pastor at evangelical covenant church serving communion bread and wine

Gathering Times

 

Sundays at 11:30am

Come as you are! We believe that humanity was created for God and each other, and our Sunday worship time is a reminder of just that! From week to week, we gather to receive the Word and Sacrament. Some say we lean liturgical; others say we are contemporary. Whatever the case is, we invite you to worship with us! We meet at our wonderful host church, First Presbyterian Church of Waukegan.

  • We begin by orienting ourselves to one another and to the week ahead. This is a moment to share what's happening in our community and to remember that we belong to each other.

  • We sing together as an act of worship and as a way of posturing our hearts to God. Music has always been central to how the church prays, laments, and rejoices.

  • We read from the Bible together and listen for what God might be saying to us through it. The sermon is an invitation to engage the text, and response time gives space to sit with what's been stirred.

  • We recite the Apostles' Creed together as an act of solidarity with Christians across centuries and traditions. It's a reminder that our faith is not just personal; it's ancient, communal, and bigger than any one of us.

  • Communion is the anchor of our worship service. We share bread and cup together as Jesus instructed, remembering his life, death, and resurrection. This table is open to all who follow Jesus, and we believe he meets us here in a real and meaningful way.

  • We bless God and receive a blessing to carry into the week. The benediction is not a goodbye — it's a sending.

  • We close our time of worship by eating together because we believe the table matters. Sharing a meal is one of the most ordinary and most sacred things we do.

What Can I Expect?

At New Abbey, a typical Sunday service includes a variety of worship elements from singing to Scripture to Communion to sharing a meal. However, on other Sundays we may be visiting a partner church, gathering at a retreat center, or serving in the community! Check out our Events page for the latest information (or sign up for our weekly newsletter!).