • Equitable Dinners: "Anti Racism and Truth and Reconciliation: Learning from the Early Starts in Indigenous Communities"
    Sunday, November 21, 5:00 p.m., Online
    You are invited to join Equitable Dinners to talk about "Anti-Racism and Truth Recognition: Learning from the Early Starts in Indigenous Communities." The evening opens with an original play written for the evening by Marcie Randon, followed by guest speaker, Laura Cummings Bulgari, Co-Director, Atlanta Indigenous People's Association. Then guests from all over the country have a chance to reflect in small groups on what they've heard and come up with ideas to create change where they live. Register for this free event here.  

  • The Center for Religion and Environment "Notes of Rest for the Sake of Earth,"
    Thursday, November 18, 7:30 p.m., Online
    Join for a virtual spiritual retreat led by artist-theologian Julian Reid. Notes of Rest is a hour-long event responding to the charge from the Lord to live with the Earth. Reid will lead the participants in a time of reflection on how a sacred vocation in life and faith shape one another. Participants will have a chance to respond creatively to what God's been doing for them. More details and an online registration can be found here

  • Coffee at the Capitol
    Thursday, November 18, 4:00 p.m., Online
    Come visit with state Rep Dr. Jasmine Clark and learn more at the next Faith in Public Life Virtual Coffee at the Capitol at 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18. There will be time to ask questions and learn more about what will be on the table now and in 2022's legislative session. Clark serves as the representative to House District 108, covering the Lilburn and Mountain Park areas of Gwinnett County.
    More details and an online registration can be found here
Partner Programs
Migration and Health in a Latinx Context
Migration and Health in a Latinx Context
Thursday, November 18, 6:15 p.m.-7:45 p.m., Online via Zoom
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the faculty of the Latinx Studies Initiative have chosen the programming theme of “Migration and Mobility.” In keeping with that theme, please join Latinx Studies faculty for a panel discussion on the topic of “Migration and Health in a Latinx Context”. Moderated by Dr. Maria Carrion in the Department of Religious Studies, the panel will feature five scholars renowned for their work on Latinx health and migration.
Registration is required. Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link. Click here to register.
Trans Awareness Week
Trans Awareness Week
November 18-19, Online via Zoom
Trans Awareness Week is celebrated annually in November and is a crucial time to uplift the voices and experiences of the transgender and nonbinary community through education and action. During this week we are sharing resources for trans and gnc communities and advocates, hosting a thrift pop-up, creating space for trans pride, and encouraging trans and gnc healing. Join us throughout the week to recognize and honor our trans and gnc community.
Click here for more information.
Queer Family Dinner and Movies
Tuesday, November 23, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Location TBD
Still here over Thanksgiving break? Join The Office of LGBT Life on Tuesday, Nov. 23 from 3-5 p.m. for a queer Thanksgiving dinner. Location TBD.
RSVP by November 20 here.
Windows to the World: Tibetan Culture
Friday, December 3, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Cox Ballroom 
ISSS and the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative invite the Emory community to learn about Tibetan culture through demonstrations and a presentation by our Tibetan monastics, a trivia game with awesome prizes, and a performance by our local Tibetan community. Learn more about ISSS here
Opportunities and Resources
Emory Campus Life: Plan a Break 
During a time of heightened stress, anxiety, and loneliness, we all need ways to support our mental, physical, and academic health. The current environments can lead to increased feelings of doubt and insecurities and having to be “on” all the time can drain energy and decrease motivation for self-care. It’s important to utilize breaks to rest and take care of yourself to enhance focus and ultimately performance. Take time to rejuvinate and plan a break on the academic rest days on February 17, March 16, and April 14. Learn more about how to take a break here.
Ukirk College Conference at Montreat
January 2-5, 2022
We are so excited that College Conference is back at Montreat. This conference has been an integral part of UKirk Atlanta’s programming for many years and it is a blessing to be able to gather with students from all over the country in the same space once again for a few days of deep reflection, worship and a whole lot of fun. This years theme is “What’s Next?” and there is a great line-up of speakers.
You can learn more about the conference here.
Faculty and Staff Resources
Raising Awareness about Antisemitism on Campus
Antisemitism on Campus: Professional Development Webinar
Wednesday, December 1, 4:00-5:00 p.m, Online
Antisemitism in Our Midst: Past and Present is an 11-minute educational film that charts the history of antisemitism from its origins until today.  t tackles the hard questions about different and changing forms of antisemitism, persistent anti-Jewish stereotypes, the complex racial position of Jews in contemporary America, and the precise line between criticism of Israel and antisemitism. Join us to learn from the film’s authors, Dr. Ethan Katz and Rabbi Adam Naftalin-Kelman, about how they are using this film as part of UC Berkeley’s Antisemitism Education Initiative to change the conversation about antisemitism on their campus and beyond. RSVP at academicengagement.org/12121.
Mid-Week Musical Meditation
Every Wednesday in Term, 12:00-12:15 p.m., Zoom and Facebook Live
Take a moment to breathe, relax, and connect with others, guided by OSRL Music Director Maury Allums. To register for updates and register for the event via zoom, visit http:bit.ly/OSRLMidWeekMusic. You can also watch the event live on Emory OSRL Facebook
Spiritual Life Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
ERGs are employee-led groups established around common interests or identities. ERGs enable employees to create supportive professional communities and provide opportunities for networking, mentoring, advocacy, and professional development. To explore the possibility of joining or creating an ERG releated to a religious or philosophical tradition, please email religiouslife@emory.edu
Pastoral Care
All of the chaplains in OSRL are available for pastoral care, which is a form of confidential care and counseling provided by spiritual and humanistic leaders. As practiced by OSRL, it is offered to Emory students, faculty, and staff members of all faiths and no faith, and it makes no assumptions about a person's faith or practice. It can be as simple as a listening ear for emotional and existential support, or it can involve exploring beliefs, teachings, scriptures, and rituals. For an appointment, please contact the chaplains directly here.
Weekly Spiritual Gatherings Open to Faculty and Staff
There are a plethora of weekly religious and philosophical gatherings offered at Emory. 
Here are a few that are open to faculty and staff:
  • Compassion Meditation, Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel 106 and via Zoom, contact us for more info here
  • Buddhist Meditation, Thursdays, 6:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel 106 and via Zoom
  • Jumu’ah Prayer, Fridays, 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
  • Hindu Aarti, Fridays, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
  • Hillel Shabbat, Fridays, 6:00 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center, RSVP Here
  • Chabad Shabbat, Fridays, 7:30 p.m., RSVP Here.
  • Catholic Mass
    • Sundays, 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
    • Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m., University Catholic Center
  • Beloved Community Protestant Worship, Sundays, 11:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel
  • Emory Employee Christian Prayer Group, Mondays, 8:00 a.m., via Zoom, contact Jacynta Brewton for information.
Other gatherings are listed here
Spiritual and Religious Life at Emory Offerings
Weekly Spiritual 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're 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
Weekly Gatherings
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.  
Guru Nanak's Birthday
Thu., Nov. 18, 2021
Tradition: Sikhism
Day of the Covenant
Wed., Nov. 24, 2021
Tradition: Baha'i
Celebrates the anniversary of the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, as the Center of the Covenant. Work is not suspended on this day. Begins at sundown.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Wed., Nov. 24, 2021
Tradition: Sikhism
This day commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675), the ninth of the Ten Sikh Gurus. He is remembered not only for his defense of the Sikh faith, but also of Hinduism and of religious liberty.
Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha
Fri., Nov. 26, 2021
Tradition: Baha'i
Commemorates 'Abdu'l-Baha's death. Begins at sundown.
Advent
Sun., Nov. 28 – Fri., Dec. 24, 2021
Tradition: Christianity-Protestant, Christianity-Roman Catholic
Period of four weeks in which Christians prepare for Christmas and meditate on the end of all time. In Western churches, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year.
Hanukkah
Sun., Nov. 28 – Mon., Dec. 6, 2021
Tradition: Judaism
The Feast of Lights (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple following the Jews' victory over occupying forces in 165 BCE, which re-established for a time their religious and political freedom.
Emory OSRL ENews is published weekly during term by the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life 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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