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THE ABBEY

September-April

Sunday Nights, 7pm

Summerside Trinity United

About us

Welcome to the Abbey

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT TO EXPECT

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THE SERVICE

"Finding Sabbath Rest in a World Full of Mondays"

The Abbey is a beautiful 45-minute candlelit service on Sunday evenings. It can best be described as a time where music, scholarship, and peacefulness intersect.

The Abbey intentionally doesn't ask anything of those who come except to receive the gift of this time and this space. We seek to support those individuals who carry so much of the responsibilities for their respective churches and communities.

The Abbey serves to carve out room for sacred space and the ability to create meaning - to open up the opportunity for our minds to wander freely and ponder deeply. There are so few places today where this is possible. The Abbey is a place where the sacredness of Sabbath rest can be experienced as a communal practice.

SErvice Udates

IF, DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFOReSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, A SERVICE HAS TO BE CANCELLED, A NOTICE WILL BE POSTED HERE

Anthony Austin

Anthony is the creator and director of The Abbey community. He is a writer and a struggling theologian with a keen interest in the social sciences, particularly how they relate to religion and the chruch. In keeping with his marriage vow to never become a minister, the Abbey is a viable compromise.

He has a Bachelor of Religious Studies degree from Canadian Nazarene College and a Master's of Theological Studies degree from the Atlantic School of Theology. Anthony currently lives in Summerside, PE and has the great privilege of spending his life with his wife, Heather, and two daughters, Salem and Emily.

FAQ

Is The Abbey a Church?

Yes and No. The Abbey is not a fully functioning Church with budgets, a paid minister and staff, or weekly activities. There is, however, amongst those who attend, a loving and caring community.

And while some might see it as nothing more than a 45-minute candlelit service that meets only once a week. This simplicity, however, is The Abbey's strength. A lot of time and effort is spent throughout the week dedicated to that short period, and those who go will attest to its impact.

Is the Abbey a Christian Service?

Yes! Although the focus of a particular service may occasionally be broadened beyond what one would generally expect within a Christian service. The Church and the Christian faith is always woven within.

Is the Abbey part of a particular church denomination?

No. It is non-denominational. Although we recieve a lot of support from Summerside Trinity United Church, people who attend The Abbey come from a wide range of denominations, including Anglicans, Catholics, Evangelicals, and Presbyterians. This diversity of faith traditions is a wonderful aspect of the Abbey community.

What can I expect when I arrive?

You can expect to enter into a peaceful and beautiful candlelit sanctuary. The service consists of a variety of sacred music, 5 minutes of silent prayer, and a short reflection! Afterwards, there is a time for coffee and conversation at the back of the church.

The Abbey aims to be relaxed and accessible for anyone who comes!

Do you take offerings or donations?

No. The Abbey is a project of love. The weekly costs of running this service are manageable, so people who attend The Abbey do not need to support this work financially.

If anyone did feel inspired to give, Summerside Trinity United, which allows us to use their space at a minimal cost, might be a good place to redirect your appreciation.