Lunch & Learn: History and Faith in the Middle East
2023-10-19 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Make plans to join Rev. Tori Hastings for an ongoing, weekly Lunch & Learn beginning tomorrow, October 19 at 12 Noon. (Room M226) Through discussion, we will be breaking down history and faith in the Middle East to gain a better understanding of the current situation in Israel. Bring your lunch or place a lunch order today by emailing Brittany Smith at brittany.smith@canterburyumc.org.

RISE Lock-In
2023-10-20 18:00 - 2023-10-21 10:00
Wait, what? I’m locked in!? That’s right! RISE Ministry (5th-6th grade) get excited and ready to spend a night locked in at church! We will play games, eat lots of food and have a great time with friends! Drop off 6 PM on Friday, October 20 and pick up 10 AM on Saturday, October 21. Friends and neighbors welcome, so feel free to invite! Please register your child and friends by clicking here.

October Legacy Luncheon
2023-10-24 12:00
Please join us and welcome Canterbury member Ralph Yielding and his Litter Getter Crew and learn all the wonderful things they are doing to clean up the city of Birmingham. See something, do something. RSVP to Valerie.boyd@canterburyumc.org or 874-1523 by October 19. $5

Info Meeting for Passages of the Bible Cruise 2024
2023-10-29 11:30
Join Rev. Tori Hastings and Guest Speaker Rev. Brian Erickson for a 10-night Mediterranean Cruise aboard Norwegian Getaway on the Passages of the Bible Cruise October 7, 2024. You will see the Sea of Galilee, stand on the Mount of Beatitudes, Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Old City, Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Alexandria, Egypt (Cairo), Giza Pyramids, Athens, Corinth, Propylea, Parthenon, Erectheum, and much more! For more info on this travel opportunity, plan to attend the upcoming Info Meeting on October 29 immediately after worship at 11:30 AM in Wesley Hall. For complete trip details, please click here. Questions? Contact Tori Hastings at tori.hastings@canterburyumc.org.

Flower Guild Workshop
2023-10-29 13:00 - 16:00
Love flowers? Bring a friend and come learn new flower arranging skills with the Canterbury Flower Guild. On Sunday, October 29 from 1-4 PM in the dining room, Janet Jackson, former co-owner of Flowerbuds, will lead a workshop! You’ll learn everything from soaking oasis, conditioning flowers and building an arrangement. You will also get to take home the arrangement you make. ($20 materials fee). Please respond to Laurie Bullington at laurie.bullington@gmail.com by October 22.

Samaritan Place Market: A Christmas Village
2023-11-01 00:00 - 2023-11-27 00:00
Once again, Canterbury is hosting a “pop-up” store for parents in the Avondale area to shop for new Christmas toys for their children at affordable prices. This Christmas shopping event takes place annually at Avondale Samaritan Place. Gifts need to be purchased and delivered to either Avondale UMC or Canterbury UMC by November 27. You are encouraged to shop local or from the easy and convenient Amazon Wish List. Financial donations are also welcome. Questions? Contact Jennifer Dunn at jennifer.dunn@canterburyumc.org.

Book Club
2023-11-06 11:30 - 12:30
Now is a great time to join BOOK CLUB! Two wonderful reads are lined up for November 6 and then January 8. November’s reading is Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. Book Club is held from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM in Room M200 (next to the Resource Room).

Dementia 101
2023-11-07 10:00
Every month, Encore Community Respite at CUMC offers a free course for people wanting to learn more about dementia with Dr. Renee Harmon. On November 7, we explore the basics of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. What is the difference between these two terms? What are some of the most common types of dementia? What is happening in the brain of someone living with Alzheimer’s disease? How does one get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, and why is it important to get an accurate diagnosis early? What treatments are available? What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease? What are some basic caregiving principles? This course is designed for anyone interested in better understanding dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

YAC Journey Retreat
2023-11-17 00:00 - 2023-11-19 00:00
This is a retreat for all 7th-12th grade students, and friends are welcome! The weekend is full of sessions with awesome worship & talks, lots of games, small groups, and a whole lot of fun. This is a weekend that your student will not want to miss, so invite your friends and join us!

Bakesgiving
2023-11-19 13:30 - 16:00
Love to bake? Or purchase Thanksgiving cakes and pies? Or is hospitality and a welcoming spirit your gift? Please help us welcome our Avondale community to Samaritan Place for our annual Bakesgiving event! Baked goods need to be at Canterbury UMC or at ASP on Friday, November 17 by noon, and servers would work on Sunday, November 19 from 1:30-4:00 PM. Please click here to sign up. Thank you!

Thanksgiving Holiday
2023-11-23 08:00 - 2023-11-24 17:00
Church Office Closed 11/23-11/24

Happyish Holidays
2023-11-28 12:00 - 13:30
A luncheon for all who find themselves in a tougher season in life during the holidays. It just can’t be the most wonderful time of the year when we are also in a particular life struggle. Maybe grief, illness, divorce, or other challenges have us wondering how to approach the holidays this year. Rev. Malcolm Marler will talk with us about self care, grace for ourselves and each other, and how we can still engage in hope and joy.
November 28 | 12-1:30 PM | Wesley Hall

Christmas Choir Musical
2023-12-03 19:00
The Birmingham-Southern Concert Choir, the Birmingham-Southern Alumni Choir and the Canterbury Chancel Choir will present Ralph Vaughan Williams Christmas musical Hodie.
This cantata by Williams was composed between 1953-1954, and is a beautiful celebration of the season. All are invited to attend this special presentation in Canterbury’s Sanctuary.

Melodies of the Season
2023-12-05 14:00
Side by Side Community Chorus will present “Melodies of the Season” on Tuesday, December 5 at 2 PM in Canterbury Hall. The 90-voice chorus and band will bring you the most heartwarming tunes and a few song stories, too! Take a break from the hustle and bustle and leave with a holiday melody in your heart. No tickets are required. Donations will be accepted at the door for Encore Community Respite’s family care fund. With these funds, we are able to provide support for care partners and their loved ones for needs beyond the regular Encore program and support groups.

Also! The Encore Christmas Shoppe will be open before and after the program for great holiday shopping.
Side by Side Community Chorus is a dementia-friendly choral experience for senior adults and people living with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or any form of dementia who love music and being with good friends.

Pictures with Santa
2023-12-06 16:30
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Don’t miss Canterbury’s Annual Pictures with Santa event hosted by Kids@Canterbury. Photos will be taken on Wednesday, December 6. Reservations are required and picture groups will start at 4:30 PM in the Covenant Classroom. Dinner will begin at 5 PM, so plan to make an evening of it! Sign up for your spot here.

December Legacy Luncheon
2023-12-12 12:00
Join the Canterbury Staff for fellowship, lunch, and a fun Christmas carol singalong! Lunch $5. RSVP to valerie.boyd@canterburyumc.org.

Festival of Trees
2023-12-13 17:00 - 19:00
Festival of Trees will be held on Wednesday, December 13 from 5-7 PM. We will be celebrating and highlighting the many wonderful groups who are connected to Canterbury including age level ministries, Sunday School classes, non-profits, etc. The evening will also include a beautiful live nativity – complete with animals and Baby Jesus – as well as a craft room for the kids to decorate their own miniature tree to take home. Bring your friends and family, they are welcome to enjoy the evening! For more info, email Ruth Grissom at ruth.grissom@canterburyumc.org.

Carols & Cocoa
2023-12-17 18:00
Bundle up and join the fun in the Chapel parking lot! We will enjoy some yummy hot chocolate, fire pits, and even better fellowship and Christmas music! Invite a friend and bring some chairs. See you there!

The Longest Night Service
2023-12-21 18:00
You are invited to a special worship service held on Winter Solstice – the longest night before Christmas. Join us at 6 PM in the Chapel, a sacred space, to reflect and accept where we really are, as we hold out for healing and hope this season. (This service will be livestreamed.)

Christmas Eve Services
2023-12-24
Join us on Christmas Eve for candlelight communion at one of the following five services:

New Traditions | 8:15 AM
Sanctuary Worship | 10:30 AM
Contemporary Worship | 10:30 AM
Contemporary Worship | 3:00 PM
Sanctuary Worship | 5:00 PM

* All Christmas Eve services will be livestreamed.

January Book Club
2024-01-08 11:30
Shaking the Gates of Hell by John Archibald
Join us on January 8 at 11:30, Room M200 -John Archibald will lead this session.
John Archibald is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and columnist with a focus on politics. He is the son of Methodist minister Robert L. Archibald Jr. and completed a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of Alabama in 1986. His book Shaking the Gates of Hell was published by Alfred A. Knopf. In 2020, he was awarded a Nieman Foundation fellowship at Harvard University in order to study how media stories shape public perceptions of crime and a “culture of fear.” He and his wife Alecia have three children: Drew, Ramsey and Mamie.

To register: www.canterburyumc.org/grow/adults/#fall-small-groups

Real Life Sessions on Wednesdays
2024-01-10 18:00 - 19:00
Canterbury strives to be a place full of Real Grace and Real Love in the midst of Real Life. In 2024, we will focus on Real Life and what that means for us in our daily practices—not only including study, but also support and self-care. Real Life can be challenging…let’s navigate it together!
Make plans to join us for the following:
5 to Thrive, led by Lauren Nassetta, MD Wednesdays 1/10 and 1/17, 6-7 PM | Small Dining Room
Lauren is the Chief Wellness Officer for Pediatric Faculty at UAB and Children’s of Alabama. She will share important information and helpful tips
on how we can live our best lives.
Nutrition, led by Amy Goss, PhD, Wednesday, 1/24, 6-7 PM | Small Dining Room
Amy is an Associate Professor in the UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences. She will discuss better ways to eat and be more healthy in 2024.
Let’s Get Organized, led by Patricia Tully, Wednesday 1/31, 6-7 PM | Small Dining Room
Patricia is a professional organizer specializing in downsizing, decluttering, and organizing. She will provide practical ways that we can improve our areas both at home and at the office.

Grief Care
2024-01-17 12:00 - 13:00
Begins January 17
Wednesdays
12 Noon-1 PM
Room M200
Led by: Hill Carmichael
To register: https://forms.ministryforms.net/embed.aspx?formId=50b8b9e6-5289-4159-a13e-a735a44dce5f

Next Steps
2024-01-21 00:00
New to Canterbury?
This Sunday morning class is a basic introduction to our church family and a wonderful time for you to continue building connections with others.
1/21 & 1/28 and 2/4 & 2/11.
To register, please email Becky King at becky.king@canterburyumc.org.

Women's Dinner
2024-01-23 18:00
Canterbury women of all ages are invited to attend a very special evening of faith, fellowship and fun – featuring guest speakers Betty Gunn and Laura Sisson.
A delicious Italian meal will be served ($20 per person) and we will enjoy an evening focused on how we find faith and joy! This is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with old friends and to meet new people at Canterbury. The event is hosted by Canterbury United Methodist Women, but you do not have to be a member or join UMW to attend.
Registration has now closed for this event.

Real Life Sessions on Wednesdays
2024-01-24 18:00 - 19:00
January 24 – Nutrition
Canterbury strives to be a place full of Real Grace and Real Love in the midst of Real Life. In 2024, we will focus on Real Life and what that means for us in our daily practices—not only including study, but also support and self-care. Real Life can be challenging…let’s navigate it together!
Make plans to join us for the following:
5 to Thrive, led by Lauren Nassetta, MD Wednesdays 1/10 and 1/17, 6-7 PM | Small Dining Room
Lauren is the Chief Wellness Officer for Pediatric Faculty at UAB and Children’s of Alabama. She will share important information and helpful tips
on how we can live our best lives.
Nutrition, led by Amy Goss, PhD, Wednesday, 1/24, 6-7 PM | Small Dining Room
Amy is an Associate Professor in the UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences. She will discuss better ways to eat and be more healthy in 2024.
Let’s Get Organized, led by Patricia Tully, Wednesday 1/31, 6-7 PM | Small Dining Room
Patricia is a professional organizer specializing in downsizing, decluttering, and organizing. She will provide practical ways that we can improve our areas both at home and at the office.

Guest Speaker David Thomas
2024-01-28 14:00 - 16:00
“Raising Boys”
Join us on January 28 from 2-4 PM in Canterbury Center for this free event.
What does it look like to raise boys with emotional strength? Young men who have the skills and resources to navigate all the moments of life – from the first day of school to conflict with friends, losing games and struggling with homework, facing challenges, and developing resilience.
This session will equip you to help boys develop three foundational ingredients for emotional health, known as the 3 R’s. You will walk away with questions to ask the kids in your life, practical ideas and intentional practices for building emotional strength in your family.
David is the Executive Director of Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a frequent guest on national television and podcasts and has been featured in publications like The Washington Post and USA Today, and speaks across the country. For more information, visit raisingboysandgirls.com.
Please let us know you are coming by registering at: www.canterburyumc.org/david-thomas
Childcare:
Free childcare is available for children ages 6 weeks through 4th grade from 2-4 PM. Please email Selena Pitsch at selena.pitsch@canterburyumc.org to reserve your spot(s).

Encore Volunteer Training
2024-01-29 09:00 - 12:00
Encore Community Respite Ministry is designed to empower those with memory loss to live fully and live well, and is open to people of all faith backgrounds in Birmingham and surrounding areas. The program is progressive, interactive and affirming, incorporating elements of creative and cultural arts, civic service, fitness, intellectual stimulation, and social and spiritual fulfillment.
Held here at Canterbury on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the program is thriving and can always use new volunteers. If interested in volunteering, please join us for the next training session on January 29 from 9 AM – 12 Noon in the Encore room. For more info or to sign up, please contact Patti Williams at encorepatti@gmail.com.
