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 Cathy Zappa, 404-365-1043, if you have questions about adult education.
Sundays:
Old Fashioned Sunday School (Child Hall)
Experiencing the Presence of God
This term, we will continue our study of the Bible and Christian contemplative spirituality. The course is built on the foundation laid by the Rev. Vincent Pizzuto, Episcopal priest and college professor, in his book titled Contemplating Christ: The Gospels and the Interior Life (Liturgical Press, 2018), which is, of course, available in the Cathedral Book Store. We will also explore a number of related themes that emerge from what is sometimes called the wisdom tradition.
Canon George Maxwell leads this class. As always, you will find those things that we think matter most: a light heart, a broad welcome, and good coffee. We look forward to seeing you there.
For more information, contact Canon George Maxwell, gmaxwell@cathedralATL.org.
Living Faith (Room 120)
Though we Christians claim to worship the one true God, revealed in Jesus Christ, many of us feel beholden to other powerful forces in our lives, and may even treat them as a religion or source of self-justification. Join Canons Cathy Zappa and Lauren Holder as we explore the many forms that religiosity takes today—or the many things that we tend to approach as religion. We will be using as our conversation partner David Zahl’s book, Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion And What To Do About It. David will be our guest speaker at Kanuga Parish Weekend in May! So join this five-week conversation (and register for Kanuga) now!
Parent Coffee Hour (Room 121)
Want to know what your students are learning in Sunday School? Join Jeff Cunningham, Kathy Loomis, Michelle Perkins, and Scott Russell as we follow along with lessons of the students in Sunday School and apply them to the family context. All parents are welcome!
Small Group Bible Study (Room 122)
Jim Bingham and Gordon Mathis lead an ongoing small group Bible Study focusing on a particular book of the Bible for several months at a time. This year, we are reading the Gospel of Matthew.
Our True Selves (Room 240)
The Rev. Dr. Thee Smith leads this series of co-listening classes that aim to enhance our ability to be fully ourselves—our true, worthy, and estimable selves. Topics can include everyday experiences and range through tough political issues as well as lifestyle choices and faith matters. Contact the Rev. Dr. Smith, tsmith@cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1093, for class dates.
Biblical Greek (Room 356)
Continuing Biblical Greek classes are offered on Sundays from 1:15–2:45 p.m. for anyone who wants to learn the basics of translation using grammar aids, lexicons, and commentaries. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith at tsmith@cathedralATL.org.
Adult Confirmation Class
Open to anyone interested in becoming confirmed, learning more about The Episcopal Church, or simply getting to know other newcomers/inquirers, adult confirmation classes are offered at least twice per academic year. Our spring session will meet on Sunday mornings, beginning on March 8, 2020.
Bible Studies
Tuesdays
The Dean's Men's Bible Study (7–8 a.m., Room 319)
This group meets every Tuesday morning 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.
Early Morning Women's Bible Study (7–8 a.m., Walthour Library)
All women are welcome to this group led by Canon Lauren Holder; drop in when you can.
Wednesdays
The Dean's Women's Bible Study (10:45–11:45 a.m., Room 319)
This group meets Wednesday mornings 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.
Eat Your Word Bible Study (noon–1 p.m., Room 239)
All are welcome to this weekly Bible study, led by Canon Cathy Zappa. Please bring your lunch and be ready for a lively conversation!
Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry is a four-year program of theological study and reflection. Groups meet to discuss scripture, church history, and theology and the intersection of these areas in their personal experience. The program is coordinated through the University of the South and is based throughout the United States and abroad. Click here for more information.
EfM costs approximately $375 each year in the Diocese of Atlanta, but scholarship assistance is sometimes available. (Contact the group mentor.) It starts each year in September and concludes in May.
There are currently two EfM groups meeting at the Cathedral:
Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
This group is mostly comprised of All Saints parishioners, but several Cathedral members belong to this group. Ethel Ware is the mentor.
Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
This multi-parish group is co-mentored by Rick Tyler, 404-375-6470, and Deirdre Glover, 770-865-2141.
Book Groups and Monthly Groups
Word to Your Mother
Second Tuesday of every odd month
Canon Lauren Holder facilitates a book study at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every odd month in Walthour Library, 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
Bill's Book Club (BBC)
First Sunday of each month
Every first Sunday, a merry band of readers gathers in Walthour Library to explore books together and plumb their depths for spiritual growth. Ruth Marley convenes this group. We will meet on the second Sunday in September (September 8).