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The Rev. Dr. Martin K. O'Rourke Rector If the alumni of my graduating high school class gave an award to the person who ended up in the least likely job, I believe I would win. As a teen, I was constantly trying to prove myself through sports and by being accepted by others. It is alarming to consider where I would be today if the Lord Jesus Christ had not changed my life. I am still amazed that the Lord called me to be a pastor, and my passion is to see lives transformed by Jesus Christ. My first call in ministry is to trust and love the Lord with all my heart. I am also called to love my wonderful wife as Christ loved the church, and to be a godly father to my four children and two grandchildren. I am very thankful for God’s call on me to be a pastor, serving the people of Messiah. We seek to make disciples who in turn make disciples by emphasizing mentoring relationships. I am very encouraged by the growing diversity in our church as people connect across generations, ethnicities, economic and social backgrounds, and with those who have disabilities. We also serve our community by providing Joyful Noise Club, an outreach to young people with disabilities; having a companion relationship with a church in Portsmouth that has a ministry to the poor; and participating with other ministries, including CAST, a ministry to the homeless, Heart of Compassion, and Serve the City. I have a heart for building fellowship and unity among local church pastors, so Messiah holds a monthly gathering for ministers from various denominations. God used my heart for local church pastors to develop a training titled Guard Your Heart , designed to equip Christian leaders to walk in purity. For fun and exercise, I ride my bike five days a week with my wife, and two days a week I play racquetball. Before coming to Church of the Messiah in 1995, I served as Rector at Church of the Resurrection near Akron, Ohio; as Associate Rector at St. Martin's in Monroeville, Pa.; and as Youth Advisor to the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Fall 2021 Sermon Series “For a few weeks I have been seeking the Lord about our next sermon series. As I was sitting in the sanctuary, I sensed the Lord calling us to focus on the Father Heart of God. If you were to look into the heart of God’s call on Church of the Messiah, it is to see people’s lives transformed, healed and restored by experiencing the Father’s love through His Son Jesus and His Holy Spirit. I believe some of us are going to be healed through this series, and I have already sensed a difference in my own life as I have begun to focus on the Father heart of God.“ ̶ Pastor Marty September 19, 2021 Our Everlasting Father Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Slides September 26, 2021 Our Father's House Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen October 3, 2021 Our Compassionate Father Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Slides October 10, 2021 Our Adopting Father Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen October 17, 2021 Our Loving Father Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Slides October 24, 2021 Our Present Father Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Slides October 31, 2021 Our Perfect Father Bishop John Guernsey Watch | Listen November 7, 2021 Our Good Father Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen November 14, 2021 Our Heavenly Father Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Slides November 21, 2021 Our Forgiving Father: The "Prodigal" God Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen

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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

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

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

Prayer of General Thanksgiving Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. From The Book of Common Prayer PRINTABLE VERSION

FOREIGN MISSIONS The Foreign Missions Committee oversees the financial and spiritual support we provide to missionaries and organizations outside the United States, as well as to individuals from our congregation who go on short-term mission trips to other countries. The list here describes some of the areas we support. If you feel led to donate to any of our foreign missions, please click here . If you would like more information about any of these missions, please contact the church office . Africa: Rev. Bisoke Balikenga Beginning with providing for two wells in a conflict-torn and impoverished village in central Africa, Church of the Messiah has developed a close relationship with Rev. Bisoke, Provincial Youth Coordinator for the Anglican Church in this region. Eastern Europe: Aaron & Winnie Aaron and Winnie have been working with teens in Eastern Europe since 2009. Their youth center ministers to middle- and high-schoolers through music, drama and the arts. Israel: CMJ (Church's Ministry Among Jewish People) CMJ has been serving the Jewish people in the biblical land of Israel for more than 200 years, serving both Jew and Arab, Israeli and Palestinian to demonstrate the love Jesus the Messiah has for all the nations of the earth. Middle East: Betsy & David David and Betsy have ministered for over 20 years to a small but growing Christian community. They have also responded to the desperate needs of refugees from Syria by seeking out ways to welcome in and care for these refugees and provide medical aid. Central America: His Love in Action School for the Deaf Since 1989, His Love in Action School and Vocational Training Institute in Honduras has been educating and training hearing impaired children.

Bishop John Guernsey The Rt. Rev. John Guernsey served as the first Bishop of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic. Invested by Archbishop Robert Duncan on September 10, 2011, Bishop Guernsey served in this capacity for 12 years, until his retirement in February 2023. He was succeeded by Bishop Chris Warner. To listen to the Bishop Guernsey's messages at Church of the Messiah, click any of the links below: 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

Advent Sermon Series God used visions and dreams to prepare His people for Jesus' first coming and to remind us of his promised return. Our Advent Sermon Series will focus on the Visions and Dreams of Advent and call us to solemnly renew ourselves in the truth of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, as well as His promise to return. Our church year begins with Advent, which means "coming". It reminds us that time is linear, and we are in the time between His first and second coming. The purpose of the church calendar is to use the passing of time to tell and retell the story of our redemption: the coming of Jesus into the world; His life, death and resurrection; and the outpouring of the Holy spirit on His people. The origins of the church calendar are in Leviticus 23 where God speaks to Moses about the appointed feasts, including Passover, First Fruits, Pentecost, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These feasts were to prepare us for the coming of our Messiah and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Messiah, our Lamb of God, was sacrificed on Passover. He was resurrected from the dead on the Feast of First Fruits, becoming the first fruits of our coming resurrection, as Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 15:20. Then on the Jewish festival of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh. So this Advent, may the Lord prepare our hearts for His coming! November 29 John's Advent Vision Pastor Jim Brown December 6 Joel's Advent Vision Bishop John Guernsey December 20 Joseph's Advent Dream Pastor Jim Brown December 27 Joseph's Second Advent Dream Pastor Jim Brown January 3 Daniel's Advent Dream Pastor Marty O'Rourke

Sermon Archives December 28, 2025 | First Sunday of Christmas The Incarnation Established a New Covenant - Rev. David Martin WATCH December 21, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Advent Salvation's Joy - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH December 14, 2025 | Third Sunday of Advent Embracing the Fullness of the Kingdom - Pastor Vivian Hayes WATCH December 7, 2025 | Second Sunday of Advent A Highway Made Straight - Aaron Bennett WATCH November 30, 2025 | First Sunday of Advent How Should Christ's Return Affect My Life Today? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 23, 2025 | The Feast of Christ the King A Thankful Christian is a Compelling Witness - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 16, 2025 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost He Who Wins Souls Is Wise - Tim Maurer WATCH November 9, 2025 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost The Holy Spirit: Our Source of Boldness - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH November 2, 2025 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost The End of the Story - Pastor Vivian Hayes WATCH October 26, 2025 | Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost Grace and Gratitude - Bishop Chris Warner WATCH October 19, 2025 | Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Healing of Our Heart - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH October 12, 2025 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Healing of Our Community - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH October 5, 2025 | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost Sitting at the Feet of Jesus - Rev. Bisoke Balikenga WATCH September 28, 2025 | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost Healing of the Body - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH September 21, 2025 | Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost The Healing of Our Spirit - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH Septermber 7, 2025 | Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost God Wants Us Whole - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 31, 2025 | Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost What Is the Next Step of Obedience God Is Calling Us to Take? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 24, 2025 | Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost The Word and the Spirit - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH August 17, 2025 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost What Master Are We Serving? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH August 10, 2025 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost LIfe Is More - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH August 3, 2025 | Eighth Sunday After Pentecost Is the Power of the Holy Spirit Expanding in Me and Through Me? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH July 27, 2025 | Seventh Sunday After Pentecost The Mastermind - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH July 20, 2025 | Sixth Sunday After Pentecost By the Holy Spirit - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH July 13, 2025 | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Beyond the Comfort Zone - Aaron and Winnie Horvat WATCH July 6, 2025 | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost Let Freedom Ring - Tim Maurer WATCH June 29, 2025 | Third Sunday After Pentecost Holy, Holy, Holy - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH June 22, 2025 | Second Sunday After Pentecost God's Spirit of Adoption and Us - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH June 15, 2025 | Trinity Sunday The Holy Spirit and the Heart of the Gospel - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH June 8, 2025 | Day of Pentecost Come Holy Spirit - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH June 1, 2025 | Seventh Sunday of Easter Look Up, Look Within, Look Around - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH May 25, 2025 | Sixth Sunday of Easter Holy Spirit Acts In Us - Elder Arthur W. Devine, Jr. WATCH May 18, 2025 | Fifth Sunday of Easter The Marriage Feast of the Lamb - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH May 11, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Easter Who Is Your Shepherd? - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH May 4, 2025 | Third Sunday of Easter Resurrection and Eternal Life: Life Beyond the Grave - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH April 27, 2025 | Second Sunday of Easter We Must - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH April 20, 2025 | Resurrection Sunday Why Do You Seek the Living Among the Dead? - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH April 13, 2025 | Palm Sunday The Unexpected Kingdom - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH April 6, 2025 | Fifth Sunday in Lent How Scripture Forms Us to Be Like Christ - Chaplain David Martin WATCH March 30, 2025 | Fourth Sunday in Lent Solitude: Securing Space for Our Relationship with God - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH March 23, 2025 | Third Sunday in Lent Overflowing Abundance, the Heart of Christian Giving - Tim Maurer WATCH March 16, 2025 | Second Sunday in Lent Obstacles to Becoming Like Jesus - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH March 9, 2025 | First Sunday in Lent The Transfiguration: Heaven Touches Earth - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH March 2, 2025 | Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday) God Has a Plan: Trust Him - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH February 23, 2025 | Seventh Sunday of Epiphany The Surprising Call of God - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH February 16, 2025 | Sixth Sunday of Epiphany God Is Our Refuge & Our Strength, an Ever-Present Help in Trouble - Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH February 9, 2025 | Fifth Sunday of Epiphany Through the Valley - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH February 2, 2025 | Fourth Sunday of Epiphany The Life Giving Power of Water- Pastor Marty O'Rourke WATCH January 19, 2025 | Second Sunday of Epiphany The Speed of Love - Pastor Jim Brown WATCH January 12, 2025 | First Sunday of Epiphany - Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ Gifts - Deacon Vivian Hayes WATCH January 5, 2025 | Second Sunday of Christmas Epiphany: Jesus, the Light of the Whole World - Pastor Ken Shomo WATCH LOAD MORE

GET INVOLVED! Church of the Messiah is so much more than Sunday mornings! We have many opportunities for you to plug in and feel part of our family. Whether you're looking for a way to make personal connections, learn more about our faith and Scripture, or make a difference in the community, there is a way to get involved. Click the headings for more information about each type of ministry. Church Ministries: Altar Guild Altar Prayer Ministry Children's Ministries Eucharist Ministers Hospitality Committee Media & Sound Reader Ministry Worship Team Fellowship Opportunities : Coffee Hour Community Bible Study Hospitality Committee Joyful Noise Club Men's Ministry Women's Ministry Christian Education : Children's programming Community Bible Study Connections Class Sunday Discipleship Group Serving the Community: Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (C.A.S.T.) Hope Charitable Services Inreach/Outreach Committee Operation Christmas Child Joyful Noise Club Foreign Missions Committee: Africa: Rev. Bisoke Balikenga Central America: His Love in Action School for the Deaf Eastern Europe: Aaron & Winnie Israel: CMJ ( Church's Ministry Among Jewish People) Middle East: Betsy & David