Education
As Christians, we spend our entire lives, from baptism to death, becoming disciples of Christ and growing in faith. As Episcopalians, this process of formation is shaped, in particular, by our liturgy and life together. Therefore, so are our education programs. The Cathedral offers programs for all ages and kinds of learners. These programs are intended to equip us for ministry and to foster spiritual growth through meaningful participation in and reflection on our common prayer, community, sacred stories, and mission. Contact Vicar George Maxwell, 404-365-1088, if you have questions about adult education.
Children's ministries Youth ministries
Sunday School for Adults
Old Fashioned Sunday School
10:10 a.m., in Child Hall
Old Fashioned Sunday School meets every Sunday at 10:10 a.m. to discuss topics of general interest to the Cathedral community. All are welcome. You will find a light heart, warm welcome, and good coffee!
Old Fashioned Sunday School
Reading Genesis: The Beginning of Wisdom
10:10 a.m., Child Hall
Since the nineteenth century, biblical scholars have become largely uninterested in the wisdom offered by the book of Genesis.They tend to focus on the fact that the book is a collection of separate documents that were written by different people at different times for different reasons and devote themselves to answering questions about whether and how these various pieces fit together. This approach means that they avoid the larger questions about life like, “What is the meaning of life?” and “How it should be lived?”
This series will focus on what the book of Genesis has to say about these larger questions. They are as important to us today as they were when they were first asked! We need the wisdom of Genesis as we work through issues facing us now about family and private life, community and politics, and our relation to nature and the earth. You will not be disappointed! As it turns out, Genesis doesn’t tell us stories about what happened as much as it tells us stories about what always happens.
The Rev. Canon George Maxwell will lead a discussion based on Leon R. Kass’ book titled The Beginning of Wisdom: Reading Genesis (Univ. of Chicago Press, 2023). You don’t need to buy or read the book to participate in the series.
Living Faith
10:10 a.m., in Room 239
Join Canons Lauren Holder, Julia Mitchener, and Cathy Zappa as we explore what it means to live out our faith through conversation with scripture and tradition, contemporary books, and, most important, one another. All are welcome!
Join us for conversation guided by The NY Times bestseller Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. While this book will be of particular interest to those with young people in their lives, it is also relevant to anyone wanting to reflect on the deeper meaning and purpose of human existence and on what Christianity may have to offer a culture in which so many question their self-worth.
Young Professionals Formation Hour: Episcopal 101
10:10 a.m., in Room 368
Please join The Rev. Salmoon Bashir for Episcopal 101: An introductory class on Episcopal beliefs and practices. This class is designed for those who are new to The Episcopal Church, as well as cradle Episcopalians interested in deepening their understanding of our traditions, liturgy, theology, beliefs, and practices.
These classes are meant to be an open forum for questions and conversations. No advance preparation is required. We look forward to embarking on this journey of discovery and faith together. All are welcome.
Enjoy Biblical Greek!
1:15 p.m., Room 239 and on Zoom
Open to beginners, this class includes long-term members who translate using grammar aids, lexicons and commentaries, enjoying how the Greek text reveals nuance and depth in scripture.
First-time visitors can drop-in and need no previous knowledge of Greek. Newcomer classes begin with alphabet and pronunciation practice prior to translation. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith, 404-365-1093.
Adult Education During the Week
Tuesdays
The Dean's Men's Bible Study (7–8 a.m.)
This group meets every Tuesday morning in the Chapter Room, September through May, to read and study scripture, to share faith stories, and to support each other in prayer. Sam Candler, the Dean of the Cathedral, usually leads the group; all men are invited, whether Cathedral members or not. Contact Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@cathedralATL.org, for more information.
Early Morning Women's Bible Study (7–8 a.m.)
All women are welcome to this group led by Canon Lauren Holder; drop in when you can. Contact Canon Holder, lholder@cathedralATL.org, for more information.
Wednesdays
The Dean's Women's Bible Study (10:45–11:45 a.m.)
This group meets Wednesday mornings in the Chapter Room, September through May, to read and study scripture, to share faith stories, and to support each other in prayer. Dean Candler usually leads the group and coffee is available. All women are invited, whether Cathedral members or not. Contact Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@cathedralATL.org, for more information.
Eat Your Word Bible Study (noon–1 p.m.)
All are welcome to this weekly Bible study, led by Canon Cathy Zappa in Room 239. Please bring your lunch and be ready for a lively conversation! Click here to join via Zoom.
Thursdays
Thursday Evening Book Study with Canon Julia Mitchener (6:00 p.m.)
Tracy Kidder’s 2023 New York Times Bestseller Rough Sleepers tells the story of a doctor who founded a medical practice for the homeless citizens of Boston. Kidder’s writing is compelling and highly narrative. Her sharing of the complex issues that have created our nation’s affordable housing crisis and the personal stories of those most impacted challenges and inspires readers to greater personal engagement.
The Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener will lead a four week study of Rough Sleepers on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. beginning on Thursday, September 14. Join us in the Cathedral Bookstore for light bites, fellowship, and good conversation about things that matter. For more information or to sign up, please contact Canon Mitchener at julia.mitchener@cathedralatl.org.
Monthly Group
Thursday Morning Men's Group
First Thursday of every month
8 – 9 a.m., Chapter Room
The Thursday morning men’s group meets on the first Thursday of every month (unless otherwise indicated) for breakfast, discussion, and fellowship. All men are welcome! Each session stands on its own, so come when your schedule permits. For more information, contact Canon George Maxwell at gmaxwell@cathedralATL.org.
EfM: Education for Ministry
Thursdays, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year program of the School of Theology of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. Participants commit only one academic year at a time, to participate in weekly, facilitated seminars that combine lesson discussion, theological reflection, worship, and community formation. Over the course of the four years, students study the Bible, church history, and theology, while reflecting on ministry and developing a wonderful spiritual community. A few spaces are available for an EfM class that begins January 5. For more information and registration procedures, contact Canon Cathy Zappa, 404-365-1043.