Adults

Wednesday Night Studies

FALL SESSION 3 – Our next round of studies will begin on Wednesday, November 5! There’s a great line up, with lots to choose from! See descriptions and register below. It will be a 4-week session meeting on the following dates:
– November 5
– November 12
– November 19
(Not meeting the week of Thanksgiving)
– December 3

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

Wednesday Night Studies | Session 3

  • Christian Community in a World Torn Apart: Lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer

    Have you ever wondered how to live and respond faithfully as a Christian in a world that seems determined to implode itself? What do we do in the midst of unending news of violence, increasing fear of those different from us, and an increasingly divided country? Come learn from the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the imperfect pastor with a saintly image, who lived, worked, and died during the rise and stronghold of the Third Reich.

    Led by Tori Hastings.

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • Faith Works: “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat”

    Join us as we explore how we as Methodists can answer John Wesley’s call to ‘do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.’ We will learn about food insecurity in our community, who is working to alleviate hunger around us, and what we can do to help.

    November 5: Nicole Williams, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama

    November 12: Suzanne Wright, Executive Director of Magic City Harvest

    November 19: Amanda Storey: Executive Director of Jones Valley Teaching Farm

    December 3: Chastity Etheridge, Ed.S, School Counselor of P. D. Jackson-Olin High School

     

    Led by Caroline Bundy & Rachel Estes

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • Feeling the Blues: More than Music it is Community

    Discover the soul-stirring stories of legendary Blues artists whose music was born from the depths of faith, hardship, and hope. This series goes beyond the rhythm and melodies to explore how the Blues became a lifeline — a spiritual and emotional outlet that brought people together. Each week, we will dive into the lives of Blues legends who turned pain into praise and struggle into song. Learn how their faith sustained them through trials, and how their music created a vibrant community where stories were shared, burdens were lifted, and healing began.

    Led by Rick Owen

    CLICK HERE to register.

     

  • The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown

    The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves by letting go of shame, fear, and the need for perfection. Through ten “guideposts,” Brown outlines how to cultivate courage, compassion, and connection, leading to what she calls a “wholehearted” life—one rooted in self-acceptance and worthiness.

    Led by Jordain Boland & Natalie Moon

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • The Wesley Way: John Wesley’s Approach to Spiritual Growth

    Grow in grace. Live in love. Walk the Wesley Way.

    Experience the practical, transformative spirituality of John Wesley in this five-week class led by Rev. Keith Thompson. Learn simple, time-tested rhythms that turn ordinary days into pathways of grace and joy.  In this class we will not only examine what to do, but how to apply it in your unique life, and why it makes a difference in the way we encounter the world around us.

    Led by Keith Thompson

    CLICK HERE to register.

  • Woven: Teaching Your Kids Faith

    Parents often share that they would like to know more about how to share a faith that lasts with their kids.  It would be so easy if this was a quick recipe or a check list to help us anchor our children in faith.  Meredith Miller, author of WOVEN, suggests that we can let go of some of the lists and how tos for helping our kids develop a resilient faith if we reimagine how to share God’s story with them.  Join Eleanor Christiansen as we work through the book WOVEN and explore these ideas with the hope of enriching our faith journey and those of our children, too.

    Led by Eleanor Christiansen

    CLICK HERE to register.

     

  • Letters of Paul – Lisa Donnell and John Hutchinson’s Bible Study (Ongoing)

    This fall we will study certain letters written by Paul during his missionary journeys. These letters shaped the Church and continue to inspire our faith walk today. Lisa Donnell and John Hutchinson will lead us through Colossians, Philippians and 2 Thessalonians. This class focuses on Biblical scripture as supplemented by Biblical commentaries. Class discussion is encouraged and prevalent.

    Room M229

    CLICK HERE to register.

Weekday Small Groups

Canterbury offers a wide variety of small groups throughout the week to enrich the lives of our church members and community. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and stress-free place where individuals have the opportunity to grow spiritually, meet new people, make new friends, and learn something new. If you’re interested in joining a small group, contact Annie Skinner at annie.skinner@canterburyumc.org.

Book Club 2025-2026

Book Club is held on the 2nd Monday of each month! Join us from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM in Room M226 for great discussion and fellowship. Bring your lunch and invite a friend!

REGISTER for Book Club, click here.

Upcoming Books

  • September 8

    The Lion Women of Tehran
    by Marjan Kamali

     

  • October 13

    A Right Worthy Woman
     by Ruth P. Watson

    Leadership Development

  • November 10

    The First Advent in Palestine: Reversals, Resistance, and the Ongoing Complexity of Hope
     by Kelley Nikondeha

    Nurturing for Community

  • January 12

    The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row
     by Anthony Ray Hinton

    Social Action

  • February 9

    The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today
     by Shannon Bream

    Spiritual Growth

  • March 9

    When Stars are Scattered
     by Victoria Jamieson

  • April 13

    The Light Pirate
     by Lily Brooks-Dalton

Adult Sunday School Classes

Sunday School is a great place to get to know and develop relationships with people in the same life stages. Canterbury offers many adult Sunday school possibilities. Feel free to visit different classes to find the one that fits you. For help finding an adult Sunday school class, contact Annie Skinner at annie.skinner@canterburyumc.org.

  • Aldersgate | 50’s-70’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Patti Warren
    M227
    This is a very open class that enjoys Bible study as well as book studies dealing with the application of Christian principles and theology to daily living. Class participants are encouraged to read during the week, and members volunteer to lead the discussion in class. Active discussion is a hallmark of this class —members enjoy full discussion in a free and congenial environment. No perspective reigns above others.

  • Bible Study Dialogue | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Chris Bullock
    A123
    This is a small class that enjoys studying the Bible using various resources. Regular teachers/class members lead discussion centered around Biblical topics.Topics might also include current events as related to a Christian outlook.The class participates in varied service projects and occasional social gatherings.

  • Compass | 30’s-40’s | Married, Raising Children

    Class Leaders: Kristin Pilkerton-Price/Bryan Paul
    M209
    This is a discussion based class led by various members on a rotating basis. They seek to become better Disciples of Christ through the study of scripture and its application to the challenges of daily life. They are using the Compass of God to help find their spiritual path during a hectic, pressure-filled stage of life.

  • Cornerstone | 20’s-30’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Lee Mallette
    M304
    This is a group of single and married young professionals in their late 20’s to early 30’s. They meet on Sunday mornings for fellowship with discussion based study facilitated by various class members. They also meet once a month for fellowship at their homes, events, and other venues.

  • Crawford Owen | 60’s-80’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: George O’Rear
    M141
    This class has four regular teachers who rotate from September through May, teaching on a variety of faith-based topics. Guest teachers from Canterbury and other churches in the community are invited to present lessons on their areas of interest during the summer months. In addition to a Christmas Brunch and an Annual Spring Party, the class celebrates communion in the chapel on Easter and the Sunday before Christmas. Outreach activities include Encore Community Respite Ministry, Altar Guild, Birmingham Hospitality Network, and Firehouse Shelter. Other individual outreach interests include United Methodist Women, Wednesday night dinners, homebound communion, and delivering plants to homebound.

    Click here for a PDF of Reading the Bible in a Year

  • Fellowship Too | 60’s-70’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Randle Cunningham
    M229
    This class has been a part of Canterbury’s Sunday School offerings for more than two decades. As the class has aged, so has its loyal membership, today made up of both married and single adults predominantly in their 50’s and 60’s, many with adult children as well as increasingly with grandchildren. Many have been members of the class since they were young couples. The curriculum varies including occasions to track with the overall lesson plans underway church-wide, topics of new or ongoing interest to this generation of adults, and periodic visiting speakers including clergy members, Methodist leaders such as Bishops, outreach professionals from the larger Birmingham community, or simply opportunities to take advantage of Christian learning opportunities from informed and interesting visitors. During the summer, the group typically has a monthly dinner and discussion at a member’s home to share in fellowship, stay in touch, and exchange any news needed.

  • J.O.Y. | 60’s-80’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Kirby Bland
    M129
    This class was founded in 1957. Class lectures are based on the various Bible Study books prepared by our regular teachers. Prior to our class meeting each Sunday, our members enjoy socializing with coffee and treats provided by class members. We celebrate the Christmas season with a class gathering for brunch or lunch.

  • Seekers | Late 40’s+ | Married, Raising Children

    Class Leader: Van Gladney
    M228
    This class is made up of members from varying denominational backgrounds and hometowns, providing many different perspectives as they “Seek” to better understand the life God has given them. Issues or questions relevant to members are identified to help build the curriculum. Members are actively engaged a variety of programs at Canterbury, and they seek to make the class a forum for communication on how to connect into these programs and other ministries available at Canterbury.

  • Pathways | Intergenerational | Married & Single

    Class Leaders: Anne Warren/Mary Little
    M226 and on Zoom

    This intergenerational Sunday school class includes members from all walks of life and welcomes visitors any Sunday. We encourage our members and guests to explore the many different paths one may take on their journey with Christ, and what it means to be a follower of Jesus in today’s world. We value and appreciate a variety of perspectives on life and spirituality. The diverse ages, experiences, and points of view of our class members allow them to explore their own faith through biblical study and the implications of our modern world. We enjoy learning from each other, hearing each other’s perspectives, and laughing together!

    Pathways is a proud member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, which “equips and mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.”

    Pathways class discussions are facilitated by different volunteers from the class each week and are led by guest speakers on occasion. We invite and enjoy robust discussion! Contact Mary Little, mblittle@bellsouth.net, for details.

  • Singles | 50’s-70’s | Single

    Class Leader: Dick Coffee
    M114

    Using a variety of teachers throughout the year, the format of this class changes constantly from discussion to lecture to Bible Study. Our speakers include ministers from Canterbury, recommended teachers from the church, and representatives from other churches and other religions.

  • Young Adults (YASS) | 30’s-40’s | Married & Single

    Class Leaders: Trey and Carmen Echols
    M140

    YASS meets on Sunday mornings and has various social events centered around building a community of believers in Jesus Christ. The content is generally facilitated by class leaders Carmen and Trey Echols. The studies focus on contemporary application of principles taught from both the New and Old testaments with specific focus on Jesus, his disciples, and Apostles. Conversations are dynamic and interactive. They help drive dialogue around key issues that young adults and parents will face in growing deeper into adulthood.

  • New Bible Study Class | Intergenerational | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Annie Skinner
    M120

    The New Bible Study class, using the Bible as our source, thoughtfully reads and discusses each book. Using maps and research, we try to discern what the original author(s) may have intended and discuss what this means for us.

  • New Young Adult Class | Mid-Late 20’s | Married & Single

    Class Leader: Mary Nelson Little
    M309

    If you are 24-30 (no strict age limits!) and looking for a meaningful place for connection, come try out this new Sunday School class!

  • New Young Marrieds Class | 20’s-30’s | Married

    M305

    This group of newly married young professionals in their 20’s and early 30’s focuses on fellowship and class discussion, led by various class members.

  • Sunday School for Parents of Confirmands

    Class Leader: Zac Riddle

    M208

    Confirmation is the beginning of a life-long journey of discipleship and inquiry. To aide you and support your own journey we will offer a Sunday school class just for parents of youth attending confirmation. We will cover the same topics that your youth will be discussing in the hopes of creating meaningful experience with your youth and the other parents. The church, at its best, is a community of believers.

    This class will meet Sundays from 9:20 – 10:10.

    If you have any questions, please contact annie.skinner@canterburyumc.org or 205.868.6580.

  • Kilgore Class | Parents of Teenagers | Married and Single

    Class Leader: Allen Kilgore

    M200

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