The Abbey Episcopal Worshipping Community

Pull up a chair.
There’s room at the table.

Welcome to The Table at The Abbey
in Birmingham, Alabama.

The mission of The Abbey is to reflect The Way of Jesus through the hospitality of The Table, where everyone belongs, and we foster a sense of connection with God and each other. We strive to be devoutly present to each person we encounter with a humble spirit and an open heart.

The Table is a means of God’s grace that transforms hearts and reveals God’s kingdom. The Table is expansive and takes many forms – meals around a shared table, breakfast on the streets, lemonade with kids, and more. There is plenty of room for everyone at The Table to share food, prayer, stories, singing, playing, and holy fellowship.

We believe that everyone has something both to give and receive; regardless of where each person may be along their spiritual journey, all are invited to participate.

Find us on Sundays for Dinner Church in our shared space with Zion Spring Baptist Church in North Avondale within the Tom Brown Village public housing community.

Join us and other community members for Breakfast Ministry Monday-Friday, rain or shine, in the parking lot behind Beloved Community Church.

Worship With Us

The Abbey offers a non-traditional Episcopal worship service. During our Sunday service, we gather together around tables rather than in pews. The liturgy includes standard Episcopal elements and a conversational-style sermon time where we explore the lesson together.

Here at The Abbey, there is always room for everyone at The Table. You’ll find welcome no matter who you are or what you believe.

Sunday Worship

  • We gather at 3:30 p.m. Service begins at 4 followed by dinner.
  • Our Location: Lower fellowship hall of Zion Spring Baptist Church in the North Avondale community of the Tom Brown Village (528 41st St. N, Birmingham, AL 35222). Enter on the left side.

Breakfast Ministry

The Abbey Breakfast Ministry is one of our most significant expressions of The Table. We host free breakfast and coffee each weekday morning between 8:30-9:15, Monday through Friday, rain or shine. We serve in collaboration with other local Episcopal churches and community members, manifesting God’s kingdom as we share more than food with our neighbors.

Breakfast is served in the back of the parking lot behind Beloved Community Church at 131 41st Street S.

 This community is open to all.

About Us

The Abbey is a mission-focused worshipping community located in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham. The Abbey was founded in 2014 by Reverend Katie Nakamura-Rengers, and its roots began as a coffee shop that offered a “new expression” of The Episcopal Church. While the coffee shop has since closed, the spirit of The Abbey continues on through the hospitality of The Table, including our non-traditional Sunday worship, weekday breakfast ministry, and holistic support.

The Abbey thrives on interconnected partnerships. We meet in Zion Spring Baptist Church and join together with their members for special services. We collaborate with community partners to offer holistic support for our neighbors beyond physical food and spiritual nourishment. We also have a ministry partnership with St. Thomas Episcopal Church, that includes shared clergy, administrative resources, and joint ministry and worship opportunities. Additionally, the breakfast ministry is made up of a wonderful community of members of other Episcopal parishes, local businesses, neighbors, and other volunteers.

Our Chaplain

The Rev. Susan Oakes

The Rev. Susan Oakes is the Chaplain of The Abbey and an Associate Rector with St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Birmingham. Susan has been serving the Episcopal Church in a wide variety of contexts and connections through both lay and ordained ministry since 2005. She is a 2021 graduate of Seminary of the Southwest Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas. She joined The Abbey and St. Thomas in January 2024.

Susan has worked with every age group and different size parishes, as well as camp and retreat settings. Her desire to be with people through significant moments and stages of life and to create community, seeing God in all things, is her grounding point for ministry. Susan and her husband Steve have three grown children and one grandchild. She enjoys spending time with family, hiking, traveling, and attending art festivals and live music shows.

Your Generosity Has an Impact

Thank you for giving! Your contributions support the ministries of The Abbey Worshiping Community, including Dinner Church and Breakfast Ministry, as well as other community care we offer in Avondale.

Contact Us

Mailing Address

2870 Acton Road Birmingham, AL 35243

Contact Info

theabbeyepiscopal@gmail.com