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!
A Focus on Orion
Sam Candler presents a special Dean’s Forum on Sunday, January 19, 2025
“Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns deep darkness into the morning, and darkens the day into night.” That verse, from Amos 5:8, is one of the opening sentences in our Evensong liturgy. Dean Sam Candler will talk about Orion this Sunday, in a special “Dean’s Forum,” presentation about the constellation, Orion! He will include special astronomy slides and local photographs, too. Join us in Child Hall, at 10:10 a.m.!
Living Faith
10:10 a.m., in Room 239
Join us as we learn what it means to live out our faith through conversation with scripture and tradition, contemporary books, and, most importantly, one another.
Through the end of January, we’ll be discussing David Brooks’s bestselling book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. Intended for anyone seeking deeper a connection with others and yearning to be understood, this title draws from the worlds of religion, education, theater, neuroscience, psychology, and more. Bill Gates has described it as a guide to “a more humane way of living. It’s a must read for anyone looking to deepen their relationships and broaden their perspectives.” For more information, please contact Canon Julia Mitchener, julia.mitchener@cathedralATL.org. The books are available at the Cathedral Bookstore.
Young Professionals Sunday School: Baptism and Eucharist
10:10 a.m., in Room 368
Over the next four weeks, the Young Professionals Sunday School class will journey into the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist—foundational practices of our faith that invite us into deeper communion with God, strengthen our bond with one another, and unite us with the universal Body of Christ.
This series will cover:
- Week 1: Baptism as the Beginning of Life in Christ
- Week 2: The Significance of Baptism Today- Baptismal Covenant
- Week 3: The Eucharist – A Feast of Love and Grace
- Week 4: Living a Sacramental Life
Whether you’re new to exploring these topics or looking for fresh insights, this class promises thoughtful discussion and opportunities for spiritual growth. All young professionals are welcome—come as you are!
For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with The Rev. Salmoon Bashir, sbashir@cathedralATL.org, or 404-365-1035.
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., Room 319 (Chapter Room)
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., Room 239
All women are welcome to this group led by Canon Julia Mitchener; drop in when you can. Contact Canon Mitchener, julia.mitchener@cathedralATL.org, more more information.
WEDNESDAYS
The Dean's Women's Bible Study
10:45–11:45 a.m., Room 319 (Chapter Room)
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
12 p.m.–1 p.m., Room 239
All are welcome to this weekly Bible study, led by the Rev. Salmoon Bashir in Room 239. Please bring your lunch and be ready for a lively conversation! Click here to join via Zoom.
The Cathedral's EAT Your Word group will be studying Do Not Be Afraid by Rachel Mann, a book that beautifully reflects the themes of this Advent season. Each year, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York recommend books for Lent and Advent, and this one comes highly endorsed by the Archbishop of York.
Mann's book invites readers to embrace the hope and courage of Advent. As we prepare for Christ’s coming, her reflections encourage us to face life’s challenges with faith, grounded in God’s unwavering promise to be with us.
The book is divided into four sections, one for each week of Advent. Our study will begin on Wednesday, November 26, focusing on the first section for the First Week of Advent.
After The Chosen: Media Practice as Spirituality
5 p.m., Lanier House, September–December
Meets fall 2024 in the Lanier House at 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. intermission while sharing potluck contributions to our fellowship and continuing discussion.
Click here to view all seasons of The Chosen.
THURSDAYS
Bible Study at Parish Grove (11 a.m–11:45 a.m.)
Looking for a drop-in Bible study this summer? All are welcome to join us in the library at Parish Grove on Thursday mornings at 11 a.m. The Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener leads the Bible study with a focus on the upcoming Sunday lectionary readings. Note: You do not need to be a Parish Grove resident to participate! Simply check in at the front desk when you arrive, and you’ll find a warm welcome.
October Book Study (6 p.m.–7 p.m.)
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond
Cathedral Bookstore, beginning October 3
Join us in the Cathedral Bookstore each Thursday evening in October for a discussion of Matthew Desmond’s Pulitzer Prize winning title Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Named one of Time Magazine’s best ten nonfiction books of the past decade, Evicted follows eight Milwaukee families as they each struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Desmond transforms our societal understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while offering new ideas for addressing one of America’s most devastating problems.
All are welcome to join in these discussions, which will run from 6-7 p.m. beginning Thursday, October 3. For more information or to sign up, please contact the Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener, julia.mitchener@cathedralATL.org. Copies of the book will be available for purchase in the bookstore.
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.