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

Rediscovering Evangelism Lent 2020 Sermon Series & Study Every Anglican church is called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sadly, that doesn’t always happen. There is a tremendous need for us to rediscover how to do personal evangelism. We know evangelism can be fearful, but in this six-part series, you will learn how to move personal evangelism from a good idea that is scary into a commitment with the tools you’ll need to lead people into a relationship with Jesus and make them his disciples. In addition to Sunday sermons, an online study group will be held each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Participants should watch that week's video online, and then join the discussion on Zoom, an online video conferencing app. See the instructions below for watching the video, downloading Zoom, and joining the discussion. ONLINE STUDY GROUP INSTRUCTIONS: Prior to the discussion, watch the teaching video: Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 Shortly before 7:30 pm, log into Zoom for our live discussion, using the meeting ID number you will be provided: PC users: open your Internet browser and go to www.zoom.us/join ; then enter the meeting ID number. iPhone/Android users: Open the app on your phone and enter the meeting ID number. Folks should mute themselves until such time as they want to respond or ask a question. To download Zoom to your computer or mobile phone, please click on the appropriate link below and follow the instructions: PC/Windows Mac iPhone Android If you have trouble downloading Zoom, please contact Pastor Nile Gomez at 757-544-7232. Session 1: Introduction Sermon by Pastor Nile Gomez: Rediscovering Evangelism: Commitment March 1: Sunday Sermon & Study Group After Service March 4: Study Group @ 7 pm Session 2: Commission & Compassion Sermon by Pastor Marty O'Rourke: Commission and Compassion Sermon Slideshow March 8: Sunday Sermon and Study Group After Service March 11: Study Group @ 7 pm: Session 3: Cast Sermon by Vivian Hayes: Cast Sermon Slideshow Facebook Video Sermon March 15: Sunday Sermon March 18: Online Class & Discussion @ 7:30 pm Session 4: Continuum - Demonstration Sermon by Pastor Marty O'Rourke: A Demonstration of the Spirit's Power March 22: Sunday Sermon March 25: Online Class & Discussion @ 7:30 pm See Online Study Group Instructions Session 5: Continuum - Practicum Sermon by Rev. David Martin: The Proclamation of the Gospel March 29: Sunday Sermon April 1: Online Class & Discussion @ 7:30 pm See Online Study Group Instructions Session 6: Continuum - Transformation April 15: Online Class & Discussion @ 7:30 pm See Online Study Group Instructions Please reload Anchor 13

Preparing for Pentecost The Holy Spirit and You Deepen your love and appreciation for the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost. Deepen your love and appreciation for the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost. May 2023 Who Is the Holy Spirit? M ay 7 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Why Do I Need the Holy Spirit? I Tell You Th e Truth: It Is For Your Good That I Am Going Away May 14 Pastor Marty O'Ro urke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Why Do We Need the Holy Spirit? May 21 Pastor Nile Go mez Watch | Listen How Do I Receive the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit in You May 28 Pastor Marty O'Ro urke Wat ch | Listen | Sermon Slides

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

Francis Chan: Forgotten God SERMON SERIES WINTER 2013 What Are You Afraid Of? February 24, 2013 | Pastor Jim Brown Theology of the Holy Spirit 101 March 3, 2013 | Pastor Marty O'Rourke Why Do You Want Him? March 10, 2013 | Rev. Mark Cartledge A Real Relationship March 17, 2013 | Pastor Marty O'Rourke Lord, Forgive the Judas In Me March 24, 2013 | Pastor Jim Brown Forget About His Will For Your Life! April 7, 2013 | Ashley Plunkett Supernatural Church PowerPoint Presentation April 14, 2013 | Pastor Jim

Lent 2022 The Lent Experience, a video series and journal by Eric Ferris, aims to embrace the heart and purpose of Lent traditions, encouraging people to experience and be transformed by the main elements of Lent in their real lives. It is designed to help people, both familiar and unfamiliar with liturgical calendar practices, to observe Lent and rediscover the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sunday Sermon SEries Sunday Sermons March 6, 2022 FASTING: "Hungry for God" Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 13, 2022 SOLITUDE: "Lonely for God" Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons March 20, 2022 repentance: A Gift of Love Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 27, 2022 ALMSGIVING: Rich Toward God Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 3, 2022 FORGIVENESS: The Many Dimensions of Forgiveness REv. David Martin Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 10, 2022 PALM SUNDAY: Triumphant in Christ Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons April 17, 2022 The Resurrection: Worth Pursuing Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides The Lenten Challenge Explore in-depth the elements of the Lenten season talked about in the Sunday sermons and challenge yourself to put them into practice. Each session will include a video and discussion. Additional content and opportunities for personal reflection can be found in The Lent Experience Journal (if you didn't get a paper copy, digital copies can be purchased by clicking here .) There are two ways to join this "Lenten Challenge": In-Person Class - Tuesdays @ 11:30 am Join Pastor Marty in the Fellowship Hall for teaching, discussion, and lunch! Zoom Class - Wednesdays @ 7 pm Pastor Nile will lead this online class and discussion group. From your Zoom App: Meeting ID: 850 2341 5629 Passcode: 863767 Or Click Here to join! Links for each week's videos can be found below. The Lent Experience: Trailer Video The Lent Experience: Ash Wednesday March 8 (In-Person) / March 9 (Online) Challenge #1: Fasting Video: The Lent Experience - Fasting Pastor Marty's Class Slides March 15 (In-Person) / March 16 (Online) Challenge #2: Silence & Solitude Video: The Lent Experience - Solitude March 22 (In-Person) / March 23 (Online) Challenge #3: Repentance Video: The Lent Experience - Repentance March 29 (In-Person) / March 30 (Online) Challenge #4: Almsgiving Video: The Lent Experience -Almsgiving April 5 (In-Person) / April 6 (Online) Challenge #5: Forgiveness Video: The Lent Experience - Forgiveness

The Daily Office from the 2019 ACNA Book of Common Prayer Prayer of General Thanksgiving Prayer to Become Like Christ Who I Am in Christ Morning Trinitarian Prayer Liturgy for the Ritual of Morning Coffee Father's Love Letter Names of God Personal & Corporate Pentecost Prayers Prayers & Meditations Online & printable versions

Advent with Luke Sermon Series “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!” Luke described those responding to the message of John the Baptist as people “waiting expectantly” for the Messiah. The purpose of Advent is to stir us up to be “waiting expectantly” for His Coming. A young woman, not married, expecting? A stable? A manger? Shepherds? All for the birth of the long-awaited Messiah? When it comes to Our Lord, “Expect the Unexpected!” We know life brings the unexpected as well. There is much we can learn about handling the unexpected by walking through Advent with the Gospel of Luke. December 2, 2018 Expecting His Return at a Time We Do Not Expect Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 9, 2018 How Not to Handle the Unexpected Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 16, 2018 How to Handle the Unexpected Rev. Mark Cartledge Slideshow Presentation December 23, 2018 Expect the Unexpected to Be Lifted Up Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 24, 2018 Christmas: When the Unexpected Exceeds Our Expectations Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 30, 2018 Simeon and Anna Expecting the Unexpected Deacon Nile Gomez January 6, 2019 Epiphany: The Journey of the Expecting, Finding the Unexpected Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Please reload

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

Frequently Asked Questions What does your church believe? Denominationally, we are an Anglican Church and part of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). Our mission is to make tangible the life-transforming power of God’s love so that all may come to know Christ. We believe that: the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do; God has called us to take the good news of Christ to the entire world; Our Lord has called us to serve those around us as Christ has served us. To learn more, please visit the Who We Are page. What will happen when I get there? You'll Be Welcome ~ We extend a cordial welcome to you to worship with us. Ushers will greet you, hand you a bulletin, and may escort you to a chair, if you like. They can answer any questions about the service, location of restrooms, children's Sunday School, and the nursery. Following the service, the pastor greets the people as they leave. What are your service times? Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. Coffee hour immediately following the service. Monday Night Healing Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. What can I wear to the service? God is more concerned with you being here that he is with what you are wearing! Whether you are in your "Easter best" or in jeans, you are welcome here. What is the best way to meet people at Messiah? We have many opportunities for you to plug in and feel part of our family! Please visit the Get Involved page to see all the ways in which you can get involved. Whether it be a Bible Study or a Home Group, newcomers are always welcome. You will have an opportunity to meet people during the service when we break to great one another or afterwards at our coffee hour. And if you'd like to meet with one of our pastors, you can fill out a form on the service bulletin or send them an email. Do you have a nursery? Can I bring my baby into the sanctuary? Children are welcome in the service, however, many parents of newborns will take them to the "cry room" adjacent to the sanctuary as needed. It has one-way mirrors and speakers so you can still see and hear the service. We also have a nursery, children's program and youth class, all of which begin immediately after our worship music time and run until Communion time. · Children ages three and under welcome in our nursery, where they will play with other children and receive loving care from our volunteers. · Pre-Kindergarteners through fifth graders can participate in Children's Church, where they will partipate in fun activities while learning about the love of Jesus. · Youth in grades six through twelve are encouraged to join our Foundations class, where they will learn about our faith through instruction and discussion. How and why do I take communion? Anyone who is a committed follower of Jesus Christ is welcome to take communion, also called the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper. You may read more about the meaning of communion on our Who We Are page. It can make people a bit uncomfortable if they are not familiar with the "mechanics" of how to participate. This is what you can expect: 1. At the designated time, one of our ushers will motion to you to get up. There are usually three lines - two down the center aisle and one down the left hand aisle. 2. When you get in your line, it is our custom for the person behind you to place a hand on your shoulder and pray for you as you wait and advance in line. You are not required to lay hands on the person in front of you if you are not comfortable doing so, but if you are, simply lay your hand on their shoulder and silently ask God to prepare their heart to receive communion. 3. When it is your turn go up to the minister, extend both hands palm upwards toward the minister, placing one hand directly on top of the other. The minister will hold the communion wafer (sometimes it is Matzos and sometimes it is bread) in front of you and say, “The Body of Christ.” You respond by saying, “Amen.” The minister will then place the bread on your open palm. Do not attempt to grab the bread from the minister with your fingers. 4. You will then have the option of either sipping out of the communal cup (sometimes called a chalice) or dipping your bread into the common cup. Usually the communal cup will be behind the minister on your right if you are in the center aisle and the common cup will be to one side of the minister. 5. Occasionally one of the Pastors will stop and quietly pray for someone as they come up for communion if the Holy Spirit leads them to pray. 6. After you have received communion, you may continue to follow the rotational flow back to your seat where we hope you will take a moment to reflect on your relationship with Jesus and what he has done for you through the forgiveness of your sins. Or, you may proceed to the altar rail for prayer from either of our prayer teams. How do I become a member? Twice a year, our pastors will hold a New Member's Class. Everyone who desires to join Church of the Messiah needs to participate in this five-week course. It is offered once in the spring and once in the fall and usually meets from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in one of our classrooms. This is a valuable time where you will hear about topics such as How to Use Your Gifts and Find Your Ministry, and How to Hear From God. This is a great opportunity to grow in your faith while getting to know other new members, our staff, and what we believe as Christians. I'M NEW WHAT TO EXPECT WORSHIP WITH US WHO WE ARE

The purpose of Advent is to prepare for one of the greatest miracles in all history, the Incarnation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. The Eternal, Almighty and Invisible God has taken on a human body and entered our world as a baby so that we could know God by knowing Jesus. This Advent we are going to explore what the Incarnation reveals to us about God’s character and His great love and commitment to us. The Son of God became man to enable us to become the sons of God. — C S. Lewis, Mere Christianity Sunday Sermons First Sunday of Advent | November 27, 2022 The Incarnation Reveals the Humility of God Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons Second Sunday of Advent | December 4, 2022 The Incarnation Reveals God's Understanding of Us Tim Maurer Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons Third Sunday of Advent | December 11, 2022 The Incarnation Reveals the Exact Imprint of God's Nature Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons Fourth Sunday of Advent (Annunciation Day) | December 18, 2022 The Incarnation Reveals Christ's Victory over Sin and Death Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons Christmas Eve | December 24, 2022 The Incarnation Reveals God's Deep Desire to Have a Personal Relationship with Us Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen

Worshiping In Spirit and In Truth "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24) September 25, 2016 Worshiping in Spirit and in Truth Pastor Jim Brown October 2, 2016 How to Engage in Worshiping God Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 16, 2016 Why the Eucharist in Worship? Pastor Marty O'Rourke & Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation October 23, 2016 Why the Spirit in Worship Rev. Mark Cartledge October 30, 2016 Why the Arts in Worship? Marsha Staples November 6, 2016 Worship and Right Relationships Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation November 13, 2016 The Sacrifice of Worship Pastor Marty O'Rourke Rev. John Dooley Vivian Hayes November 20, 2016 Continual Worship Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation Please reload