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Who I Am in Christ I am a child of the living God and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. I’m a new creation and part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. My mind is being renewed by the Word of God. I pull down strongholds, I cast down imaginations, and I bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. If God is for me, who can be against me? Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. I’m the righteousness of God in Him. I know the Truth, the truth has set me free. I am free indeed. For this purpose the Son of God came into the world, to destroy the works of the devil. Satan is defeated. I will not believe his lies. He will not intimidate me. I will submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from me. No temptation will overtake me because God will not let me be tempted beyond my strength. He will always provide a way of escape that I may be able to endure. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I will stand firm clothed in the full armor of God. I will wear the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of peace. I will take up the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. I will wield wisely the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. And I will pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers for all my fellow saints. Thanks be to God who gives me the victory through my Lord, Jesus Christ! I am secure because. . . I am free from condemnation. (Rom. 8:1-2) I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3) I am a co-heir with Christ. (Rom. 8:17) I am at peace with God. (2 Cor. 5:18-19) I am chosen by God and loved. (Col. 3:12) I am righteous and holy in Christ. (Eph. 4:24) I am anointed by God. (2 Cor. 1:21-22) I am filled with the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 6:19) I am confident that God will complete His good work in me. (Phil. 1:6) I am accepted because. . . I am God’s child. (John 1:12) I am Christ’s friend. (John 15:15) I am born again in Christ. (1 John 5:18) I am part of Christ’s body. (1 Cor. 12:27) I am a saint. (Eph. 1:1) I am adopted as God’s child. (Eph. 1:5) I am complete in Christ. (Col. 2:10) I am a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17) I am redeemed and forgiven. (Col. 1:14) I am a citizen of heaven. (Eph. 2:6) I am significant because. . . I am the salt of the earth. (Matt. 5:13) I am the light of the world. (Matt. 5:14) I am a branch of the true vine. (John 15:1,5) I am God’s workmanship. (Eph. 2:10) I am God’s co-worker. (2 Cor. 6:1) I am a witness for Christ. (Acts 1:8) I am one of God’s living stones. (1 Peter 2:5) I am an enemy of the devil. (1 Peter 5:8) I am victorious in Christ. (1 Cor. 15:57) PRINTABLE VERSION

HOW TO ASK JESUS TO BE YOUR SAVIOR God made you. And God loves you! No one lives a perfect life or does everything they should. Everyone needs forgiveness. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Everyone deserves to be punished. We've all failed to love God and others. We need God's gift of Jesus. For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. (Romans 3:23) God sent Jesus to take our punishment and die for us. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) Jesus came alive and rose from the dead. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8) Open the door of your heart to Jesus. Jesus said, "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends." (Revelation 3:20) You can pray a prayer similar to this one: Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross for me. Please forgive all I've done wrong. Come into my life and be my Savior. Thank you for loving me and giving me eternal life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me live for you. Amen. As soon as you ask Jesus for his forgiveness, you can be sure he forgives you. Trust God's promise that Jesus is your Savior and that you have a home in heaven. For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

Messiah hosts two Community Bible Study classes on Thursdays during the school year. The 2023-24 term begins on September 7. Both classes will be studying "A King is Coming," in the books of Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, and Ephesians. The LADIES’ DAY CLASS takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday mornings. Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers, as well as age-appropriate curriculum for older kids. An online class is also available. The CO-ED EVENING CLASS runs from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.This group offers men’s, women’s and co-ed classes, as well as online classes. Virtual online classes are also available; please ask for details. Annual registration is $35 for adults and $10 per child (day class only). The registration fee includes the cost of study materials. Scholarships are available, so please don't let financial concerns keep you from learning more about God's Word. To learn more and to register for one of these questions, visit: www.chesapeake.cbsclass.org . You can learn more about the Community Bible Study organization at: www.communitybiblestudy.org.

GET INVOLVED! CHURCH MINISTRIES 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 one of the links at right to get started! SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP MISSIONS Check out our calendar to see what's going on at Messiah!

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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

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

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23 The Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke has served as a local church pastor for over 35 years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Medina, Ohio; and Chesapeake, Virginia. He is passionate about equipping Christian leaders to finish well. While researching sexual misconduct in the church for his Doctor of Ministry dissertation, he discovered that prevention training of leaders reduces the likelihood of moral failure. Most prevention training has primarily a psychological approach, whereas the "Guard Your Heart" prevention training that Pastor Marty developed is grounded in the Scriptures and the social sciences. Many Christian leaders do not finish well. Paul, who finished well, writes to his spiritual son, Timothy: "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1Timothy 4:12). The primary purpose of this training is to empower pastors and Christian leaders to finish their race well, by understanding the unique temptations leaders and their families face in a culture where temptation, especially sexual, abounds. Click the link above to watch the opening session of the Guard Your Heart training. Escaping Sexual Sin Before It's Too Late , By Rev. Marty O'Rourke. Click here to view article published on CBN.com Contact: Rev. Marty O'Rourke Church of the Messiah 816 Kempsville Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 436-2545 morourke@churchofthemessiah.org Marty has presented the Guard Your Heart training numerous times to the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA); M.Div and D.Min. classes at Regent University; chaplains at Portsmouth Naval Hospital; the Falls Church staff in Falls Church, VA; Mid-Atlantic Christian University, and hundreds of pastors and church planters in Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. What others are saying about "Guard Your Heart" As an Executive Pastor I had my staff attend the Guard Your Heart workshop led by the Rev. Marty O'Rourke. I have been a pastor for over twenty years, and my wife and I have been in ministry in several different churches over the years. I have also had my staff take several different workshops on prevention of misconduct of various kinds. I found the Guard Your Heart workshop to be the most helpful in addressing issues straightforwardly, but from a positive Christian point of view. (The Rev. Dr.) Frederick Wright Senior Associate Rector, The Falls Church Falls Church, Va. 22046 We are greatly privileged to have such an experienced, encouraging, well-equipped presentation. You know whereof you speak, making it accessible for students to understand and practical to apply. I have no doubt that you prevented problems in our students' lives and ministries, and equipped them to serve others better. Mark A. Jumper, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Theological and Ministerial Studies School of Divinity, Regent University The Guard Your Heart training seminar is an asset to any ministry or organization, one of the most powerful tools available today is a preemptive strike against the problems of integrity and sexual misconduct before they happen. My opinion should be an essential part of all leadership preparation I strongly encourage you to consider this seminar for your ministry or organization. I would be delighted to comment further on this seminar resource contacted by phone or email. Sincerely, Dr. James T. Flynn Associate Professor of Practical Theology Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program School of Divinity, Regent University jamefly@regent.edu 757.352.4527 My husband and I have been married for 33 years. We have been in ordained ministry for 28 of those years. Entering parish life after seminary was something we were not prepared for. The demands of "The Church" and the demands of a family can become overwhelming. I wish we had heard this teaching before leaving Seminary. There are so many "mine fields" in the ministry. Rev. O'Rourke shared practical ways to prevent getting "blown away." His message was proactive, like the Priests having an accountability partner, and letting your wife know about all your appointments, especially when women are involved. There were many other great suggestions. Penny Rauh Church of the Epiphany-Anglican Herndon, VA To: Whom It May Concern From: Charles J. Cunningham Jr., Lt Gen, USAF (Retired) Joint Forces Staff College Subject: Improper Behavior, Temptation, and Avoiding Trouble This is my personal endorsement of, and professional judgment regarding a very important program designed by the Rev. Dr. Marty O'Rourke to prepare leaders to do the right things when associating with others, especially those under their leadership.

Our Ministry Staff The Rev. Dr. Jim Brown Interim Pastor The Rev. Dr. Ken Shomo Discipleship Pastor Melissa Scraba Church Administrator Bob Greeley Sexton Tim Maurer Worship Leader Caleb Stern Live Stream Producer

Father's Love Letter MY CHILD… You may not know me, but I know everything about You … Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up … Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways … Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered … Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image … Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being … For you are my offspring … Acts 17:28 I chose you when I planned creation … Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake … Psalm 139:15-16 For all your days are written in my book … Psalm 139:15-16 You are fearfully and wonderfully made … Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb … Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born … Psalm 71:6 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you … Simply because you are my child and I am your Father … 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could … Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect Father … Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand … James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs … Matthew 6:31-33 Because I love you with an everlasting love … Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore … Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing … Zephaniah 3:17 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart … Psalm 37:4 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine … Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager … 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles … 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you … Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart … Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe every tear from your eyes and take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth … Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus … John 17:23 For in Jesus my love for you is revealed … John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being … Hebrews 1:3 And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you … Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you … 1 John 4:10 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me … 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again … Romans 8:38-39 Love, Your Dad Excerpts from Father’s Love Letter compiled by Bany Adams © 1999. Visit the interactive website at www.FathersLoveLetter.com. Father's Love Letter MY CHILD… You may not know me, but I know everything about You … Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up … Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways … Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered … Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image … Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being … For you are my offspring … Acts 17:28 I chose you when I planned creation … Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake … Psalm 139:15-16 For all your days are written in my book … Psalm 139:15-16 You are fearfully and wonderfully made … Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother's womb … Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born … Psalm 71:6 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you … Simply because you are my child and I am your Father … 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could … Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect Father … Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand … James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs … Matthew 6:31-33 Because I love you with an everlasting love … Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore … Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing … Zephaniah 3:17 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart … Psalm 37:4 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine … Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager … 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles … 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you … Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart … Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe every tear from your eyes and take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth … Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus … John 17:23 For in Jesus my love for you is revealed … John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being … Hebrews 1:3 And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you … Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled … 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you … 1 John 4:10 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me … 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again … Romans 8:38-39 Love, Your Dad Excerpts from Father’s Love Letter compiled by Bany Adams © 1999. Visit the interactive website at www.FathersLoveLetter.com. PRINTABLE VERSION

2026 Lenten Lecture Series Wednesdays @ 7pm Experiencing Renewal in Christ So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 How does Christ renew us daily? He makes Himself available to us through repentance, prayer, Scripture, community, and stillness. We are also renewed through Holy Spirit encounters normally experienced within the gathered community of God’s people. During this season of Lent, our focus is to invite us into both forms of renewal. Sunday sermons will emphasize our ongoing need for daily renewal, while Wednesday evening services will provide intentional spaces where we open ourselves to the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. February 25, 2026 "Return to Your First Love" A Service of Repentance & Renewal Dr. Daniel B. Gilbert Watch March 4, 2026 "Be Filled Again" A Service of Renewal in the Holy Spirit Dr. Kamil Halabiec Watch March 18, 2026 "He Heals the Brokenhearted" Through Inner Healing Prayer Frank Meadows Watch March 11, 2026 "Fan Into Flame" Renewal in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Rev. Felix & Dr. Edith Prakash Watch

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