In a time of anxiety, disconnectedness, and political polarization, we all need a place to come together in civic community to reflect on and rededicate ourselves to the values and practices of being a member of civic life.
Gather with a common purpose.
Intense polarization. A sense of disconnection from the place we call home. Feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. Across all pockets of the country, many of us are experiencing these same heartaches and challenges.
But we are not stuck. Civic Saturdays are an antidote to this feeling of apathy and despair. Friends and strangers connect around the values and practices of being an active citizen, reckoning with our nation’s creed, building relationships, and creating new civic traditions that are joyful and communal. Join us!
Our next gathering
Civic Saturday will return in July 2025!
Watch this space and our social media channels for details.
Our past Civic Saturdays
2025
First-Plymouth Church, Lincoln – Audio
Exhorting Americans to claim their inherent civic power – and, in the face of rising authoritarianism, to circulate that power for justice.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures
›› Civic Poem by Karla Hernandez Torrijos
Virtual gathering – Watch
Challenging all Americans to meet a rare cosmic alignment with courage, clarity, and community as a new regime prepares to take power.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures
›› Civic Poem by Jess Vazquez Hernandez
2024
Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln
Connecting the power of art with the promise of democracy, and continuing the long march forward toward justice.
›› Civic Sermon by Kwame Gyamfi
Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, Omaha – Audio
Emphasizing civic mental health and preparing for a statewide day to check in on friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
First-Plymouth Church, Lincoln – Audio
Remembering exactly who we are, where we came from, and our role in welcoming new arrivals into the American House.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
2023
Turbine Flats, Lincoln – Audio
Examining how modern information overload threatens democracy, and cultivating a clear, critical mind that can resist manipulation.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
Van Dorn Park, Lincoln – Audio
Tracing the roots of American sports to civic virtue, not just cut-throat competition and spectacle.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
Nebraska History Museum, Lincoln – Audio
Celebrating America’s “great leap of faith”: the creation of democracy against all odds.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
›› Civic Poem by Shelby Martinez
2022
Antelope Park, Lincoln – Audio
Raising expectations, acting with courage, and reclaiming the common good to rise to meet this moment.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
Oak Lake Park, Lincoln – Audio
Emphasizing that truth must be defended relentlessly against disinformation, and that active citizenship, not polite withdrawal, is the path to peace.
Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
Virtual gathering – Watch
Calling for a third ‘founding moment,’ one that embraces America’s pluralism and rising diversity.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
Virtual gathering – Watch
Exploring America’s current crossroads between fear and hope.
Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
2021
Antelope Park, Lincoln – Audio of gathering
Emphasizing that personal and national progress demands honoring our promises, even when it’s difficult.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
Francie & Finch Bookshop, Lincoln
Recognizing the power of reading to keep America free.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
Virtual gathering – Watch
Picturing a patriotism for 21st century America, and emphasizing its necessity.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
Virtual gathering – Watch
Reflecting on the Jan. 6 insurrection, keeping the faith, and binding up our national wounds.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Poem by Sarah Suhr
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
2019-20
Virtual gathering – Watch
Discussing ‘The Big Sort’ and imploring us to the work of bridging partisan divides – the uniquely American way.
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Poem by Jewel Rodgers
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
Virtual gathering – Watch
Exploring the profound meaning of “we” in American democracy – and urging a return to collective responsibility.
›› Watch the full virtual gathering
›› Civic Sermon by Steve Smith
›› Civic Scriptures: 1, 2
The Bay, Lincoln
Reflecting on the role of shared power in democracy and drawing inspiration from The Bay’s story of community action.
Civic Sermon by Brian Smith
Civic Poem by Karisa Hendrickson
