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

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

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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

Advent Sermon Series Advent 2020 Sermon Series November 29 What Is God Like? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Video | Audio | Sermon Slides December 6 How Does God Respond to Our Suffering? Vivian Hayes Video | Audio | Sermon Slides December 13 Dr. Paul Van Valin Where Can I Find Peace on Earth? Video | Audio | Sermon Slides December 20 Pastor Nile Gomez Why Did the Son of God Come Into the World? Video | Audio December 24 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Why Are We Here? Video | Audio

Resources Scripture, Study & Prayer Resources Sermon Series @ Church of the Messiah Sermon series at Messiah focus on special church seasons or events. Some sermon series are accompanied by classes or lectures that further explore the series topic. Homegroup Studies Our Home Group program offers a variety of studies throughout the year, with members meeting in private homes to study and discuss a given book or topic. Bible Study Tools Scripture look-up, Bible reading plans, commentaries, inspirations and more. Bible Gateway Searchable online Bible in over 150 translations, reading plans, devotionals, apps and more. Lifeway Supplier of Bibles, Bible studies, Christian music, books and literature, gifts and more. Also provides other church and ministry resources. Prayers & Meditations Online and printable versions of prayers and meditations that have been used at Messiah. 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 Church Resources Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) Our Province within the worldwide Anglican Communion. Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic Our Diocese within the ACNA, covering Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware, and northeastern North Carolina. Guard Your Heart Training for pastors and Christian leaders to understand the unique temptations leaders and their families face in a culture where temptation, especially sexual, abounds. Messiah Facebook Keep up-to-date with the latest news and events at Church of the Messiah! Online Directory Current members can access our secure online directory! Click here for instructions on setting up an account and accessing the directory. Click the "Online Directory" link above to go directly to the directory! Prayer Request Send a confidential prayer request to our prayer team. Take Them a Meal Online sign-up resource for coordinating and providing meals for individuals and families in need, such as at times of illness, birth recovery, or bereavement. Community & Social Resources Burfoot House : 757-522-7050 Transitional home and comprehensive program designed for homeless single women to achieve self-sufficiency. Caring.com : 800-973-1540 Comprehensive information for senior citizens on topics like financial support and assisted living options that are available in their area. Virginia-specific information available here . Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (C.A.S.T.) Emergency overnight winter shelter program from mid-November through early April. Click here for eligibility and rules. Chesapeake Resource Guide Convenient list of a wide variety of community resources available to citizens of Chesapeake. Community Connections Resource Guide Resource guide for families, caregivers and educators of young children in South Hampton Roads. Crisis Pregnancy Center : 757-499-4444 Christ-centered organization with a calling to reach out to women and families involved in crisis-related pregnancies by offering real help for the present, hope for the future, and healing from the past. Endependence ECI provides an array of independent living services to individuals with disabilities and to the community. Food Pantries Searchable index of local food pantries. FOTE Outreach & Community Services : 757-431-0052 Resources and help for homeless and low-income families and individuals to locate affordable housing, job training, and more, to bring about permanent self-sufficiency. Greater Hampton Roads Diaper Bank: Local partners that provide free diapers. Assistance for the elderly also available. H.E.R. Shelter for Domestic Violence : 757-251-0144 Emergency shelter for domestic violence victims and homeless individuals, as well as their children; counseling, goal coaching, help finding a job, help finding housing and other services; court advocacy; and aftercare. The Planning Council Links for people needing a variety of human services to providers, government agencies, non-profits, corporations, and other organizations, all working to improve quality of life. Regional Housing Crisis Hotline: 757-587-4202 Starting point for anyone experiencing a housing crisis throughout Greater Hampton Roads, including anyone living on the street or in an emergency shelter, or anyone who has received an eviction notice. Resources757 A Directory of resources for residents of greater Hampton Roads, including housing, food, individual and family support, health care, GED and education and much more Virginia 2-1-1 Free information on services in your community and statewide, including basic human needs, health resources, work initiatives, support for children and families, support for elders and special needs, and more. Visit online at www.211virginia.org , or dial 2-1-1 to connect to a trained professional. Virginia Department of Social Services The Department is responsible for administering a variety of programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Adoption, Child Care Assistance, Refugee Resettlement Services, and Child and Adult Protective Services.

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

CHURCH MINISTRIES If you are looking for ways to get involved with Messiah, our many church-based ministries are a great place to form relationships while serving the Body of Christ. If you would like to join or would like more information about any of these ministries, please contact the church office . SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP MISSIONS Acolyte Ministry Acolytes are young men and women who assist the Celebrant in Holy Communion and other liturgical rites. We are always looking for young people to serve in this vital ministry. The usual age range for Acolytes is grades 6 through 12, but younger candidates may be considered. Altar Guild Altar Guild members prepare the altar for Sunday and othe services, and set up the Eucharist. This ministry provides a wonderful opportunity to serve "behind the scenes" with a minimal time commitment! Altar Prayer Ministry The Altar Prayer Ministry prays for the specific needs of individuals at the altar rail during Sunday morning Communion time. This ministry's dedicated membes find it a blessing and a privilege to serve in the way, and a joy to hear of answers to prayer. Two-person prayer teams serve approximately one Sunday per month. Altar Flower Guild The talented members of the Altar Flower Guild create the beautiful floral arrangements that appear behind the altar on Sundays and major church holidays. These arrangements may be sponsored by individuals and dedicated in honor or memory of a loved one. The Altar Flower Guild also helps decorate the sanctuary at Christmas and Easter with the poinsettias and lilies purchased by members of the congregation. Children's Ministries The Children's Ministry cares for and instructs our littlest members in our nursery, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and many other ways. Eucharist Ministers Eucharistic Ministers are licensed communicants who assist the priests by administering the Sacraments. Greeters & Ushers Our Greeters are an essential part of Messiah's outreach to visitors and members, welcoming all with the love of Jesus. Ushering is a way to serve the Body of Christ by assisting worshipers during services by handing out bulletins, helping people find seats, assisting those with special needs, taking attendance, collecting the offering and assisting with queuing for Communion. Media & Sound Ministry The Media & Sound Ministry serves the audio and visual needs of the various services, meetings and special events held at Church of the Messiah. Prayer Chain This group of dedicated "prayer warriors" is always at the ready for any prayer requests that come in. Prayer requests are communicated by email and/or telephone. Reader Ministry Lay readers present the first and second Scripture readings at Sunday worship and other services. Readers generally serve once or twice a month. Worship Team Messiah's Worship Team leads the congregation in praise and worship through music, encouraging all to come together to glorify God and sing of His goodness. Youth Ministry The mission of the Youth Ministry is to help our young people develop their own relationships with Jesus. Youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend Foundations Class during the Sunday service. Youth Group, for 8th to 12th graders, meets on Sundays following the service. GET INVOLVED

Luke’s Research on Jesus Luke was a doctor whose research on Jesus portrays His heart for the lost, the poor, the disabled, and the undervalued, such as women and children. This is illustrated primarily through the miracles, testimonies and parables that are unique to the Gospel of Luke. These include Mary becoming the mother of Jesus; the one leper returning to thank Jesus; and the parables of the Good Samaritan, the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. September 16, 2018 Luke’s Heart for Theophilus Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation September 23, 2018 Good News to the Poor Rev. Mark Cartledge September 30. 2018 Raising of the Widow’s Son at Nain Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 7, 2018 Encounter with the Forgiven Woman Deacon Nile Gomez October 14, 2018 Parables on Prayer Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 21, 2018 Return of the Seventy-Two Bishop John Guernsey October 28, 2018 The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation November 4, 2018 The Good Samaritan Deacon Tom Sweeney November 11, 2018 The Lost Sons Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation November 18, 2018 The Prodigal Father Rev. David Martin November 25, 2018 "No Thank You"": Cleansing of the Ten Lepers Rev. Robert Walter Video Link Please reload

Sunday Sermons JUNE 19, 2022 Always Be Prepared to Be Reasonable Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons JUNE 26, 2022 Can I Really Trust the Bible? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons July 3, 2022 Is God Anti-Gay? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Special Testimony by Tim Maurer Sunday Sermons July 10, 2022 Is the Church Too Political? Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons July 17, 2022 How Could a Loving God Allow So Much Suffering? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons July 24, 2022 Does God Hate Women? Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons July 31, 2022 Is There a "GOSPEL" of Biblical Sexuality? Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons August 7, 2022 Are Science and Faith Incompatible? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons August 14, 2022 How Can a Loving God Allow People to Go to Hell? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons August 21, 2022 Isn't There More Than One Way to God? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons August 28, 2022 Has the Church Become an Un-Safe Place? Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons September 4, 2022 Who Am I? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons September 11, 2022 Where Are We Now? Tim Maurer Watch | Listen Why did Jesus so often respond to a question with a question? I read that “Jesus is almost 40 times more likely to respond to a misstatement, a comment, a question, or a threat from someone by drawing them further into conversation rather than just pouncing with a proclamation.” How different this is than how people relate to one another through social media. I also know that one of the main reasons young people walk away from the faith is that there is no opportunity given them to discuss these tough questions. As our culture continues to move away from Christian values, and the attack on our faith grows more intense, we need to be able to give a reasonable answer for the hope that we have in Christ. — Pastor Marty Please join us beginning June 19 for our summer sermon series, “Tough Questions.” Two goals for this series are: To help us personally answer tough faith questions; To equip us to respond to others, believers and unbelievers, who are asking tough faith questions. Topics will include: Always Be Prepared to Be Reasonable Can I really trust the Bible? Is God anti-gay? Is Christianity misogynistic? How and why should Christians engage with politics? What do Christians believe about sex and human sexuality? How could a loving God allow so much suffering? Are science and faith incompatible? How can a loving God allow people to go to hell? All sermons will be recorded and will be posted online each week.

Sunday, April 16 Sermon: Intimacy or Isolation? Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Handout: Loneliness & Intimacy in the Wisdom of Proverbs ____________________________________ Wednesday, April 18 Webinar: Intimacy vs. Technology Pastor Ken Shomo & Pastor Marty O'Rourke Zoom Meeting ID# 928 2372 1136 or zoom.us/s/92823721136 Watch ____________________________________ Sunday, April 23 Serm o n: " Put On Love" Creating Connection & Fostering Relationship Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides ____________________________________ Sunday, April 30 Sermon: Five Forms of Intimacy Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Luncheon: Marriage Tools & Tune-Up Pastor Ken Shomo Handouts: Safe Place Chart | Types of Intimacy | Speaking Your Mate's Love Language | You do not have to be alone to be lonely. Loneliness means we do not feel truly known, seen, or understood. An epidemic of loneliness was reported years ago and has only been exacerbated by social media, political division, and the pandemic. Apart from Christ, we all experience deep loneliness; and even as believers we can fail to experience the richness of relationship God intends for us. The great news is that God’s word speaks to the issue of loneliness! We can grow healthy relationships and find true intimacy in our friendships, families, and the church. Three-Week Series Beginning April 16, 2023