The Abbey Episcopal Worshipping Community

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

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

The mission of The Abbey is to reflect The Way of Jesus through The Open 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 Open Table is a means of God’s grace that transforms hearts and reveals God’s kingdom. The Open 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 Open 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 in our shared space with Zion Spring Baptist Church in North Avondale (look for the signs).

Join us and other community members for breakfast Monday-Friday in Avondale between Red Bird Produce and Beloved Community Church.

Find The Abbey Worshiping Community on Sundays in our shared space with Zion Spring Baptist Church in North Avondale (look for the signs). 

Worship with us at 528 41st Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222

Join us and other community members for The Abbey Breakfast Ministry on Mondays-Fridays in Avondale near Red Bird Produce and Beloved Community Church.

Serve with us at 131 41st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222

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 Open Table. You’ll find welcome no matter who you are or what you believe.

Sunday Worship

  • We gather at 3:30 p.m. and service begins at 4.
  • Our Location: Lower fellowship hall of Zion Spring Baptist Church in the North Avondale Community (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 Open 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 near Red Bird Produce and Beloved Community Church on the corner of 41st Street S. and 2nd Avenue 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 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 Open Table, including in our non-traditional Sunday worship and weekday breakfast ministry.

The Abbey thrives on interconnected partnerships. We meet in Zion Spring Baptist Church and join together with their members for special services. 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 The Open Table and Breakfast Ministry, as well as other community care we offer in Avondale.

Events

Learn what’s going on around The Abbey Episcopal Worshipping Community

Purple box with the text Encountering Jesus at the Table Lent 2025

Lent @ The Abbey

Join The Abbey during the 2025 Lenten season through stories and conversations.

Purple box with text that says 40 Stories from The Abbey Community for Lent 2025

Devotional

Read stories from The Abbey community and friends about their own encounters with Jesus. Click the image above to view the devotional online.

Learn More >>

Purple box with text that says Weekly Reflections Every Wednesday

Conversations

Join us for weekly reflection of the stories in the devotional and the Lenten season every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Email Reverend Susan at pastormo208@gmail.com for the meeting information.

Email Us >>

Contact Us

Mailing Address

2870 Acton Road Birmingham, AL 35243

Contact Info

theabbeyepiscopal@gmail.com