Sermon Series Church of the Messiah often focuses on a particular topic or season with a special sermon series. Explore the topics below and discover what messages the Lord has in store for you! Show More

Prayers for Personal & Corporate Pentecost Prayer for Personal Pentecost Father, I am thirsty and dry and I need the refreshment of Your Holy Spirit. Fill me to overflowing that streams of living water might flow from within me. I want to grow more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, Lord. I desire to worship You in spirit and in truth with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength. I need a drink from Your well of living water that never runs dry. Create in me a clean heart, O God. I invite You to do in me that which You need to do in order to do through me that which You desire to do. Send Your Spirit to lead me into all truth and understanding that I might serve You with a glad and sincere heart and that I might use the gifts You have given me to serve others. Lord, here I am. I am Yours. Help me to love my neighbors as You love them. Give me opportunities to share the good news of what You have done in my life with those who are hurting and those who are searching for truth. Clothe me with Your power, Lord, for my desire is to take hold of that for which You have taken hold of me, and I can only do so in the power of Your Spirit. Lord, thank You for loving me, forgiving me, equipping me, and sending me. May all I say and do bring You honor and glory. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen. Prayer for Corporate Pentecost Father, we celebrate Your goodness. We delight in Your Presence. We remember the wonderful things You have done and we thank You for Your continued patience with us and provision for us. We come to You now in faith asking You to rain down Your Spirit on us once again. Baptize us in a fresh outpouring of Your love and power. Drench us. Refresh us. Revive us. Lord, we can only be who You’ve called us to be in and by the power of Your Holy Spirit. So, send Your Spirit of wisdom and revelation upon us now that we may fulfill the hope to which You have called us. Empower us by Your Spirit to go where You send us, sharing the good news of Jesus with all who will listen. May Your streams of living water flow from within us to all with whom we come in contact. Thank You for the bountiful resources that will enable us to do all that You’ve called and equipped us to do. Freely we have received, Lord. Freely we will give. By the power of Your Spirit we will be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work to which You have called us for we know our labor is not in vain because we have the victory thorough our Lord, Jesus Christ. And it is in His mighty name we pray, Amen! PRINTABLE VERSION

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

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Spending time together is an important activity for any family, and it's no different for the Messiah family! Forming and developing relationships with each other helps all of us grow spiritually as we eat, play, serve and work together in a variety of ways. Here are just a few of Messiah's fellowship opportunities. If you would like more information about any of these fellowship opportunities, please contact the church office . GET INVOLVED Coffee Hour Grab a cup of coffee, a cookie or pastry, and chat for as long as you like after service every Sunday! Do you have the gift of hospitality? Think about joining the coffee hour crew! Community Bible Study In addition to in-depth study of the Word of God, Community Bible Study (CBS) is a great way to meet people and fellowship on a weekly basis. Messiah hosts a Women's CBS class on Thursday mornings during the school year, a co-ed class on Thursday evenings, as well as virtual onlne classes. For more information on CBS, click here . Home Groups Experience New Testament Christianity by joining a Home Group, a gathering of people in the comfort of a home for the purpose of building and strengthening our fellowship with each other and our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Members of a home group share relevant biblical teaching; pray for, encourage and serve one another; and develop and use God-given gifts and talents for the building up of each other and the church. Messiah currently has four home groups in Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. Click here to learn more about home groups. Joyful Noise Club Our club for young people with disabilities currently meets in person the second Tuesday of the month and online via Zoom the fourth Tuesday of each month. In-person meetings start with pizza, then Club members hear a special message and enjoy a fun game or activity. Online meetings include a teaching or message, followed by 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. Men's Minstry Men need to form real and deep relationships with other men that will foster growth in Christ. Join the men of Messiah at 10 am every first Saturday of the month for a time of learning, discussion, prayer, and fellowship. The group meets outside (weather permitting -- bring a chair!) or in the Fellowship Hall. Women's Ministry Messiah's Women's Ministry focuses on building relationships and getting to know each other on a personal level, so we can truly walk with each other, carry each other's burdens, and develop lasting and supporting relationships with our sisters in Christ. Monthly meetings include Bible studies, discussions about life and God, prayer and encouragement to help all women grow in their walk with the LORD. The Women's Ministry hosts events throughout the year for women to come together in fellowship. Past events have included a Spring Tea, Fall Brunch, and Christmas Lunch. These are wonderful opportunities to meet and visit with the ladies of Messiah. To keep up with the latest news and events, join the Women's Ministry Facebook group . Fellowship Events We like to spend time together! In addition to the groups and occasions listed here, Messiah hosts a number of church-wide events throughout the year.* These provide a great chance for people to come together to coordinate and attend celebrations that are open to all. Some of these events have included: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Seder Passover Meal Pentecost Picnic Keep an eye on your bulletin , the website, the calendar and Facebook for upcoming events! MISSIONS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MINISTRIES Joyfu Noise

Bishop Chris Warner Church of the Messiah is blessed to have Bishop Chris Warner as our bishop. Bishop Warner was elected to be the Bishop of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic of the Anglican Church in North America on October 15, 2022, and was invested by Archbishop Foley Beach on February 18, 2023. To listen to the sermons of Bishop Warner, and former Bishop Guernsey, click any of the links below: Grace and Gratitude - Bishop Chris Warner October 26, 2025 Listen Watch Dare to Share - Bishop Chris Warner October 27, 2024 Listen Watch Teaching on "Conversion" - Bishop Chris Warner October 26, 2024 Listen God's Love, Our Assurance - Bishop Chris Warner October 29, 2023 Listen Watch Good Friday - Bishop Chris Warner April 7, 2023 Listen Watch Zacchaeus: The Unlikely Convert - Bishop John Guernsey October 30, 2022 Listen Watch Rewards in Heaven: Misunderstood Blessing for God’s People - Bishop John Guernsey October 29, 2022 Listen Our Perfect Father - Bishop John Guernsey October 31, 2021 Listen Watch Our Calling in a Polarized Culture - Bishop John Guernsey October 25, 2020 Listen Watch Our Mission with Jesus - Bishop John Guernsey November 10, 2019 Listen Return of the Seventy-Two - Bishop John Guernsey October 21, 2018 Listen Sharing the Bread of Life - Bishop John Guernsey February 25, 2018 Listen The Gift of Light - Bishop John Guernsey December 11, 2016 Listen Joel's Vision of Advent - Bishop John Guernsey December 6, 2015 Listen Who Are You Writing Off? - Bishop John Guernsey October 26, 2014 Listen A Taste of Heaven - Bishop John Guernsey November 10, 2013 Listen I Am a Member of Christ's Body - Bishop John Guernsey October 7, 2012 Listen

WHO WE ARE VISION & VALUES CLERGY & STAFF VESTRY ABOUT JESUS We are people of various races, ages and backgrounds, some with disabilities, and all in need of the Savior’s grace and love. Denominationally, we are an Anglican Church and part of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). As a people, we come from various church traditions—including Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Charismatic, nondenominational, and no church tradition at all. We are a place where people can come and be refreshed by the Living Water of the Holy Spirit. Those who have been physically or emotionally wounded or are weary of running the race are being renewed, restored and healed. The outpouring of God's Presence is bringing healing to the brokenhearted, setting free those who have been held in bondage and restoring Jesus as our first love. We are very relational and embrace the Lord’s heart to put the lonely in families. This is especially lived out through our home groups, men's and women's ministries, and fellowship events. Many of our young adults are in cross-generational friendships with older people in our church because we are seeking to make disciples who in turn make other disciples. Our services are both joyful and reverent. Our worship is not something you just watch or listen to—we enjoy participating in worship and experiencing God’s presence together. During our services, children have a special time for learning and growing, then join the church family for Communion. Our Lord has called us to serve those around us as Christ has served us. We are involved in local ministries such as Crisis Pregnancy Center, Hope Charities and C.A.S.T. (Chesapeake Area Shelter Team). On Tuesday nights, we host Joyful Noise Club , our club for young people with disabilities. We believe that the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do. In addition to preaching the Gospel every Sunday and teaching the Word to our children in their Sunday classes, Messiah hosts two Community Bible Study classes during the week. God has also called us to take the good news of Christ to the entire world. People connected with our church are serving the Lord in Croatia, Honduras, and Turkey. Join us any Sunday morning at 10:00 — you’ll receive a warm welcome! I'M NEW WORSHIP WITH US WHAT TO EXPECT FAQ

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Our Advent Journey with Luke Advent 2021 J ourney along with Luke in preparation for the coming of Our Lord. This Advent, we are asking you to commit to join Our Advent Journey with Luke by each day saying a brief prayer, then reading an assigned passage for that day and answering one or more of the questions below. Prayer : Father in heaven, your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Open our eyes by your Holy Spirit to the wonders of your Word. Give us humble, teachable, and obedient hearts that we may receive what you have revealed, and do what you have commanded through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Questions : Based on this passage, what might the people directly involved or those listening to these words be thinking or feeling? What does this passage say about God? How does this passage apply to me? How might the wisdom from this passage help prepare us for Christmas? Scriptures : Each day, click the appropriate date below to access the daily Scripture. By signing in with your email address, you will have the opportunity to make, read, and reply to comments from others. For a list of all the daily readings, click here . Advent Scripture Journey Log In Friday, December 24 | Luke 2:19-20 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all... Thursday, December 23 | Luke 2:17-18 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,18 and all who heard it were amazed... Wednesday, December 22 | Luke 2:15-16 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that... Tuesday, December 21 | Luke 2:13-14 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest... Monday, December 20 | Luke 2:11-12 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a... Saturday, December 18 | Luke 2:8-10 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to... Sunday Sermons First Sunday of Advent | November 28, 2021 ADVENT BEGINS WITH THE END IN MIND Luke 21:5-7, 25-33 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Slides Second Sunday of Advent | December 5, 2021 HOW NOT TO TALK TO AN ANGEL Luke 1:3-22 Pastor Frank Allen Watch | Listen Third Sunday of Advent | December 12, 2021 HOW TO TALK TO AN ANGEL Luke 1: 26-38 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Slides Fourth Sunday of Advent | December 19, 2021 JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY Luke 1: 67-80 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Christmas Eve | December 24, 2021 THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT Luke 2:1-20 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Slides

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

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

The early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. This 4-week series will inspire you to live an empowered life of deep devotion. Embrace the divine call to triumphant living through the Word of God. Every individual birthed in the Spirit has the power to rise above worldly challenges, a victory achieved through unshakeable faith. Who can claim this victory? Only those who acknowledge and believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as stated in 1 John 5:4-5. The Book of Revelation, a divine testament provided for our understanding and preparation for the end times, unfolds seven distinct and extraordinary promises for those who choose to overcome. Yet, the reality is that many among us are not experiencing this victorious life due to our personal wounds, an unwillingness to forgive, negative thought patterns, or even self-condemnation. Enter the Book of James, a treasure trove of practical wisdom that guides us on living as overcomers, particularly during periods of trials and tribulations. This sermon series will explore these teachings, illuminating the path to victorious living, and empowering every believer to embrace their identity as an overcomer. Living an Overcoming Life September 10 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Overcoming Trials and Temptations September 17 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Self-Deception September 24 Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Favoritism and Judging Others October 1 Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Dead Faith October 8 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Overcoming the Tongue October 15 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Worldly Wisdom October 22 Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Worldly Desires November 5 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Listen | Sermon Slides Overcoming Greed November 12 Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Overcoming Suffering November 19 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | List en | Sermon Slides Overcoming Through Prayer, Confession and Restoration November 26 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides

Ken Shomo Discipleship Pastor I grew up in the church and benefited from my mother's prayers and vibrant faith. At age 18 that faith came fully alive through the work of God's grace and Holy Spirit. I was soon called into vocational ministry and have now served in various ministries for over 30 years. I simply enjoy people and have been privileged to serve all age groups. Along the way I also earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, and I'm now working on a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min). I serve as a counselor at HopeWell Ministries. I’ve been married 20 years to Cheryl and we have two children, Cullen and Zoey.