City Church Tulsa

Message from City University on November 21, 2024

LITURGY FOR THE MOMENT A liturgy for those consumed by noise Father, we are surrounded by a constant stream of content, an overwhelming amount of input. We find ourselves hypnotized by glowing screens and the escape that is found in our loud world.We repent for times of mindless scrolling. We repent for seeking other voices above yours We repent for numbing, and hiding our full selves from your healing embrace.Good Shepherd, we believe You speak daily, and we know Your voice. Quiet our minds. Still our hearts. So we can hear You in every moment. All the unhappiness of men arises from one single fact, that they cannot stay quietly in their own room. – Blaise Pascal Contemplative Prayer: The practice of being in God’s presence through quiet and deep inward focus, moving beyond words, thoughts, and feelings to simply rest in the awareness of God. Whatever you feed, you will develop a hunger for. Whatever you starve will eventually wither and die. If we are going to walk in the fruit of the Spir

Message from City University on November 14, 2024

Message from City University on November 14, 2024

Message from City University on November 14, 2024

Message from City University on November 14, 2024

Pure Religion Sunday Liturgy for the Moment A liturgy for the lonely God who sees us and knows us, Although crowds of people surround us, We feel unseen, unheard, and disconnected. We carry with us a deep longing to be known, An aching inside to be unconditionally loved. Holy Spirit, would you meet us in these empty spaces? God who places the lonely in families, Awaken your church to love one another. To create a place of communion with others, So that every person is seen, known, and loved. Heavenly Father, move us past our places of comfort, That we might reflect the unity and intimacy of the Triune God. Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. · God has incredible concern for the isolated · One of God’s great gifts for us is to be in community · God has a redemptive plan for each of our lives James 1:27 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23A

Message from City University on November 7, 2024

In Week 2 of The Book of Genesis, Pastor Matt Nelson guided us through Genesis 2–5, highlighting themes foundational to understanding God’s character and humanity’s purpose. Moving from Genesis 1’s poetic creation account to the more narrative style of Genesis 2, Pastor Matt explored the significance of humanity’s unique creation in God’s image, the gift of Sabbath, and Eden as a place of divine communion. He emphasized Adam as a prototype for Israel, illustrating how obedience leads to life and disobedience results in exile and death—a theme mirrored in Israel’s own story. The class also covered the fall in Genesis 3, where humanity’s choice to disobey introduced sin’s unraveling effects, including shame, suffering, and separation from God. This discussion underscored Genesis as not just Israel's story, but as a powerful framework for understanding God’s covenant and humanity’s call to faithfulness.

Message from City University on November 7, 2024

In Week 2 of "Longing for More," Rachel explored how spiritual practices create space for transformation by the Holy Spirit, focusing particularly on prayer and contemplative prayer. Emphasizing that to experience the life of Jesus we must adopt His lifestyle—including practices like solitude, silence, and prayer—she discussed how these disciplines help us access God's power beyond our own efforts. Rachel highlighted the impact of consumer culture on our prayer lives, often reducing prayer to a transactional act, and encouraged shifting towards genuine communion with God—being with Him without agenda. By engaging in contemplative prayer, which involves intentional quiet time to be present with God, we open ourselves to His transformative love, becoming more like Jesus in the process.

"Using your current position for kingdom impact" - If you’re a marketplace leader, this class is just for you. You’ll learn how God wants to use you right now in your current role and be equipped to engage in faith conversations that will foster community and lead to transformation. This class will help you discover Gods vision for your workplace and provide you skills to lead, develop and care for your coworkers or the team you lead. God in the marketplace will challenge you and help you grow to be a better disciple maker at work.

In week one of The Book of Genesis, Pastor Matt Nelson guided us through the foundations of this powerful text, emphasizing its role in answering life’s biggest questions. We began by exploring Genesis as Israel’s story of identity, written to counter competing cultural narratives and to clarify who God is and who we are. Rather than seeing humanity as an afterthought or servant to distant gods, Genesis reveals a God who creates intentionally and relationally. Through open dialogue, Pastor Matt invited us to approach Genesis with curiosity and respect, seeing it as both a historical and spiritual foundation that invites us to understand God’s mission in the world and our place within it.

In this first week of Intentional Parenting, Families Pastor Michael Letney and Lindsay Nelson introduce foundational principles to help parents guide their families with purpose and grace. They emphasize that while there’s no perfect formula, building a strong family culture starts with establishing core values and priorities that shape daily decisions. Through lighthearted insights, they encourage parents to assess their current season, whether just "surviving" or moving toward "intentional," and to use practical tools like weekly check-ins to stay connected with their kids. This City University class is about creating a healthy, resilient family environment rooted in love, faith, and authenticity, equipping parents to navigate the journey together.

In this first session, Rachel invites us into her journey of spiritual formation, sharing her story of encountering God's presence from an early age and her discovery of spiritual disciplines as an adult. Exploring the life of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine, Rachel unpacks how Jesus lived in constant dependence on the Father and was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Together, we'll examine how the practices and presence that shaped Jesus' life can also transform our own. This week’s focus: understanding Jesus as our model for a life filled with presence and practical disciplines.

A Liturgy for Those Struggling in Secret Father, I confess that I’ve been struggling. With nowhere else to turn, I come to You. My wounds have festered deep within the dark— They’re veiled in shadows, covered by façades. Yahweh El Roi, You are the God who sees me. Only You know the missteps I have hidden. Only You see the sins I keep secret. Will You make a way where I see no way out? Compassionate and merciful Jesus, I know my shame was nailed upon the cross. Hold my hand as I step fully into light, And grant me courage to walk in Your ways. SAMSON - THE WEAKEST MAN IN THE WORLD Resurrection out of the Chains of Sexual Lust Judges 13:5 For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazrite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” Judges 16:1-31 One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her. 2 The people of Gaza were told, “Samson is here!” So th

LITURGY FOR THE MOMENT A liturgy for a politically divided nation 10.27.24 A liturgy for a politically divided nation Father, in the midst of this political season, we turn our eyes to you. Though hatred and discord seem to surround us, Help us to be instruments of your love and vessels of your grace. We declare our primary allegiance to you and your kingdom. and ask for your wisdom as we navigate these complex decisions. As we face agreement and disagreement with others, May we never cease to honor the image of God in every person.We are grateful for the privilege to vote and practice religious freedom, And yet we align ourselves with the countercultural way of Jesus. We renounce the intoxicating allure of power and its false promises. and choose the way of the cross and sacrificial love. Let your kingdom come and your will be done, On earth, and in our country, as it is in heaven. Matthew 5:1-12 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he b

LITURGY FOR THE MOMENT A liturgy for those longing for more in their marriage 10.20.24 Genesis 2:23-25 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. 25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. · God’s Design: Oneness · Effects of Sin: Division · Through the Spirit: Unity Emotional disconnection creates distance. Distance creates space for the Enemy to plant seeds. When a couple shares a deep, emotional connection? · Teammates not just roommates · There is so much more grace you give one another… · Your spiritual and sexual intimacy are intensified When a couple loses their emotional connection? ·

LITURGY FOR THE MOMENT A liturgy for those disillusioned with their faith 10.13.24 A Liturgy for those disillusioned with their faith We come with heavy hearts and broken dreams, Wrestling with our faith and struggling with uncertainty. We are weary, tired, and disillusioned, Wrapped in a dark night of the soul. Would you walk with us on our road to Emmaus? Would you meet us, O God, in our brokenness? Though our eyes are dimmed, our hearts still burn. Help us recognize you walking beside us. Disillusionment: a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be. Luke 24:13-21 13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conver

8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, “Because hands were lifted u