We want you to feel at home when you walk through Canterbury’s doors. We want to be a place where you meet Jesus wherever you are on life’s journey. You will find a community of real people, led by leaders who express their real experiences with the hope of pointing you toward Jesus. So no matter where you are, we invite you to worship with us as we live out real grace and real love in the midst of real life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where should I go when I arrive?
As you arrive on campus, follow the signs to the Visitor Parking at the Main Entrance. Welcome Guides will meet you there and help you find the classes and worship services you would like to attend. The Valet Ministry is available for people with mobility needs. Follow the signs to the covered entrance to the Chapel and the staff will park your car for you (no fees, no tips).
If you are joining us for the first time, we will not embarrass you, have you stand up, or ask you to give money. We know that many people want to check out the church and “be anonymous” for a while – and that’s fine with us! Come in, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and see if this is the church for you. However, we feel that we need to warn you that if you stick around after the service, you will meet some of the most loving followers of Jesus in the Birmingham community!
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Where should my children go during worship?
All children are welcome in worship! The sights, sounds, and interactions of worship are appropriate for every age. Clipboards with coloring pages are available for children to enjoy during the service. If a little one gets antsy or fussy, there are children’s rooms in the back of the worship spaces where parents can continue to worship while caring for their child. There is also excellent nursery care for children through 4 years old.
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How do I choose which Sunday School class to attend?
Sunday School classes have great variety in age, class size, and teaching style. On Sunday mornings, Welcome Guides can assist you with choosing a class and then walk you there and introduce you. You may contact Annie Skinner (annie.skinner@canterburyumc.org) for more information.
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What should I expect?
Canterbury UMC is a community offering real grace and real love in the midst of real life. Our prayer is that you experience this every time you walk through the doors. We value close relationships, the study of scripture, education, caring for those outside the church body, and following Jesus wherever he leads us.
You will find a variety of attire on Sundays. Many people wear suits and many dress more casually. Wear what you are most comfortable in, and let your children wear what they like. Sunday mornings are about what we share, not what we wear!
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How can I serve the church?
We would love to have you serve our church! We always need welcome guides, ushers, altar guilds, Sunday School teachers among a host of other service opportunities. To learn more about where to serve, please contact Matthew Montgomery (matthew.montgomery@canterburyumc.org).
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How do I join Canterbury UMC?
Our new member class, Next Steps, is a basic introduction to our church family and a wonderful time for you to continue building connections with other followers of Christ. The class is designed to clearly explain who we are, what we believe, and how you can take the next steps in partnering with us to build the Kingdom of God. After attending these classes, it is our hope and prayer that you will make Canterbury UMC your new church home. For more information, please contact Becky King at becky.king@canterburyumc.org.