Serve Day
2026-01-25
Serve Day at Canterbury returns on Sunday, January 25! After such an incredible experience last year, we can’t wait to come together again to serve our neighbors and community. Mark your calendar and make plans to join us for this special Sunday of hands-on ministry, fellowship, and impact – you won’t want to miss it!
Sign up for your project now by visiting canterburyumc.org/outreach/

UMW Women's Dinner
2026-01-29 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
You’re invited to a special evening of food, fellowship, and inspiration at the United Methodist Women’s Dinner on Thursday, January 29 at 6 PM. Enjoy a delicious meal and hear from Ashley McMakin, owner and founder of Ashley Mac’s, as she shares her story of faith, family, and building a beloved local business. Tickets are $25 per person. Come be encouraged and connect with women across our church community… we can’t wait to see you there!
Register here: UMW Women’s Dinner

Next Steps | Begins February 1
2026-02-01 09:15 - 10:30
New to Canterbury? This Sunday morning class is a basic introduction to our church family and a wonderful time for you to connect with others. If you are interested in making Canterbury your church home, please join us on 2/1, 2/8 and 2/15 at 9:15 AM. To register, email becky.king@canterburyumc.org.

engAGE Lunch and Learn
2026-02-10 11:30 - 13:00
Please join us for a special Lunch & Learn as we welcome back Warren B. Lightfoot. Enjoy a wonderful lunch as he leads us through engaging exploration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, examining the evidence for Christ’s bodily resurrection through classical art and authoritative sources, including the Bible. Come be inspired, challenged, and enriched by this compelling exploration of faith, history, and art. All are welcome! $10. RSVP by February 5 to Valerie Boyd at 874-1523 or valerie.boyd@canterburyumc.org.

Exploring the Life and Witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
2026-02-12 11:30 - 13:00
Join us for a meaningful series of Thursday daytime learning sessions as we continue growing together on our discipleship journey. “Exploring the Life and Witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” will allow us to take a closer look at the life, theology, and his lasting impact through three sessions in Room M227. Feel free to attend one, two, or all three! Registration not required.
– Thursday, February 12 | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Rachel Estes will show a film on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
– Thursday, February 19 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Pastor Bill Morgan will share reflections on Bonhoeffer.
– Thursday, February 26 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Pastor Tori Hastings will continue the conversation on Bonhoeffer.

RISE Day of Fun
2026-02-16 10:30 - 15:00
4th-6th grades… Join us on Monday, February 16 from 10:30 AM-3:00 PM for an exciting day full of games, free play, and time together at Activate. The cost is $30, which includes a ticket to Activate and lunch. Sign up by clicking here.

Ash Wednesday
2026-02-18 07:30 - 19:00
Join us on Ash Wednesday, February 18, as we begin the season of Lent together with meaningful opportunities for worship and reflection. We will offer drive-through ashes at the Chapel from 7:00–8:30 a.m., a noon service in the Chapel, and a special evening service at 6:00 p.m. in the Canterbury Center. Dinner will be served that evening, though no studies will meet, allowing space for rest, worship, and prayer. Wherever you are in your faith journey, we invite you to come and mark this holy day with us.

Men's Breakfast
2026-02-26 06:30 - 07:30
Join us for the Men’s Ministry Breakfast on February 26 from 6:30-7:30 AM in Canterbury Hall.
Our very own Bishop Mike Watson will be sharing words of inspiration as we journey together through the Lenten season. Visit www.canterburyumc.org/mens-ministry to register.

UMW Annual Fern Sale
2026-03-01 - 2026-04-01
The UMW annual fern sale is underway! This fundraiser allows UMW to support mission and outreach projects in our community. There are three great selections to choose from – Boston, Kimberly Queen and Macho. Each fern is $25. Place your order online by clicking the button below. You may also purchase ferns on Sunday, March 1 & 8 before and after services.
https://canterburyumc.fellowshiponego.com/external/form/2ea7a0d9-5d96-4051-9318-ec1d7911612d

Outreach Easter Baskets
2026-03-08 - 2026-03-29
Help make Easter happy for over 250 local children! This year our Easter Basket project will benefit kids at Pathways Women’s Shelter, Avondale Samaritan Place and King’s Home. Pick up an empty basket on Sunday, March 8 complete with instructions and a shopping list. Return your basket filled with goodies by or before March 29.

5th Grade Milestone
2026-03-08 09:15 - 10:30
We are so excited to see you and your 5th grader on March 8 at 9:15 AM. We will be learning about both our spiritual gifts and our financial gifts and how they are a part of what it means to belong to a church family. Click here to register.

YAC Discovery Weekend
2026-03-13 - 2026-03-15
Discovery Weekend will be held March 13-15! This is a retreat for all 7th-12th graders (friends are welcome!). It is an awesome weekend filled with meaningful talks, amazing worship, fun games, and more! This Retreat is different from other retreats because Discovery happens here at Canterbury UMC and it is put on by the Sr. High students for our Jr. High students! Registration will open at 7 AM on January 12 on the youth page of the church website, canterburyumc.org/grow/youth/

Blessing of the Animals
2026-03-15 15:00 - 16:00
Bring your beloved (and maybe slightly spoiled) pets and join us for our Blessing of the Animals! We’ll gather to celebrate the furry, feathered, and scaly friends who fill our lives with joy and unconditional love. All pets must be on leashes or secured in a carrier. This is a Kids@Canterbury event and pawfect for all Canterburians!

Women's Serve Night
2026-03-17 18:00 - 19:00
Come have dinner with us on St. Patrick’s Day…and serve together! ☘️ All women are invited to this special serve night, sponsored by the Encouragers Women’s Groups. We’ll share a meal and serve together in support of Grace House Ministries.We’re delighted to welcome Pamela Phipps, Executive Director of Grace House Ministries, who will share more about their mission and the girls they serve.
Dinner and nursery provided!
To RSVP and donate funds for the needed items, click here.

Holy Week Noon Service
2026-03-30 12:00 - 13:00
Make plans to join us in the Chapel as we begin Holy Week with our noon chapel services.
Allie McAlister will be kicking off our service on Monday, March 30.
Join us for a time of reflection, preparation, and repentance.

Holy Week Noon Service
2026-03-31 12:00 - 13:00
Make plans to join us in the Chapel as we move through Holy Week with our noon chapel services.
Gann Waters-Wright will be kicking off our service on Tuesday, March 31.
Join us for a time of reflection, preparation, and repentance.

Holy Week Noon Service
2026-04-01 12:00 - 13:00
Make plans to join us in the Chapel as we move through Holy Week with our noon chapel services.
Eleanor Christiansen will be kicking off our service on Monday, March 30.
Join us for a time of reflection, preparation, and repentance.

Holy Week Seder Meal
2026-04-01 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for a meaningful and interactive evening around the table as we explore the ancient Seder meal Jesus shared with his disciples. Together we’ll discover how this sacred tradition connects to the Lord’s Supper as we practice it today. Dinner will begin promptly at 5:30 PM, so please plan to arrive a few minutes early to be seated. $10 per person, by reservation only.
Deadline is March 27. Click here to register.

Maundy Thursday
2026-04-02 12:00 - 13:00
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and you are invited to join us at Noon to partake in this special time of remembrance.

Good Friday Services
2026-04-03 18:00 - 19:00
On Good Friday, we remember the day that Jesus willingly suffered and died on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Two services will be held – a service of darkness led by our Contemporary Worship team at 12 PM in Canterbury Center, and a traditional Good Friday service in the Chapel at 6 PM.
• 12 PM | Canterbury Center
• 6 PM | Chapel

Easter Egg Hunt
2026-04-04 10:00 - 11:00
Hop on over and join us for an Easter Egg Hunt full of springtime fun! Kids are invited to enjoy crafts, games, and a classic egg hunt — with plenty of colorful eggs and joyful surprises along the way. Don’t forget to bring your basket and your best egg-hunting skills! It will be a sweet, simple celebration of Easter fun and community!

Easter Services
2026-04-05 08:15 - 11:30
He is risen indeed!
Join us for any of our four Easter services Sunday, April 5!
Sanctuary Worship
8:15 & 10:30 AM
Sanctuary
Contemporary Worship
8:15 & 10:30 AM
Canterbury Center
Easter Crosses
Will be placed in Martha’s Garden to be adorned with spring flowers by you and your family! There are several other crosses that will be placed at church entrances. These make for wonderful photo opportunities and will be great memories of a beautiful Easter celebration.

Men's Breakfast
2026-04-23 06:30 - 07:30
Join us for breakfast on April 23 from 6:30-7:30 AM in Canterbury Hall.
Our guest speaker will be Rev. James C. Fields, who served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2008 until 2010 and is the pastor at St. James – Irondale UMC. ($15)

Register here: www.canterburyumc.org/mens-ministry

Speaker & Author Joey Schewee
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for a special evening with author Joey Schewee, in partnership with Little Professor. Building on the Enneagram wisdom of her mother, Suzanne Stabile, Joey offers fresh, practical insight for everyday life…whether you’re new to the Enneagram or a longtime student. It will be held on 4/23 from 6-8 PM in Wesley Hall. The event is free with book signing and conversation included.

Confirmation Retreat
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-26
7th grade Confirmation students will enjoy a meaningful and memorable weekend away at their Confirmation Retreat — a time to step away from everyday routines and focus on the Confirmation journey. Along the way, students will enjoy time with friends, build deeper connections, and create memories that will shape this important season of their lives.

Canterbury Choir Presents: Giacomo Puccini's Gloria Mass
2026-04-26 16:30 - 17:30
Join us for a special presentation of Giacomo Puccini’s Gloria Mass on Sunday, April 26, at 4:30pm in the Sanctuary. This moving work will be performed by the Church Choir, featured soloists, and members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, an inspiring afternoon of sacred music you won’t want to miss!

An Evening with David Thomas & Sissy Goff
2026-04-28 18:00 - 19:00
Get your tickets! David Thomas returns to Canterbury this spring alongside Sissy Goff for a special evening. For more than 30 years, Sissy and David have walked alongside children and families as therapists at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, offering practical wisdom, deep compassion, and real hope. As authors, speakers, and hosts of the Raising Boys & Girls podcast, they will bring their expertise in counseling children and families, and introduce their new book “Capable: How To Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience.” Join us in Canterbury Center on April 28 at 6 PM for this meaningful conversation. Tickets are on sale now: www.tprlive.co

Calm Before the Stork
2026-05-03 09:30 - 10:30
If your family is growing through birth, adoption or fostering, we would love to spend time with you to talk about all the ways our church hopes to wrap around your family during these sacred days and years! We will discuss baptism and walk through what you need to consider when scheduling a baptism, talk about the nursery and Sunday School program, and share a few ideas about great books and Bibles for your little one. This also ensures your family is on our church prayer list so we can be holding you close in prayer as you prepare to meet each other. We will hold Calm Before the Stork on Sunday, May 3 at 9:30 AM in the Covenant Classroom (208). Click here to RSVP.

Mom & Me Cupcake Challenge
2026-05-03 14:00 - 15:00
You’re invited to a super sweet afternoon of fun at 2 PM in Canterbury Hall. Bring your mom, grandmother, or a special adult friend and team up for a cupcake – decorating challenge based on our surprise theme. Get creative, add a little friendly competition, and enjoy plenty of frosting, sprinkles, and laughter along the way. We can’t wait to see what you design! Click here to register!

Senior Night
2026-05-03 17:30 - 18:30
Mark your calendars and join us Sunday, May 3 as we celebrate our incredible graduating Seniors! Senior Night will be at 5:30pm in Canterbury Hall, and all 7th – 11th grade YACs are encouraged to attend to support our 12th graders! RSVP by clicking here.
