January 25, 2026 - Living the Story Series -

Jerell Carper takes a closer look at the identity and vocation of humankind. What does it mean to be created as God's image? Humanity is given a royal status and a sacred calling - an invitation to cultivate flourishing on earth as God's representatives.

/// Third Sunday of Epiphany ///

Story of God: Part 4/19

January 18, 2026 - Living the Story Series -

Dr. AJ Swaboda invites us to set apart one day each week for a special purpose: rest. Practicing rest is good news for our children, the foreigner and refugee, and all of creation. Having experienced grace and mercy, sabbath is the first image of the gospel in the Bible and a fundamental practice for those participate in the story of God.

// Second Sunday of Epiphany //

Story of God: Part 3/19

January 11, 2026 - Living The Story Series -

Jerell Carper takes a closer look at the beginning of the Story of God. This creation narrative communicates the nature of God, the world, and humanity to God's people in the Exodus, the Exile, and our modern-day Babylon. We are restful residents in an abundant world ruled by a generous God.

// First Sunday of Epiphany //

Story of God: Part 2/19

January 4, 2026 - Living The Story Series -

Jerell Carper kicks off our Living The Story series with some big picture questions. What is the Bible and how should faithfully we read it? How do we faithfully respond as those who participate in this story? How is Christlikeness the goal of our spiritual formation?

This sermon will be followed by 18 sermons that trace the story of God and the practices of God's people. They serve as the core theology and theopraxis of Citizens Church Eugene.

// Second Sunday of Christmastide //

Story of God: Part 1/19

Creation - Sabbath

Images - Formation

Rebellion - Confession

Covenant - Wisdom

Temple - Communion

Kingdom - Justice

Christ - Hospitality

Church - Community

New Creation - Generosity

December 21, 2025 - Anticipating Christ -

Jerell Carper wraps up our Advent series with a closer look at the beginning of the good news according to John. The arrival of Jesus into our world shows us what God is like, shines light into the darkness, and fulfills the story of God. This is good news!

// Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 14, 2025 - Anticipating Christ -

Jerell Carper asks, "How do we respond with joy when we hear the good news?" In a holiday culture that manufactures joy with folklore or enchantment, Jerell invites us to search for joy in the good news of King Jesus. We must remember the cosmic scale of God's redemption and rest in the personal nature of good news.

// Third Sunday of Advent

December 7, 2025 - Anticipating Christ -

Sam Adams invites us into Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones, a hopeless place with no signs of life. Yet in unexpected ways, God breathes life into this place through Jesus, who invites us to love our enemies and trust God with the outcome of our obedience.

Dr. Sam Adams has a BA in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and an MA and PhD in Systematic Theology from St. Andrews University. He pastors Bend Mennonite Church in Bend, OR.

// Second Sunday of Advent

November 30, 2025 - Anticipating Christ -

Jerell Carper invites us to look into the face of darkness while we lean into the face of hope. Living between the arrivals of Christ, we join the people of God in waiting for the light with expectant hope. Rather than living in despair or diversion, advent invites us into the tension between darkness and light.

// First Sunday of Advent