Office Hours: 8:30 – 5:00 Monday – Thursday
Our Story
In 2020, the people of Abiding Presence celebrated 40 years of ministry. This congregation began as an LCA mission church on the far north side of San Antonio. Members still tell stories of our founding pastor ringing their doorbell and inviting them to a new church where everyone was welcome
With humble beginnings worshipping in an elementary school cafeteria, the faithful, young congregation embarked on a capital fund drive and building plans for a sanctuary, during the years interest rates were at a record high, wanting to serve the community with worship, education, and meeting space. As the city of San Antonio grew, the congregation grew, maintaining the founding principle that ALL are welcome. Today, the Abiding Presence campus is a vibrant gathering place welcoming children for day school, Bible study and fellowship groups, Boy Scouts, and a variety of community and support groups.
We gather in this place to Seek God and the story God has written for each of us through worship and learning and fellowship, but it’s not just about what we do here. The people of Abiding Presence are active in the community, serving others, through partnerships with other churches and nonprofit organizations locally and around the world. Members proclaim Jesus’ love by sharing their time, talents and gifts with those in need. To describe the people of Abiding Presence with just one word, it is generous. As we look to the next 40 years of ministry, we will continue to find new approaches to support the growth of faithful families, generous hearts, and hands ready for service. Come join us in worship and see how God’s grace and God’s welcome can make a difference for you.
Abiding Presence is a congregation of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
What we believe
We believe in the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We celebrate the resurrected Christ who has set us free from sin and death.
We embrace the presence of the Holy Spirit active in our lives today.
Abiding Presence welcomes you as a beloved child of God, regardless of what labels the world provides. God’s grace is poured out freely to all. Because of this Good News, we believe serving others is central to our baptismal call.
Sacraments We Celebrate
Holy Communion is celebrated each week in worship with an OPEN communion table, meaning all believers are invited to the table. We believe the body and blood of Jesus Christ come to us through the bread and wine, not merely symbolically but as a true presence.
Through water and the Word we are marked as God’s children forever. Baptism is a gift of God freely given for all. We celebrate infant baptism and welcome new believers of any age at the font.
“We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person–questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world.”
– ELCA website invitation