Please join us at Canterbury each Sunday in December as we discover hope, peace, joy and love, and focus on the unfolding mystery of God’s presence among us.
Events & Special Services MOR Christmas OfferingChristmas Eve Services
New Traditions Service *
11 AM | Chapel
A Storybook Christmas *
1 PM | Canterbury Center
Contemporary Service *
3 PM | Canterbury Center
Sanctuary Service
3 PM | Sanctuary
Sanctuary Service *
5 PM | Sanctuary
* Services to be livestreamed
Nursery available for children through 4 years old at 1, 3, & 5 PM.
Events & Special Services
Birmingham-Southern Alumni Choir Concert | December 5, 7 PM
All are invited to attend this special music event in Canterbury’s Sanctuary. It is the choir’s 89th year to perform Lessons & Carols.
YAC Christmas Party | December 7, 5 PM
We’re celebrating Christmas at YAC on Sunday, December 7! It’ll be a fun night filled with all of our favorite things. Check out YAC’s Instagram for more details on the event. This will be our last MYF of the year, so make sure to join us!
Annual Side-by-Side Chorus Concert | December 9, 2 PM
What better way to enjoy the holiday season than with a fun and festive Christmas concert from an 80-voice chorus and band! The Side-by-Side Community Chorus is made up of folks from our Encore community who love to sing and be with friends! This year’s concert will benefit the Encore Family Fund. Free admission, donations will be accepted at the door! Make plans to shop for unique holiday gifts before and after the event.
Legacy Luncheon & Holiday Sing-Along | December 16, 12 PM
Join the Canterbury Staff for the annual Christmas carol sing-along with festive fellowship, and a great lunch! ($5) Please RSVP to valerie.boyd@canterburyumc.org.
Christmas Chili Cookoff | December 17, 5:30 – 7 PM
Join us for a fun and festive evening at Canterbury’s Christmas Chili Cookoff on Wednesday, December 17, from 5:30 – 7 PM in Canterbury Hall! Enjoy a hearty spread of homemade chilis and grilled cheese while celebrating the season with friends, games, and great food! Enter your best chili to compete for fun prizes… or simply come ready to taste and vote for your favorites! Proceeds will benefit the Jackson Olin High School feeding program, helping ensure students have meals over the holidays. All ages are invited to come share in the Christmas cheer and make a difference!
$10 adults | $30 family max
The Longest Night | December 21, 6 PM
You are invited to a special Winter Solstice Service for a sacred space of reflection, comfort, and renewal. This quiet, contemplative time of worship on the longest night before Christmas will be held on Sunday, December 21 at 6PM in the Chapel. Together, we will acknowledge the darkness and difficulty that can accompany this season, while holding on to the promise of peace, healing, and hope that the coming Light brings. * Service to be livestreamed
Kids Cookie Connection | December 22, 10AM
Mark your calendar and make sure to bring your children to participate in this sweet and fun morning activity! We will decorate Christmas cookies to pack up and take to our homebound friends. Fun for kids of all ages!
A Storybook Christmas | December 24, 1 PM
Bring the whole family and celebrate Christmas Eve with us in Canterbury Center! This casual, kid-friendly service features a fun and creative retelling of the Nativity story, joyful Christmas music, Communion, and the magical glow of candlelight. It’s a special way for families with young children to come together, make memories, and experience the wonder of Christmas.
See above for all Christmas Eve services...
Mission Outreach Christmas Offering
The Mission Outreach United Appeal Fund (MOR) Offering has benefited Canterbury and other ministries for many years. Your generous gift this Christmas will benefit the following ministries in 2026:
• Canterbury United Methodist Church – Rise Against Hunger
• Canterbury United Methodist Church – Missionary Support
• Avondale Samaritan Place (ASP)
We encourage individuals, Sunday school classes, and small groups to a make special offering. We will receive these Christmas gifts in our worship services on December 21 and in our Christmas Eve services on December 24. You may also choose to deliver your offering to the Finance Office. Please make your check payable to the Mission Outreach United Appeal Fund. This is a wonderful way to show our gratitude for the gift that we all receive at Christmas.