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

Our Ministry Staff The Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke Rector The Rev. Dr. Ken Shomo Discipleship Pastor Melissa Scraba Church Administrator Bob Greeley Sexton Tim Maurer Worship Leader Caleb Stern Live Stream Producer

Testimonies & Special Presentations Messiah members and guests frequently give testimony to the works that God has done in their lives. See how the Lord makes His presence known! August 25, 2024 | Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Jim Flynn Audio | Video June 23, 2024 | Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Debbie DeBose Audio May 19, 2024 | Day of Pentecost Testimony by Jim Brown Audio | Video March 31, 2024 | Resurrection Sunday Testimony by Vivian Hayes Audio | Video November 5, 2023 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Doris Gomez Audio October 29, 2023 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Ken Nickel Video October 29, 2023 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Jim & Monica Flynn Video September 17, 2023 | Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Alicia Greeley Video | Audio July 30, 2023 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Jim & Monica Flynn Video | Audio July 30, 2023 | Ninth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Jonathan Bekker Video | Audio June 18, 2023 | Third Sunday After Pentecost Juneteenth by Vivian Hayes Video | Audio June 4, 2023 | Trinity Sunday Testimony by Nakita Albritton Video | Audio June 4, 2023 | Trinity Sunday Testimony by Ellen Belfi Video | Audio May 28, 2023 | Pentecost Pentecost Special Reading by Vivian Hayes & Rev. David Martin Video | Audio May 28, 2023 | Pentecost Song & Testimonies by Voices of Hope & Bp. Frank Allen, Sanctuary of Hope Video | Audio May 14, 2023 | Sixth Sunday of Easter Testimony by Drew Bohs Video April 30, 2023 | Fourth Sunday of Easter Testimony by Misty Taylor Video April 9, 2023 | Resurrection Sunday Testimony by Wendy O'Rourke Video March 19, 2023 | Fourth Sunday in Lent Testimony by David Martin Video March 5, 2023 | Second Sunday in Lent Testimony by Marcia Curtis Video February 19, 2023 | Last Sunday of Epiphany Testimony by Jeff Ivester Video January 1, 2023 | Second Sunday of Christmas Testimonies - What Has Jesus Done New in Your Life? Video | Audio November 13, 2022 | Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Marc Bagwell Video | Audio October 30, 2022 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Ann Lucier | Testimony by Jonathan Bekker & Madelyn Tubbs Video | Audio Video | Audio October 10, 2022 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Drew & Rose Marie Bohs Video | Audio | Slide October 10, 2022 | Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Laurie Swain Video | Audio August 14, 2022 | Tenth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by David Borst Video | Audio July 3, 2022 | Fourth Sunday After Pentecost Testimony by Tim Maurer Video | Audio June 19, 2022 | Second Sunday After Pentecost | Juneteenth Juneteenth Presentation by Vivian Hayes Video | Audio June 5, 2022 | The Day of Pentecost Testimony by Chris Woodland | Testimony by Terry Hayes Video | Audio Video | Audio April 17, 2022 | Resurrection Sunday Testimony by Jenny Jenson Video | Audio | Text March 6, 2022 Testimony by Alicia Greeley Video | Audio February 13, 2022 Installation & Testimony of Worship Director Tim Maurer Video October 31, 2021 Testimony by Chris & Lauren Coleman Video October 3, 2021 Testimony by Cindy Little Video | Audio June 20, 2021 Testimony & Song by Lauren Pearson Video | Audio June 13, 2021 - Farewell to Worship Director Dean Zawacki Testimonies by Amanda Corona and Terry Hayes Video | Audio Testimony by Dean Zawacki Video | Audio May 23, 2021 - Pentecost Sunday Pentecost Testimony by Jo Ann and Chris Woodland Video | Audio April 4, 2021 Testimony by Lauren Pearson Video | Audio January 17, 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Remembrance - Vivian Hayes Video | Audio December 6, 2020 Testimony by Rickee Dozier Video | Audio November 15, 2020 Testimony by Shelley James Video | Audio November 8, 2020 Testimony by Deacon Jennifer Sporl-Palmer Video | Audio October 25, 2020 Testimony by Ken Shomo Video | Audio October 18, 2020 Testimony by Becky Presnall Video | Audio October 11, 2020 Testimony by Lauren Pearson Video | Audio September 20, 2020 Children's Sermon by David Borst Video | Audio September 6, 2020 Testimony by Deacon Tom Sweeney: "Back in the Race" Audio August 23, 2020 Testimony by Joanne Falk Video | Audio August 9, 2020 Testimony by Ben & Kaylee Stern Audio July 26, 2020 Testimony by Debi Balch Audio July 26, 2020 Testimony by Wendy Giancoli Audio June 28, 2020 Testimony by Lorene Evans Audio June 21, 2020 Testimony by Mary Stern Audio June 14, 2020 Testimony by Vivian Hayes & Jennifer Sporl-Palmer: "Sisters in Christ" Audio June 7, 2020 Testimony by Doris Gomez Audio May 31, 2020 Testimony by Chris & Jo Ann Woodland: "Messiah's First Pentecost" Audio

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

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

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

ANGER: Appropriate or Inappropriate? A recent poll says that 69% of Americans are either very or somewhat angry about how things are going in our country. God’s Word has a great deal of wisdom for us about the roots of anger, when it is appropriate, and how to overcome inappropriate anger. This sermon series focuses on how we can serve as a light for Christ by showing an angry world healthy ways to handle emotions. "Be Angry But Do Not Sin" Ephesians 4:2 6 April 8, 2018 Why Are You Angry? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation April 15, 2018 A Fool Gives Full Vent to His Anger Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation April 15, 2018 Special Testimony from Deacon Tom Sweeney April 22, 2018 Be Angry and Do Not Sin: The Reality of Anger Rev. Robert Walter Slideshow Presentation April 29, 2018 Antidotes to Anger: Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation May 6, 2018 Stay Angry or Stay in Step with The Spirit Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Please reload

Many of our events are held online instead of or in addition to in-person. Most online events are held either via Facebook livestream or by video-conferencing using the Zoom app. To Livestream: Go to Messiah's Online Worship page and select the manner you want to connect -- via Facebook or not. Or, you can connect to our livestream from our Facebook page . Zoom Video Conferencing: To join a Zoom meeting from your computer, open the app and enter the meeting ID and password if required, OR open your Internet browser and go to the link provided with the meeting details. To join from your phone, open the Zoom app and enter the Meeting ID (and password if required) provided with the meeting details. To download Zoom to your computer or mobile phone, please click the appropriate link below and follow the instructions: PC/Windows Mac iPhone Android Click here to view the church calendar Upcoming Events at Messiah Church Calendar Week of August 2, 2026 Sunday, 8/2/2026 Sunday Worship, 10:00 am Sanctuary Livestream - Click here Discipleship Group, 12:00 pm Fellowship Hall Monday, 8/3/2026 Paris h-Wide Prayer Service, 7:00 pm Via Zoom - Click here to join Meeting ID: 928 2372 1136 Saturday, 8/8/2026 Men's Ministry Outing,12:30 pm Chrysler Museum Pari s h-Wide Prayer Service, 7:00 pm Via Zoom - Click here to join Meeting ID: 928 2372 1136 Tuesday, 7/25/2023 Joyful Noise Club, 7:00 pm Via Zoom - Contact Wendy O'Rourke for details Tuesday, 3/14/2023 Joyful Noise Club, 6:30 pm Fellowship Hall Wednesday, 2/1/2023 Worship, Prayer, & Praise, 7:00 pm Sanctuary Wednesday, 5/10/2023 Vestry Meeting, 7:00 pm Thursday, 11/20/2025 Community Bible Study, 9:30 am Messiah Community Bible Study, 7:00 pm Messiah & online Saturday, 3/4/23 Men's Ministry Meeting, 10:00 am Fellowship Hall Saturday, 6/17/23 Ladies' Ministry Gathering, 10:00 am Fellowship Hall

December 13, 2025 | 1:00 pm Church of the Messiah 816 Kempsville Road | Chesapeake, Virginia SERVICE VIDEO RECORDING service program Celebration of Life for Kathy Hopkins

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

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

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