Stitching Stories: Patchwork, Alabama

Encore at 10: "The Best Decade Ever"

In this special episode of Canterbury Cast, Executive Pastor Hill Carmichael sits down with Valerie Boyd and Anne Warren to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Encore Respite Ministry, a program that has faithfully served individuals experiencing memory loss and the families who love them. Together, they reflect on the vision that launched Encore: creating a participant-centered community rooted in dignity, creativity, spiritual connection, and joy. From music and movement to art, laughter, and friendship, Encore has become far more than a respite program, it’s a place where people are seen, valued, and encouraged to continue living fully. Hill, Valerie, and Anne also share stories from the past decade, the impact Encore has had on caregivers and families, and the hope they carry for the future as this remarkable ministry continues to grow. It’s a conversation about compassion, belonging, and what it means to honor the sacred worth of every person. What if living well isn’t defined by what we remember or accomplish—but by the dignity, joy, and connection we continue to share with one another?

Stitching Stories: Patchwork, Alabama

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.

Water is Life

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 [https://canterburyumc.fellowshiponego.com/external/form/e5efbb81-b74e-4171-a6b0-40ba33f8db5f] to make a difference by giving the gift of clean water!

Hope in Common: A Beautiful Friendship

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.

Generosity in Action: The Youth Philanthropy Council

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?