CHRISTIAN EDUCATION At Messiah, we believe that the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do. Messiah is host to a number of opportunities for in-depth study of the Scriptures that form the foundation of our faith and activities. Regardless of your age, background, or level of Biblical knowledge, there is a place for you to begin or continue your journey of learning all about God's Word. If you would like more information about any of these educational opportunities, please contact the church office . GET INVOLVED Children Today's world of confusing choices and changing values makes it absolutely necessary to give our children a strong foundation in the true Word of God. Messiah's Sunday School program focuses on Scriptural truths and the development of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Kids pre-K through Grade 5 gather every Sunday during the sermon to learn about God through fun lessons and activities. Connections Class Those who have recently started attending Messiah, would like to officially join the parish, or would just like to learn more about Messiah and the Christian faith, are encouraged to take the Connections Class. This five-session class (one class per week for five weeks) covers topics such as How to Use Your Gifts and Find Your Ministry, and How to Hear From God. This is a great opportunity to meet other people and grow in your faith. The class is offered twice a year. Home Groups In addition to being a wonderful fellowship opportunity, home groups often include Bible studies in their activities. To learn more about home groups, click here. Sermon Series & Studies Periodically our Sunday sermons will follow a theme for a number of weeks, focusing on a particular season, book or topic. A study will often accompany a sermon series, allowing for more in-depth exploration of the subject. Check out some of our past series and studies here . Study Resources There are many online resources to continue your education. Here are just a few: Christian Broadcasting Network Community Bible Study BibleGateway Bible Study Tools Our Daily Bread Ministries These and other study tools can also be found on our Resources page. MISSIONS FELLOWSHIP SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MINISTRIES

2023 Lent Sermon Series & "Revival Bootcamp" God is moving! We see this at Asbury College and other campuses, and also inside our own church. Both Pastor Nile and I sense that God is pouring out His Spirit. So how do we enter into a move of God? Every revival is characterized by repentance . In the 2019 Book of Common Prayer, the invitation to Lent is to the observance of a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance ; by prayer, fasting, and alms-giving; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. These godly practices will help prepare us for a move of God. So, Lent is an ideal time to prepare and equip ourselves for an outpouring of God’s Spirit. In our Lenten program, we will lay out a biblical foundation for revival each Sunday, followed by how to experience it each Wednesday. For example, we will teach about healing one Sunday; then at that Wednesday’s “Boot Camp for Revival,” we will learn to pray for people to be healed and experience healing ourselves. Please make every effort to join us for this Lenten program, as we believe it will impact your life and the outreach of our church. — Pastor Marty Sunday Sermons Weekly @ 10 am Revival Bootcamp Wed nesdays @ 7 pm February 26, 2023 | First Sunday of Lent Self-Examination & Confession: Knowing Ourselves by Knowing God Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Listen ____________________________________ March 5, 2023 | Second Sunday of Lent God’s Kindness Leads To Our Repentance Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides ____________________________________ March 12, 2023 | Third Sunday of Lent With All Your Heart Pasto r Nile Gomez Watch | Listen ____________________________________ March 19, 2023 | Fourth Sunday of Lent Freedom from Depravity Tim Maurer Watch | Listen ____________________________________ March 26, 2023 | Fifth Sunday of Lent Revival & Fullness Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Se rmon Slides Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 1, 2023 Experience Self-Examination & Confession Watch | Handouts ____________________________________ March 8, 2023 Experience Repentance & Cleansing Watch | Handouts ____________________________________ March 15, 2023 Experience Healing Watch | Handouts ____________________________________ March 22, 2023 Experience Freedom Watch | Handouts ____________________________________ March 29, 2023 Experience Revival & Fullness Watch | Handouts

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23 The Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke has served as a local church pastor for over 35 years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Medina, Ohio; and Chesapeake, Virginia. He is passionate about equipping Christian leaders to finish well. While researching sexual misconduct in the church for his Doctor of Ministry dissertation, he discovered that prevention training of leaders reduces the likelihood of moral failure. Most prevention training has primarily a psychological approach, whereas the "Guard Your Heart" prevention training that Pastor Marty developed is grounded in the Scriptures and the social sciences. Many Christian leaders do not finish well. Paul, who finished well, writes to his spiritual son, Timothy: "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1Timothy 4:12). The primary purpose of this training is to empower pastors and Christian leaders to finish their race well, by understanding the unique temptations leaders and their families face in a culture where temptation, especially sexual, abounds. Click the link above to watch the opening session of the Guard Your Heart training. Escaping Sexual Sin Before It's Too Late , By Rev. Marty O'Rourke. Click here to view article published on CBN.com Contact: Rev. Marty O'Rourke Church of the Messiah 816 Kempsville Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 436-2545 morourke@churchofthemessiah.org Marty has presented the Guard Your Heart training numerous times to the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA); M.Div and D.Min. classes at Regent University; chaplains at Portsmouth Naval Hospital; the Falls Church staff in Falls Church, VA; Mid-Atlantic Christian University, and hundreds of pastors and church planters in Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. What others are saying about "Guard Your Heart" As an Executive Pastor I had my staff attend the Guard Your Heart workshop led by the Rev. Marty O'Rourke. I have been a pastor for over twenty years, and my wife and I have been in ministry in several different churches over the years. I have also had my staff take several different workshops on prevention of misconduct of various kinds. I found the Guard Your Heart workshop to be the most helpful in addressing issues straightforwardly, but from a positive Christian point of view. (The Rev. Dr.) Frederick Wright Senior Associate Rector, The Falls Church Falls Church, Va. 22046 We are greatly privileged to have such an experienced, encouraging, well-equipped presentation. You know whereof you speak, making it accessible for students to understand and practical to apply. I have no doubt that you prevented problems in our students' lives and ministries, and equipped them to serve others better. Mark A. Jumper, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Theological and Ministerial Studies School of Divinity, Regent University The Guard Your Heart training seminar is an asset to any ministry or organization, one of the most powerful tools available today is a preemptive strike against the problems of integrity and sexual misconduct before they happen. My opinion should be an essential part of all leadership preparation I strongly encourage you to consider this seminar for your ministry or organization. I would be delighted to comment further on this seminar resource contacted by phone or email. Sincerely, Dr. James T. Flynn Associate Professor of Practical Theology Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program School of Divinity, Regent University jamefly@regent.edu 757.352.4527 My husband and I have been married for 33 years. We have been in ordained ministry for 28 of those years. Entering parish life after seminary was something we were not prepared for. The demands of "The Church" and the demands of a family can become overwhelming. I wish we had heard this teaching before leaving Seminary. There are so many "mine fields" in the ministry. Rev. O'Rourke shared practical ways to prevent getting "blown away." His message was proactive, like the Priests having an accountability partner, and letting your wife know about all your appointments, especially when women are involved. There were many other great suggestions. Penny Rauh Church of the Epiphany-Anglican Herndon, VA To: Whom It May Concern From: Charles J. Cunningham Jr., Lt Gen, USAF (Retired) Joint Forces Staff College Subject: Improper Behavior, Temptation, and Avoiding Trouble This is my personal endorsement of, and professional judgment regarding a very important program designed by the Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke to prepare leaders to do the right things when associating with others, especially those under their leadership.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY Our Lord has called us to serve those around us as Christ has served us. Messiah is involved in a number of seasonal and year-round ministries to our local community. If you would like more information about any of these ministries, please contact the church office . Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (C.A.S.T) For a number of years, Church of the Messiah has provided a week of shelter and meals for the homeless during the winter sheltering season from November through March. CAST week is an all-church effort, as host churches provide and serve meals, play cards and board games with guests, entertain children, stay overnight to ensure a restful night for our guests, and perform daily cleanup. No special skills or experience are necessary to get involved with this compassionate ministry. Inreach/Outreach Committee The Outreach/Inreach Committee serves to minister to those in financial need in our local and extended community. Messiah supports a number of Christian-based organizations, and also seeks to minister to those within the congregation who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties. Operation Christmas Child Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan's Purse Ministries, brings joy and hope to children in desperate situation worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. Church of the Messiah collects items such as small toys, school supplies and hygiene items each fall, then, with the help of our children, packs the boxes to be shipped all over the world. Joyful Noise Club Our club for young people with disabilities currently meets online via Zoom every Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Club members hear a special message or teaching and then enjoy a time of discussion and sharing. A game or activity is often included, where participants are asked to bring a special item or topic to share with everyone online. Everyone is welcome to join the fun! For more information, contact the church office. Sanctuary of Hope Church of the Messiah has a close relationship with Sanctuary of Hope, a pentecostal church community in Portsmouth. Messiah is involved in several of Sanctuary of Hope's outreach efforts to the poor in their local community. MISSIONS FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CHURCH MINISTRIES GET INVOLVED

Grasp God’s character and His work on behalf of His people, in the past and present, as a catalyst to a more intimate relationship with Him. Learn how to practically extend joy, hope, peace, and love to others during this Advent season. Fuel your worship of Christ with a deeper understanding of Advent. Sermon Series | Advent 2019 December 1, 2019 LIVING HOPE Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 8, 2019 THE PEACE OF CHRIST Rev. Mark Cartledge December 15, 2019 WHY IS OUR JOY SO IMPORTANT TO THE LORD? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 22, 2019 LOVE: GOD LOVED Pastor Nile Gomez December 24, 2019 HOW DID GOD SHOW HIS LOVE AMONG US? (recording not available) Pastor Marty O'Rourke Please reload

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13 According to Scripture, hope is confident expectation in the certainty of God's faithfulness to fulfill his promises. Our sermon series will explore various facets of hope that empower us to live victoriously as witnesses for Christ in the midst of life's trials and tribulations. Come and be filled with joy and peace; go and share from the overflow of hope to those in need. December 3, 2017 The Power of Hope in Christ Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 10, 2017 Hope Is On the Way Pastor Jim Brown December 17, 2017 The Reason for Hope Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 24, 2017 (10:00 am) The Certainty of Hope Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation December 24, 2017 (Christmas Eve) Hope Has Arrived Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 31, 2017 The Love That Hope in Christ Releases! Deacon Tom Sweeney When He Comes January 14, 2018 The Light That Hope in Christ Releases! Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation January 21, 2018 The Joy That Hope in Christ Releases! Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation January 28, 2018 The Boldness That Hope in Christ Releases! Rev. David Martin Slideshow Presentation "Confession" handout February 4, 2018 The Hope in Christ that Releases Endurance Pastor John Dooley Slideshow Presentation Sermon Handout Please reload

IMG_0503_edited.jpg IMG_0490_edited.jpg IMG_0508_edited.jpg What to Expect What you can expect when you visit Church of the Messiah: You'll Be Welcomed: Our team of friendly greeters will meet you at the door with a warm welcome (along with a handshake or a hug!). As you head toward the sanctuary, ushers will greet you, hand you a bulletin, and may escort you to a chair, if you like. They can also answer questions about the service, location of restrooms, children's Sunday School, and the nursery. The Place of Worship: The central items in our sanctuary are the altar and the cross. This helps turn our focus to Christ and to God, whose house the church is. On or near the altar there are candles to remind us that Christ is the "Light of the world" (John 8:12). Flowers behind the altar beautify God's house and recall the resurrection of Jesus. The Act of Worship: We begin with praise and worship, led by our praise team. Songs include up-tempo praise songs, traditional hymns, and devotional worship. Words for all the music are projected in the front of the church. After the singing, we generally have a time when we listen for the Lord's guidance. Sometimes people will read a scripture, pray, or give a prophetic word. In the seats you will find liturgical booklets, which enable the congregation to share fully in every service. Communion: We celebrate the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, at each service. All who love the Lord Jesus and are baptized are welcome to receive communion with us. The priest or Eucharist minister intincts (dips into the wine) the wafer and then places it into your open hands. Children who love the Lord and have been baptized are also welcome to receive. The Church Year: Our church observes the traditional Christian calendar. The season of Advent, during which we prepare for Christmas, begins on the Sunday closest to November 30. Lent, the forty days of preparation for Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday. Easter season lasts fifty days, concluding on the feast of Pentecost. During these times the Bible readings are chosen for their appropriateness to the season. Fellowship: Our post-service coffee hour is a favorite tradition at Church of the Messiah! Help yourself to a cup of coffee and a snack, and come mingle with our friendly congregation as we enjoy this time of fellowship. WHO WE ARE WORSHIP WITH US FAQ I'M NEW

A Study of Hebrews 10-Week Sermon Series Autumn 2015 "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory, and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." (Hebrews 1:1-3) Hebrews was written so that: We will exalt the Messiah above all things We will grasp the greatness of our salvation We will persevere in times of persecution We will see Jesus as High Priest and Mediator of a New Covenant In particular, Hebrews speaks to: Our fear of death Overcoming temptation The right and wrong place for sex The power of encouragement September 20, 2015 The Radiance of God's Glory (Hebrews 1:1 - 2:4) Pastor Marty O'Rourke September 27, 2015 The Initiator of Our Salvation "Jesus: God, Savior, and Lover of My Soul" (Hebrews 2:5 - 3:6) Rev. Hal Scott October 4, 2015 Our Rest (Hebrews 3:7 - 4:13) Rev. Mark Cartledge October 11, 2015 Our Merciful and Faithful High Priest (Hebrews 4:14 - 5:10) Pastor Marty O'Rourke October 18, 2015 High Priest Forever in the Order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:7 - 8:5) Pastor Marty O'Rourke November 1, 2015 Our Sacrifice - Once for All (Hebrews 9:23 - 10) Pastor Marty O'Rourke November 8, 2015 Jesus: Author and Perfecter of Our Faith (Hebrews 11:1 - 12:2) Pastor Jim Brown November 15, 2015 A Consuming Fire (Hebrews 12:4 - 29) Rev. Mark Cartledge November 22, 2015 The Great Shepherd of the Sheep (Hebrews 13) Pastor Marty O'Rourke

Holy Week at Church of the Messiah Palm Sunday - March 29 Worship | 10 am Together we will commemorate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem with a palm branch procession, then turn our focus to the events leading up to the Crucifixion with a special reading. Maundy Thursday - April 2 Maundy Thursday Service | 7 pm This modified instructional Eucharist commemorates the institution of Holy Communion at the Last Supper. The service includes the “stripping of the altar,” Eucharist and foot washing. Good Friday - April 3 Meditation Service | 12 pm - 3 pm Come for all or part of this time of reflection and prayer, which features brief meditations every 30 minutes. Good Friday Service | 7 pm This solemn service features readings, music and the nailing of the cross to help us appreciate Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Easter Sunday - April 5 Resurrection Sunday Celebration | 10 am Don't miss this joyful celebration of our Lord's resurrection, which includes a special procession by our children and “Flowering of the Cross.” The children will have a special celebration with an Easter message, activities and egg hunt.

Morning Trinitarian Prayer Good morning heavenly Father, good morning Lord Jesus, good morning Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, I worship you as the creator and sustainer of the universe. Lord Jesus, I worship you, Savior and Lord of the world. Holy Spirit, I worship you, sanctifier of the people of God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in your presence and please you more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God, have mercy upon me. Amen. – John Stott, quoted in Basic Christian: The Inside Story of John Stott PRINTABLE VERSION

Anchor 3 Abiding in Christ Through Daily Engagement with the Scriptures Spring 2021 Why are we focusing on scriptural engagement? As I was seeking the Lord about the next sermon series, I came across the research of two pastors who wanted to know how to strengthen the Body of Christ. They did research that included 1000 churches and they came to this conclusion: Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. If churches do only one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, the choice is clear. They would inspire, encourage, and equip their people to read the Bible — specifically, to reflect on Scripture for meaning in their lives. The Bible’s power to advance spiritual growth is unrivaled by anything else we’ve discovered. — Pastor Marty STEP 1: TAKE A SCRIPTURAL SELF-ASSESSMENT SUNDAYS @ 10 AM February 14-May 23 in-person or livestream THURSDAYS @ 7 PM February 25-March 25 on Zoom 2/14 Shaped by God's Word Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 2/21 Abiding in the Living Word Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 2/28 How God Reveals Himself to Us in His Word Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 3/7 Why a Plan? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 3/14 Creation: Why Did God Create Us? Joe Kohm Watch | Listen 3/21 Fall and the Promises of the Word for a Savior Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Listen 3/28 The Word Arrives: On a Donkey - For Now Pastor John Dooley Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 4/4 The Resurrection: The Word Is Proven to be True Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 4/11 The Church: People Living in the Word Deacon Tom Sweeney Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 4/18 The Great Ending Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 4/25 What Does The Bible Say About Itself? Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen 5/2 Trusting the Bible & Living the Gospel Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 5/9 How the Word is Living and Active Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 5/16 How the Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Engage in God’s Word Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 5/23 Being Filled with the Holy Spirit Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides EXPLORE DEEPER Join us online on Thursday evenings for deeper explorations of Sunday sermon topics. Zoom Meeting ID: 928 2372 1136 or click here to join 2/25 "Praying Through the Scriptures" Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Slides 3/4 Going Deeper Vivian Hayes Watch | Slides 3/11 What Are My Plan Options? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Resource Sheet 3/18 The Big Story Ken Shomo Watch 3/25 Prophecy Fulfilled Theresa Newell Watch WEDNESDAYS @ 7 PM February 24-March 31 on Zoom A LENTEN STUDY OF EPHESIANS "A Life Lived in the Spirit" with Dr. John Dooley Zoom Meeting ID: 780 7929 3062 Zoom Passcode: yfP5er or click here to join Weekly Reading Assignments 2/24 Module 1: No Longer Strangers Readings Listen | Slides 3/3 Module 2: Saved and Unified Readings Listen | Slides 3/10 Module 3: Empowered and Strengthened Readings Listen | Slides 3/17 Module 4: Living a Life of Unity Readings Listen | Slides 3/24 Module 5: Spirit Life in the Culture Readings Listen | Slides 3/31 Module 6: Stand Firm Therefore! Readings Listen | Slides SCRIPTURE PLANS Parenting by Design Daily Devotional- 280 Days Experiencing God At Home For Daily Family - 12 Days Daily Office Lectionary Navigators Reading Plan YouVersion Bible App for smartphones, tablets & online Anchor 1 Anchor 2