Canterbury Cast

In this episode of Canterbury Cast, host Jeff Nix sits down with Dr. Rick Owen to talk about his new book, Patchwork, Alabama—a collection of short stories that capture the humor, heart, and faith found in small-town life. Through storytelling that feels both familiar and deeply personal, Rick reflects on the moments that shape us, the laughter, the relationships, and the quiet ways grace shows up in everyday life. Drawing from his experiences as a pastor, storyteller, and even a bit of a comedian, he shares how these stories came together and what they reveal about community, identity, and the human spirit. Whether you grew up in a small town or simply long for a slower, more connected way of life, this conversation invites you to see your own story as part of something bigger, stitched together with meaning, memory, and grace.

In this episode of Canterbury Cast, Haley Smith sits down with Rev. Hill Carmichael and Meg Kerr to reflect on their recent mission trip to Nakuru, Kenya, and the life-changing impact of providing clean water through Abundant Life (UZIMA) water filters. Through their partnership with Start With One Kenya, the team witnessed firsthand how access to safe drinking water can transform entire communities—improving health, restoring dignity, and creating new opportunities for families. What may seem like a simple resource becomes a powerful expression of faith in action, meeting both physical and spiritual needs. As they prepare to return this summer, Hill and Meg share how the experience reshaped their own perspectives, deepened relationships across cultures, and revealed the lasting impact of showing up with humility, compassion, and the love of Christ. Make a donation here to make a difference by giving the gift of clean water!

In this deeply moving episode of Canterbury Cast, host Haley Smith and Outreach Director Rachel Estes sit down with Jim Proctor and Thomas Edwards to share the story of an unexpected friendship formed through Avondale Samaritan Place. Both Jim and Thomas are walking the difficult road of terminal cancer, an experience few can truly understand. Yet in that shared reality, they’ve found something profound: a bond marked not by fear, but by honesty, companionship, and even joy. As Jim reflects, there’s a level of understanding that only comes from “walking the walk,” and in each other, they’ve found someone who truly gets it. Together, they talk about the simple but meaningful moments that have shaped their friendship: conversations about college football, a first-ever trip to the zoo, shared meals, and the quiet gift of just being present. What began as a connection through Rachel has become, in Thomas’s words, something guided by the will of God. This is a story not just about illness, but about friendship, dignity, and the kind of hope that doesn’t ignore hardship, but meets it with grace.

In this episode of Canterbury Cast, Haley Smith sits down with Spencer Otto, Clare Austen Blackmon, and Youth Ministry Coordinator Megan Sumrall to talk about Canterbury’s new Youth Philanthropy Council, a program that invites students to explore generosity in a meaningful and hands-on way. Over the course of several Sunday afternoons, the council learned how philanthropy works, visited local nonprofits, asked difficult questions, and ultimately decided how to distribute $12,000 to organizations serving the community. Along the way, they discovered that giving well requires thoughtful listening, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the needs around them. This conversation highlights how young people at Canterbury are learning to connect faith with real-world action, proving that generosity isn’t just something for the future, but something they are already living out today. What if generosity isn’t just about giving money, but about learning how to listen, discern, and care for a community well?

In this heartfelt episode of Canterbury Cast, host Haley Smith and Outreach Director Rachel Estes sit down with Carol Dickinson and Rebekah Wheelis to share a story that began with a journal and a letter inside a women’s work release program. What started as a simple act of encouragement through Canterbury’s outreach efforts grew into a meaningful friendship that carried through incarceration, release, recovery, and new beginnings. From handwritten notes and book club conversations to reunions at the Lovelady Center and a new career in dental assisting, Carol and Rebekah reflect on the moments, and the people, that shaped their journey. This is a story of connection, second chances, and the quiet ways God weaves lives together through small acts of faithfulness.

In this episode of Canterbury Cast, Haley Smith sits down with Senior Pastor Keith Thompson, Rick Owen, and Eleanor Christiansen to talk all things Ash Wednesday and Lent. Together, they unpack what Ash Wednesday means in the life of the Methodist church and why this season begins not with guilt, but with honesty, humility, and hope.From the symbolism of ashes to the purpose of Lent’s 40 days, the conversation offers insight into how this season invites us to slow down, reflect, and remember whose we are. You’ll also hear about the multiple ways Canterbury will observe Ash Wednesday this year, including drive-through ashes, a traditional noon chapel service, and a soulful evening Blues Service in the Canterbury Center.Whether you’ve observed Lent for years or are simply curious about its meaning, this episode offers a welcoming and accessible starting point for the journey ahead.Why would the church begin a season with ashes, and call it good news? What if beginning with ashes isn’t about shame, but about grace, honesty, and the chance to begin again?

In this episode of Canterbury Cast, host Haley Smith is joined by Matthew Montgomery and Natalie Moon to discuss Canterbury’s Spring Reading initiative. Together, they share the heart behind a church-wide Bible reading plan designed to help the congregation encounter God daily through Scripture, reflection, and simple spiritual practices. Centered on the Gospel of Luke and timed with the season of Lent, this plan invites the whole church to grow together, deepening faith, strengthening community, and learning to live more like Jesus in everyday life.What might change in your faith, and in our church, if we committed to reading Scripture together, one day at a time?

On this episode of Canterbury Cast, host Haley Smith sits down with Shannon Wadlington and Celia Smyly to share the inspiring story of Books to Prisons. Starting in August of 2021 and finding a permanent home at Canterbury in 2022, this outreach has been sending books to incarcerated individuals across Texas and Alabama, and currently sends between 1,000 and 1,200 books each month. Their mission is simple yet profound: to affirm each inmate’s enduring worth and promise through books that enlighten, engage, and comfort. In this conversation, Shannon and Celia reflect on the letters they’ve received, the lives that have been touched, and how this ministry continues to transform both those behind bars and the volunteers who serve. It’s a powerful glimpse of “Real Grace and Real Love, in the midst of Real Life.” How can something as simple as a book remind someone that their mind and spirit are not bound by prison walls?

In this special Christmas Eve episode of Canterbury Cast, host Jeff Nix sits down with Eleanor Christiansen and Rev. Tori Hastings to share the heart behind Story Book Christmas, a family-friendly service where the wonder of the Nativity comes to life in a whole new way.Through colorful puppets, creative storytelling, and plenty of laughter, children are invited to experience the Christmas story with fresh eyes and open hearts. Eleanor and Tori walk us through how this playful retelling helps families connect more deeply with the meaning of Jesus’ birth, reminding us that God’s love meets us in joy, imagination, and childlike faith.Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or simply young at heart, this episode offers a glimpse into the magic waiting on December 24 at 1:00 PM in Canterbury Center. Come celebrate the story that changed the world, told in a way your family will never forget.

In this special Advent episode of Canterbury Cast, Rev. Keith Thompson welcomes us into the season with an invitation to open our hearts to God’s light. As we begin our Advent series, Oh Light, we explore how divine light breaks into our world, transforms our understanding of God’s presence, and guides us toward hope.This week, Rev. Hill Carmichael preached from Isaiah 2:1–5, where the prophet speaks hard truths to God’s people, but also points them toward a promise. Isaiah reminds us that even in seasons of uncertainty or darkness, God’s light cannot be overcome. Hill shares how this ancient vision still speaks today: calling us to walk in God’s ways of hope, peace, joy, and love as we journey into Advent.If God’s light can never be overcome, what might change in us if we chose to walk toward it, especially in the places that feel most like darkness?

In this special episode of Canterbury Cast, host Haley Smith sits down with Rachel Estes, Rev. Malinda Weaver, and Teresa Evans to share the story behind one of Canterbury’s most meaningful traditions—Christmas Village at Avondale Samaritan Place. More than just a toy giveaway, Christmas Village is about dignity, joy, and community—ensuring every family experiences the love and generosity of the season in a personal way. Hear how this ministry is transforming lives, building connections, and spreading Real Grace and Real Love, in the midst of Real Life.Support Christmas Village:🎁 Shop from the Amazon Gift List → Amazon Wish List

In this final episode of The Book of James series, Rev. Tori Hastings turns to James 5:13–16 to explore the power and purpose of prayer. She reminds us that prayer isn’t about persuading God to act, but about shaping the heart of the one who prays. Through humility and consistency, prayer becomes a daily rhythm that transforms us, and the world around us. What might change in your life, and in the lives of others, if prayer became your first response instead of your last resort?

In this episode of Canterbury Cast, we sit down with two women from Canterbury’s worship team who are stepping into a new chapter of creative ministry, writing original worship songs for their own church family. They share their musical backgrounds, how they first felt called to songwriting, and what their creative process looks like as followers of Christ. From scripture and melody to vulnerability and vision, this conversation is an honest look at how God works through our gifts, right in the middle of real life. At Canterbury, we’re all about Real Grace and Real Love, in the midst of Real Life — and this episode captures all three. 🎧 Hosted by: Jeff Nix 🎤 Featuring: Natalie Moon & Grace Williams 🎼 Original worship songs written and performed by members of the Canterbury Worship Team

In this fourth message from The Book of James, Rev. Tori Hastings preaches from James 4:1, 10–12, asking a question that cuts to the heart: What is your life based on? James calls believers to humility and a faith that’s grounded not in pride or ambition, but in full surrender to God. Tori reminds us that when our foundation shifts away from Christ, our lives start to crack under pressure. But through humility and grace, we’re invited to rebuild; to realign our lives with the way of Jesus and rediscover what it truly means to live in faith. If someone looked at the foundation of your life, what, or who, would they find it built upon?

In this third message from The Book of James, Senior Pastor Rev. Keith Thompson explores James chapter 3 and the power of the tongue. James writes, “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small flame.” (James 3:5, CEB). Fire has incredible power, it can warm, illuminate, and refine, but it can also destroy. Keith reminds us that words work the same way. Not every fire begins in a forest or fireplace; some begin at a kitchen table or in a meeting. Our words can build up or burn down, bringing life or leaving scars. The challenge is to let our speech become a holy flame that reflects God’s grace. If words hold the power to start fires, what kind of fire are your words igniting?

In this second message from The Book of James, Rev. Tori Hastings takes us deeper into the heart of faith in action. Drawing from James chapter 2, she challenges us to consider, “What are you known for?” James reminds us that genuine faith is not just about belief, it’s about how we live that belief out in mercy and compassion. When faced with choices between what we could do and what we should do, mercy must always take the lead. After all, as James declares, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” What would it look like if our faith was recognized not by what we say, but by the mercy we show?

On this episode of Canterbury Cast, we begin a new 5-week series on The Book of James. Rev. Tori Hastings opens with James chapter 1, where the writer calls believers to live with perseverance, humility, and wisdom. James writes to people struggling with trials, temptations, and the challenges of living faithfully in a broken world; people not so different from us today. Drawing from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the wisdom of Proverbs, James reminds us that true wisdom is more than knowledge; it’s the ability to live faithfully, even when life is hard. As Tori puts it, “People behave poorly, even though most of the time we are trying to do the best that we can.” What does it look like to live with wisdom that comes from God, especially when life tests us and our best efforts fall short?

On this episode of Canterbury Cast, we conclude our series Come, Connect, Commit. Senior Pastor Keith Thompson preaches from 1 Peter 4:8–11, where Peter paints a picture of what the church should be: a community marked by constant love, gracious hospitality, faithful stewardship, and service through the gifts God has given us. Keith reminds us that commitment isn’t about perfection, it’s about faithfulness. Together, we are called to live out our faith in ways that strengthen the body of Christ and build God’s kingdom. What might change in our lives, and in the life of our church, if we truly committed to love, hospitality, stewardship, and service? As we wrap up this Come, Connect, Commit series, we’re reminded that following Christ is a journey of showing up, living in authentic community, and faithfully committing our lives to God’s work. Together, these steps shape us into the church God calls us to be, one built on love, hospitality, stewardship, and service.

On this episode of Canterbury Cast, we continue our series Come, Connect, Commit. Rev. Tori Hastings preaches from Acts 2:42–47, where Luke describes the early church and God’s plan for His people to live life together. Tori reminds us that authentic community isn’t built on ideals, but on love for one another: “The person that loves their dream of community will destroy community. But the person that loves those around them will create community.” It’s a call to move beyond wishing for connection and instead embrace the people God places in our lives. What does it take to move from dreaming about community to actually living it out with those around us?

This week on Canterbury Cast, Rev. Hill Carmichael kicks off our new series Come, Connect, Commit with the message “Come.” Drawing from Hebrews 10:24-25, he reminds us that transformation starts with something simple, yet powerful, showing up. Whether it’s being present in worship, or stepping into the lives of others, the more we come, the more God’s presence takes root in us and flows out to those around us. This is the first step toward true transformation. Transformation begins with showing up, grows through connection, and comes to life in commitment. What might God do in your life, and through your life, if you chose to show up more often?

In this episode of Canterbury Cast, Dr. Bill Morgan takes us to Luke 14, where Jesus challenges the social rules of his day by eating with those considered “not our kind of people.” In a culture where meals were reserved for intimate equals, Jesus turned the table into a place of radical welcome, inclusion, and grace. Dr. Morgan reminds us that the same call echoes today: to widen our tables, embrace diversity, and live out the truth that in God’s Kingdom, everyone has a seat. If Jesus invites everyone to the table, who might He be calling you to make room for?

Life can often feel like a juggling act--work, family, faith, responsibilities--keeping all the balls in the air. But what happens when one drops? Or when all of them do? In this week’s message, Rev. Tori Hastings turns to Luke 6:46-49 and challenges us to reflect on the foundation of our lives. What are we really building on? Drawing on the story of Job, Tori reminds us that when life unravels, Jesus doesn’t ask for our perfection, He asks for our faith. When the ball drops in your life, will you be standing on shaky ground, or on the solid foundation of faith?

In this episode of Canterbury Cast, Senior Pastor Rev. Keith Thompson kicks off our new series and stewardship campaign, Come, Connect, Commit, with a call to action rooted in Romans 12:1–2, 9–13. With clarity and conviction, Keith reminds us that spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident, it starts with a decision. 🟣 Come – You have to show up. 🟡 Connect – Growth happens in relationship. 🔵 Commit – Transformation requires intention. It’s time to start showing up fully, living deeply, and investing in the life God is calling us to, together. What if showing up, reaching out, and committing fully isn’t just for your growth, but part of God’s assignment for building something greater through you?

In this episode of Canterbury Cast, Gann Waters-Wright explores the ancient words of Micah 6:1–8 with fresh urgency. As the prophet reminds God’s people of their history and God’s faithfulness, Gann invites us to consider the holy interruptions in our own lives, those moments when God steps in to remind us what actually matters. In a world full of distractions and noise, we all need to be reminded: we are loved, we are needed, and we are called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This episode is both a pause and a push, a sacred interruption to realign our hearts. What if the interruptions in your life aren’t distractions, but invitations from God to remember who you are and what truly matters?

In this thought-provoking episode of Canterbury Cast, Natalie Moon leads us through John 9, a story of miraculous healing that doesn’t resolve as neatly as we might expect. While a man born blind receives his sight, the surrounding responses are filled with suspicion, debate, and doubt. Natalie invites us to sit with the discomfort of scripture, especially when the questions feel louder than the answers. What happens when God's work disrupts our assumptions? And how do we respond when grace looks different than we imagined? Join us as we wrestle with the beauty and tension of a God who heals, and a world that doesn’t always know what to do with that healing. When was the last time scripture made you uncomfortable, and instead of turning away, you leaned in to ask why?

In this final episode of our grace-filled series on Canterbury Cast, Hill Carmichael takes us to 1 Corinthians 3:10–11, where the Apostle Paul reminds us that Jesus Christ is the only true foundation for our lives and for the Church. With insight and encouragement, Hill challenges us to reflect deeply: What are we building on that foundation? What needs to shift in our lives so we can strengthen our connection with Christ and participate more fully in building God’s Kingdom? It’s a call to thoughtful action, grounded in Real Grace and Real Love, in the midst of Real Life. As we close this series, may we remember: Real Grace is more than a theme, it’s a way of life. It goes before us, transforms us, moves through us, and ultimately builds something lasting. Let’s keep leaning into Real Grace and Real Love, in the midst of Real Life, and let’s keep building, together.

In this episode of Canterbury Cast, Rev. Keith Thompson brings us into the heart of James 2:14–19, a passage that speaks plainly and powerfully about what it means to live out our faith. With James’ direct words as a guide, Keith challenges us to move beyond belief alone and step into action. Real grace, he reminds us, isn’t just something we receive, it’s something we pass on. Through acts of service, kindness, and compassion, we become vessels of God’s grace in the world. It’s a call to be helpful to our neighbors and present in our community, living out Real Grace and Real Love, in the midst of Real Life.

"Real Grace is with Us" In this episode of Real Grace for Real Life, Dr. Rick Owen guides us through the comforting and transformative truth that God’s grace is not just a moment—it’s a lifelong companion. Rooted in Ephesians 2:8–10, we explore how grace is a gift, not something we earn, and how it shapes every step of our journey. Drawing from the insights of John Wesley, Dr. Owen unpacks the threefold movement of God’s grace: prevenient grace that goes before us, justifying grace that makes us right with God, and sanctifying grace that grows us in love. Tune in and discover how real grace is with us—before we know it, when we need it most, and as we become more like Christ.

In this episode of Real Grace for Real Life, we journey back to the powerful and pivotal day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended like fire and the Church was born in a rush of wind and wonder. Drawing from Acts 2:1–18, we explore how real grace—God’s unearned, overflowing presence—did more than stir emotions; it transformed hearts, united people across languages, and ignited a movement that still burns today. Join us as we reflect on how this same grace continues to warm hearts and empower lives in our world right now.

In this episode, we explore Acts 1:1-11 and the powerful call to stop gazing into the heavens and start engaging with the mission God has placed right in front of us. Rev. Tori Hastings unpacks how the disciples' upward focus is redirected toward a kingdom that is present and active here on earth. Drawing from the teachings of John Wesley, we’re reminded that holiness is lived out in daily life—not in waiting, but in working, serving, and loving in the here and now. Join us as we reflect on what it truly means to follow Jesus with our eyes forward and our hearts grounded in the present work of the Kingdom.

In this episode, we explore Jesus’ promise of lasting peace as found in John 14:23–29. As Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, He offers not fear or confusion, but a profound and enduring peace—not as the world gives. We discuss what it means to abide in Christ’s love, the role of the Holy Spirit as our Advocate and Teacher, and how obedience and love are deeply intertwined. Join us as we reflect on how this divine peace can anchor us amid life’s uncertainties and guide us in a restless world.

In the last sermon of this series, Resurrection Stories, Rev. Tori Hastings discusses the story of the paralytic man that was lowered through a roof by his friends so that he might be healed by Jesus.

Setting at Liberty Those Who are Oppressed: Addiction and Sobriety

In our second installment of the sermon series "Resurrection Stories", Rev. Tori Hastings recounts the story of Jesus restoring the vision of a blind man. It's from this story that Tori urges us to see the invitation to really see ourselves and the world so that God might transform our own eyesight so that we can get down to the business of following God.

In this first installment of our sermon series "Resurrection Stories", Rev. Hill Carmichael urges us to return to our respective corners of the world and proclaim the mercy we have experienced through the resurrection.This directive is supported by the narrative of Jesus’s healing of the Gerasene demoniac, and his command for him to spread the good news.

On this Easter Sunday, Reverend Keith Thompson delivers a sermon that offers words of hope and resurrection, drawing upon the narrative of the Gospel of John.

In the concluding sermon of the Lenten Series SHATTERED entitled “Shattering Expectations,” Rev. Tori Hastings delves into the narrative of Palm Sunday as expounded upon in the Gospel of Luke.

In the sixth installment of our Lenten Series, SHATTERED, Rev. Keith Thompson delves into the complexities of Family.

On this fourth installment of our Lenten Series SHATTERED, Rev. Tori Hastings explores what it means to redefine our comfort.

Rev. Keith Thompson brings us this sermon on our third week of Lent.

Rev. Hill Carmichael brings us the second sermon in this Lenten series.

Our Lenten sermon series asks us to consider: What in our lives needs to be broken apart so that God’s transformative work can begin? Jesus shatters the systems and assumptions that trap us in narrow ways of thinking, freeing us to live more fully in alignment with God’s love and grace. This series invites us to examine what we hold on to too tightly, let go of what no longer serves us, and embrace the life-giving renewal that comes from stepping into God’s bigger, bolder dream for our lives.

In this episode, Rev. Keith Thompson wraps up the series, EMBARK. Life has storms. Period. We all go through them, but it's how we navigate the storm that ultimately leads to the outcome we desire.

This is the third week of our series, EMBARK. Rev. Tori Hastings shares that journeys can be sometimes be tricky, especially when you can't see what lies beyond the horizon. Take a listen...

In this second sermon of our series, EMBARK, Rev. Keith Thompson covers 'Assembling Our Crew.' In Mark 1: 16-20 Jesus' disciples were called to follow him to great lengths. How do we hear that calling in our own lives, and who are those key people that we want to have come alongside us?

This sermon is the first in a series, EMBARK. Rev. Keith Thompson uses passages from the gospel of John to ask us 'How Do We Leave The Dock?' Sometimes taking the first step of a journey can be the most challenging part.

Canterbury welcomed theologian and author Dr. Leonard Sweet as the keynote speaker for our Men's Winter Retreat. As part of that weekend, Dr. Sweet delivered this sermon in our Contemporary Worship service on Sunday, February 2.

Today, Rev. Hill Carmichael, answers the next question in this HEY SIRI series.... Heaven?

In this third week of our series HEY SIRI, Rev. Tori Hastings dives into the question, 'Can I Have Doubts And Still Be Faithful?'

Rev. Keith Thompson continues this four part series entitled, "Hey Siri, Finding Answers to Life's Big Questions" by helping us to understand how our faith can help us manage through when the unexpected happens. This week's question is 'Why do bad things happen to good people?' - something we all struggle to understand. Hey Siri...Why do bad things happen to good people?