Spiritual Life

worship, campus, march

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Genna (Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas)

Interview with EMU student, Ruth Abera, "From my religious background I most value the Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas holiday which is also known as Genna. This holiday is important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, which is central to my Christian faith and brings me a sense of spiritual joy. Secondly, it's a time of coming together with family and friends, strengthening bonds over sharing traditional meals, and customs.  Last but not least  it's a moment to celebrate my rich Ethiopian cultural heritage, which often includes vibrant music, dance, and unique rituals.  "Genna is a holiday deeply rooted in the enjoyment of traditional meals, often featuring ingredients like meat, dairy, and eggs. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church observes a 40-day fasting period leading up to Christmas, known as the fast of Advent or Tsome Nebiyat. Believers abstain from meat and dairy products during this time, focusing on prayer, repentance, and spiritual preparation. "I often… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Center for Interfaith Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Interfaith Calendar. Event Locator: 2024-AAMLQK. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 7:00 AM.

Campus Worship: Hymn Sing for Hope

Join a Hymn Sing for Hope planned and led by students and faculty from the Music and Peacebuilding major. Campus Worship is an invitational space for gathered worship in Christian traditions and a variety of styles. Campus Worship is held in Martin Chapel (Seminary Building) on Wednesday mornings every other week scheduled opposite of Convocation. Read more here about campus worship and other worship services on campus. 2 Engage Points, This event will be livestreamed on Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.  The recording will be available on Facebook Live for 30 days after the event; after that you can find it on EMU's YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@EasternMennoniteUniv. Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Worship, Faith & Spiritual Life, Spiritual Renewal, EMU Engage, Arts and Lectures. Event Locator: 2025-AANAGM. Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 10:15 AM – 11:05 AM. Seminary Building, Room 215 Martin Chapel, Seminary Building, Room 218 Fellowship Area.

Rededication of the EMU Peace Pole

New May Peace Prevail on Earth plaques have been installed on the resealed and painted EMU Peace Pole providing a timely opportunity to rededicate it with a vision for peace and shalom on earth. All are welcome to come and share your call for peace. Possible collaborators include: Peace Fellowship, SEEDS, Student Chaplains, Music and Peacebuilding faculty and majors, Aramark employees who resealed and refreshed the peace pole. Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Faith & Spiritual Life. Event Locator: 2025-AANLCP. Friday, January 16, 2026, 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM. Campus Center, Thomas Plaza.

Campus Worship: Faith Matters! How?

Gather for an exploration of how faith matters in our current contexts. Faith and Spiritual Life Affiliates, Alexis Ward Owens and Georgia Metz, will share reflections from their own faith journeys and also their pastoral ministry contexts. Alexis Ward Owens is a pastor with the United Methodist Church. She currently serves at RISE Faith Community in Harrisonburg, a hybrid campus ministry and local church. Alexis believes that everyone is made in God’s image and has something of great value to offer this world! This is why she feels that it is a part of her calling to do all she can to help others discover their God-given gifts and empower them to use those gifts to work towards mending God's creation. Alexis is an extroverted enneagram 8 who loves meeting new people over coffee or tea, walking her dogs Han and Chewie with her husband Seth, reading and crafting! Georgia Metz is a pastor at Shalom Mennonite Congregation, a welcoming and inclusive faith community dedicated to Jesus' radical way of love,… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Worship, Faith & Spiritual Life, Spiritual Renewal, EMU Engage. Event Locator: 2024-AAMTZB. Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 10:15 AM – 11:05 AM. Seminary Building, Room 215 Martin Chapel, Seminary Building, Room 218 Fellowship Area.

Campus Worship: Black History Month -BSA

This campus worship service is planned by the Black Student Alliance contributing to their Black History Month happenings. More information is forthcoming as plans are confirmed. Campus Worship is an invitational space for gathered worship in Christian traditions and a variety of styles. Campus Worship is held in Martin Chapel (Seminary Building) on Wednesday mornings every other week scheduled opposite of Convocation. Read more here about campus worship and other worship services on campus. 2 Engage Points, This event will be livestreamed on Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.  The recording will be available on Facebook Live for 30 days after the event; after that you can find it on EMU's YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@EasternMennoniteUniv. Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Worship, Faith & Spiritual Life, Spiritual Renewal, EMU Engage. Event Locator: 2025-AANAHD. Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10:15 AM – 11:05 AM. Seminary Building, Room 215 Martin Chapel, Seminary Building, Room 218 Fellowship Area.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in China, is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others.  It is often a time for feasting, for cleaning, and to honor the ancestors.  Beginning on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the New Year celebration is usually celebrated for multiple days—not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar’s New Year.  Cindi Boyer, EMU student (2023 Interview), Cindi reflected in her interview on the importance of getting together with other local Asian families to celebrate not only the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival but also the full moon every month.  These would be intergenerational gatherings; Mandarin-speaking gatherings wouldn’t necessarily include music or dancing, but lots of card games, including a betting game like bridge.  "It would be dinner, and socializing, the kids would hang out and the adults would play… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Center for Interfaith Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Interfaith Calendar. Event Locator: 2024-AAMLHJ. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Ramadan, Feb 17 - Mar 18

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims worldwide. It is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for observant Muslims. The observance of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, representing fundamental acts of worship and the foundation of a Muslim's faith. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from consuming food, drink, tobacco, and engaging in sexual behavior. The fast is broken each day with a meal called an iftar, which is often initiated with the eating of dates and followed by a larger meal that includes a variety of foods. The pre-dawn meal is called suhoor. Ramadan this year takes the evening of February 17-March 18.  In upcoming years, Ramadan falls on the following dates: Evening of Sun, Feb 7, 2027 – Mon, Mar 8, 2027, Evening of Thu, Jan 27, 2028 – Fri, Feb 25, 2028, Evening of Mon, Jan 15, 2029 – Tue, Feb 13, 2029, , You can access the complete Multifaith Religious and… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Center for Interfaith Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Interfaith Calendar. Event Locator: 2025-AAMXMH. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 7:00 PM.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent, occurs 46 days before Easter and is associated with penitence, reflection, and fasting. On this day, ashes are typically applied to the foreheads of believers in the form of a cross, often accompanied by the words "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" or a similar phrase. The ashes are usually derived from the burning of palm branches blessed on the previous year's Palm Sunday. Interview with EMU University Chaplain and Director of the Office of Faith and Spiritual Life, Brian Martin Burkholder. "As a young person, I recall having ashes smudged on my forehead by the pastor of the church where I grew up. The words most often spoken by the pastor were, 'From dust you have come and to dust you will go.' The ritual of imposing/receiving ashes was solemn and filled with humility before God. We were facing our own mortality. Today, I find the service to be moving as I acknowledge my relationship before God as Creator, Redeemer and… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Center for Interfaith Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Interfaith Calendar. Event Locator: 2025-AAMXMN. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 7:00 AM.

Lent, Feb 18 - April 2

Lent is the solemn Christian religious observance in the liturgical year commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry. Wikipedia, EMU Student Emma Nord reflects, "The Christian season of Lent is a meaningful time for me. It’s a time of lament, a period of waiting in the discomfort. We know the Easter resurrection is coming, but we’re not there yet. We spend these 40 days acknowledging just how much we need salvation- how many ways our world is hurting. Many Christians choose to give something up for Lent that they have taken for granted in everyday life - chocolate, coffee, meat, social media, TV, commuting by car. Some Christians choose to take on a prayerful or spiritual practice during this season, either instead of or in addition to giving something up. These practices serve as a reminder of the things that really matter— God, community, creation[.]" "When I was in… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Center for Interfaith Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Interfaith Calendar. Event Locator: 2025-AAMZWJ. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 7:00 AM.

Campus Worship: Exploring Ash Wednesday

Have you heard of Ash Wednesday but never really understood it? Why do some Christians smudge ashes on their foreheads on this day? What meaning does this ritual have for some followers of Jesus? Are there other ways to acknowledge humility before God? Come for a learning experience held within a worship service exploring the intentions and rituals of Ash Wednesday as we mark the first day of the western Christian season of Lent. You will be invited to visit one or more stations for receiving ashes on your forehead or the back of your hand and pouring dry sand and tracing your fingers through the sand tray. You might also choose to sit in silence prayerfully listening to the music that holds the space. This campus worship service is co-sponsored by the EMU Seminary. Campus Worship is an invitational space for gathered worship in Christian traditions and a variety of styles. Campus Worship is held in Martin Chapel (Seminary Building) on Wednesday mornings every other week scheduled opposite of… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Worship, Faith & Spiritual Life, Spiritual Renewal, EMU Engage. Event Locator: 2025-AANAHF. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 10:15 AM – 11:05 AM. Seminary Building, Room 215 Martin Chapel, Seminary Building, Room 218 Fellowship Area.

The Great Lent, Feb 23 - April 11

The Fast of Great Lent (also known as Hudadi or the Abiy Tsom) lasts for eight weeks, or 55 continuous days before Easter (Fasika).  During the Fast, observants partake in no more than one meal a day, which is eaten in the afternoon or evening. Fasting involves abstention from animal products (meat, dairy, and eggs), and refraining from eating or drinking before 3:00 pm. This year, the dates are February 23-April 11.  In upcoming years, the dates are Mar 15-May 1, 2027; Feb 28-Apr 15, 2028; Feb 19-Apr 7, 2029. Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/rod_waddington/14446941543, You can access the complete Multifaith Religious and Cultural Holidays Calendar here. Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Center for Interfaith Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Interfaith Calendar. Event Locator: 2025-AAMXMM. Monday, February 23, 2026, 7:00 AM.

Y-Serve Puerto Rico MDS Trip

Y-Serve announces their spring break volunteer service spring break trip to Puerto Rico partnering with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) to rebuild roofing on homes impacted by hurricane damage. Group size is limited to 10 people with a preference for people with some construction experience and a willingness to work on a roof for a week. A $50 non-refundable deposit is needed by Friday, Dec. 12 to secure a spot. )Spaces may still be available after Dec. 12 so check in if interested.) The total cost is $100 which includes travel costs. Payment can be made in cash in the Student Life Suite (see Brian or Jennifer) or by credit card with a 3% processing fee in the Business Office. There are two forms needed for this trip: EMU Risk and Release Form and Medical-Health Form. These can be picked up on the table outside the UC 224 office in the Student Life Suite. Those who pay in full and have all paperwork turned in by January 9 save $25 on the total cost. If the cost is a barrier for you, talk with… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Faith & Spiritual Life, Y-Serve. Event Locator: 2025-AANKNP. Sunday, March 1, 2026, 7:00 AM – Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11:00 PM.

Purim, March 2-3

Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from a plot to exterminate them in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible. Purim is celebrated annually on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, which usually falls in late February or March on the Gregorian calendar. The central figure in the Purim story is Queen Esther, who, along with her cousin Mordecai, played a crucial role in thwarting the evil plans of Haman, an official in the Persian Empire. Haman sought to annihilate the Jewish population, but through Esther's courage and Mordecai's intervention, the plot was exposed, and the Jewish people were spared. This is from an interview with Courtney Joyner, EMU faculty. Purim is another minor holiday, but one of my favorites. You dress up in a costume and gather at the temple. The community reads the Book of Esther together, often in a readers theater style, a “Purim spiel” which is a parody of the play. In 2025, Purim starts at… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Center for Interfaith Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Interfaith Calendar. Event Locator: 2025-AAMZPM. Monday, March 2, 2026, 7:30 PM.

Holi, March 3-4

Holi is the Hindu festival of colors that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, good harvest, and fertility.  It's a time where people joyfully dispel the gloominess of winter and await the coming of spring.   It usually falls in the later part of February or March.  Dhruv Mandal, EMU student - MA in Biomedicine (2023 interview), In India religion and culture are deeply enmeshed. This intertwining extends for many in the Indian diaspora. Often, even those who do not observe Hindu religious customs still immerse themselves in the Hindu culture through mythology, music, and literature. Holi is a Hindu religious and cultural festival that celebrates both the victory of good over evil and the love that the god Vishnu shares with his wife. In this spirit of celebration, Holi is also known as the Festival of Colors. Indian people both on the subcontinent and in the diaspora observe the holiday with bonfires and throwing colorful powdered dyes on family and friends.  Indian and/or Hindu students… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Center for Interfaith Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Interfaith Calendar. Event Locator: 2025-AAMZPQ. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 7:00 AM.

Campus Worship: Fasting and Feasting

We'll explore the practices of Fasting and Feasting for religious observances including Ramadan (Islam), Lent (Western Christianity), and The Great Lent (Eastern Orthodox Christianity). This campus worship service is co-sponsored by the Center for Interfaith Engagement (CIE). Campus Worship is an invitational space for gathered worship in Christian traditions and a variety of styles. Campus Worship is held in Martin Chapel (Seminary Building) on Wednesday mornings every other week scheduled opposite of Convocation. Read more here about campus worship and other worship services on campus. 2 Engage Points, This event will be livestreamed on Facebook Live from our EMU Facebook page.  The recording will be available on Facebook Live for 30 days after the event; after that you can find it on EMU's YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@EasternMennoniteUniv. Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Worship, Faith & Spiritual Life, Spiritual Renewal, EMU Engage, Arts and Lectures. Event Locator: 2025-AANAHG. Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 10:15 AM – 11:05 AM. Seminary Building, Room 215 Martin Chapel, Seminary Building, Room 218 Fellowship Area.

CWorship: What's Your Story? Deanna D.

Gather with Deanna Durham, Associate Professor of Social Work & Sociology and Social Work Program Director, for our campus worship series entitled, What's Your Story? Reflections on Call and Vocation, featuring faculty and staff sharing reflections on their sense of calling and vocation (purpose and meaning). Deanna's reflections are in the context of Women's History Month. -Who or what impacted and inspired your sense of who you were and what gave you meaning through your growing up years? -How has your faith or spirituality informed your sense of calling and vocation/purpose? -How are you continuing to lean into the fullness of your sense of calling and vocation in your present work and life? Campus Worship is an invitational space for gathered worship in Christian traditions and a variety of styles. Campus Worship is held in Martin Chapel (Seminary Building) on Wednesday mornings every other week scheduled opposite of Convocation. Read more here about campus worship and other worship services on… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Worship, Faith & Spiritual Life, Spiritual Renewal, EMU Engage. Event Locator: 2025-AANAHH. Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 10:15 AM – 11:05 AM. Seminary Building, Room 215 Martin Chapel, Seminary Building, Room 218 Fellowship Area.

Eid al-Fitr, March 20-21

Ishtiaq Khan, EMU student - CJP  Eid al-Fitr (or Eid ul-Fitr) is a three-day celebration in which Muslims commemorate the end of Ramadan. Meaning “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” Eid ul-Fitr provides an opportunity to thank God for the holy month of Ramadan by offering ourselves to others. While Ramadan is observed through prayer and fasting, Eid ul-Fitr is marked by the sharing of gifts and feasting.  Because Islam is a world-wide religion, Eid ul-Fitr customs showcase a rich cultural diversity. Some elements, however, remain constant. The first day of Eid always begins with special communal prayers for which Muslims often wear new clothing. The three days include joyful visits with family and friends, sharing holiday foods and sweets typical of one’s cultural region, giving cash to children both inside and outside of one’s family, and the offering of charity to those who are food-insecure.  Ishtiaq Khan, a CJP student from Pakistan, shares how much he appreciates EMU’s recognition of interfaith… Organization: Faith & Spiritual Life. Categories: Spiritual Life, Center for Interfaith Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Interfaith Calendar. Event Locator: 2025-AAMZPN. Friday, March 20, 2026, 6:00 PM.