Adults

Wednesday Night Studies

WINTER SESSIONS 1 & 2 – Join us on January 7 when Wednesday dinner returns along with Winter studies. Our pastors will be teaching topics from their favorite seminary classes. Session 2 will be a repeat of Session 1, allowing you to choose two different studies for the semester. See descriptions and register below.

Both sessions are 5-weeks and will meet on the following dates:
SESSION 1 – 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28 & 2/5
SESSION 2 – 2/11, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11 & 3/18 (*2/18 Ash Wednesday, no classes)

NURSERY – Nursery registration is available for children (ages 6 weeks through 4 years) whose parents are involved in a study.

Wednesday Night Studies | Sessions 1 & 2

  • Lessons from the Minor Prophets

    Led by Hill Carmichael.

    Registration link coming soon.

  • I’d Rather be in Narnia: A C. S. Lewis Study

    Led by Rick Owen.

    Registration link coming soon.

  • Learning to Talk to God: Intro to Christian Theology

    Led by Tori Hastings.

    Registration link coming soon.

     

  • Disciple Bible Study Sampler

    Session 1 Old Testament / Session 2 New Testament

    Led by Annie Skinner.

    Registration link coming soon.

     

  • Looking for God: Intro to Christian Spirituality

    Let’s study, practice, and look for God from both ancient and modern spiritual practices!

    Led by Matthew Montgomery.

    Registration link coming soon.

  • Messy, Faithful and Alive: The History of the Christian Church

    This five-week course explores the story of the Christian Church from its beginnings in the life and ministry of Jesus to its global and diverse expression today. Along the way, we will encounter a church that is deeply human—often divided, imperfect, and shaped by its cultural moment—yet continually sustained, renewed, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Rather than a textbook survey, this class tells the Church’s story as a living faith: messy at times, faithful at its best, and very much alive. Participants will gain a clearer sense of how the past has shaped our present and why Church history matters for how we live and lead as Christians today.

    Led by Keith Thompson.

    Registration link coming soon.

     

  • Book of Solomon

    This study will focus on 1 Kings chapters 1-11, covering the events leading to Solomon’s eventual anointing and ascension to the throne.

    Led by Lisa Donnell and John Hutchinson (ongoing study)

    Registration link coming soon.

  • Book of Esther

    Let’s spend five Wednesdays exploring the book of Esther. We will learn about the history that forms the backdrop of the story, explore the characterization of women, and talk about the versions of this Biblical book, and much more!  If you do not yet have a study Bible, pick one up like The New Interpreter’s Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha (we will talk about what the Apocrypha is!).

    Led by Eleanor Christiansen.

    Registration link coming soon.

  • The Theology of Music

    Why do we use music to worship God? What happens when we gather together to sing songs in church? How does music teach us something about God that we can’t learn elsewhere? Come explore the Scriptures, early Christian thought, and modern ideas about how music helps us to know God more, unites us with one another, and inspires us to participate in God’s good future.

    Led by Natalie Moon and John Carl Hastings.

    Registration link coming soon.

  • Lessons on the Loving World We Seek

    Led by Bishop Mike Watson.

    Registration link coming soon.

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

  • 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 | 50’s+ | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Van Gladney
    M140
    Sunday School lessons are lead by a rotating leadership team of members on a wide variety of topics from the Bible. The class also loves a good video series with open, honest discussions.

  • 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
    Dining Room

    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

Canterbury Online Library

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