Adult Ministry
Canterbury offers many ways for adults of all ages to strengthen their relationship with God, get to know people and develop relationships with people in the same life stages, and serve the surrounding community.

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.
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Aldersgate | 50’s-70’s | Married & Single
Class Leader: Liz Hutchins
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 Leader: 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. -
Covenant | 50’s-70’s | Married & Single
Class Leader: Fred & Helen Martin
M208 and on Zoom
This class has regular teachers who lead through the Adult Bible Studies series. The class has monthly fellowship dinners and is involved in local outreach ministries including Church of the Reconciler, Cornerstone School, BHN, and Festival of Three Kings. -
Crawford Owen | 60’s-80’s | Married & Single
Class Leader: Tom Roberts
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 Carpenter’s Hands, United Methodist Women, Wednesday night dinners, homebound communion, and delivering plants to homebound. -
Fellowship Too | 60’s | Married
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 and on Zoom
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 Leader: Anne Warren/Mary Little
M116 and on ZoomThis 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.
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Singles | 50’s-70’s | Single
Class Leader: Dick Coffee
M114Using 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.
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Young Adults (YASS) | 20’s-30’s | Married & Single
Class Leader: Trey and Carmen Echols
M140YASS 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.
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New Bible Study Class | Intergenerational | Married & Single
Class Leader: Annie Skinner
M120The 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.
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New Young Adult Class | Mid-Late 20’s | Married & Single
Class Leader: Mary Nelson Little
M305If you are 24-30 (no strict age limits!) and looking for a meaningful place for connection, come try out this new Sunday School class!

Small Groups
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Grief Care
Led by Hill Carmichael, begins 1/17, 12:00 PM, Room M200
When we lose someone we love, we embark on a journey not of our choosing. But it is a vital and sacred journey just the same. This group serves as a means of self-care and shared community for persons in grief. For six weeks, we will listen, share, and gain important tools in navigating our unique grief experiences. For more information, contact Hill Carmichael at hill.carmichael@canterburyumc.org.
Click here to register.
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Book Club
Canterbury Book Club, hosted by Rachel Estes and Annie Skinner, is open to everyone! This reading opportunity also covers the UMW Reading Program requirements. Consider joining us for this great way to read, learn and grow together!
Book Club is held from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM in Room M200 (next to the Resource Room).
Lunch is available for $12. To order, please email Clare Mallette at clare.mallette@canterburyumc.org by no later than the Friday before each meeting.Book Club Meeting Schedule:
(2024)
January 8 – Shaking the Gates of Hell
February 5 – The Same Sky
March 4 – Until Unity
April 1 – The Daughter of CanaClick here to register.

Wednesday Night Studies
Fall Session Three
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She Reads Truth Advent Study
Led by Natalie Moon, begins 11/29, 6:00-7:00 PM, Small Dining Room
Resource: She Reads Truth Advent StudyClick here to register.
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The Heart that Grew Three Sizes
Led by Matthew Montgomery, begins 11/29, 6:00-7:00 PM, Room 227, Aldersgate classroom
Resource: The Heart that Grew Three Sizes by Matt RawleClick here to register.
Winter Studies
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Judges
Led by Lisa Donnell and John Hutchinson
6:00-7:00 PM, Room M228 (Ongoing)Click here to register.
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Keith Thompson Bible Study
Led by Keith Thompson
6:00-7:00 PM, Room M209, Wesley Hall (Ongoing)Click here to register.
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Better Decisions and Fewer Regrets
Better Decisions and Fewer Regrets by Andy Stanley
Led by Bret Pippen
6:00-7:00 PM, Room M227Click here to register.
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Emotionally Healthy Relationships
Led by Annie Skinner
5:30-7:30 PM, Room M208Click here to register.

Daytime Small Groups for Women
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.
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Laura Sisson’s Bible Study
Led by Laura Sisson
Tuesdays 9:00-11:00 AM
Renneker Conference room A123 -
Wednesday Morning Prayer Group
Led by Pam Kilgore
Wednesdays 10:00 AM
Renneker Conference room A123 -
Women at the Well
Led by Susan Bellows
Thursdays 10:00 AM
Wesley Hall, M209
Contact: SusanBellows1024@gmail.com -
Living Bible Study
Led by Kathryn Delk
Thursdays 8:00 AM
Renneker Conference room A123
Gideon: Your Weakness. God’s Strength by Priscilla Shirer -
Sacred Echo Bible Study
Led by Jennifer McCroskey
2nd and 4th Tuesdays (currently by Zoom) 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Contact: jgm@mccroskeys.com -
Women Prayer & Fellowship Group
Typically meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM. Locations vary.
Text Susan Yarbro at 205.903.2521 for more information. -
Morning Bible Study
Led by Tori Hastings
Tuesdays 8:00 AM, Room M208.
Contact: tori.hastings@canterburyumc.org -
KnitWits
Meets in the Renneker Conference Room on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, Room M200.
These wonderful ladies get together for lunch and to knit prayer shawls for people in need all over our city and pray for the people they are knitting for. No experience necessary.

Canterbury Online Library
To visit our online library, click here.