After serving as an associate pastor in a Filipino church in Chicago, Pastor EJ was led to plant a church locally in the Gurnee/Waukegan area. With the support from the denomination and home church, and after much prayer and preparation with a team, New Abbey had its first service on September 25, 2016. Since then, New Abbey has become a place where people can explore and grow in their faith.

One story in the Bible that informs much of what we do is found in Luke 24. Two disciples were on their way to a town named Emmaus while grieving the recent death of Jesus. Unaware that the Resurrection had occurred, Jesus draws near to them, walks alongside them, patiently and lovingly comforts them in their hurt, pain, and confusion. They did not recognize him. When they finally arrived at Emmaus, the two invited Jesus to stay with them to rest. As the evening progressed, they began to put the puzzle pieces together. Verses 30-31 reads,

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him…

Through embodied love and the breaking of the bread, they recognized and experienced Jesus. Your spot on the journey matters to us. We’re here to walk with you wherever you are. Many have come with church experience, others are new to the faith, and some are exploring – whatever the case is, all are welcome to our community that is continually learning to live and love like Jesus together. We hope that New Abbey is one of the places where you experience Jesus. Come, break bread with us.