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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

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.

Our Vestry Chris Woodland Senior Warden Jim Bohannan Junior Warden Aaron Bennett Vestry Member John Curtis Vestry Member Carole Menzel Vestry Member Patty Paul Vestry Member

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

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

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.

Sermon Series | June-July 2020 It’s trendy to “love Jesus but not church.” Yet during this season of protests and pandemic, it’s vital that we become the full expression of Christ in the world today. Here at Messiah, we have been praying for a move of God. Please join us for an engaging new sermon series as we explore: What significance does Christ give the Church? Why do we need the Church, and why does the Church need us? How does Christ use the Church to make a difference in the world? June 7, 2020 We the Church Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation June 14, 2020 We the Church: The Bride of Christ Pastor Nile Gomez June 21, 2020 We the Church: The Temple of the Holy Spirit Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation June 28, 2020 We the Church: The Family of God Pastor Nile Gomez July 5, 2020 We the Church: The Body of Christ Pastor Marty O'Rourke and Jennifer Sporl-Palmer Please reload

PRINTABLE VERSION Liturgy for the Ritual of Morning Coffee Meet me, O Christ in this stillness of morning. Move me, O Spirit, to quiet my heart. Mend me, O Father, from yesterday’s harms. From the discords of yesterday, resurrect my peace. From the discouragement of yesterday, resurrect my hope. From the weariness of yesterday, resurrect my strength. From the doubts of yesterday, resurrect my faith. From the wounds of yesterday, resurrect my love. Let me enter this new day, aware of my need and awake to your grace, O Lord. Amen From Every Moment Holy by Doug Mckelvey PRINTABLE VERSION

Lent: A Time for Breakthrough (Based on Mark 2: 1-12) Lent starts on Ash Wednesday with a call to self-examination and the imposition of ashes as a tangible reminder that our life on earth is temporary. Show me, LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is (Psalm 39:4). Lent ends with Good Friday, then Resurrection Sunday - a celebration of the victory over sin and death we share in Christ. Remembering the shortness of life on earth, Lent is an opportunity for us to seek our Lord about where He is calling us to contend for a breakthrough - by repentance, fasting, receiving help, and perseverance in seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. Our purpose is that we may use our remaining time on earth to make tangible the life-transforming power of God's love so that all may come to know Christ. February 14 Where is Christ Calling Me to Contend for a Breakthrough? Pastor Marty O'Rourke February 21 Why Is It Hard To Accept Help? Pastor Jim Brown February 28 How to Persevere In Seeking Christ Pastor John Dooley March 6 The Power of Christ's Forgiveness Ashley Plunkett March 13 Living Without My "Mat" Pastor Jim Brown March 20 The Return of the King Reverend Mark Cartledge March 27 Resurrection Breakthrough Pastor Marty O'Rourke

Sermon Series | June-July 2020 Sermon Series | Summer-Fall 2020 How do we run the race of life in the midst of a pandemic? And what does winning look like? When our in-person services were first affected by COVID-19, I thought this would be a short-term issue, more like running a sprint or a quick obstacle course. Making the jump to hold online services meant overcoming a wall for us. Now, however, it seems like we are in the midst of a marathon. -- Pastor Marty O'Rourke What goes into running — and finishing — a marathon? How do we prepare ourselves physically and mentally? Who will run with us? And what happens if we fall and hurt ourselves? Messiah member Vivian Hayes, a runner herself, shares this insight: Whether on a course filled with obstacles or on a flat road, the longer one remains on that course, the more challenging that appointed race becomes as physical and mental fatigue sets in. An endurance race has a different type of difficulty than a sprint. A sprint is about physical ability, whereas in an endurance race mental strength plays an important role. Join us in exploring how God will equip us to run this race together to become more like Christ. July 26, 2020 Our Course: Run the Race to Win Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 2, 2020 Our Commitment: Finish the Race Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 9, 2020 Our Training: Throw Hindrances Aside Pastor Nile Gomez Audio Only August 16, 2020 Our Team: Not Running Alone Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 23, 2020 Our Attitude: Run With Perseverance Vivian Hayes Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 30, 2020 Our Encouragement: Cloud of Witnesses Vivian Hayes Audio Only Slideshow Presentation September 6, 2020 Our Commitment: Get Back Up Pastor Nile Gomez Audio Only September 13, 2020 Our Endurance: Overcoming Injury Rev. Ken Shomo Audio Only Slideshow Presentation September 20, 2020 Our Focus: Victory In Christ Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation Please reload

START MAKING CONNECTIONS AT MESSIAH! If you have recently started attending Messiah or are interested in becoming a member of the congregation, our Spring session is starting soon. Classes will be held in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday afternoons, immediately following the worship service (lunch is incuded!). This five-seek session begins September 25. Pastor Marty O'Rourke and Pastor Nile Gomez will cover topics such as: How to Use Your Gifts and Find Your Ministry and How to Hear From God . This is a fine opportunity to meet other people and enjoy fellowship. If you are interested in attending, please fill out the form below, or call the office (757-436-2545). Connections Class Fall Class Schedule 5 Sundays beginning September 25: September 25 October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 Meet in Fellowship Hall immediately following worship service Lunch included! Your details were sent successfully! Send

Our Vision: Our mission is to make tangible the life-transforming power of God’s love so that all may come to know Christ. We will accomplish this through: Dynamic Worship, Authentic Community, and Creative Outreach. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Dynamic Worship: Worship in which our love for God is expressed, the Word of God is proclaimed and applied to everyday life, and Anglican liturgy is infused with the life and gifts of the Holy Spirit. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Authentic Community – Community in which all people can experience a sense of being loved and connected to one another in Christ. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Creative Outreach – Church of the Messiah is outwardly focused and committed to taking the Gospel of Christ, in the power of the Spirit, to people across the room, across the street, across the city, and across the world to reach and serve the least, the last, and the lost. Our Values: Our personal love relationship with the Triune God, through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Worship in which the Word of God is proclaimed and applied to everyday life, and Anglican liturgy is infused with the life and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Listening to God and staying in step with the Spirit in our decision-making and in accomplishing our vision. Relationships in which all people can experience a sense of being loved and connected to one another in Christ. Making and equipping disciples who submit to the Word of God as the final authority of everything they are and everything they do. Being “missional,” or outwardly focused, and committed to taking the Gospel of Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to a people across the room, across the street, across the city, and across the world, to reach and serve the least, the last, and the lost. Contending for a biblical faith and worldview in all aspects of our culture. WHO WE ARE ABOUT JESUS Learn more about Messiah's vision and values by listening to Pastor Marty's sermon, "Why Does Church of the Messiah Exist?"