Adults

Wednesday Night Studies

Session 1 | FALL FAVORITES
Session 1 is in full swing with over 250 folks participating on Wednesday evenings!
You may now register for Session 2!

Session 2 | FALL FAVORITES (ENCORE ROUND)
5 weeks: 10/1 – 10/29
Missed a study from Session 1 you wanted to catch? We’re running these same studies again for Session 2! Register today, classes begin October 1.

NURSERY – Nursery registration is available for only those children (ages 6 weeks through 4 years) whose parents are involved in a study. We have a bold goal of 200 people in Bible studies on Wednesday evenings this fall, and we’re excited to gather in community, connect with God and one another through studying Scripture, and commit to following Jesus more closely together.

Wednesday Night Studies Session 2

  • JAMES – Tori Hastings

    James: Wholehearted Wisdom for a Grace Filled Life – Tradition identifies James as the half-brother of Jesus. James wrote his letter with practical wisdom about living a grace, filled Christian life in the midst of micro and macro struggles first century Christians faced. Two thousand years later, we face many of the same challenges. James’ letter gives voice to practical ways to live out Jesus’s understanding of Scripture: loving God and loving neighbor. Join us as we are corrected, guided, and at times, chastised by James in the hope of helping us live our faith more fully.

    Room M226

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • ACTS – Hill Carmichael

    Join us for a study on the book of Acts as we explore how the early church embodied real grace and real love in the midst of real life through the power of the Holy Spirit. This study will highlight how God forms bold communities of faith that respond to everyday challenges with compassion, courage, and conviction. Together, we’ll discover how Acts invites us to be the Church in authentic and transformative ways today.

    Small Dining Room – 2nd floor

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • REVELATION – Keith Thompson

    Join us for a study on the Book of Revelation, where we will uncover the deep hope, resilient faith, and enduring truth found within one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible. Together, we’ll demystify the vivid symbolism and explore Revelation not as a frightening forecast of doom, but as a powerful message of assurance for those facing hard times. This study is especially designed for those who’ve been wary or intimidated by the book, offering a thoughtful, grounded approach that reclaims Revelation from the hands of fortune tellers and doomsday prophets. Come and discover how this final word of Scripture can strengthen your faith and fill you with hope.

    Wesley Hall

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • JOHN – Rick Owen

    The Gospel of John stands apart among the four Gospels, offering a unique perspective on the life, ministry, and identity of Jesus Christ. The Gospel narrative is deeply theological, rich in symbolism, and imbued with a compelling invitation to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. This study is designed to explore the major themes in John’s Gospel, inviting participants to engage with the text thoughtfully, prayerfully, and in community. Each week focuses on key passages, questions for reflection, and practical applications to daily life. Whether you are new to the Gospel of John or returning with fresh eyes, this study will guide us as we encounter Jesus anew and deepen our faith.

    Room M208

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • JOB – Matthew Montgomery

    Five Weeks with Job – The Book of Job is raw, honest, and bold in its questions about life, justice, and how God works in the world. Job is the perfect book to help us create real talk, ask deep questions, and find unexpected hope. Join us for this intriguing study.

    Canterbury Conference Room – 1st floor

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • GENESIS – Eleanor Christiansen & Natalie Moon

    “In the beginning…” With that simple phrase, God invites us into the story of redemption that unfolds across all sixty-six books of the Bible. He speaks light into being and later brings light and life to a world stumbling under the darkness of sin. He forms the first man from the dust of the earth and then forms a nation in the womb of an elderly and barren woman. And over all of these stories, God is the Creator and Redeemer, the One who judges and the One who rescues. Join us as we journey from Eden to Egypt in the book of Genesis and encounter the God who has loved us since the very beginning.

    Renneker Conference Room – 1st floor

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • PSALMS – Mike Watson

    Join Bishop Mike Watson and dive into the rich poetry of The Book of Psalms, where ancient songs of praise, lament, and hope speak powerfully into our modern lives. This Bible study invites us to deepen our relationship with God through honest prayer, worship, and reflection on His enduring faithfulness.

    M227

    CLICK HERE to register.

     

  • JONAH – Annie Skinner

    Jonah is a gem of a multifaceted parable. When approached thoughtfully, we learn about Jonah, our lives, and God’s love. It is also one of the funniest books in the Bible.

    Room M200

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • PAUL – Lisa Donnell Bible Study (Ongoing)

    This fall we will study certain letters written by Paul during his missionary journeys. These letters shaped the Church and continue to inspire our faith walk today. We will begin with 2 Corinthians led by Tom and Patty Francis, Ellen Holladay and Beth Glisson. Lisa Donnell and John Hutchinson will lead us through Colossians, Philippians and 2 Thessalonians. This class focuses on Biblical scripture as supplemented by Biblical commentaries. Class discussion is encouraged and prevalent.

    Room M228/M229

    CLICK HERE to register.

Weekday Small Groups

Canterbury offers a wide variety of small groups throughout the week to enrich the lives of our church members and community. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and stress-free place where individuals have the opportunity to grow spiritually, meet new people, make new friends, and learn something new. If you’re interested in joining a small group, contact Annie Skinner at annie.skinner@canterburyumc.org.

Book Club 2025-2026

Book Club is held on the 2nd Monday of each month! Join us from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM in Room M226 for great discussion and fellowship. Bring your lunch and invite a friend!

REGISTER for Book Club, click here.

Upcoming Books

  • September 8

    The Lion Women of Tehran
    by Marjan Kamali

     

  • October 13

    A Right Worthy Woman
     by Ruth P. Watson

    Leadership Development

  • November 10

    The First Advent in Palestine: Reversals, Resistance, and the Ongoing Complexity of Hope
     by Kelley Nikondeha

    Nurturing for Community

  • January 12

    The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row
     by Anthony Ray Hinton

    Social Action

  • February 9

    The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today
     by Shannon Bream

    Spiritual Growth

  • March 9

    When Stars are Scattered
     by Victoria Jamieson

  • April 13

    The Light Pirate
     by Lily Brooks-Dalton

Adult Sunday School Classes

Sunday School is a great place to get to know and develop relationships with people in the same life stages. Canterbury offers many adult Sunday school possibilities. Feel free to visit different classes to find the one that fits you. For help finding an adult Sunday school class, contact Annie Skinner at annie.skinner@canterburyumc.org.

  • Aldersgate | 50’s-70’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Patti Warren
    M227
    This is a very open class that enjoys Bible study as well as book studies dealing with the application of Christian principles and theology to daily living. Class participants are encouraged to read during the week, and members volunteer to lead the discussion in class. Active discussion is a hallmark of this class —members enjoy full discussion in a free and congenial environment. No perspective reigns above others.

  • Bible Study Dialogue | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Chris Bullock
    A123
    This is a small class that enjoys studying the Bible using various resources. Regular teachers/class members lead discussion centered around Biblical topics.Topics might also include current events as related to a Christian outlook.The class participates in varied service projects and occasional social gatherings.

  • Compass | 30’s-40’s | Married, Raising Children

    Class Leaders: Kristin Pilkerton-Price/Bryan Paul
    M209
    This is a discussion based class led by various members on a rotating basis. They seek to become better Disciples of Christ through the study of scripture and its application to the challenges of daily life. They are using the Compass of God to help find their spiritual path during a hectic, pressure-filled stage of life.

  • Cornerstone | 20’s-30’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Lee Mallette
    M304
    This is a group of single and married young professionals in their late 20’s to early 30’s. They meet on Sunday mornings for fellowship with discussion based study facilitated by various class members. They also meet once a month for fellowship at their homes, events, and other venues.

  • Crawford Owen | 60’s-80’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: George O’Rear
    M141
    This class has four regular teachers who rotate from September through May, teaching on a variety of faith-based topics. Guest teachers from Canterbury and other churches in the community are invited to present lessons on their areas of interest during the summer months. In addition to a Christmas Brunch and an Annual Spring Party, the class celebrates communion in the chapel on Easter and the Sunday before Christmas. Outreach activities include Encore Community Respite Ministry, Altar Guild, Birmingham Hospitality Network, and Firehouse Shelter. Other individual outreach interests include United Methodist Women, Wednesday night dinners, homebound communion, and delivering plants to homebound.

    Click here for a PDF of Reading the Bible in a Year

  • Fellowship Too | 60’s-70’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Randle Cunningham
    M229
    This class has been a part of Canterbury’s Sunday School offerings for more than two decades. As the class has aged, so has its loyal membership, today made up of both married and single adults predominantly in their 50’s and 60’s, many with adult children as well as increasingly with grandchildren. Many have been members of the class since they were young couples. The curriculum varies including occasions to track with the overall lesson plans underway church-wide, topics of new or ongoing interest to this generation of adults, and periodic visiting speakers including clergy members, Methodist leaders such as Bishops, outreach professionals from the larger Birmingham community, or simply opportunities to take advantage of Christian learning opportunities from informed and interesting visitors. During the summer, the group typically has a monthly dinner and discussion at a member’s home to share in fellowship, stay in touch, and exchange any news needed.

  • J.O.Y. | 60’s-80’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Kirby Bland
    M129
    This class was founded in 1957. Class lectures are based on the various Bible Study books prepared by our regular teachers. Prior to our class meeting each Sunday, our members enjoy socializing with coffee and treats provided by class members. We celebrate the Christmas season with a class gathering for brunch or lunch.

  • Seekers | Late 40’s+ | Married, Raising Children

    Class Leader: Van Gladney
    M228
    This class is made up of members from varying denominational backgrounds and hometowns, providing many different perspectives as they “Seek” to better understand the life God has given them. Issues or questions relevant to members are identified to help build the curriculum. Members are actively engaged a variety of programs at Canterbury, and they seek to make the class a forum for communication on how to connect into these programs and other ministries available at Canterbury.

  • Pathways | Intergenerational | Married & Single

    Class Leaders: Anne Warren/Mary Little
    M226 and on Zoom

    This intergenerational Sunday school class includes members from all walks of life and welcomes visitors any Sunday. We encourage our members and guests to explore the many different paths one may take on their journey with Christ, and what it means to be a follower of Jesus in today’s world. We value and appreciate a variety of perspectives on life and spirituality. The diverse ages, experiences, and points of view of our class members allow them to explore their own faith through biblical study and the implications of our modern world. We enjoy learning from each other, hearing each other’s perspectives, and laughing together!

    Pathways is a proud member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, which “equips and mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.”

    Pathways class discussions are facilitated by different volunteers from the class each week and are led by guest speakers on occasion. We invite and enjoy robust discussion! Contact Mary Little, mblittle@bellsouth.net, for details.

  • Singles | 50’s-70’s | Single

    Class Leader: Dick Coffee
    M114

    Using a variety of teachers throughout the year, the format of this class changes constantly from discussion to lecture to Bible Study. Our speakers include ministers from Canterbury, recommended teachers from the church, and representatives from other churches and other religions.

  • Young Adults (YASS) | 30’s-40’s | Married & Single

    Class Leaders: Trey and Carmen Echols
    M140

    YASS meets on Sunday mornings and has various social events centered around building a community of believers in Jesus Christ. The content is generally facilitated by class leaders Carmen and Trey Echols. The studies focus on contemporary application of principles taught from both the New and Old testaments with specific focus on Jesus, his disciples, and Apostles. Conversations are dynamic and interactive. They help drive dialogue around key issues that young adults and parents will face in growing deeper into adulthood.

  • New Bible Study Class | Intergenerational | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Annie Skinner
    M120

    The New Bible Study class, using the Bible as our source, thoughtfully reads and discusses each book. Using maps and research, we try to discern what the original author(s) may have intended and discuss what this means for us.

  • New Young Adult Class | Mid-Late 20’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Mary Nelson Little
    M309

    If you are 24-30 (no strict age limits!) and looking for a meaningful place for connection, come try out this new Sunday School class!

  • New Young Marrieds Class | 20’s-30’s | Married

    M305

    This group of newly married young professionals in their 20’s and early 30’s focuses on fellowship and class discussion, led by various class members.

  • Sunday School for Parents of Confirmands

    Class Leader: Zac Riddle

    M208

    Confirmation is the beginning of a life-long journey of discipleship and inquiry. To aide you and support your own journey we will offer a Sunday school class just for parents of youth attending confirmation. We will cover the same topics that your youth will be discussing in the hopes of creating meaningful experience with your youth and the other parents. The church, at its best, is a community of believers.

    This class will meet Sundays from 9:20 – 10:10.

    If you have any questions, please contact annie.skinner@canterburyumc.org or 205.868.6580.

  • Kilgore Class | Parents of Teenagers | Married and Single

    Class Leader: Allen Kilgore

    M200

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