Abbey Way's rhythm of Sunday gathering alternates between an informal and formal schedule, creating the opportunity to be together as a community in various ways.
Informal Sundays
On Informal Sundays, we open the possibility to use our time in service to the needs of the community and where God is calling us to put our attention while making space to worship and come around the Lord's Table.
Informal Sundays are on the first and third Sunday of each month except during the Seasons of Advent and Lent.
A typical "Informal" evening schedule is:
4:00. Arrival
4:15. Opening prayer
4:20. Meal
4:50. Reset for dessert/ Atrium kids go to class
5:00. Announcements
5:15. Kids' Time - Youth Time - Adult Discussion or Intergenerational Activity
6:00. Worship in the Chapel
6:45. Dessert
7:15. Clean up
7:30. Dismissal
This fall we studied "New Monasticism" by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove in small groups.
During the summer months, we focused on intergenerational activites and group Lectio. On the first and third Sunday, the community chose between interacting and building relationships across generations or listening to God through Scripture in a structured group format. We have also done service projects, gone on picnics, and had group time for reflection or training on our Informal Sundays.
Formal Sundays
On Formal Sundays, the focus is on hearing a community member's faith story, listening to the preached Word from the week's chosen text and celebrating communion as a community. Children are in age appropriate learning environments during most of worship, joining the community for communion.
Formal Sundays are on the second and fourth Sunday of each month and every Sunday during the Seasons of Advent and Lent.
A typical "Formal" evening schedule is:
4:00. Arrival
4:15. Opening prayer
4:20. Meal
5:00. Announcements
5:05. Celebration Story/ Atrium kids go to class
5:20. Reset for dessert
5:30. Worship with Kid's Chapel during message/ Communion with everyone present
6:50. Dessert
7:15. Clean up
7:30. Dismissal