This past week, we explored the ancient practice of a Rule of Life not as a rigid set of laws, but as a trellis to support our spiritual growth. Drawing from Jesus’ own rhythm of service and withdrawal in Luke 5, we discussed how to create intentional patterns around the Spiritual, Self, and Others. Rather than a self-improvement plan, this "version one" rule is a flexible, attainable invitation to reorient ourselves to the present and stay open to the transformational move of the Holy Spirit as our seasons shift. Rule of Life Resources: ⁠https://hullvineyard.co.uk/2026/01/06/rule-of-life/⁠ ⁠https://parkchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/A-Guide-for-Building-a-Rule-of-Life.pdf⁠ Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/MdqSpQPxkH JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch

This week, Leslie Eaves explores the profound idea that "authenticity is protest" and "whimsy is combat" in a world that often feels heavy and overwhelming. Leslie draws from her personal journey through middle-age burnout, the relentless news cycle, and the inspiration of a "flower crown man" on Instagram; she reflects on the power of showing up as our true, colorful selves within systems that demand conformity Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/MdqSpQPxkH JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch

Control feels safe, trust sets you free. Our pastoral intern BraQuan Ellis opens up about his lifelong struggle with anxiety and the need to control every outcome, and shares how a car breakdown during his senior year became the moment he learned to truly let go. Walking through Proverbs 3:5-6, BraQuan explores what it means to trust God with all your heart, why control is often just trust in disguise, and practical ways to release the burdens you were never meant to carry alone. A sermon for anyone tired of holding on too tight. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/MdqSpQPxkH JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch

We close out our Cultivating Meaningful Relationships series by asking: Does every relationship deserve a spot in your inner circle? This week, we explore why safe relationships aren't boundary-free — they're boundary-honoring — and how to let go of the guilt around not letting everyone in close. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/MdqSpQPxkH JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch

Conflict doesn't mean your relationship is broken... it might mean it's real. In week two of our series Cultivating Meaningful Relationships, we dig into why conflict is normal (even healthy!), and why our instinct is often to either push into someone else's space or retreat into silence instead of meeting them with curiosity. This week's sermon offers a different way to handle disagreement — not by winning, but by trading judgment for genuine curiosity about what the other person is feeling and thinking. Plus: a challenge to swap "you" statements for "I" language this week, and get curious the next time conflict shows up. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/MdqSpQPxkH JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch

What does it mean to know and be known by another person truly? This past Sunday, we explored one of humanity's oldest questions: why do our closest relationships bring both our greatest joy and our deepest pain? Drawing from Genesis, we unpack what it means to be created not for sameness, but for difference and why learning to see the goodness in others (and ourselves) might be the most sacred work we do. Whether you're navigating a complicated friendship, a long-term partnership, or just the loneliness of modern life, this conversation is for you. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/MdqSpQPxkH JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch

Anxiety is real, and God knows it. Whether it shows up as racing thoughts, sleepless nights, or endless "what ifs," anxiety has a way of weighing us down and convincing us that we have to figure everything out on our own. In this message, we explore what it truly means to cast all your worries on God — not just some of them, not just the spiritual ones, but all of them. Because the promise of 1 Peter 5:7 isn't just that God tolerates your burdens. It's that He actually cares for you. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/MdqSpQPxkH JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch

What do we do with our pain, our failures, and our stories of struggle? In this reflective message, we explore how embracing — rather than avoiding — the hard chapters of our lives is what builds character, endurance, and lasting hope. Drawing from Romans 5 and the real stories shared during Storied Church's 7-year anniversary celebration, this episode reminds us that the moments when shame speaks loudest are often the ones shaping us most. Your struggle isn't your enemy — it just might be your superpower. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/MdqSpQPxkH JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch

Seven years ago, Storied Church opened its doors — and in the process, opened its arms. To mark this milestone, we get to hear from Irving and Kam, two members who've walked with SC, to hear how this community became more than a Sunday gathering. It became home. Whether you're a longtime member, new to SC, or still searching for a place to belong, this episode is a reminder of what church at its best can look like. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/MdqSpQPxkH JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch

We're wrapping up our series Liturgy: Work for the People, and this week we're talking about the table. Communion. If you've ever sat through it thinking "is this almost over?" — you're not alone. But stick with us, because there's something really beautiful hiding in this practice that we don't want you to miss. We are exploring: what does it actually look like to build tables in our everyday lives that bring people together rather than push them apart? Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/MdqSpQPxkH JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch