Education
Sundays and During the Week
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 Canon Lauren Holder, 404-365-1036, if you have questions about adult education.
Sundays:
Old Fashioned Sunday School (10:10 a.m., in Child Hall and online)
Old Fashioned Sunday School will meet 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!
This year the class will, in a sense, be a return to the basics. Each class will address themes that arise in the lectionary readings scheduled to be read in church on that Sunday. Specifically, there will be five separate series. As we conclude Ordinary Time in the fall, the class will open with a series on the Gospel of Mark, focused on the political nature of the gospel. For Advent, the class will study the historical conceptions of heaven and hell as a way of examining our images of who God is. The series scheduled for the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany will focus on the Incarnation by looking at how the twentieth century Jesuit scientist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin used science to reimagine how and why God was present in creation. The Lenten series will address the spirituality of death and dying with a focus on how hope helps us make sense of suffering. Finally, the Easter series will focus on the psychological dimensions of faith and how they might help us to live into the idea of resurrection now. It’s going to be fun and will help you use your faith to find meaning in your daily life. This class meets in Child Hall and is available online. For more information, contact Canon George Maxwell, gmaxwell@cathedralATL.org.
Bible Studies
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. Please bring your lunch and be ready for a lively conversation! Contact Canon Zappa, czappa@cathedralATL.org, for the Zoom link.
Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Participants commit one year at a time (four years total) to meet weekly in seminars where mentors will guide them in:
- Studying the Bible, church history, and theology
- Practicing the art of theological reflection, which provides new insights regarding our life experiences and the world in which we live
- Developing a wonderful community.
There is a weekly lesson and study guide, but no tests or papers to prepare. We also take a summer vacation from June through August.
Beginning January 6, 2022, we will begin offering two Education for Ministry classes. Both classes meet on Thursdays, one group meeting at 10 a.m. (mentored by Rick Tyler and Cathy Zappa) and the other at 7 p.m. (mentored by Rick Tyler and Deirdra Glover). For more information and enrollment forms, contact Rick Tyler, 404-375-6470, rickty@mac.com.
Book Groups and Monthly Groups
Word to Your Mother
Second Tuesday of every odd month
Canon Lauren Holder facilitates a book study periodically, intentionally geared toward busy, busy moms. This group covers a range of topics, including parenting, marriage, women’s spirituality, faith at home, and friendship. While this group is specifically designed for moms, it is open to all women.
Sons of Thunder
First Thursday of every month
Sons of Thunder 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