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Welcome! We love our church, and we think you will too! Whether you call Messiah your home church, or you're a visitor, we believe you will fall in love with the people and their hearts for God. From the minute you arrive, to the second you leave, we want you to feel at home. 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. Click the links below to learn more about the Messiah family! WHO WE ARE WHAT TO EXPECT FAQ WORSHIP WITH US

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< Back 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

JANUARY 3-10 · JOIN THE CAST! The Chesapeake Area Shelter Team (CAST) is a compassionate community of faith that provides overnight winter shelter for those experiencing homelessness in Chesapeake. Every year from November to April, Chesapeake churches, synagogues, mosques, and organizations open their doors for one week, providing safe and warm shelter, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to up to 50 homeless individuals and families. Church of the Messiah has participated in the CAST program since 2014. In addition to shelter and meals, Messiah volunteers provide fellowship, prayer and the love of Christ to these homeless brothers and sisters. Volunteers of all ages and skill sets are needed – that means YOU! There are a number of volunteer roles to participate in, as well as helping with donations of food, supplies, and funds. Regardless of how much time or money you have, there are many ways to participate. Explore the links here to learn about these different volunteer opportunities. Sign up sheets will be in the foyer. Watch this video to learn more about CAST. QUESTIONS? Please fill out the form below, and we will get you the information you need as soon as possible. Your message was sent successfully! Send NEEDED DONATIONS If you are able, please bring donations to the church by Sunday, December 10. Click the r oles below to learn about different volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can serve individually or in a group. Sign up sheets are in the foyer. BUS/INTA KE TEAM REGISTRA TION TEAM HALL MON ITORS DINNE R ACTIVITI ES OVERNIG HT TEAM BREAKFA ST MORNING CLEANUP BAG LU NCHES LAUNDRY TEAM VOLUNTEER! And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Saturday, March 23 , 2024 | 5 pm The Passover Seder celebrates God setting Israel free from Egyptian bondage, delivering His people from slavery to freedom. Believers in Y'shua the Messiah participate in Passover because through Him, our lives have passed over from death to life. We have been redeemed by the Passover Lamb, through the Perfect Atonement through His Blood. Each food on the Seder plate symbolizes a part of this redeeming act of God. Each person has a little taste of each food, coming together to participate in what God has done for His people. The Seder gives us the historical Jesus, putting into perspective what He did for us. We participate in the life of Y'shua and celebrate this through the Cup of Redemption, which is a part of the Passover Seder. We become one with Jesus through receiving His Body and Blood, remembering He celebrated this dinner with his disciples the night before He was handed over to suffering and death. Come join this celebration on Saturday, March 23, at 5:00 p.m. Please sign up by Sunday, March 17, so we can plan our seating and supply needs. There are sign-up sheets for both attendance and for helpers and donations. We ask that each family bring the following: Last name A-L: A dessert that will feed 8 people and a v egetable dish or salad for 8.* Last name M-Z: A meat dish that will feed 8 people and a vegetable dish or salad for 8.* A bottle of grape juice for your family. If you're coming solo, just bring double what you would eat yourself. The Seder ceremony takes place before dinner, so please provide a snack beforehand for young children, so they will not become too hungry. *Please, no shellfish, pork, lamb, dairy, or anything with leavening (yeast, baking soda/powder.)

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Spending time together is an important activity for any family, and it's no different for the Messiah family! Forming and developing relationships with each other helps all of us grow spiritually as we eat, play, serve and work together in a variety of ways. Here are just a few of Messiah's fellowship opportunities. If you would like more information about any of these fellowship opportunities, please contact the church office . GET INVOLVED Coffee Hour Grab a cup of coffee, a cookie or pastry, and chat for as long as you like after service every Sunday! Do you have the gift of hospitality? Think about joining the coffee hour crew! Community Bible Study In addition to in-depth study of the Word of God, Community Bible Study (CBS) is a great way to meet people and fellowship on a weekly basis. Messiah hosts a Women's CBS class on Thursday mornings during the school year, a co-ed class on Thursday evenings, as well as virtual onlne classes. For more information on CBS, click here . Home Groups Experience New Testament Christianity by joining a Home Group, a gathering of people in the comfort of a home for the purpose of building and strengthening our fellowship with each other and our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Members of a home group share relevant biblical teaching; pray for, encourage and serve one another; and develop and use God-given gifts and talents for the building up of each other and the church. Messiah currently has four home groups in Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. Click here to learn more about home groups. Joyful Noise Club Our club for young people with disabilities currently meets in person the second Tuesday of the month and online via Zoom the fourth Tuesday of each month. In-person meetings start with pizza, then Club members hear a special message and enjoy a fun game or activity. Online meetings include a teaching or message, followed by a time of discussion and sharing. A game or activity is often included, where participants are asked to bring a special item or topic to share with everyone online. Everyone is welcome to join the fun! For more information, contact the church office. Men's Minstry Men need to form real and deep relationships with other men that will foster growth in Christ. Join the men of Messiah at 10 am every first Saturday of the month for a time of learning, discussion, prayer, and fellowship. The group meets outside (weather permitting -- bring a chair!) or in the Fellowship Hall. Women's Ministry Messiah's Women's Ministry focuses on building relationships and getting to know each other on a personal level, so we can truly walk with each other, carry each other's burdens, and develop lasting and supporting relationships with our sisters in Christ. Monthly meetings include Bible studies, discussions about life and God, prayer and encouragement to help all women grow in their walk with the LORD. The Women's Ministry hosts events throughout the year for women to come together in fellowship. Past events have included a Spring Tea, Fall Brunch, and Christmas Lunch. These are wonderful opportunities to meet and visit with the ladies of Messiah. To keep up with the latest news and events, join the Women's Ministry Facebook group . Fellowship Events We like to spend time together! In addition to the groups and occasions listed here, Messiah hosts a number of church-wide events throughout the year.* These provide a great chance for people to come together to coordinate and attend celebrations that are open to all. Some of these events have included: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Seder Passover Meal Pentecost Picnic Keep an eye on your bulletin , the website, the calendar and Facebook for upcoming events! MISSIONS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHURCH MINISTRIES Joyfu Noise

Luke’s Research on Jesus Luke was a doctor whose research on Jesus portrays His heart for the lost, the poor, the disabled, and the undervalued, such as women and children. This is illustrated primarily through the miracles, testimonies and parables that are unique to the Gospel of Luke. These include Mary becoming the mother of Jesus; the one leper returning to thank Jesus; and the parables of the Good Samaritan, the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. September 16, 2018 Luke’s Heart for Theophilus Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation September 23, 2018 Good News to the Poor Rev. Mark Cartledge September 30. 2018 Raising of the Widow’s Son at Nain Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 7, 2018 Encounter with the Forgiven Woman Deacon Nile Gomez October 14, 2018 Parables on Prayer Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 21, 2018 Return of the Seventy-Two Bishop John Guernsey October 28, 2018 The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation November 4, 2018 The Good Samaritan Deacon Tom Sweeney November 11, 2018 The Lost Sons Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation November 18, 2018 The Prodigal Father Rev. David Martin November 25, 2018 "No Thank You"": Cleansing of the Ten Lepers Rev. Robert Walter Video Link Please reload

Advent Sermon Series Advent 2020 Sermon Series November 29 What Is God Like? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Video | Audio | Sermon Slides December 6 How Does God Respond to Our Suffering? Vivian Hayes Video | Audio | Sermon Slides December 13 Dr. Paul Van Valin Where Can I Find Peace on Earth? Video | Audio | Sermon Slides December 20 Pastor Nile Gomez Why Did the Son of God Come Into the World? Video | Audio December 24 Pastor Marty O'Rourke Why Are We Here? Video | Audio

About Our Speakers: THE REV DR. JIM BROWN served as Executive Pastor at Church of the Messiah for over 20 years, and has been involved in ministry and pastoral counseling for more than 30 years. He has served the Body of Christ in many ways in various roles in teaching, counseling and coaching. THE REV. DAVID JOHNDROW, ordained with World Harvest Ministries, is currently a member of the Big House ministry team. In the past, he was involved in the Charismatic Renewal in the Episcopal Church. He has been part of missions teams in Brazil, Korea, and Norway, was a prayer ambassador with The Call, and has written five books. VIVIAN HAYES , wife and mother of three, is a Bible teacher, postulant, and seminarian at Trinity School for Ministry. THE REV. DAVID PETERSON is Senior Pastor at Apostles Lutheran Church in Chesapeake, VA, and has over 30 years of experience in ministry and chaplaincy. He is the author of Journey to Forgiveness: 21 Milestones to Freedom. FR. NIGEL MUMFORD is an author and international speaker, and founder of “By His Wounds” healing ministry. He served in the UK’s Royal Marine Commandos and ministers with the Welcome Home Initiative for veterans suffering from PTSD or moral injury. February 21 Deny Ourselves The Rev. Dr. Jim Brown Listen | Worksheet February 28 Tak ing Up Our Cross The Rev. David Johndrow Watch | Listen March 6 Following Him Vivian Hayes Listen | Slides | Worksheet March 13 Following Him by Forgiving the Way H e Forgave The Rev. David Peterson Watch | Listen March 20 Following Him by Becoming an Instrument of God's Healing Fr. Nigel Mumford Listen Our 2024 Lent Lecture Series is based on the passage from Mark 8:34: And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. The words of Augustine describe the purpose of Lent: "We must empty ourselves of all that fills us so that we may be filled with what we are empty of." The 40 days of Lent serve as a time of emptying ourselves of things of the world, to be filled with a deeper appreciation of the profound significance of Christ's life, suffering, death, and resurrection. Resurrection Sunday is much more meaningful and joyous when we walk with Jesus through Good Friday. In the same way, participation in the 40 days of Lent enables us to receive the fullness of all that Christ did for us on Palm Sunday, at the Passover Meal, the washing of the disciples' feet, His betrayal and arrest, the mockery of His trial, the tremendous beating He took, then finally, being nailed to a cross and laid in a tomb. Then on the third day He rose from the de ad, proving the truth of His earlier declaration: I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. By walking with Christ through these final days of His ear thly life, we can embrace the extent of His sacrifice for us and the depth of God's love for us. The theme for our 2024 Lenten lecture series is based on the passage from Mark 8:34: And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” The Words of Augustine describe the purpose of Lent: We must empty ourselves of all that fills us so that we may be filled with what we are empty of. The 40 days of Lent serve as a time of emptying ourselves of things of the world, to be filled with a deeper appreciation of the profound significance of Christ's life, suffering, death, and resurrection. By walking with Christ through the final days of His earthly life, we can embrace the extent of His sacrifice for us and the depth of God's love for us.

Home Fellowship Groups Messiah currently has four home groups in Chesapeake, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. Members of a home group gather in the comfort of a home, usually share a meal, enjoy fellowship time together, discuss Scripture or other relevant topics, and pray together. Messiah currently has four home groups in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk. To get connected with a home group -- or to start a new one! -- fill out the form on this page. Chesapeake - Great Bridge Date/Time: Second & Fourth Fridays @ 7:00 p.m. Contact: Conway Telfeyan Chesapeake - Norfolk Highlands Date/Time: Alternating Fridays @ 7:00 p.m. Contacts: Nile & Doris Gomez Suffolk Date/time: Wednesdays @ 7:00 p.m. Contacts: Gary and Karen Phillips Virginia Beach Date/time: Mondays @ 12:00 p.m. Contacts: Larry and Wavy Riggs I'd like to learn more about a home group! Your details were sent successfully! Send

CHURCH MINISTRIES If you are looking for ways to get involved with Messiah, our many church-based ministries are a great place to form relationships while serving the Body of Christ. If you would like to join or would like more information about any of these ministries, please contact the church office . SERVING THE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP MISSIONS Acolyte Ministry Acolytes are young men and women who assist the Celebrant in Holy Communion and other liturgical rites. We are always looking for young people to serve in this vital ministry. The usual age range for Acolytes is grades 6 through 12, but younger candidates may be considered. Altar Guild Altar Guild members prepare the altar for Sunday and othe services, and set up the Eucharist. This ministry provides a wonderful opportunity to serve "behind the scenes" with a minimal time commitment! Altar Prayer Ministry The Altar Prayer Ministry prays for the specific needs of individuals at the altar rail during Sunday morning Communion time. This ministry's dedicated membes find it a blessing and a privilege to serve in the way, and a joy to hear of answers to prayer. Two-person prayer teams serve approximately one Sunday per month. Altar Flower Guild The talented members of the Altar Flower Guild create the beautiful floral arrangements that appear behind the altar on Sundays and major church holidays. These arrangements may be sponsored by individuals and dedicated in honor or memory of a loved one. The Altar Flower Guild also helps decorate the sanctuary at Christmas and Easter with the poinsettias and lilies purchased by members of the congregation. Children's Ministries The Children's Ministry cares for and instructs our littlest members in our nursery, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and many other ways. Eucharist Ministers Eucharistic Ministers are licensed communicants who assist the priests by administering the Sacraments. Greeters & Ushers Our Greeters are an essential part of Messiah's outreach to visitors and members, welcoming all with the love of Jesus. Ushering is a way to serve the Body of Christ by assisting worshipers during services by handing out bulletins, helping people find seats, assisting those with special needs, taking attendance, collecting the offering and assisting with queuing for Communion. Media & Sound Ministry The Media & Sound Ministry serves the audio and visual needs of the various services, meetings and special events held at Church of the Messiah. Prayer Chain This group of dedicated "prayer warriors" is always at the ready for any prayer requests that come in. Prayer requests are communicated by email and/or telephone. Reader Ministry Lay readers present the first and second Scripture readings at Sunday worship and other services. Readers generally serve once or twice a month. Worship Team Messiah's Worship Team leads the congregation in praise and worship through music, encouraging all to come together to glorify God and sing of His goodness. Youth Ministry The mission of the Youth Ministry is to help our young people develop their own relationships with Jesus. Youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend Foundations Class during the Sunday service. Youth Group, for 8th to 12th graders, meets on Sundays following the service. GET INVOLVED

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