y brother recently sent me a photograph he found of my grandparents from back in 1974.

Both of them looked vigorous and healthy in the photo. The reality is that the picture

isn’t able to show how my grandmother walked with a limp—the result of an accident

on Christmas Eve in 1966. A vehicle driven by a drunk driver struck the car she and my

grandfather were in resulting in massive damage to her knee. She never complained

about the constant pain she experienced. Nor did she ever let it stop her from doing the chores that

required her slowly making her way up and down the stairs several times a day at a snail’s pace—

having to swing her leg because her knee wouldn’t bend—all the while holding a laundry basket

or some other object. My grandfather would try to help, but she always insisted on doing things for

herself.

The photograph also is unable to show the blockage in my grandfather’s arteries that would result

in a massive stroke within a few short years following. The photo shows the wry half-smile of a man

who, though quiet, was always scheming his next mischievous deed. That was his way of saying he

loved you—by playfully paying attention to you. It was that same wry smile that would occasionally

emerge after his stroke. As I sat with him patiently waiting for him to form the words that formerly flowed

effortlessly from his lips, he would stop himself and smile that smile. Once so vibrant, my grandfather

could have been bitter at the loss of his independence, miraculously letting me know that he was still

coming up with new ways to impishly say, “I love you.”

My grandparents knew struggle from an early age. They both grew up on a farm and once they

married they farmed together. They cultivated crops, nurtured cows and milked them 365 days a year,

raised a family, served in their community, and were active in their church. When I spent the night at

their house, I always awoke to a country breakfast and a morning devotional at the kitchen table.

Their faith ran deep. It was their faith around which they ordered their lives and met the challenges of

the day.

They lived in their Garden of Eden where they always sensed God’s presence. It was God’s nearness

that empowered them to see the circumstances of their lives as an opportunity to do the next right thing,

no matter what. It was with God’s love that they tilled the garden of their relationship with each other

in spite of wrecks and strokes. It was with God’s love that they tended to the earth and the creatures

under their care, no matter how relentless the needs. It was with God’s love that they cultivated the

relationships with all their family and friends—it was God’s love that made all the difference to them

and all the difference to those of us who received their love. They were the ideal caretakers and for

their witness, I am thankful.

Vol. 28 / Number 10

october 2 016

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United CounselingComes to Canterbury

Outreach at Canterbury

Why I Give to Canterbury

The More and Better Life“ The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.”

— Genesis 2:15, NRSV

Rev. Dale Cohensenior pastor

To comment on this article, go to Rev. Dale Cohen’s blog at www.DaleCohenCanterbury.com.

Dale Cohen, Senior Pastor

Why I Give to Canterbury1

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DID YOU KNOW...• Around 300 children are introduced to the stories of the Bible during Sunday School each week,• Thanks to our BUDS ministry, 4 children with special needs are able to join them and fully participate in all activities, • 97 kindergartners and third graders now have their own Bibles through our Bible ministry,• Almost 80 6th graders confirmed their commitment to follow Jesus through Confirmation this year?

DID YOU KNOW...• More than 1,000 lives are touched each month through our regular outreach involvements such as Brown Bag and Firehouse Shelter, • So far this year, 25 disabled individuals can easily and safely enter and exit their home thanks to new handi-cap ramps built by our Carpenter’s Hands team,• 15 men at the maximum-security Donaldson Correc-tional Facility are developing a relationship with Jesus through our Friday Bible study,• 250 children had a brighter Christmas through our

Festival of Three Kings ministry, and • This summer, dozens of children at a low-income day care and Camp NorthStar were nourished by the nu-merous sandwiches and pretzels (4,756) we prayerfully packed?

DID YOU KNOW...• 100 adults enjoy fellowship and entertainment to-gether each month during our Legacy Lunches, • 275 people of all generations sit down to share dinner together at our Wednesday Family Nights, • Close to 300 adults, youth, and children continue to be enriched through Family Night’s classes, Bible stud-ies, and other small group activities?

DID YOU KNOW...• Only 48% of Canterbury’s congregation contributes financially?

Be part of the good work and good news of YOUR church. Canterbury sets it’s budget based on the pledges it receives.

Why I Give to Canterbury / October Canterburian 2016 / page three

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With Canterbury’s more than 40 different min-istries touching and changing lives, imagine what we could do and the lives we could positively af-fect, including our own, if all of us joined together in giving! As its congregation, we determine Canter-bury’s budget. Our generosity determines how effective we can be, and how much good we can do in our church, our community, and be-yond. We really want people to understand that it’s important that every member contribute finan-cially to the church. Canterbury sets it budget based on the pledges it receives. The things we are able to do through our ministries depend on what that budget looks like; and what the bud-get looks like depends on what we, as members, pledge to contribute financially. Canterbury has long been a healthy church, but over the past several years due to a decrease in congregational giving, our budget has had to experience some decline. To help fund our con-tinuing commitment to Outreach Ministries, this means the operating budgets for our other minis-tries, such as Learning and Worship, have had to be reduced. We want to reverse that trend and grow our ministries and do even more to achieve God’s kingdom here in Birmingham.

Join us in worship each Sunday in October to be a part of the conversation on ‘Why We Give’ and hear of how lives have been made better through the ministries of Canterbury. We have two big goals this stewardship season: both to grow our overall number of givers and to in-crease the total dollars given by 5%. If you’re moved by the stories we’re telling, we ask you to take time to prayerfully consider filling out your pledge card and helping Canterbury continue these good works. Commitments to the general budget are en-couraged, but additional giving to a designated ministry that may be especially important to you is also welcomed. Canterbury has always been very transparent about its budget and we want people to be aware of where the money they give ends up. You’ll be receiving more information and your pledge card in the mail later this month. We look forward to seeing you at the combined worship service on October 30th to join us as we together make our 2017 commitments. Whether from a first-time giver or a long-time tither, each and ev-ery gift is important to the overall health of Can-terbury. Together, we’ll continue to do amazing things.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR FOCUS ON GIVING CO-CHAIRS:

LaVone Warren

Sincerely,

Will Fountain Tommy Sisson

Panama Trip Carpenter’s Hands (building wheelchair ramp)

Be part of the good work and good news of YOUR church. Canterbury sets it’s budget based on the pledges it receives.

United Counseling Comes to CUMC

ucked away beside the sanctuary of the church is a special place you may not even know is there. For over 44 years, Canterbury has been home to its own counseling center, traditionally staffed by a Canterbury-appointed pastor. When Dixon Mitchell announced his retirement last year after 39 years of leading the center, a Counsel-

ing Center Design Team was appointed to look at the center and decide how best to use the space and continue the ministry. “We talked about the mission of Canterbury, to ‘build lives of faith and service for Jesus Christ through life-transforming worship, learning, and service,’ and if and how counseling services fit under that mission,” says committee chair LaVone Warren. “We concluded that while counseling isn’t necessarily worship, learning, or service, we believe it is part of our mission of transforming lives, and here we have the opportunity to offer those counseling services within the walls of a place where people al-ready feel comfortable.” The team next did extensive research to determine the best way to deliver these services. “We looked at numerous churches of all denomina-

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page 4 Call (205) 824-8320 for more information and appointments.

A big welcome to the United Counseling team, as they begin a new chapter of counseling

services available at Canterbury. UNITED COUSELING OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, October 239:00 am - Noon

Come see their new offices and welcome Monica and

her team to Canterbury.

(205) 824-8320

tions,” says LaVone. “What we discovered was that most often, in the successful examples, the church provided space but the counselors were independent contractors instead of employees.” Enter United Counseling—a ministry of the North Ala-bama Conference for over 45 years. Started as United Methodist Pastoral Care and Counseling by our own for-mer Canterbury Counseling Center founder Charles Al-exander, the service began initially to offer counseling services to clergy and their families, but now its offices are open to all—Methodist or not. “We wanted to go with an established group that had a positive reputation in the community, and that of-fered a range of counseling services. It just made sense to consider United,” says LaVone. “After learning that our visions and goals of counseling seemed aligned, we knew it was the best fit.” Under the new arrangement, United Counseling func-tions as an independent contractor, with Canterbury providing the office space and United independently handling everything else. “We are so excited that this beautiful spot at Canterbury is now our home base,” says United Counseling Executive Director Rev. Monica Har-barger, MA, NCC, LPC-S. “The location with its separate entrance is really private, and I love that we have the ability to get out and walk and talk around the building. This is ideal, especially for some of our younger clients.” United Counseling continues a special focus on clergy and clergy issues, but they also offer all types of counsel-ing for individuals, families, and groups. “We are support-ed by the United Methodist Church but we serve beyond those walls,” says Monica. “We see a wide range of ages as well as various issues, with each therapist having their own type of counseling niche.” Monica is joined by psychiatrist and ordained el-der Rev. Rachel Julian, M.D., along with three contract counselors in Birmingham and one in Huntsville. “We all come from different traditions and different perspectives which allows us to approach things in creative ways,” says Monica. “United Counseling has a unique blend of faith and mental health that allows people from all tradi-tions, experiences, and stages of life to experience a bit of grace and moments of hope as we partner with them on their journey.” Appointments are available throughout the week and services are offered at a lower than average rate, with sliding scale fee options. Some insurance is accepted. The United Counseling team is also available and excited to meet with Sunday School classes and other small groups to provide education on special topics such as depression in older adults, issues in adolescents, or mental health and your faith. Contact Monica to ex-

plore how they can partner with your group. “To be supported by a congregation like Canterbury adds value and affirms us for what we are doing,” says Monica. “We just feel blessed to be here and are really looking forward to getting to know the people within Canterbury.”

COUNSELORS & STAFF

United Counseling Comes to CUMC / October Canterburian 2016 / page five

page 5 Call (205) 824-8320 for more information and appointments.

Rev. Monica Harbarger, MA, NCC, LPC-SExecutive Director

Rev. Rachel Julian, M.D.

Dr. Jonathan Davis, LMFT, CFLE

Elaine Russell, Ed.S., LPC

Ryane Rice, M.MFTA, MFTA

Andie LongAdministrative Assistant

Outreach at Canterbury

Please help the Outreach Ministries team by participating in the Outreach Participation and Interest Survey.

utreach is an important part of the mission of Canterbury and we continue to do so much through projects such as Brown Bag packing and serving, Carpenter’s Hands, Family Promise, serving meals at Church of the Reconciler and Firehouse Shelter, Avondale Samaritan Place, Little Brown Bag pack-ing, assembling of Health Kits and other necessities for the community’s homeless, giving money to support Water for Life during VBS, Panama Mission Trips, making and providing lunches for camp and

school children during the summer, and so much more. But as ministry interests ebb and flow and volunteer numbers rise and fall, the Outreach Ministries team wants to understand why. Earlier this summer, they launched a Participation and Interest Survey to help gage where we are in terms of our outreach. This very short survey includes questions to help the team know if, how, and why you cur-rently serve, what barriers keep you from serving, and what types of service you are most interested in. “We want outreach ministries to be responsive to the passions and interests of the congregation, while maintaining the commitment to the needs of our community,” says Director of Outreach, Rachel Estes. “As we get into the new church year, your answers will be helpful to us as we evaluate our current commitments and plan future outreach opportunities. While we have many regular commitments, we’re always open to offering new opportunities that fit your desires. For example, right now we have a group of girls who on Wednesday nights are sewing dresses for Dress a Girl Around the World.”

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!! Please take just five minutes today to complete the very quick Outreach Participation and Interest Survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/5GJLSKG.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED with Canterbury’s outreach ministries? Stay up to date on all the current and future opportunities by liking the Canterbury Outreach Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/canterburyumcoutreachministries/, signing up to receive the Outreach Newsletter at www.canterburyumc.org/newsletters, or contacting Rachel directly at rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org.

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page 6 Let us hear from you at www.surveymonkey.com/r/5GJLSKG.

Outreach Ministries / October Canterburian 2016 / page seven

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CANTERBURY BEESON TRUST UPDATE

Each quarter, Canterbury is granted 10.6% of the interest from the estate of Lucille Beeson with the mission to find ways to address the needy elderly in Jefferson County.

On September 13, 2016 the Beeson Team met and ap-proved the following grants:

Meals on Wheels $50,000 Supports weekly meal delivery to homebound seniors. Episcopal Place $10,000 Meets the unmet needs of low-income seniors and disabled adults.

Avondale Samaritan Place $18,750 Supports Carpenter’s Hands and Food Co-op for se-niors who live in the area.

ARC of Jefferson County $15,906 Covers the bathroom renovation cost in two homes that serve the elderly with intellectual disabilities.

M-Power $45,000 Supports the only free health clinic in Jefferson County.

Oasis: A Women’s Counseling Center $10,000 Provides mental health services for low-income elderly women.

The Beeson Trust Committee is looking for new members! If you are interested in learning more about the respon-sibilities of being a team member, contact Kim Rogers at krogers@foundationbirmingham.org or Bill McDougald at wtmcdougald@gmail.com.

Service Dayat Avondale Samaritan Place

October 9th

Immediately following our worship services on Sunday, Octo-ber 9th, Canterburians of all ages will travel to Avondale Sa-maritan Place for a light lunch at Avondale UMC and a fun two hours of service in the community. Sign up now for one of the following special service projects:

• Knit Wits • M-Power Garden • Workshops, Inc. • New Pilgrim Tower

All ages are encouraged to join in for this enjoyable afternoon of serving others!

Register at www.CanterburyUMC.org/ServiceDay

• School Cleanup/Landscaping• Little Brown Bag Project• Alethia House• and much more...

12:00 Noon - 2:30 PM (includes lunch)

or at the church receptionist’s desk.

LOCATION: Avondale Samaritan Place, 500 40th Street South, Birmingham AL 35222

Let us hear from you at www.surveymonkey.com/r/5GJLSKG.

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU. S. POSTAGE

PAIDBIRMINGHAM ALPERMIT NO 2514

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED205.871.4695www.CanterburyUMC.org

DIRECTIONS Off Highway 280, at Brookwood Mall, take Mountain Brook Parkway east to Overbrook Road and turn left.

MINISTERSRev. Dale Cohen Rev. Warren NashRev. Sam Williamson Rev. Drew ClaytonRev. Sheryl Thornton Rev. Tori HastingsBishop-in-Residence, Dr. Mike Watson

350 Overbrook Road, P.O. Box 130699Birmingham, Alabama 35213-0699

BISHOP B. MICHAEL WATSON

Welcome

Canterbury United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the arrival of Bishop-in-Residence, B. Michael Watson. Mike is a native of Dothan and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Vanderbilt University. He was a minister in the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference before being elected as a bishop in 2000. Mike has been a delegate to six World Methodist Confer-

ences and is currently a member of the World Methodist Council. He is past-president of World Methodist Evangelism and is currently the Ecumenical Officer for the Council of Bishops. All of us are very pleased to welcome Mike and Margaret Watson here to Birmingham - especially his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren: Canterbury mem-bers Elizabeth & Zac Riddle and Camilla, Watson, and Emmaline.

For Bishop Watson’s full Bio, go to www.canterburyumc.org/bishop.