All are welcome
Urban Abbey is a progressive United Methodist church community. Just as people used to gather around the water well to discuss the teachings of Jesus and connect with neighbors, we invite you to gather with us at our coffee shop for Sunday worship and spiritual reflections.
Worship with Urban Abbey
Pull up a chair!
We offer in-person worship on Sunday at 9 and 11 am. However, to ensure the safety of our community, services are currently being held online and in person with masks optional.
Join us on Christmas Eve for Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship at 5 and 7 pm, online and in person!
Join our livestream!
If you’re not comfortable joining in person, or are joining from afar - our services are live-streamed online on Sunday mornings at 9 and 11 am, via Facebook.
Note: Live-stream button directs to Facebook, where you can watch the streaming services.
Never been to the Abbey before?
Read our frequently asked questions so you know what to expect when you join us for service.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Where and when are church services held?
We gather for worship in the same place we gather to share a cup of coffee and to catch up —inside the coffee shop in the Old Market in downtown Omaha. A coffee shop is simply the modern-day watering well … a hub where people have gathered since before Jesus was born, to laugh, share, and connect in meaningful ways. We offer in-person and live streaming worship Sunday at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Join us on Christmas Eve for Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship at 5 and 7 pm, online and in person!
-
What is it like attending church at the Urban Abbey?
Because we hold services in our coffee shop, it fosters a casual, welcoming environment where you are able to relax and be your true self. There are no formal pews, merely open tables where you are invited to pull up a chair. Worship is fun, relevant, and inspiring. Guests gather for coffee and conversation before and after each service; and yes, you are welcome to sip your coffee throughout worship services.
-
What happens during a typical worship service?
Service lasts for about 60 minutes. We have an acoustic blend of traditional hymns and popular songs. We combine secular and sacred music with the ancient practice of Lectio Divina (three readings). Rev. Debra McKnight has a unique take on sermons and explains things in a context that can be related to your life today. You’re welcome to join the conversation or just listen to the reflections of others.
-
What should I do when I arrive?
First walk inside — the hard part is done! Pull up a chair at any table in the coffee shop. (Hint: if you come in a little early, grab a complimentary cup of coffee or tea.) If you want to strike up a conversation with a neighbor, great! If you prefer to listen and absorb, fantastic! Whether you’re outgoing or shy, extroverted or introverted, you can engage as little or as much as you like.
-
Do I have to dress up?
If you normally dress up to go to church, then feel free to get decked out and wear your shiny shoes! If you’re more comfortable in casual clothes, wear that. Most people wear jeans, shorts, sweaters, or casual shirts. Urban Abbey t-shirts are always welcome.
-
What’s the community like? Are kids welcome?
Everyone is welcome! We are a place for Christians, non-Christians, and people annoyed by Christians. Our community includes people from all walks of life — families, couples, singles, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, college students — who are searching for a safe place to be themselves.
What our congregation says …
To me, Urban Abbey is the first community I truly felt connected to in Omaha. I love the messages that are given every Sunday and how it applies to present day. The people are welcoming and I love the social justice mission that Urban Abbey is also called to.
- Nora Graham
Urban Abbey is a place open to all, regardless of background or orientation. It is a welcoming church that embraces all who walk through the doors with a smile and cup of coffee. This is an organization focused on loving and engaging the community of which it is a part. Pastor Debra has a focus on engaging people in scripture that is both illuminating and practical. It is refreshing to listen to her speak.
- Anneliese C.
Get in Touch
Have questions about Urban Abbey? Looking for more information on how to get involved? Or simply want a freshly brewed cup of coffee? Our team is here to help!