Emerald Hills Institute

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Emerald Hills Institute

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Emerald Hills Institute seeks to accomplish its vision by engaging in a variety of civic activities and inviting others to generate and share insights.

10/22/2026

Building bridges through dialogue, connection, and service.

Emerald Hills Institute participated in all three days of the 2026 G20 Interfaith Forum, October 15–17 in Salt Lake City. Under the theme “Resilient Hope, Shared Future,” the gathering brought together faith leaders, scholars, policymakers, and community practitioners from around the world.

Executive Director Zeynep Kariparduc represented EHI throughout the forum. On the second day, interns Norah Strong and Max Dillier welcomed visitors to our information table, sharing how EHI connects communities through dialogue, arts, education, and service.

We also welcomed several forum participants to our Cottonwood Heights office to continue conversations and build friendships. Participation in the forum’s service project offered another opportunity to put shared values into action.

Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and fellow participants for an enriching gathering and a shared commitment to peacebuilding.

Learn more about the forum: https://www.g20interfaith.org/

10/21/2026

Dear Friends,

Take a pause and join us for an afternoon of creativity, cultural learning, and connection!

Emerald Hills Institute invites you to *Setting Apart a Sacred Space, a hands-on workshop with **Kimo Watanabe* exploring Oceanic cultural traditions.

You’ll hand-sand and polish a coconut shell into your own *‘apu—a traditional drinking cup—to take home*, while learning about ‘awa protocols and their role in creating space for peace and reconciliation. We’ll close with an ‘awa ceremony and shared reflections.

Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
6715 South 1300 East, Suite 100
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

*Suggested donation: $20*

*RSVP: https://forms.gle/NRfPPbpiyZfqLAuc6
Please register in advance so we can prepare materials for you.

You may donate through *Venmo: , **Zelle: [email protected]*, or bring cash to the workshop. Please include your name and “Apu Workshop” in the payment note.

Sponsored by the *Utah Division of Arts & Museums*.

We look forward to creating and learning together!

Warmly,
Emerald Hills Institute

10/20/2026

Remembering M. Fethullah Gülen on the Second Anniversary of His Passing

October 20, 2026 | Emerald Hills Institute

Today, we honor the memory of M. Fethullah Gülen (Hocaefendi), whose lifelong dedication to education, interfaith dialogue, and service to humanity continues to inspire people around the world.

His vision inspired the Hizmet movement, a global network of individuals and organizations committed to fostering peace, mutual understanding, and the common good. Through education, humanitarian initiatives, and intercultural dialogue, the movement has helped build bridges across communities and promote a more compassionate world.

At Emerald Hills Institute, his teachings continue to inspire our work in bringing people together, empowering future generations, and strengthening communities through meaningful service.

As we mark the second anniversary of his passing, we honor his enduring legacy and reaffirm our commitment to the values he championed.

He is dearly missed, and his legacy continues to live on in the hearts and actions of those he inspired.

May he rest in peace.

Emerald Hills Institute
https://fgulen.com/en/

10/19/2026

Join the *Cottonwood Heights Interfaith Coalition and Emerald Hills Institute* for a Community Thanksgiving Interfaith Gathering!

Come together with neighbors of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds to celebrate gratitude, belonging, and community. Young people from different faith traditions will share their perspectives and inspire us to reflect on what brings us together.

*This is a family-friendly gathering, and we warmly encourage you to bring your children!* It’s a wonderful opportunity to share the spirit of Thanksgiving and help our children build friendships across faiths and cultures.

*Sunday, November 8 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.*
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel
2925 East Bengal Boulevard, Cottonwood Heights
*Please use the north entrance.*

Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome!

RSVP is required at the link below. Invite your friends and neighbors.

We look forward to sharing this meaningful afternoon with you and your family!

https://forms.gle/u9adiXmiLZA5bHKJ7
Warmly,
Emerald Hills Institute
Cottonwood Heights Interfaith Coalition

10/14/2026

Know Your Candidates: Community Conversations with Ben McAdams and Riley Owen

As part of Emerald Hills Institute’s Know Your Candidates Initiative, community members participated in two engaging visits with Ben McAdams and Riley Owen.

Each visit offered an opportunity to learn about the candidates’ backgrounds and perspectives, ask questions, and share EHI’s mission and work in education, arts and culture, interfaith dialogue, and community service. We appreciated the open conversations and the opportunity to connect around issues that matter to our community.

EHI is a nonpartisan organization and does not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate. This initiative encourages informed civic participation, respectful dialogue, and opportunities for community members to learn directly from those seeking public office.

Thank you to both candidates and their teams for welcoming us, and to everyone who helped organize and participate in these meaningful visits.

10/14/2026

Breaking Bread, Building Bridges: Noah’s Pudding at First Presbyterian Church

On Sunday, October 4, 2026, the Emerald Hills Institute had the privilege of joining the First Presbyterian Church community in Salt Lake City for a memorable morning of fellowship and interfaith dialogue.

The visit began by participating in the church’s regular Sunday service, a meaningful gathering enriched by shared expressions of faith, diverse native languages, and thoughtful reflection. In a resonant symbol of unity, the congregation celebrated World Communion Sunday with traditional breads from diverse cultures across the globe. Following the service, the conversation continued over coffee hour, where the Emerald Hills Institute presented the story and tradition of Noah’s Pudding (Aşure). Sharing bowls of this historic dessert alongside the communion breads transformed a simple post-service reception into an authentic exchange of tradition and goodwill. Across different faiths and backgrounds, coming together over food underscored how much common ground and shared history we hold.

The Emerald Hills Institute extends its sincere gratitude to the congregation and leadership at First Presbyterian Church for opening their doors, welcoming diverse traditions, and fostering such an enriching space for connection.

10/13/2026

With gratitude and remembrance...

Emerald Hills Institute is deeply saddened by the passing of Pamela Atkinson, a beloved community leader whose compassion and tireless service touched countless lives across Utah.
Pamela was a warm and generous supporter of our organization and our interfaith efforts. Her encouragement meant so much to us as we worked to build understanding, friendship, and cooperation across faiths and communities.
Her dedication to our neighbors experiencing homelessness and hardship reflected her profound respect for the dignity of every person. We will remember her kindness, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to serving others.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who served alongside her. May her legacy continue to inspire us to care for one another.
Emerald Hills Institute

10/05/2026

Join Emerald Hills Institute and Globus Relief for an afternoon of service! Together, we’ll prepare donated medical supplies for shipment to communities in need around the world.

Tuesday, October 20
12:30–3:30 PM
Globus Relief warehouse
1032 West 2610 South, SLC

Volunteers will help sort supplies, enter inventory information into Excel, and prepare boxes on pallets. No special experience is needed.

15 volunteer spots available. RSVP to reserve yours:
https://forms.gle/aLUNCsTqF3jkQ8xD8

10/05/2026

As part of United Against Hate Week, Emerald Hills Institute invites you to an interfaith panel discussion with speakers from five faith backgrounds. We’ll explore how our traditions address hate and what we can do, individually and collectively, to build understanding and support one another.

Sunday, October 18
2:30–4:00 PM
Salt Lake City Main Library, Room B
210 E 400 S, SLC, UT 84111

All are welcome. Please register at the link below.
https://forms.gle/CFT9MXtunTTWTDtL8

09/30/2026

Building a Stronger Interfaith Community in Cottonwood Heights

We were delighted to host one of the monthly meetings of the newly forming Cottonwood Heights Interfaith Coalition at Emerald Hills Institute.

It was a meaningful opportunity to come together, exchange ideas, and discuss how we can help this new coalition grow, strengthen relationships among faith communities, and create opportunities for collaboration and service throughout Cottonwood Heights.

We are grateful to be part of this interfaith effort and excited to see what we can build together in the months and years ahead. Building relationships starts with gathering around the same table—and we look forward to many more conversations and collaborations to come.

Address

6715 South 1300 East Suite: 100
South Salt Lake, UT
84121

Website

http://www.emeraldhillsinstitute.org/

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