There is so much going on with our Outreach Ministries! A great way to stay up-to-date on all events and service opportunities is to follow along with the weekly Outreach Update. To sign up to have this delivered to your inbox, please contact Outreach Director, Rachel Estes at rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org, or check out the latest below.
Outreach Emails
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November 14, 2024
Would love to hear from you…
Can you take 2 minutes and tell us about your Serve Day experience? Click the button below to link to the brief questionnaire. THANK YOU in advance!Christmas Village HELP!
Hey friends! If you are willing to help us out on our Christmas Village days, we’d LOVE to have you! 🎄 Our event is at Avondale Samaritan Place (500 40th Street South, 35222) and will be held all day on Wednesday 12/4 and Thursday 12/5 8am-7pm.
This year parents can shop anytime during those days so we have NO idea if we will be busy the whole day OR during certain times (I want to be transparent!!!) That said, if you feel like you can be flexible and patient and show up, we’d LOVE to have you! Click here to sign up.SOUP SOUP SOUP!
Friends! It’s SOUP time! As you recall, during Covid, we showed up at Church of the Reconciler on Thursdays with steaming bowls of Santa Fe soup! And we haven’t stopped! Every Thursday from 11:30-1pm folks can go by COR and get a hearty, hot meal. What do we need from YOU? SOUP!
Make a double (triple?!) batch of soup. Need recipe? Click here!
Put into ziplock bags and freeze flat-deliver to freezer at Canterbury (in work closet next to staff break room). This is great for youth who need service hours too! Life skills, service to others and hours to turn in…it’s a win/win/win!
UPCOMING WAYS TO SERVE:
• Shop for Christmas Village! You can shop the Amazon link here or George at Snoozy’s has our list…OR you can shop at your favorite local place! Gifts are due to Canterbury by 11/24.
• Help at Christmas Village, click here to sign up.
• Finishing up your lawn care for the season? Our lawn ministry is seeking 3 gas powered lawn mowers! Email me to let me know if you have one in good used condition to donate! rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
• Baked goods! Please remember ASP when you are holiday baking! Sign up here!
OUTREACH DURING ADVENT
I hope you will follow along on the Outreach Instagram page during Advent. Around 2pm each day I will share an Outreach Advent post which will give you a glimpse into what Canterbury is doing in the community and something you can do every day to help. I hope you Join me in this ADVENTure!
GET READY FOR PICKLEBALL!
Avondale Samaritan Place will have its inaugural annual Pickle & Pours Pickleball tournament on November 24 and we need sponsors AND players! For all the fun details and to sign up, click here!
Upcoming Dates:
11/1 – Christmas Village toy collection begins, gifts due 11/24
11/24 – Pickle & Pours Pickleball Tourney for ASP
12/1 – Outreach Instagram Advent posts start
12/4-5 – Christmas Village at ASP
12/8 – Cookies with Santa at ASPActions:
– Send toys to Canterbury by 11/24
– Sign up for Pickle & Pours Pickleball Tourney for ASP
– Sign up to volunteer Christmas Village at ASP
– Bake a treat for Cookies with Santa at ASP
– Scroll back to top and take Service Day survey! (PLEASE!) 😀
– Follow the Outreach Instagram page
– Are you at church Wednesday, Friday or Sunday before 12/2? Could you help take a few Christmas Village boxes out to the PODS? We’d be so grateful! Email Jennifer.dunn@canterburyumc.org to say yes! -
October 31, 2024
Sunday was a wonderful day in the life of our church as we worshiped through SERVICE – completing many projects that will impact our brothers and sisters in Christ locally, regionally and throughout the world. Many thanks to our lay leaders who organized and managed the service projects and a world of thanks to all of the Canterburians (young and old!) who participated. Click to play the recap video above!
Would love to hear from you…
Can you take 2 minutes and tell us about your Serve Day experience? Click the button below to link to the brief questionnaire. THANK YOU in advance!JUNIOR BOARD OPPORTUNITY
We are creating a junior board for Avondale Samaritan Place! This will be an incredible opportunity for a young person 23-35 to be an asset to a new organization AND gather with others who are eager to be a part of community work in transformative ways! Avondale Samaritan Place hosts amazing educational programs, food co-ops, lunches for unhoused individuals, holiday programming and has the capacity to do so much more!
Know someone who might be interested? We will host a gathering on NOVEMBER 7 5:30-7pm at Parkside on 5th (4036 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222) Share with someone you know and tell them to bring a friend! We’d love to get a headcount so pass along Katie Loggins’ email to let us know you are coming (ktloggins@gmail.com). Thanks for helping us spread the word!SOUP SOUP SOUP!
Friends! It’s SOUP time! As you recall, during Covid, we showed up at Church of the Reconciler on Thursdays with steaming bowls of Santa Fe soup! And we haven’t stopped! Every Thursday from 11:30-1pm folks can go by COR and get a hearty, hot meal. What do we need from YOU? SOUP!
Make a double (triple?!) batch of soup. Need recipe? Click here!
Put into ziplock bags and freeze flat-deliver to freezer at Canterbury (in work closet next to staff break room). This is great for youth who need service hours too! Life skills, service to others and hours to turn in…it’s a win/win/win!Upcoming ways to serve:
• We have about 150 more Thanksgiving cards to write for the men at Donaldson Prison. “When I was in Prison…you visited me…” If you are able to write 5 cards – please email Heather Gant at hgant2008@gmail.com.• Shop for Christmas Village! You can shop the Amazon link here or George at Snoozy’s has our list…OR you can shop at your favorite local place! Gifts are due to Canterbury by 11/24.
• Finishing up your lawn care for the season? Our lawn ministry is seeking 3 gas powered lawn mowers! Let me know if you have one in good used condition to donate! rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
• Baked goods! Please remember ASP when you are holiday baking! Sign up here!
GET READY FOR PICKLEBALL!
This Fall, Avondale Samaritan Place will have its inaugural annual Pickle & Pours Pickleball tournament…November 24 and we need sponsors AND players! For all the fun details and to sign up, click here!Upcoming Dates:
11/1 | Christmas Village toy collection begins
11/24 | Pickle & Pours Pickleball Tourney for ASP
12/4-5 I Christmas Village at ASP
12/8 I Cookies with Santa at ASP -
October 24, 2024
Service as Worship this Sunday, October 27!
SERVE DAY is almost here! Sunday, October 27 will be a special day at Canterbury as we gather to serve together at the church! Thank you for signing up for a project!
Here is the schedule for the day:
9:30 AM – Brief time of worship in Canterbury Center
10:00 AM – Disperse to service projects
11:30 AM – Fellowship LunchIF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT…DON’T FRET…WE’VE THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING! You can make a double batch of soup to be delivered to the church before 10/27 or after!
Prayer for Sunday: We are flexible, we are patient, we will serve others whether it takes 30 minutes or 2 hours! I ask everyone to come with giant, cheerful hearts and take your time – don’t rush-pray over what you are doing…your work will touch lives!
It’s GREAT to serve with Canterbury!
SOUP SOUP SOUP!
Friends! It’s SOUP time! As you recall, during Covid, we showed up at Church of the Reconciler on Thursdays with steaming bowls of Santa Fe soup! And we haven’t stopped! Every Thursday from 11:30-1pm folks can go by COR and get a hearty, hot meal. What do we need from YOU? SOUP!
Make a double (triple?!) batch of soup. Need recipe? Click here!
Put into ziplock bags and freeze flat-deliver to freezer at Canterbury (in work closet next to staff break room). This is great for youth who need service hours too! Life skills, service to others and hours to turn in…it’s a win/win/win!GET READY FOR PICKLEBALL!
This Fall, Avondale Samaritan Place will have its inaugural annual Pickle & Pours Pickleball tournament…November 24 and we need sponsors AND players! For all the fun details and to sign up, click here!Upcoming Dates:
10/27 | Churchwide Day of Service *last Rise Against Hunger
11/1 | Christmas Village toy collection begins
11/24 | Pickle & Pours Pickleball Tourney for ASP* Why the last Rise Against Hunger? I know that so many people love this project! We spend $80,000-$120,000 hosting this event and in the last three years the majority of our volunteers have come from the community rather than from our congregation. We’ve LOVED being a gathering place for serving together – AND we needed to look at our resources, regional and local needs and recalibrate for this upcoming year on where we can make deep, meaningful impact with our dollars and hearts of Canterbury. I’m gathering lists of where other meal packing events will be held in Birmingham and will keep you apprised if you are interested!
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October 17, 2024
Hurricane Relief update
Our prayers and hearts stay focused on our regional sister communities affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Grateful that your consistent generosity allowed us to react and respond immediately by sending both supplies and funds to direct help on the ground. Through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) where 100% of the funds goes to need; World Central Kitchens where food was served within days of people losing their own ability to cook; Appalachian Service Project where families and individuals were able to get help through organized efforts because ASP does this work year round and finally, our members created Amazon lists to send items to donation centers. All these ways were undergirded by your support of outreach allowing us to say yes, how much, say where and we can show up. You allowed your church to be a collection site for our community for the area’s contribution to North Carolina, thank you. We are no longer accepting items here, however, the Junior League Building is a new gathering ground. On October 27, we will be making 75 flood buckets to take up to the Disaster Warehouse in Decatur. The United Methodist Church is connectional…meaning we are connected with hundreds of other faithful servants who combine and respond during disasters. I can’t emphasize how our collaboration around these things makes a massive difference in the lives of our siblings in Christ. Thanks be to God.
SOUP SOUP SOUP!
Friends! It’s SOUP time! As you recall, during Covid, we showed up at Church of the Reconciler on Thursdays with steaming bowls of Santa Fe soup! And we haven’t stopped! Every Thursday from 11:30-1pm folks can go by COR and get a hearty, hot meal. What do we need from YOU? SOUP!
Make a double (triple?!) batch of soup. Need recipe? Click here!
Put into ziplock bags and freeze flat-deliver to freezer at Canterbury (in work closet next to staff break room). This is great for youth who need service hours too! Life skills, service to others and hours to turn in…it’s a win/win/win!Service as Worship on October 27!
Sunday, October 27 will be a special day at Canterbury as we gather to serve together at the church! This will be our last opportunity to do the Rise Against Hunger project for a while*, so sign your family up to come help! If you are in a hurry, swing by and write a Thanksgiving card to an inmate or a card to a Veteran. Kind words go so far! Then, join us for a fellowship meal from 11:30-12:30! For a full list of projects and to reserve your spot, click here.
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT…DONT FRET…WE’VE THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING! You can make a double batch of soup to be delivered before 10/27 or after! See! It’s GREAT to serve with Canterbury!GET READY FOR PICKLEBALL!
This Fall, Avondale Samaritan Place will have its inaugural annual Pickle & Pours Pickleball tournament…November 24 and we need sponsors AND players! For all the fun details and to sign up, click here!Upcoming Dates:
10/27 | Churchwide Day of Service *last Rise Against Hunger
11/1 | Christmas Village toy collection begins
11/24 | Pickle & Pours Pickleball Tourney for ASP* Why the last Rise Against Hunger? I know that so many people love this project! We spend $80,000-$120,000 hosting this event and in the last three years the majority of our volunteers have come from the community rather than from our congregation. We’ve LOVED being a gathering place for serving together – AND we needed to look at our resources, regional and local needs and recalibrate for this upcoming year on where we can make deep, meaningful impact with our dollars and hearts of Canterbury. I’m gathering lists of where other meal packing events will be held in Birmingham and will keep you apprised if you are interested!
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October 3, 2024 | Hurricane Relief
HURRICANE RELIEF & WAYS YOU CAN HELP
1) COMMUNITY SUPPLY DRIVE, October 9-11
Canterbury will serve as a collection point this coming WED-FRI (10/9-10/11) for a Birmingham wide supply drive. Please drop off these goods on the wire racks that will be located at the main entrance to the round desk. These items will be taken to Boutwell Auditorium on Friday and shipped to the areas in need.
(NO clothing will be accepted)
Items Needed:
Peanut Butter
Baby formula (including sensitive stomach formula)
First Aid Kits
Flashlights
Batteries
Baby Diapers
Adult Diapers
Ostomy Bags
Feminine Products
Socks
Ponchos
Tarps
2) FLOOD BUCKET ASSEMBLY at CANTERBURY
At our church wide day of service on Sunday, October 27 we will be making flood buckets to be delivered to the UMCOR warehouse in Decatur. If you would like to donate the needed items for the buckets, please click here to purchase through Amazon. ALSO! We need 20 folks to assemble the buckets, to sign up click here.3) UMCOR DONATION
You may support UMCOR’s disaster response by making an online donation at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/901670.
4) CANTERBURY RELIEF DONATION
You may donate directly to our disaster relief fund by clicking here. Please select ‘Disaster Relief Fund’ from the drop down menu. You may also drop a check in the offering plate on Sunday or deliver your check marked ‘Disaster Relief Fund’ to the Finance Office.
5) AMAZON WISH LISTS
Purchase much needed supplies to be quickly delivered directly to Asheville, NC and Unicoi, TN.
Asheville – https://amzn.to/3N2r8MS
Unicoi – https://amzn.to/3TVffftUpcoming Dates:
10/27 | Churchwide Day of Service – find details here
11/1 | Christmas Village Toy Collection Begins
11/24 | Pickle & Pours Pickleball Tourney for ASP – register here -
September 19, 2024
IMMEDIATE NEED
“Gimme yer wallets!” We are helping pack up some “welcome home” kits for folks just needing some important items. One thing we could use are basic wallets-men’s and women’s-in used good condition is FINE! Please drop off on metal shelves behind round desk.
Your Missionaries in Africa
Zambia: Seeing the amazing relationships that Joe and Ashley Riddle (along with their kiddos, Lena Ruth and Felix) have built, was a gift. From connecting with the 4 UMC churches in Lusaka, Zambia to hosting a Tuesday night Bible Study, they are finding ways to create tangible and intangible hope & love alongside folks already working on that! Ways to support: $200 will cover a night of food and Bible study for the Riddles. They hold this EVERY Tuesday night for about 30 young adults. Your funds will feed them as they study and engage with Joe’s teaching.
Tanzania: Did you know that Canterbury has funded a scholarship for a woman in Tanzania to attend theology school for several years now? Missionary, Eric Soard, and his mission program has started and supports the now Tanzanian led John Wesley College, which helps young people realize their dreams of education in an area they are committed to serving. Ways to support: $2500 is the cost of a year long scholarship to Theology school.
Kenya: Visiting missionaries Chat and Bill Coble in Nakuru is always a reminder that a few good hearts, hands and a spirit of joy can make amazing things happen. The Cobles have a school, Gitumbo, where access to further education, nutrutious meals & a step up and forward is offered. I met with former street kids who are in med school, studying to be a teacher, a construction engineer, and all of them were reaching back to lift others up. We also distributed water filters at IDP camps. Each filter is $50 and can filter 1 million gallons of water-eradicating all sorts of diseases and illness. Ways to support: Sponsor a kid at $65/month; donate $50 x number of filters you’d love to have distributed.
I can help connect you (rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org) directly to the ministry or you can donate to Canterbury and make sure you note how it is to be directed.
Service as Worship!
October 27 will be a special day at Canterbury as we gather to serve together at the church! This will be our last opportunity to do the Rise Against Hunger project for a while, so sign your family up to come help! If you are in a hurry-swing by and write a Thanksgiving card to an inmate or a card to a Veteran. Kind words go so far! Then, join us for a fellowship meal from 11:30-12:30! For a full list of projects and to reserve your spot, click here.
GET READY FOR PICKLEBALL!
This Fall, Avondale Samaritan Place will have its inaugural annual Pickle & Pours Pickleball tournament…November 17-we need sponsors! Email Leigh Ann Sisson to be a corporate sponsor or to register a corporate team. (leighann.sisson@gmail.com)
Upcoming Dates:
10/27 | Churchwide Day of Service
11/1 | Christmas Village toy collection
11/17 | Pickle & Pours Pickleball Tourney for ASP -
July 11, 2024
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
FIREHOUSE SHELTER MEALS! July and August needed! Sign up here to say YES! JULY 16th needs volunteers- please help keep Canterbury’s commitment to our brothers in Christ by grabbing 4 friends and serving! Outreach can reimburse costs if that helps!
Stuck at your desk? Shop this list to help us create 10 bags for folks coming out of prison – the caseworkers can hand them a bag of dignity and hope disguised as clothes and shampoo!
Banking some service hours: TEENS
Instead of panicking at the end of every semester and scrambling to find service hours for your teen…I’ll try to list some every week that your kiddo can do and “bank” them for the school year!
Our Partner in ministry Highlands UMC serves breakfast at Community ministries and would love breakfast casseroles! Have your teen buy (1 hour), make the casserole (1 hour) deliver to Highlands UMC (1 hour). Recipe here.
Help make lunches with the YMCA who has committed to feeding a whole apartment complex Volunteer: June 5 will be the first day we need volunteers to help assemble meals, pass out meals and provide general supervision, you can sign up here.
Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
Service as Worship!
October 27th will be a special day at Canterbury as we gather to serve together at the church: packing bags, building beds, sorting produce, welcoming friends…make sure it’s on your calendar and be looking for sign-ups!
GET READY FOR PICKLEBALL! This Fall, Avondale Samaritan Place will have it’s inaugural annual “Potluck in the Kitchen” tournament… Date and details coming up!
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
SUMMER OPPS:- Come be a part of the Use Your Noodle Crew! Roles for everyone! Sign up here to make lunches for the kids…gather some friends, your neighbors, your Bible Study and pour love in a lunch sack! More ways to support Use Your Noodle…help with kids, do some art, read to a child, help walk to the library…so many ways! Click here to sign up!
- Use Your Noodle camp has gone exceptionally well, and we are using our noodles every day to learn more about being readers, writers, and problem solvers! First of all, THANK YOU! We couldn’t do this without you! Secondly, it is time for the post program assessment. We are dependent on volunteers (you!) to help on one or all the following times:
July 17: 8:30-12:00
July 17: 12:30-3:00
July 18: 8:30-12:00
Click here to sign up!
- Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
- We are helping provide WELCOME HOME kits to folks re-entering society after incarceration. Working with Jimmie Hale, Salvation Army and other ministries we are helping to provide a more stable re-entry situation to help public safety and to shine God’s light on a fragile season. Kellie Hughes will be heading this up and if you are interested in assisting email rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org or hughes.kellie@outlook.com and we will add you in!
Upcoming Dates:
7/16 | BIG need for Firehouse meal serving
10/27 | Churchwide Day of Service -
June 28, 2024
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
Stuck at your desk? Shop this list to help us create 10 bags for folks coming out of prison – the caseworkers can hand them a bag of dignity and hope disguised as clothes and shampoo!
Four dates remain: Sign up here to make lunches for the kids…gather some friends, your neighbors, your Bible Study and pour love in a lunch sack!
FIREHOUSE SHELTER MEALS! July and August needed! Sign up here to say YES!
Banking some service hours: TEENS
Instead of panicking at the end of every semester and scrambling to find service hours for your teen…I’ll try to list some every week that your kiddo can do and “bank” them for the school year!
Our Partner in ministry Highlands UMC serves breakfast at Community ministries and would love breakfast casseroles! Have your teen buy (1 hour), make the casserole (1 hour) deliver to Highlands UMC (1 hour). Recipe here.
Help make lunches with the YMCA who has committed to feeding a whole apartment complex Volunteer: June 5 will be the first day we need volunteers to help assemble meals, pass out meals and provide general supervision, you can sign up HERE.
Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
UNPAUSE!
We are READY for your Amazon mailers again for Books to Prisons! Drop off in bins in hallway across from Books to Prisons library!
MOVIE TIME!
Anyone want to go to the movies? I have 10 tickets to Possum Trot: The fight for kids begins July 4. Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take. By doing the impossible–adopting 77 children–this East Texas community proved that, with real, determined love, the battle for America’s most vulnerable can be won. Sign up here to reserve a ticket to meet me at Vestavia AMC theater.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
SUMMER OPPS:- Come be a part of the Use Your Noodle Crew! Roles for everyone! Sign up here to make lunches for the kids…gather some friends, your neighbors, your Bible Study and pour love in a lunch sack! More ways to support Use Your Noodle…help with kids, do some art, read to a child, help walk to the library…so many ways! Click this link to sign up!
- Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
- We are helping provide WELCOME HOME kits to folks re-entering society after incarceration. Working with Jimmie Hale, Salvation Army and other ministries we are helping to provide a more stable re-entry situation to help public safety and to shine God’s light on a fragile season. Kellie Hughes will be heading this up and if you are interested in assisting email rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org or hughes.kellie@outlook.com and we will add you in!
Upcoming Dates:
* 7/10 | Foster care movie at Vestavia
* 10/27 | Service as Worship -
June 13, 2024
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
Four dates remain: Sign up here to make lunches for the kids…gather some friends, your neighbors, your Bible Study and pour love in a lunch sack!Monday, June 17-Tuesday June 18-Avondale Samaritan Place needs YOU to help with assessing kids as they begin their summer learning adventure. Please email ccausey@uab.edu to say YES 9-12 both days (unless you finish early!)
FIREHOUSE SHELTER MEALS! July and August needed! Sign up here to say YES!
Stuck at your desk? Shop this list to help us create 10 bags for folks coming out of prison – the caseworkers can hand them a bag of dignity and hope disguised as clothes and shampoo!
Banking some service hours: TEENS
Instead of panicking at the end of every semester and scrambling to find service hours for your teen…I’ll try to list some every week that your kiddo can do and “bank” them for the school year!
Our Partner in ministry Highlands UMC serves breakfast at Community ministries and would love breakfast casseroles! Have your teen buy (1 hour), make the casserole (1 hour) deliver to Highlands UMC (1 hour). Recipe here.
Help make lunches with the YMCA who has committed to feeding a whole apartment complex Volunteer: June 5 will be the first day we need volunteers to help assemble meals, pass out meals and provide general supervision, you can sign up HERE.
Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
UNPAUSE!
We are READY for your Amazon mailers again for Books to Prisons! Drop off in bins in hallway across from Books to Prisons library!
Anyone want to go to the movies? I have 10 tickets to Possum Trot: The fight for kids begins July 4. Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take. By doing the impossible–adopting 77 children–this East Texas community proved that, with real, determined love, the battle for America’s most vulnerable can be won. Sign up here to reserve a ticket to meet me at Vestavia AMC theater.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
SUMMER OPPS:- Come be a part of the Use Your Noodle Crew! Roles for everyone! Sign up here to make lunches for the kids…gather some friends, your neighbors, your Bible Study and pour love in a lunch sack! More ways to support Use Your Noodle…help with kids, do some art, read to a child, help walk to the library…so many ways! Click this link to sign up!
- Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
- FIREHOUSE SHELTER MEALS! July and August needed! Sign up here to say YES!
- We are helping provide WELCOME HOME kits to folks re-entering society after incarceration. Working with Jimmie Hale, Salvation Army and other ministries we are helping to provide a more stable re-entry situation to help public safety and to shine God’s light on a fragile season. Kellie Hughes will be heading this up and if you are interested in assisting email rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org or hughes.kellie@outlook.com and we will add you in!
Short Term Commitment
Use Your Noodle, and we are looking for some volunteers to help complete student assessments. These assessments provide critical data for future funding purposes. We will train you on the volunteer orientation day, June 14, 11-12.Assessment days are:
June 17, 9:00-noon
June 18, 8:30-noon
July 18, 8:30-noonPlease click here to let us know what days you are available to help.
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June 6, 2024
Doxology Moment
In March our medical mission team encountered a very sickly newborn. Five days old he was not thriving and the exhausted mama was unable to produce milk due to many factors. The team went into action and not only helped get the mama and baby stable but provided her with resources for food and health access. Yesterday Rhett Thompson shared this picture of a healthy 9 month old glorious baby boy…thriving…engaging and celebrating life! Becky Sorrell, Medical team leader, said “That is a Doxology moment!!!” Thank you Canterbury for supporting Rhett and the teams missioning in Panamá-it takes all of us! Blessed Be!
Banking some service hours: TEENS
Instead of panicking at the end of every semester and scrambling to find service hours for your teen…I’ll try to list some every week that your kiddo can do and “bank” them for the school year!
Our Partner in ministry Highlands UMC serves breakfast at Community ministries and would love breakfast casseroles! Have your teen buy (1 hour), make the casserole (1 hour) deliver to Highlands UMC (1hour). Recipe here.
Help make lunches with the YMCA who has committed to feeding a whole apartment complex Volunteer: June 5 will be the first day we need volunteers to help assemble meals, pass out meals and provide general supervision, you can sign up HERE.
Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
UNPAUSE!
We are READY for your Amazon mailers again for Books to Prisons! Drop off in bins in hallway across from Books to Prisons library!
Anyone want to go to the movies? I have 10 tickets to Possum Trot: The fight for kids begins July 4. Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take. By doing the impossible–adopting 77 children–this East Texas community proved that, with real, determined love, the battle for America’s most vulnerable can be won. Sign up here to reserve a ticket to meet me at Vestavia AMC theater.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
SUMMER OPPS:- Come be a part of the Use Your Noodle Crew! Roles for everyone! Sign up here to make lunches for the kids…gather some friends, your neighbors, your Bible Study and pour love in a lunch sack! More ways to support Use Your Noodle…help with kids, do some art, read to a child, help walk to the library…so many ways! Click this link to sign up!
- Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
- FIREHOUSE SHELTER MEALS! July and August needed! Sign up here to say YES!
- We are helping provide WELCOME HOME kits to folks re-entering society after incarceration. Working with Jimmie Hale, Salvation Army and other ministries we are helping to provide a more stable re-entry situation to help public safety and to shine God’s light on a fragile season. Kellie Hughes will be heading this up and if you are interested in assisting email rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org or hughes.kellie@outlook.com and we will add you in!
Short Term Commitment
Use Your Noodle, and we are looking for some volunteers to help complete student assessments. These assessments provide critical data for future funding purposes. We will train you on the volunteer orientation day, June 14, 11-12.Assessment days are:
June 17, 9:00-noon
June 18, 8:30-noon
July 18, 8:30-noonPlease click here to let us know what days you are available to help.
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May 9, 2024
Summer Lunches
Upon hearing that many children will go without access to lunches this summer, Canterbury ministers leapt into action calling upon our congregation to feed kids through our partner ministries. Please consider making a donation to outreach that will go directly to our community children in East Lake and West End. You may drop off a check with a note in the memo line-Summer Feeding-you can donate here online and use the drop down menu to select My Little Brown Bag or you can drop funds into the collection plate this Sunday, May 12! Every drop of it will be put towards healthy, kid friendly food for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Three God Dots
Because you all pour your hearts, hands and donations into community-let me share three ways you touched God’s kingdom this week:
- A tiny Leap Year baby was born addicted to Fentanyl and Percocet and placed in emergency foster care. There was a need for diapers, wipes, preemie clothing and other necessities. We sent a large package of needs and then slipped in a book, some mittens and some hair bows to remind the baby and the foster mama of the beauty and worth of this tiny being!
- Our ladies in the book club at the prison have added wreath making to their crafting and these are shared with Linda Stone’s mighty band of volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels…this delightful pariing and sharing between two unlikely groups brings us all joy…the inmates, the seniors and the volunteers. It is a gift to serve one another.
- Finally, there is a nonprofit in town that wraps around bright young scholars who are typically first generation students headed to college. Not only do they assist with the process of college applications but they help send the students off with Twin XL sheets, comforters, throws etc…the things that make a dorm room a home away from home but aren’t in every family’s budget. For $143 at Dirt Cheap, we bought 8 comforters, 6 hampers, 3 sets of sheets and will add them to the amazing donations from Dorm Decor who generously donates supplies towards this cause as well. If you have dorm items you can donate OR want to help this cause check out: https://www.collegechoicefoundation.org/outfit-a-dorm
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- SUMMER OPPS:
- Come be a part of the Use Your Noodle Crew! Roles for everyone!
- Sign up here to make lunches for the kids…gather some friends, your neighbors, your Bible Study and pour love in a lunch sack!
- More ways to support Use Your Noodle…help with kids, do some art, read to a child, help walk to the library…so many ways! Click this link to sign up!
- Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
- FIREHOUSE SHELTER MEALS! July and August needed! Sign up here to say YES!
- We are helping provide WELCOME HOME kits to folks re-entering society after incarceration. Working with Jimmie Hale, Salvation Army and other ministries we are helping to provide a more stable re-entry situation to help public safety and to shine God’s light on a fragile season. Kellie Hughes will be heading this up and if you are interested in assisting email rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org or hughes.kellie@outlook.com and we will add you in!
Shhhhhhhh!
Reverend Sam Williamson is retiring this June and we KNOW you have 20 years of Sam stories, pictures and hilarity to share with us…if you will send those by May 31 to Jennifer.dunn@canterburyumc.org a compilation will be presented upon his official last day. We want to see the Sam of the late 1990s…and we know YOU can help us!
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May 2, 2024
POSTPONED! It’s May and things are already wonky…look for this being rescheduled!
On May 1, Garrett Harper, from our partner ministry Urban Ministries, will share his stories of how West End has powerful assets in people, love and passion and how Canterbury can be a part of those stories by showing up…at WE Cafe, home construction and worshipping. Come hear how WE can learn and love like WE!
Last Call! Volunteer T-shirts!
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and I stand in awe AND appreciation of the ways this congregation reaches out…hands, hearts, resources! In giant ways and in behind the scenes ways and in ALL the ways! I’m so grateful! If you are an active volunteer with a Canterbury outreach ministry, please stop by and pick up your Matthew 25 shirt – we are grateful for what you do…for all.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- SUMMER OPPS:
- Come be a part of the Use Your Noodle Crew! Roles for everyone!
- Sign up here to make lunches for the kids…gather some friends, your neighbors, your Bible Study and pour love in a lunch sack!
- More ways to support Use Your Noodle…help with kids, do some art, read to a child, help walk to the library…so many ways! Click this link to sign up!
- Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
- FIREHOUSE SHELTER MEALS! July and August needed! Sign up here to say YES!
- SUMMER OPPS:
-
April 26, 2024
Join us!
On May 1, Garrett Harper, from our partner ministry Urban Ministries, will share his stories of how West End has powerful assets in people, love and passion and how Canterbury can be a part of those stories by showing up…at WE Cafe, home construction and worshipping. Come hear how WE can learn and love like WE!APPRECIATING OUR VOLUNTEERS!
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and I stand in awe AND appreciation of the ways this congregation reaches out…hands, hearts, resources! In giant ways and in behind the scenes ways and in ALL the ways! I’m so grateful! If you are an active volunteer with a Canterbury outreach ministry, please stop by and pick up your Matthew 25 shirt – we are grateful for what you do…for all.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- SUMMER OPPS:
- Come be a part of the Use Your Noodle Crew! Roles for everyone! Sign up here!
- Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
- FIREHOUSE SHELTER MEALS! May, July and August needed! Sign up hereto say YES!
Upcoming Dates!
5/1 | Garrett Harper- Urban Ministries 6-7pm - SUMMER OPPS:
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April 18, 2024
Join us!
On Thursday, April 25, join us for a writing workshop with author Kathy Izard (Hundred Story Home). She will guide us through listening to what God is whispering and writing our hearts. If you have never written a thing in your life…if you are writing-curious or if you just want to be in the room to hear Kathy and enjoy community, please join us!
April 25 5:30-8pm $15 includes dinner.
Please email Jennifer.dunn@canterburyumc.org to say yes or register here!
APPRECIATING OUR VOLUNTEERS!
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and I stand in awe AND appreciation of the ways this congregation reaches out…hands, hearts, resources! In giant ways and in behind the scenes ways and in ALL the ways! I’m so grateful! If you are an active volunteer with a Canterbury outreach ministry, please stop by and pick up your Matthew 25 shirt – we are grateful for what you do…for all.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- SUMMER OPPS:
- Come be a part of the Use Your Noodle Crew! Roles for everyone! Sign up here!
- Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
- FIREHOUSE SHELTER MEALS! May, July and August needed! Sign up hereto say YES!
Good Folks needed:
1. Know a young adult who would be great on an inaugural junior board? We are helping develop one for Avondale Samaritan Place. We would love Canterbury folks, but also neighbors from the Avondale/Crestwood/Crestline Park area.
2. I’m interested in looking at how Canterbury can work on a systemic level to push back on poverty. I’d like to put a small group together to read, study, and discuss following what other churches in the country have done to offer loans to folks in lieu of them going to a payday loan facility. If this intrigues you please let me add you to our email group! I can send you some articles to read and I ask you to pray about your involvement!
Upcoming Dates!
4/25 | Writing workshop with Kathy Izard 5:30-8pm
4/30 | Trafficking presentation- WellHouse
5/1 | Garrett Harper- Urban Ministries - SUMMER OPPS:
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April 11, 2024
Join us!
On Thursday, April 25, join us for a writing workshop with author Kathy Izard (Hundred Story Home). She will guide us through listening to what God is whispering and writing our hearts. If you have never written a thing in your life…if you are writing-curious or if you just want to be in the room to hear Kathy and enjoy community, please join us!
April 25 5:30-8pm $15 includes dinner.
Please email Jennifer.dunn@canterburyumc.org to say yes or register here!Donations…THANK YOU!
Last week:
We got a donation that will cover the Use Your Noodle Program-affecting 50 Birmingham City School children in a brilliant educational enrichment program.We received a donation that is replacing an HVAC system for a family so that they can concentrate on their kids’ needs, safety and future-and not on physical comfort due to heating and cooling issues.
We received a donation that helped us pay a power bill for a senior citizen after a large prescription payment hit at the wrong time of the month.
This congregation reaches far and wide, stepping into gaps that seem insurmountable and that seem minuscule and both affect lives in our community. Grateful for the ways that we can continue to say Glorious YESes to our Brothers and Sisters so they may live whole(er) lives.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- SUMMER OPPS:
- Come be a part of the Use Your Noodle Crew! Roles for everyone! Sign up here!
- Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
- FIREHOUSE SHELTER MEALS! May, July and August needed! Sign up hereto say YES!
Good Folks needed:
1. Know a young adult who would be great on an inaugural junior board? We are helping develop one for Avondale Samaritan Place. We would love Canterbury folks, but also neighbors from the Avondale/Crestwood/Crestline Park area.
2. I’m interested in looking at how Canterbury can work on a systemic level to push back on poverty. I’d like to put a small group together to read, study, and discuss following what other churches in the country have done to offer loans to folks in lieu of them going to a payday loan facility. If this intrigues you please let me add you to our email group! I can send you some articles to read and I ask you to pray about your involvement!
Upcoming Dates!
4/17 | CPR/AED Training 6pm
4/25 | Writing workshop with Kathy Izard 5:30-8pm
4/30 | Trafficking presentation- WellHouse
5/1 | Garrett Harper- Urban Ministries - SUMMER OPPS:
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April 4, 2024
Join us!
On Thursday, April 25, join us for a writing workshop with author Kathy Izard (Hundred Story Home). She will guide us through listening to what God is whispering and writing our hearts. If you have never written a thing in your life…if you are writing-curious or if you just want to be in the room to hear Kathy and enjoy community-please join us! 4/25 5:30-8pm $15 includes dinner. Please email Jennifer.dunn@canterburyumc.org to say yes or register here!Two pauses!
1. Y’ALL….we did it! November-March Church of the Reconciler serves Santa Fe soup on Thursdays and thanks to your donations, your energy and your hearts-we fed 50 men every week with hearty, soul satisfying soup. “When I was Hungry..You Fed me!” That said, no more soup needed until I wave the green flag next October! THANK YOU!
2. Pause on the donations of used Amazon packages-2 of the prisons have changed how the books need to be packaged so we are having to shift some things. We have 5 bins full right now thanks to you! We will give a green light this summer when we are ready to go!
What a gift it is to be able to holler “UNCLE” due to generosity! Seriously amazing!
Easter Baskets- THANK YOU!
Some serious Easter joy was shared thanks to you showing up with treats and prizes for kiddos-reminding them that Some Bunny was loving and praying for them.
Donations- THANK YOU!
Last week:
We got a donation that will cover the Use Your Noodle Program-affecting 50 Birmingham City School children in a brilliant educational enrichment program.We received a donation that is replacing an HVAC system for a family so that they can concentrate on their kids’ needs, safety and future-and not on physical comfort due to heating and cooling issues.
We received a donation that helped us pay a power bill for a senior citizen after a large prescription payment hit at the wrong time of the month.
This congregation reaches far and wide, stepping into gaps that seem insurmountable and that seem minuscule and both affect lives in our community. Grateful for the ways that we can continue to say Glorious YESes to our Brothers and Sisters so they may live whole(er) lives.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a Book Club, and we hope you will join us. For more info and to sign up please visit here.
- The Daughter of Cana, April 8
- SUMMER OPPS:
- Come be a part of the Use Your Noodle Crew! Roles for everyone! Sign up here!
- Lawn Ministry-we need help with our program in Avondale as we mow, weedeat and clean up senior lawns to avoid fines. Tuesday/Thursdays 8-12 AND you get to work with LONZA! Email michael@avonumc.net to say YES!
Good Folks needed:
1. Know a young adult who would be great on an inaugural junior board? We are helping develop one for Avondale Samaritan Place. We would love Canterbury folks, but also neighbors from the Avondale/Crestwood/Crestline Park area.
2. I’m interested in looking at how Canterbury can work on a systemic level to push back on poverty. I’d like to put a small group together to read, study, and discuss following what other churches in the country have done to offer loans to folks in lieu of them going to a payday loan facility. If this intrigues you please let me add you to our email group! I can send you some articles to read and I ask you to pray about your involvement!
Upcoming Dates!
4/8 | Book Club Daughter of Cana
4/17 | CPR/AED Training 6pm
4/25 | Writing workshop with Kathy Izard 5:30-8pm - BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a Book Club, and we hope you will join us. For more info and to sign up please visit here.
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March 15, 2024
Join us!
On Monday, March 18, come hear Beth Shelburne, investigative journalist, share about the making of her podcast EarWitness.
Two pauses!
1. Y’ALL….we did it! November-March Church of the Reconciler serves Santa Fe soup on Thursdays and thanks to your donations, your energy and your hearts-we fed 50 men every week with hearty, soul satisfying soup. “When I was Hungry..You Fed me!” That said, no more soup needed until I wave the green flag next October! THANK YOU!
2. Pause on the donations of used Amazon packages-2 of the prisons have changed how the books need to be packaged so we are having to shift some things. We have 5 bins full right now thanks to you! We will give a green light this summer when we are ready to go!
What a gift it is to be able to holler “UNCLE” due to generosity! Seriously amazing!
Easter Baskets
They are due on March 17! Maybe when you come to the Discovery prayer service on Saturday, March 16 in Canterbury Center, you can drop them off behind the round desk!
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- Avondale Samaritan Place’s EggStravagazna is coming up on March 17…lots of ways to volunteer and plug in..please consider making treats, hiding eggs, painting faces or any of their opportunities. Sign up here.
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a Book Club, and we hope you will join us. For more info and to sign up please visit here.
- The Daughter of Cana, April 8
- I was naked and you clothed Me….I was in Prison and you visited Me….this is a 2 for 1 opportunity to lean into Matthew 25. Donaldson Prison social workers have reached out to ask for 15 bags for men being released. Used or new donations are fine…each bag should have socks, pants, underwear, shirt, light jacket/sweatshirt and a donated pair of shoes…any size…sign up here. (these are due on 3/24)
- Our friends in prison have been requesting inspirational books from Books to Prison. Paperback new or used (no highlighting or writing inside). Authors Jakes, Lewis, Lucado, Meyers…copies of the Shack. Check your shelves at home or send some from Amazon.
Good Folks needed:
1. LAST CALL: Looking for someone to coordinate BookAPalooza! Basically helping get the word out, organize the donations and work with the librarian at Hemphill to set up a book fair there where kids will pick out books. This is about a 3 week total project, last two weeks of April-first week of May! Please email me if you could head up a small team of folks! rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
2. Know a young adult who would be great on an inaugural junior board? We are helping develop one for Avondale Samaritan Place. We would love Canterbury folks, but also neighbors from the Avondale/Crestwood/Crestline Park area.
Upcoming Dates!
3/17 | Easter Baskets due to shelves and tables behind round desk
3/18 | Lunch and Learn: Beth Shelburne and her podcast EarWitness
4/3 | Narcan Training 6pm
4/8 | Book Club Daughter of Cana
4/17 | CPR/AED Training 6pm -
March 7, 2024
Two pauses!
1. Y’ALL….we did it! November-March Church of the Reconciler serves Santa Fe soup on Thursdays and thanks to your donations, your energy and your hearts-we fed 50 men every week with hearty, soul satisfying soup. “When I was Hungry..You Fed me!” That said, no more soup needed until I wave the green flag next October! THANK YOU!
2. Pause on the donations of used Amazon packages-2 of the prisons have changed how the books need to be packaged so we are having to shift some things. We have 5 bins full right now thanks to you! We will give a green light this summer when we are ready to go!
What a gift it is to be able to holler “UNCLE” due to generosity! Seriously amazing!
Easter Baskets
They are due on March 17! Maybe when you come to the Discovery prayer service on Saturday, March 16 in Canterbury Center, you can drop them off behind the round desk!
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- Avondale Samaritan Place’s EggStravagazna is coming up on March 17…lots of ways to volunteer and plug in..please consider making treats, hiding eggs, painting faces or any of their opportunities. Sign up here.
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a Book Club, and we hope you will join us. For more info and to sign up please visit here.
- The Daughter of Cana, April 8
- Lunch and Learn-March 18, 11:30-1pm. Join us to hear Beth Shelburne, investigative journalist share about the making of her podcast EarWitness. Please rsvp to Jennifer.dunn@canterburyumc.org
Good Folks needed:
1. Looking for someone to coordinate BookAPalooza! Basically helping get the word out, organize the donations and work with the librarian at Hemphill to set up a book fair there where kids will pick out books. This is about a 3 week total project, last two weeks of April-first week of May! Please email me if you could head up a small team of folks! rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
2. Know a young adult who would be great on an inaugural junior board? We are helping develop one for Avondale Samaritan Place. We would love Canterbury folks, but also neighbors from the Avondale/Crestwood/Crestline Park area.
Upcoming Dates!
3/17 | Easter Baskets due to shelves and tables behind round desk
3/18 | Lunch and Learn: Beth Shelburne and her podcast EarWitness
4/3 | Narcan Training 6pm
4/8 | Book Club Daughter of Cana
4/17 | CPR/AED Training 6pm -
February 29, 2024
Thank you!
Do I share the story of the child who asked me when she could come back to feed more kids as her mama was leading her out of Rise Against Hunger? Do I share the fellowship between volunteers from Jimmie Hale and United Ability? Do I share the tears that threatened to spill every time a gong went off signaling another 1000 meals packed? Rise Against Hunger this year brought Canterbury’s total to 4.5 million meals…y’all…that’s how many children’s stories you have been a part of…let that sink in…4.5 million meals.
I thank you.
Easter Baskets
Thank you for picking up ALL the Easter baskets in 2 days…that was a record! They are due on March 17! Maybe when you come to the Discovery service on Saturday, March 16 in Canterbury Center, you can drop them off behind the round desk!
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- Avondale Samaritan Place’s EggStravagazna is coming up on March 17…lots of ways to volunteer and plug in..please consider making treats, hiding eggs, painting faces or any of their opportunities. Sign up here.
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a Book Club, and we hope you will join us. For more info and to sign up please visit here.
- Until Unity, March 4
- The Daughter of Cana, April 8
- Lunch and Learn- March 18 11:30-1pm. Join us to hear Beth Shelburne, investigative journalist share about the making of her podcast EarWitness.
Project Chairs Needed
1. Looking for someone to coordinate BookAPalooza! Basically helping get the word out, organize the donations and work with the librarian at Hemphill to set up a book fair there where kids will pick out books. This is about a 3 week total project, last two weeks of April-first week of May! Please email me if you could head up a small team of folks! rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
2. I have a dream…(it’s like I’ve never said that before!). I would love to have a church wide decluttering…where we have a week in July that Canterbury Hall is filled with all the things from closets, corners and cubbies…from costumes to books (@Rachel) to furniture, etc. We let the community and other churches know, they come purchase for near to nothing and then a thrift store comes to take it away on that Thursday. Is that anyone’s deep gift/passion/talent? Coordinating decluttering? I know that we have things Canterbury doesn’t use anymore that would be so welcomed elsewhere…but smarter co-workers know I’m not the one to lead the effort! Ya’ll let me know if this is making you giddy! rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
Upcoming Dates!
3/17 | Easter Baskets due
3/18 | Lunch and Learn: Beth Shelburne and her podcast EarWitness
4/3 | Narcan Training 6pm
4/17 | CPR/AED Training 6pm -
February 15, 2024
Thank you!
The drawstring bags you’ve dropped off will be filled today with items for folks coming out of prison and trying to move on different paths after incarceration. The UMW Outreach circle will pack these bags and pray over them as they welcome people home. The soup you delivered is feeding 50 guys every single Thursday-warm hearty bowls of soup…and sometimes cookies too! The Women of the Well made Valentine bags for the clients of the Beeson Senior Social workers and the joy those bring will be enormous. We got a note from Urban Ministries thanking you for the filling up of the food pantry…and on and on. THANK YOU!
Rise Against Hunger
Thank you in advance for all the ways this church invests, shifts, accommodates and SERVES during Rise Against Hunger! We are in big need of folks MONDAY 11-1pm and 3:30-5:30pm…can you help?
- Please make sure selena.pitsch@canterburyumc.org knows you need childcare
- Everyone will need to wear a hairnet even if you bring a hat (hairnets provided)
- Please consider donating towards Rise Against Hunger- .40/meal…can you feed 100 kids for $40 or 1000 kids for $400 or 5 kiddos for $2.00? Any bit helps!
- Sign up for shift here.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? Easy route-all one building…takes 30 minutes! Wednesdays-need a volunteer 4th Wednesday of the month…is it you!? You pick up the food between 9:45-10:15 at United Way and then drive 10 minutes and spend 30 delivering food-it’s about a 75 minute commitment once a month-would love to have you on the team!
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a Book Club, and we hope you will join us. For more info and to sign up please visit here.
- Until Unity, March 4
- The Daughter of Cana, April 1
- Lunch and Learn! A ministry from Costa Rica will share their work with a faith based prison on Wednesday, February 21, 11:30-1pm in Wesley Hall. RSVP here.
Project Chairs Needed
1. Looking for someone to coordinate BookAPalooza! Basically helping get the word out, organize the donations and work with the librarian at Hemphill to set up a book fair there where kids will pick out books. This is about a 3 week total project, last two weeks of April-first week of May! Please email me if you could head up a small team of folks! rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
2. I have a dream…(it’s like I’ve never said that before!). I would love to have a church wide decluttering…where we have a week in July that Canterbury Hall is filled with all the things from closets, corners and cubbies…from costumes to books (@Rachel) to furniture, etc. We let the community and other churches know, they come purchase for near to nothing and then a thrift store comes to take it away on that Thursday. Is that anyone’s deep gift/passion/talent? Coordinating decluttering? I know that we have things Canterbury doesn’t use anymore that would be so welcomed elsewhere…but smarter co-workers know I’m not the one to lead the effort! Ya’ll let me know if this is making you giddy! rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
Upcoming Dates!
2/25 & 2/26 | Rise Against Hunger at Canterbury
2/25 | Easter Baskets available
3/17 | Easter Baskets due
4/3 | Narcan Training 6pm
4/17 | CPR/AED Training 6pm -
February 8, 2024
Thank you!
I wish I could send little bouquets of daisies to each of you for the ways you show up as the church when we ask for help! We needed bags for migrants…y’all showed up. We needed socks for folks on the streets…y’all showed up. We asked for MORE soup…y’all ladeled up. And we asked for Westerns…y’all giddied up! If you know a friend who isn’t getting these emails…please share their email and I’ll invite them to join this holy circle of LOVE in action!
Rise Against Hunger
Thank you in advance for all the ways this church invests, shifts, accommodates and SERVES during Rise Against Hunger! We are in big need of folks MONDAY 11-1pm and 3:30-5:30pm…can you help?
- Please make sure selena.pitsch@canterburyumc.org knows you need childcare
- Everyone will need to wear a hairnet even if you bring a hat (hairnets provided)
- Please consider donating towards Rise Against Hunger- .40/meal…can you feed 100 kids for $40 or 1000 kids for $400 or 5 kiddos for $2.00? Any bit helps!
- Sign up for shift here.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? Easy route-all one building…takes 30 minutes! Wednesdays-need a volunteer 4th Wednesday of the month…is it you!? You pick up the food between 9:45-10:15 at United Way and then drive 10 minutes and spend 30 delivering food-it’s about a 75 minute commitment once a month-would love to have you on the team!
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a Book Club, and we hope you will join us. For more info and to sign up please visit here.
- Until Unity, March 4th
- The Daughter of Cana, April 1
- Lunch and Learn! A ministry from Costa Rica will share their work with a faith based prison on Wednesday, February 21, 11:30-1pm RSVP here.
- Evening service need: Tuesdays 5:30-6pm-Transportation to ESL (English as Second Language) classes…pick up families at West Homewood apartment-drop at Homewood Library and/or pick up at Library and drive home 8-8:30pm. Sign up here to help!
- We are helping a ministry prepare bags for folks coming out of prison. Do you have any of those drawstring backpacks at your house? We thought that might be the best way to share the needed items in a way that can be most useful. So, any backpacks welcome but specifically the drawstring kind! Drop off outside Outreach office BEFORE 2/15 please!
- We would love a few more Birthday card writers for Donaldson Prison. If you’d like a project to do from home this is a great one! Email Heather Gant (hgant2008@gmail.com).
Project Chairs Needed
1. Looking for someone to coordinate BookAPalooza! Basically helping get the word out, organize the donations and work with the librarian at Hemphill to set up a book fair there where kids will pick out books. This is about a 3 week total project, last two weeks of April-first week of May! Please email me if you could head up a small team of folks! rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
2. I have a dream…(it’s like I’ve never said that before!). I would love to have a church wide decluttering…where we have a week in July that Canterbury Hall is filled with all the things from closets, corners and cubbies…from costumes to books (@Rachel) to furniture, etc. We let the community and other churches know, they come purchase for near to nothing and then a thrift store comes to take it away on that Thursday. Is that anyone’s deep gift/passion/talent? Coordinating decluttering? I know that we have things Canterbury doesn’t use anymore that would be so welcomed elsewhere…but smarter co-workers know I’m not the one to lead the effort! Ya’ll let me know if this is making you giddy! rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
Upcoming Dates!
2/25 & 2/26 | Rise Against Hunger at Canterbury
2/25 | Easter Baskets available
3/17 | Easter Baskets due
4/3 | Narcan Training 6pm
4/17 | CPR/AED Training 6pm -
February 1, 2024
Thank you!
You all sure responded to the call for soup, cornbread and fixings! I’m grateful for the way our shelves bulged with your donations! The food was received so happily and someone from another church heard about our success and requested the recipe so the effort could be duplicated there! Yahoo! Soup Disciples!
Rise Against Hunger
Thank you in advance for all the ways this church invests, shifts, accommodates and SERVES during Rise Against Hunger! The community starts calling us 8 months out to schedule around our dates. What a gift to be able to share this meaningful service activity with so many! February 25 & 26 the building will be humming with people coming and going – the parking lot will be coned off for giant semi trailers and we will watch the meals we pack take off for children who will learn, serve and grow better because of the work here. THANK YOU! (And if you are able to help us set up or clean up after – you’d be SOOOO welcome! Email me and I’ll happily say YES to the gritty un-glamourous work of prepping and schlepping!)
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? Easy route-all one building…takes 30 minutes! Wednesdays-need a volunteer 4th Wednesday of the month…is it you!? You pick up the food between 9:45-10:15 at United Way and then drive 10 minutes and spend 30 delivering food-it’s about a 75 minute commitment once a month-would love to have you on the team!
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a Book Club, and we hope you will join us. For more info and to sign up please visit here.
- The Same Sky, February 5th
- Until Unity, March 4th
- The Daughter of Cana, April 1
- Firehouse Ministries 2024 – please sign up as a family…friend group…small group…Sunday School class! We have some funds to reimburse if that is a barrier to signing up for this JOY! Click here to sign up.
- We are helping a ministry prepare bags for folks coming out of prison. Do you have any of those drawstring backpacks at your house? We thought that might be the best way to share the needed items in a way that can be most useful. So, any backpacks welcome but specifically the drawstring kind! Drop off outside Outreach office!
- We would love a few more Birthday card writers for Donaldson Prison. If you’d like a project to do from home this is a great one! Email Heather Gant (hgant2008@gmail.com).
Action Items
– Sign up for Firehouse Ministries meals in 2024
– Drop off backpacks in front of outreach office!
– Answer my basic survey about how we can make outreach better for you! Click here.Upcoming Dates!
2/25 & 2/26 Rise Against Hunger at Canterbury -
January 11, 2024
Thanks for coming to hear John Archibald!
So thankful for the packed room, great questions and the welcome you offered to this local celebrity! I appreciated his perspectives and musings on the past and present. I will be seeking input on other local authors who might fit the bill! Happy to receive suggestions!
Two immediate needs!
1. Could you serve Firehouse dinner next Tuesday, January 16th? 6:15-7:45pm 4-6 people make short work of it! Serve about 80 men and if you need reimbursement on the food purchase, please ask! Please email rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org to say YES!
2. We need 30 filled ziplock gallon bags by 9am on TUESDAY, January 16th (you can leave on metal shelves behind round desk) Filling: granola bars, juice boxes or the small waters, small hand sanitizer, package of cookies, nuts, beef jerky, a clementine or banana, a note of encouragement and prayer. These will be handed to migrants who ICE is bringing to ASP before they head to their next stops-some will get on buses and some on flights so please keep everything 3 ounces or under.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? Easy route-all one building…takes 30 minutes! Wednesdays-need a volunteer 4th Wednesday of the month…is it you!? You pick up the food between 9:45-10:15 at United Way and then drive 10 minutes and spend 30 delivering food-it’s about a 75 minute commitment once a month-would love to have you on the team!
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a Book Club, and we hope you will join us. For more info and to sign up please visit here.
- The Same Sky, February 5th
- Until Unity, March 4th
- The Daughter of Cana, April 1
- Firehouse Ministries 2024 – please sign up as a family…friend group…small group…Sunday School class! We have some funds to reimburse if that is a barrier to signing up for this JOY! Click here to sign up.
- Sign up for Rise Against Hunger! Two opportunities this year! Our partner ministry Avondale Samaritan Place will be hosting February 18th and Canterbury’s event will be February 25-26th! Sign up here for Canterbury and to sign up for ASP’s packing, sign up here.
- We would love a few more Birthday card writers for Donaldson Prison. If you’d like a project to do from home this is a great one! Email Heather Gant (hgant2008@gmail.com).
Action Items
– Sign up for Firehouse Ministries meals in 2024
– Register for Rise Against Hunger February 25-26
– Answer my basic survey about how we can make outreach better for you! Click here.
– NorthStar ministries is having a CLEAT Drive! Take cleats to one of the locations on the announcement below!
Upcoming Dates!
1/16 Migrant bags due!2/25 & 2/26 Rise Against Hunger at Canterbury
-
January 4, 2024
Wrap Up
Thanks so much for making seasons bright for so many! Our Christmas Village brought peace AND joy to so many families and made Christmas morning delightful, I’m sure!
Your soup continues to warm hearts and bellies during these strangely cold Alabama nights. What a gift to offer love in a bowl at Church of the Reconciler.
Your donations allowed us to send funds to the warming station, to shelters, to social workers with families who were suddenly in crisis and needed basics during the holidays. I can’t stress how much the gift of nimbleness allows us to make transformative impact!
Those of you who wrote Christmas cards to inmates, packed gift bags for folks celebrating their IDs and who left an extra big tip at a meal made differences you’ll never see but sent ripples through families.
OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? Easy route-all one building…takes 30 minutes! Wednesdays-need a volunteer 4th Wednesday of the month…is it you!?
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a Book Club, and we hope you will join us. The January 8 meeting will be in Wesley Hall 11:30am – 12:30pm. John Archibald, the author, will be joining us! For more info and to sign up please visit: www.canterburyumc.org/grow/adults/
- Shaking the Gates of Hell, January 8th
- The Same Sky, February 5th
- Until Unity, March 4th
- The Daughter of Cana, April 1
- Firehouse Ministries 2024 – please sign up as a family…friend group…small group…Sunday School class! We have some funds to reimburse if that is a barrier to signing up for this JOY! Click here to sign up.
- Sign up for Rise Against Hunger! Two opportunities this year! Our partner ministry Avondale Samaritan Place will be hosting February 18th and Canterbury’s event will be February 25-26th! Canterbury: https://rah.my.salesforce-sites.com/events/homepage?id=7018c000001DY9LAAW And to sign up for ASP’s packing head to their website: https://www.avonumc.net/avondale-samaritan-place/
- We would love a few more Birthday card writers for Donaldson Prison. If you’d like a project to do from home this is a great one! Email Heather Gant (hgant2008@gmail.com).
Action Items
– Sign up for Firehouse Ministries meals in 2024
– Register for Rise Against Hunger February 25-26
– Answer my basic survey about how we can make outreach better for you! Click here.Upcoming Dates!
1/8 | 11:30-12:30pm
John Archibald discusses Shaking the Gates of Hell2/25 & 2/26
Rise Against Hunger at Canterbury -
November 30, 2023
Seasonal Treats:
1. Please volunteer for a shift at Christmas Village! It’s fun and if you can’t do the whole shift-just mark it in the comments! Sign up here.
2. Cookies with Santa at Avondale Samaritan Place on 12/10, 2-4pm-great ways for teens to serve! Sign up here.
3. Sign up for the Community on the Rise Field trip with me 11/30! They have a project for us and we’ll be eating lunch and learning about the ministry there! Email jennifer.dunn@canterburyumc.org to sign up!
4. Sign up here to write 5 Christmas cards to women incarcerated this holiday. Encourage them with your words of love and reminding them they are not forgotten by God or our community. (Each slot is committing to 5 cards).
5. Mail 2 notes of thanks to the department of ALEA who have helped Community on the Rise clients access their drivers licenses. These folks do hard work with tons of patience! Flood them with our appreciation: ALEA Records Unit, Attention: Jerilyn Spencer, PO BOX 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102
6. Sign up here to write 5 Christmas cards to men incarcerated this holiday. Encourage them with your words of love and reminding them they are not forgotten by God or our community. (Each slot is committing to 5 cards).
7. Please consider filling up 3 stockings for senior citizens that our Beeson Social Workers will deliver. Sign up here.
8. Fill 5 little bags with encouragement and treats for Community on the Rise to give to their clients when they receive their IDs…a BIG step! Sign up here.OPPORTUNITIES
Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? Easy route-all one building…takes 30 minutes! Wednesdays-need a volunteer 3rd OR 4th Wednesday of the month…is it you!?
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a new Book Club, and we hope you will join us. January’s meeting will be in Wesley Hall 11:30am – 12:30pm. John Archibald, the author, will be joining us! For more info and to sign up please visit: https://www.canterburyumc.org/adults
- Shaking the Gates of Hell, January 8th
‘Tis the season! Pick up your Acts of Service card at Canterbury or email Rachel rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
Action Items:
Pick up an Acts of Service card-or have Rachel email you one!
rachel.estes@canterburyumc.orgUpcoming Dates!
12/4 | 11-1pm | Pop Up Shop (Thistle Farms & Community on the Rise) at Canterbury
12/10 | 2-4 | Cookies with Santa at ASP! Best picture with Santa opportunity!
12/11 | 11-1pm | Field Trip to Community on the Rise
12/18 | 11-12 | Field Trip to eat at WE cafe -
November 21, 2023
QUICK HITS:
1. Please shop for Christmas Village-Snoozy’s can fill your order over the phone or send it by Amazon…ALL GIFTS NEED TO BE AT CANTERBURY by November 27! Thanks!
2. Please volunteer for a shift at Christmas Village! It’s fun and if you can’t do the whole shift-just mark it in the comments! Sign up here.
3. Cookies with Santa at Avondale Samaritan Place on 12/10 2-4pm-great ways for teens to serve! Sign up here.
4. Sign up for the Community on the Rise Field trip with me 11/30! They have a project for us and we’ll be eating lunch and learning about the ministry there! Email jennifer.dunn@canterburyumc.org to sign up!
Canterbury is hosting the annual “pop-up” store for parents in the Avondale area to shop for new Christmas toys for their children at affordable prices 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.
OPPORTUNITIES
Fall Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? Easy route-all one building…takes 30 minutes! Wednesdays-need a volunteer 3rd OR 4th Wednesday of the month…is it you!?
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a new Book Club, and we hope you will join us. January’s meeting will be in Wesley Hall 11:30am – 12:30pm. John Archibald, the author, will be joining us! For more info and to sign up please visit: https://www.canterburyumc.org/adults
- Shaking the Gates of Hell, January 8th
‘Tis the season! Pick up your Acts of Service card at Canterbury or email Rachel rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
Action Items:
Purchase items for Christmas Village from Snoozys locally or Amazon
Pick up an Acts of Service card-or have Rachel email you one!
rachel.estes@canterburyumc.orgUpcoming Dates!
11/1-11/27 | Collect gifts for Christmas Village!
11/30 | 11-1pm | Field Trip to Community on the Rise
12/4 | 11-1pm | Pop Up Shop (Thistle Farms & Community on the Rise) at Canterbury
12/10 | 2-4 | Cookies with Santa at ASP! Best picture with Santa opportunity!
12/18 | 11-1pm | Field Trip to Community on the Rise -
November 15, 2023
Holy Santa Fe Soup y’all! It was like STONE SOUP last week!
Thank you so much for filling the freezer! We are set for soup for Reconciler for 2023…Don’t worry if you missed making it…I’ll be asking again in January! I can’t tell you how much I appreciated your love, support and soup when I had a bit of a panic! The reviews from Church of the Reconciler are STRONG…we have had marriage proposals over this! (Little do they know it’s a village crock pot with many chefs!). Thank you for coming together and “when they are hungry, You fed them…”
Canterbury is hosting the annual “pop-up” store for parents in the Avondale area to shop for new Christmas toys for their children at affordable prices 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.
OPPORTUNITIES
Fall Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? Easy route-all one building…took 30 minutes! Wednesdays-need a volunteer 3rd OR 4th Wednesday of the month…is it you!?
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a new Book Club, and we hope you will join us. January’s meeting will be in Wesley Hall 11:30am – 12:30pm. John Archibald, the author, will be joining us! For more info and to sign up please visit: https://www.canterburyumc.org/adults
- Shaking the Gates of Hell, January 8th
- We need 2 more Panera Volunteers! The job: pick up donations at 8:50pm on a Tuesday night and deliver on your way to work or dropping off kids at Canterbury on Wednesday morning. Great, quick, meaningful service! Email Chris Glaub to say yes: cag6@georgetown.edu
- You have a snazzy opportunity to help folks with TAX Prep- I know there are folks out there opposite of me who LOVE this! More info is on our website at www.uwca.org/taxvol. The first step for volunteers is to complete their training and certification, beginning with Orientation Sessions on Oct 20 and Nov 7, then they can register for the date that they would like to attend the full volunteer training, where they learn both tax law and tax software to complete their open book certification. Once they are certified, we will provide them a link to the volunteer calendar to schedule shifts: anytime Monday-Friday between 8:30-4:30.
- BAKESGIVING! Are you starting to cook for the holidays? Could you spare a few dozen of your treats? An Extra pie? Have your high schools bake up some deliciousness for service hours? Sign up here!
“Tis the season! Pick up your Acts of Service card at Canterbury or email Rachel rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org
Action Items:
Purchase items for Christmas Village from Snoozys locally or Amazon
Pick up an Acts of Service card-or have Rachel email you one!
rachel.estes@canterburyumc.orgUpcoming Dates!
11/1-11/27 | Collect gifts for Christmas Village!
11/19 | 2-4pm | Swing by Bakesgiving at ASP!
11/30 | 11-1pm | Field Trip to Community on the Rise
12/4 | 11-1pm | Pop Up Shop (Thistle Farms & Community on the Rise) at Canterbury
12/10 | 2-4 | Cookies with Santa at ASP! Best picture with Santa opportunity!
12/18 | 11-1pm | Field Trip to Community on the Rise -
November 8, 2023
Sorry Ahead of Time…but…we need SOUP!
- Can you make double recipes of Santa Fe soup for Church of the Reconciler? Here is the recipe for it (or pull out your Food for Thought Junior League cookbook!!).
- Store in gallon zip locks…store flat to freeze, bring to Canterbury.
- Have your Scout Troop make several batches, ask your neighbors, teach your kids how to make this easy nourishing soup! If you want to, send corn muffins and/or peanut butter cookies!
- Deliver during church hours to the UMW closet near the admin hallway bathrooms…open the closet, there is a freezer in there…place in freezer.
- Kathy Jackson picks up 4 gallons of soup every Wednesday to take to Reconciler to serve on Thursdays and the men are filled with another warm, delicious reminder that God loves them
Canterbury is hosting the annual “pop-up” store for parents in the Avondale area to shop for new Christmas toys for their children at affordable prices 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.
OPPORTUNITIES
Fall Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? Easy route-all one building…took 30 minutes! Wednesdays-need a volunteer 3rd OR 4th Wednesday of the month…is it you!?
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a new Book Club, and we hope you will join us. January’s meeting will be in Wesley Hall 11:30am – 12:30pm. John Archibald, the author, will be joining us! For more info and to sign up please visit: https://www.canterburyumc.org/adults
- Shaking the Gates of Hell, January 8th
- We need 2 more Panera Volunteers! The job: pick up donations at 8:50pm on a Tuesday night and deliver on your way to work or dropping off kids at Canterbury on Wednesday morning. Great, quick, meaningful service! Email Chris Glaub to say yes: cag6@georgetown.edu
- You have a snazzy opportunity to help folks with TAX Prep- I know there are folks out there opposite of me who LOVE this! More info is on our website at www.uwca.org/taxvol. The first step for volunteers is to complete their training and certification, beginning with Orientation Sessions on Oct 20 and Nov 7, then they can register for the date that they would like to attend the full volunteer training, where they learn both tax law and tax software to complete their open book certification. Once they are certified, we will provide them a link to the volunteer calendar to schedule shifts: anytime Monday-Friday between 8:30-4:30.
- BAKESGIVING! Are you starting to cook for the holidays? Could you spare a few dozen of your treats? An Extra pie? Have your high schools bake up some deliciousness for service hours? Sign up here!
- Finally, be looking for a holiday BINGO card of service activities to get yourself in the spirit of things…with so many ideas and all flexible timing…you will have JOY in your HEART!
Action Items:
Make soup
Thank a Veteran for serving our country!
Purchase items for Christmas Village from Snoozys locally or AmazonUpcoming Dates!
11/10 | 8:15-2:45pm | EJI/Peace and Justice Field Trip (email me!)
11/13 | 11:30-12:15 | Lunch at WE Cafe at Urban Ministries
11/1-11/27 | Collect gifts for Christmas Village! -
October 26, 2023
Closing some loops of your kindness:
- Today we assisted with funds for a power bill and a rental deposit for a woman fleeing her abuser. After finding her at her last location, she was forced to abandon the lease to get her children and herself safe. Grateful to provide peace and safety.
- We have gathered socks-seemingly boring socks…that will transform lives this winter.
- We take yarn in from the Knit Wits to the women’s prison…who knit lap blankets…and then we take out to Meals on Wheels clients…it’s a joy to see collaborative ministry!!!
OPPORTUNITIES
Fall Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? Easy route- all one building…took 30 minutes! Wednesdays- need a volunteer 3rd OR 4th Wednesday of the month…is it you!?!?
- We need a small team who can turn the Avondale Samaritan Place Gym into a decorated wonder! Ok…wonder may be a stretch…maybe just a festive feel! Please let Leigh Ann know if you have that creative bone in you that loves a blank slate and a small budget! leighann.sisson@gmail.com
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a new Book Club, and we hope you will join us. All meetings will be in M200. 11:30am – 12:30pm. For more info and to sign up please visit: https://www.canterburyumc.org/adults
- Before We Were Yours, November 6
- You have a snazzy opportunity to help folks with TAX Prep- I know there are folks out there opposite of me who LOVE this! More info is on our website at www.uwca.org/taxvol. The first step for volunteers is to complete their training and certification, beginning with Orientation Sessions on Oct 20 and Nov 7, then they can register for the date that they would like to attend the full volunteer training, where they learn both tax law and tax software to complete their open book certification. Once they are certified, we will provide them a link to the volunteer calendar to schedule shifts: anytime Monday-Friday between 8:30-4:30.
- BAKESGIVING! Are you starting to cook for the holidays? Could you spare a few dozen of your treats? An Extra pie? Have your high schools bake up some deliciousness for service hours? https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948AEA82EA75-bakesgiving#/
One of the Beeson seniors who came to lunch yesterday died peacefully this morning. His name was Otis Boyd, and he was 85. Our social workers first started working with Otis several years ago when he was staying at Firehouse Shelter. They helped him get off drugs and into a boarding home. Otis shared a few times recently, “When I’m with you, I know everything will be ok.” speaking about the entire ASP team. Yesterday was so special and a good last day for Otis. May he rest in peace and rise in glory…and may God’s perpetual light shine upon him.
Otis’s story is a true testament to the beautiful work that God has done and is doing in so many lives through ASP. Thank you for being a part of that!
Action Items:
SOCKS (bring them to church or deliver from Amazon)
BOXES (we need large brown boxes broken down in all sizes for Christmas VillageUpcoming Dates!
10/29 | 5pm | SOCKS are due!!!!
11/6 | 11:30 | Before We Were Yours Book Club
11/10 | 8:15-2:45pm | EJI/Peace and Justice Field Trip (email me!)
11/13 | 11:30-12:15 | Lunch at WE Cafe at Urban Ministries
11/1-11/27 | Collect gifts for Christmas Village! -
October 19, 2023
THANK YOU!
- We were able to send $1400 to Morrocco and as I receive pictures of the change you are helping create, I will share them!
- We sent some funds to a long time Panamá friend so that she can build a house to stay safe and peaceful.
- We received donations for Israel and will be sharing those with World Kitchens to feed civilians.
- Funding to repair a kitchen fire so that a formerly unhoused man can stay in his new space.
- Socks are sliding in the door…yahoo!!!
OPPORTUNITIES
Fall Service Smatterings
- Thinking about Meals on Wheels? I’m running a great route on October 24th and would love for you to come with me and see if it fits your interests! After that we will want a regular delivery person on 4th Wednesday of the month…
- We need a small team who can turn the Avondale Samaritan Place Gym into a decorated wonder! Ok…wonder may be a stretch…maybe just a festive feel! Please let Leigh Ann know if you have that creative bone in you that loves a blank slate and a small budget! leighann.sisson@gmail.com
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a new Book Club, and we hope you will join us. All meetings will be in M200. 11:30am – 12:30pm. For more info and to sign up please visit: https://www.canterburyumc.org/adults
- Before We Were Yours, November 6
- You have a snazzy opportunity to help folks with TAX Prep- I know there are folks out there opposite of me who LOVE this! More info is on our website at www.uwca.org/taxvol. The first step for volunteers is to complete their training and certification, beginning with Orientation Sessions on Oct 20 and Nov 7, then they can register for the date that they would like to attend the full volunteer training, where they learn both tax law and tax software to complete their open book certification. Once they are certified, we will provide them a link to the volunteer calendar to schedule shifts: anytime Monday-Friday between 8:30-4:30.
- BAKESGIVING! Are you starting to cook for the holidays? Could you spare a few dozen of your treats? An Extra pie? Have your high schools bake up some deliciousness for service hours? https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948AEA82EA75-bakesgiving#/
Action Items:
SOCKS (bring them to church or deliver from Amazon)
BOXES (we need large brown boxes broken down in all sizes for Christmas VillageUpcoming Dates!
10/24 | 10:30-12 | Practice delivery of Meals on Wheels
10/29 | 5pm | SOCKS are due!!!!
11/6 | 11:30 | Before We Were Yours Book Club
11/10 | 8:15-2:45pm | EJI/Peace and Justice Field Trip
11/13 | 11:30-12:15 | Lunch at WE Cafe at Urban Ministries
11/1-11/27 | Collect gifts for Christmas Village! -
October 5, 2023
Last week to participate in this: We have a unique opportunity this week and next-it’s a little wacky but bear with me. There were a series of massive natural disasters in August and September and Canterbury received and sent funds to UMCOR in response. Then I received a call from a friend who just returned from living in Morocco with the State Department. Her women’s group is adopting a school and a program for senior citizens. Both were devastated by the earthquake where almost 3,000 people were killed and communities destroyed. This week, I invite you to consider making a donation to Canterbury’s outreach fund that would be earmarked for Morocco-and on October 10, I will send what we have collected to the International Association of American Women. These funds will go directly to a school and to the seniors program. Today as I saw our Encore program and our preschoolers pass each other at Canterbury I was reminded again how we can make a difference across the world for these same groups of friends.
OPPORTUNITIES
Fall Service Smatterings
- Consider chatting about a book with 5-6th graders at I-3 Academy in Woodlawn. They are looking for volunteers for 1 hour on the next 4 Friday mornings. Click here to volunteer and learn more.
- We need a small team who can turn the Avondale Samaritan Place Gym into a decorated wonder! Ok…wonder may be a stretch…maybe just a festive feel! Please let Leigh Ann know if you have that creative bone in you that loves a blank slate and a small budget! leighann.sisson@gmail.com
- BOOK CLUB! Canterbury has a new Book Club, and we hope you will join us. All meetings will be in M200. 11:30am – 12:30pm. For more info and to sign up please visit: https://www.canterburyumc.org/adults
- A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice and Freedom, October 9
- Before We Were Yours, November 16
- Thank you so much for donating clothes for the young adults who will be interviewing for internships, jobs and scholarships! So proud to provide them with a rack of clothes and also a small stipend for new undergarments for those who need them!
- FLOWER POWER! We need help for flowers in the Sanctuary! There is a flower arranging workshop on 10/29 at 1pm in the sanctuary. Please consider being a part of this important ministry!
SOCKTOBER!! Sock it to me!!
Socks are the item of clothing most needed in homeless shelters. They’re also the least donated. New socks contribute to better mobility and minimize the possibility of frostbite and reduce the risk of cellulitis, impetigo, fungal infection, trench foot, and skin breakdown. Living on the street, many unsheltered people rarely take their shoes off. They walk often and don’t always have laundry facilities at close reach.Please consider donating clean white socks during the month of October. We will share them with our partner ministries to pass out during the next few months. There will be a wagon outside the front doors of Canterbury to collect them until 10/29. THANKS!
Meals on Wheels…(again? sorry!)
We have a robust team serving East Lake Villa Maria on weekdays…we have another team covering the Southside route on every Wednesday of the month…still another team covering meals to different seniors in East Lake every Tuesday and Wednesday. I’m wondering if there are volunteers to create another amazing group for Freedom Manor…it’s inside and a relatively easy route! I’m going on OCTOBER 24 and would love to take a group of anyone interested to see how it works! There is a need for Tuesday and Wednesday deliveries. You can commit to once a month! Please RSVP to rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org if you can come with me 10/24 from 10:45-12pm.Upcoming Dates!
October 9 | 11:30-12:30 | Book Club-A Knock at Midnight
October 16 | 11:30am | Join me for lunch at WE Cafe at Urban Ministry!
October 29th | 5pm | SOCKS are due!!!!
November 1-27 | Collect gifts for Christmas Village!