Search this site

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

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

IMG_0503_edited.jpg IMG_0490_edited.jpg IMG_0508_edited.jpg What to Expect What you can expect when you visit Church of the Messiah: You'll Be Welcomed: Our team of friendly greeters will meet you at the door with a warm welcome (along with a handshake or a hug!). As you head toward the sanctuary, ushers will greet you, hand you a bulletin, and may escort you to a chair, if you like. They can also answer questions about the service, location of restrooms, children's Sunday School, and the nursery. The Place of Worship: The central items in our sanctuary are the altar and the cross. This helps turn our focus to Christ and to God, whose house the church is. On or near the altar there are candles to remind us that Christ is the "Light of the world" (John 8:12). Flowers behind the altar beautify God's house and recall the resurrection of Jesus. The Act of Worship: We begin with praise and worship, led by our praise team. Songs include up-tempo praise songs, traditional hymns, and devotional worship. Words for all the music are projected in the front of the church. After the singing, we generally have a time when we listen for the Lord's guidance. Sometimes people will read a scripture, pray, or give a prophetic word. In the seats you will find liturgical booklets, which enable the congregation to share fully in every service. Communion: We celebrate the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, at each service. All who love the Lord Jesus and are baptized are welcome to receive communion with us. The priest or Eucharist minister intincts (dips into the wine) the wafer and then places it into your open hands. Children who love the Lord and have been baptized are also welcome to receive. The Church Year: Our church observes the traditional Christian calendar. The season of Advent, during which we prepare for Christmas, begins on the Sunday closest to November 30. Lent, the forty days of preparation for Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday. Easter season lasts fifty days, concluding on the feast of Pentecost. During these times the Bible readings are chosen for their appropriateness to the season. Fellowship: Our post-service coffee hour is a favorite tradition at Church of the Messiah! Help yourself to a cup of coffee and a snack, and come mingle with our friendly congregation as we enjoy this time of fellowship. WHO WE ARE WORSHIP WITH US FAQ I'M NEW

with Dr. John Dooley Presented February/March, 2021 MODULE 1: February 24, 2021 - No Longer Strangers Reading Assignments February 18 – 23: Primary reading : Ephesians 1:1-23. Read through several times, then read the following texts the remaining of the week: Church at Ephesus : Acts 18:24-28 Related passages : Genesis 1:1-2; 3:1-24 Isaiah 14:12-21 & 61:1-4 Matthew 13:16-17 Romans 8:15-23 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Galatians 4:5 Colossians 1:1-2,11-20 Hebrews 11:3 1 Peter 1:20 2 Peter 1:3-4 1 John 5:19 Questions to ponder as you read: What is the purpose of the Bible, that is, why was it written? What is the purpose for the Book of Ephesians? (Why was it written? Identify in Ephesians 1 at least three major points you think are important. MODULE 2: March 3, 2021 - Saved and Unified Reading Assignments February 25 – March 2: Primary Reading : Ephesians 2:1-22 (Read through several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 19:1-10 Related passages : Leviticus 19:9-18 Deuteronomy 22:1-4; 30:1-10 Numbers 21:4-9; 32:20-27 Psalm 49:5-9 Isaiah 57:18-19 Mark 9:38-41; 12:28-34 John 3:25-27 & 8:42-44 Romans 12:1-2 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 1 John 4:7-21 Revelation 21:2-4 MODULE 3: March 10, 2021 - Empowered and Strengthened Reading Assignments March 4-9: Primary Reading : Ephesians 3:1-21 (Read several times) Church at Ephesus : Acts 19:11-20 Related passages : Isaiah 55:6-11 Matthew 16:13-18 Acts 9:1-19 Romans 11:33-36 1 Corinthians 15:8-11 2 Corinthians 12:1-6 Colossians 2: 6-15 Titus 1:1-3 MODULE 4: March 17, 2021 - Living a Life of Unity Reading Assignments March 11-16: Primary Reading : Ephesians 4:1-32 (Read through several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 19:21-41 Related passages : Genesis 3:14-24 Psalm 4:4 Jeremiah 9:4-9 Zechariah 8:16-17 Matthew 27:50-54 Luke 16:19-31 John 17:1-26 1 Corinthians 12:14-31 Galatians 5:16-26 1 Timothy 4:1-5 2 Timothy 2:1-4 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Hebrews 5:11-14; 9:22-28 & 10:11-18 2 Peter 1:3-11 Revelation 21:1-4 MODULE 5: March 24, 2021 - Spirit Life in the Culture Reading Assignments March 18-23 Primary Reading : Ephesians 5:1-33 & 6:1-9 (Read several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 20:17-27 Related passages : Exodus 30:7-10 Leviticus 1:8-13 & 19:17-18 Deuteronomy 7:9 & 30:6 Matthew 5:43-48, 19:16-22, & 20:24-28 Mark 10:1-12 Luke 10:25-28 Philippians 4:8 Colossians 2:8-15 & 3:12-17 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 Hebrews 13:1-17 1 Peter 2:18-3:7 1 John 2:15-17 & 4:7-12 MODULE 6: March 31, 2021 - Stand Firm Therefore! Reading Assignments March 25-30 Primary Reading : Ephesians 6:10-24 (Read several times.) Church at Ephesus : Acts 20:28-38 Related passages : Exodus 14:13 Psalm 76:3 & 144:1-2 Isaiah 7:9 & 59:17 Joshua 1:1-18 Matthew 24:11-12 Luke 11:5-13, 18:1-8 Romans 5:2 Hebrews 7:25 Philippians 1:27 & 3:20 Colossians 1:11 1 Timothy 2:1, 4:1-2 2 Timothy 3:1-5 & 13-17 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 1 Peter 1:1, 17, 2:11, & 5:4-14 2 Peter 2:4-16 Jude 20 Revelation 18:20 Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Listen Slides Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6

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

Lent 2022 The Lent Experience, a video series and journal by Eric Ferris, aims to embrace the heart and purpose of Lent traditions, encouraging people to experience and be transformed by the main elements of Lent in their real lives. It is designed to help people, both familiar and unfamiliar with liturgical calendar practices, to observe Lent and rediscover the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sunday Sermon SEries Sunday Sermons March 6, 2022 FASTING: "Hungry for God" Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 13, 2022 SOLITUDE: "Lonely for God" Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons March 20, 2022 repentance: A Gift of Love Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons March 27, 2022 ALMSGIVING: Rich Toward God Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 3, 2022 FORGIVENESS: The Many Dimensions of Forgiveness REv. David Martin Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Sunday Sermons April 10, 2022 PALM SUNDAY: Triumphant in Christ Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen Sunday Sermons April 17, 2022 The Resurrection: Worth Pursuing Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides The Lenten Challenge Explore in-depth the elements of the Lenten season talked about in the Sunday sermons and challenge yourself to put them into practice. Each session will include a video and discussion. Additional content and opportunities for personal reflection can be found in The Lent Experience Journal (if you didn't get a paper copy, digital copies can be purchased by clicking here .) There are two ways to join this "Lenten Challenge": In-Person Class - Tuesdays @ 11:30 am Join Pastor Marty in the Fellowship Hall for teaching, discussion, and lunch! Zoom Class - Wednesdays @ 7 pm Pastor Nile will lead this online class and discussion group. From your Zoom App: Meeting ID: 850 2341 5629 Passcode: 863767 Or Click Here to join! Links for each week's videos can be found below. The Lent Experience: Trailer Video The Lent Experience: Ash Wednesday March 8 (In-Person) / March 9 (Online) Challenge #1: Fasting Video: The Lent Experience - Fasting Pastor Marty's Class Slides March 15 (In-Person) / March 16 (Online) Challenge #2: Silence & Solitude Video: The Lent Experience - Solitude March 22 (In-Person) / March 23 (Online) Challenge #3: Repentance Video: The Lent Experience - Repentance March 29 (In-Person) / March 30 (Online) Challenge #4: Almsgiving Video: The Lent Experience -Almsgiving April 5 (In-Person) / April 6 (Online) Challenge #5: Forgiveness Video: The Lent Experience - Forgiveness

Holy Week at Church of the Messiah Palm Sunday - March 29 Worship | 10 am Together we will commemorate the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem with a palm branch procession, then turn our focus to the events leading up to the Crucifixion with a special reading. Maundy Thursday - April 2 Maundy Thursday Service | 7 pm This modified instructional Eucharist commemorates the institution of Holy Communion at the Last Supper. The service includes the “stripping of the altar,” Eucharist and foot washing. Good Friday - April 3 Meditation Service | 12 pm - 3 pm Come for all or part of this time of reflection and prayer, which features brief meditations every 30 minutes. Good Friday Service | 7 pm This solemn service features readings, music and the nailing of the cross to help us appreciate Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Easter Sunday - April 5 Resurrection Sunday Celebration | 10 am Don't miss this joyful celebration of our Lord's resurrection, which includes a special procession by our children and “Flowering of the Cross.” The children will have a special celebration with an Easter message, activities and egg hunt.

Anchor 3 Abiding in Christ Through Daily Engagement with the Scriptures Spring 2021 Why are we focusing on scriptural engagement? As I was seeking the Lord about the next sermon series, I came across the research of two pastors who wanted to know how to strengthen the Body of Christ. They did research that included 1000 churches and they came to this conclusion: Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. If churches do only one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, the choice is clear. They would inspire, encourage, and equip their people to read the Bible — specifically, to reflect on Scripture for meaning in their lives. The Bible’s power to advance spiritual growth is unrivaled by anything else we’ve discovered. — Pastor Marty STEP 1: TAKE A SCRIPTURAL SELF-ASSESSMENT SUNDAYS @ 10 AM February 14-May 23 in-person or livestream THURSDAYS @ 7 PM February 25-March 25 on Zoom 2/14 Shaped by God's Word Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 2/21 Abiding in the Living Word Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 2/28 How God Reveals Himself to Us in His Word Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 3/7 Why a Plan? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 3/14 Creation: Why Did God Create Us? Joe Kohm Watch | Listen 3/21 Fall and the Promises of the Word for a Savior Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Listen 3/28 The Word Arrives: On a Donkey - For Now Pastor John Dooley Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 4/4 The Resurrection: The Word Is Proven to be True Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 4/11 The Church: People Living in the Word Deacon Tom Sweeney Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 4/18 The Great Ending Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 4/25 What Does The Bible Say About Itself? Rev. David Martin Watch | Listen 5/2 Trusting the Bible & Living the Gospel Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 5/9 How the Word is Living and Active Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides 5/16 How the Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Engage in God’s Word Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Listen 5/23 Being Filled with the Holy Spirit Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides EXPLORE DEEPER Join us online on Thursday evenings for deeper explorations of Sunday sermon topics. Zoom Meeting ID: 928 2372 1136 or click here to join 2/25 "Praying Through the Scriptures" Fr. Dominick Hankle Watch | Slides 3/4 Going Deeper Vivian Hayes Watch | Slides 3/11 What Are My Plan Options? Pastor Nile Gomez Watch | Resource Sheet 3/18 The Big Story Ken Shomo Watch 3/25 Prophecy Fulfilled Theresa Newell Watch WEDNESDAYS @ 7 PM February 24-March 31 on Zoom A LENTEN STUDY OF EPHESIANS "A Life Lived in the Spirit" with Dr. John Dooley Zoom Meeting ID: 780 7929 3062 Zoom Passcode: yfP5er or click here to join Weekly Reading Assignments 2/24 Module 1: No Longer Strangers Readings Listen | Slides 3/3 Module 2: Saved and Unified Readings Listen | Slides 3/10 Module 3: Empowered and Strengthened Readings Listen | Slides 3/17 Module 4: Living a Life of Unity Readings Listen | Slides 3/24 Module 5: Spirit Life in the Culture Readings Listen | Slides 3/31 Module 6: Stand Firm Therefore! Readings Listen | Slides 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 Anchor 1 Anchor 2

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

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

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