What do you sense God wants you to focus on this Lent? More time in prayer? More time in the Word? Increased devotion to worship? Involvement in a home group? Lent is a time of reflection and repentance, prayer and preparation. Many of us were brought up with the idea of abstinence and fasting, "giving something up" or perhaps adding a special task or discipline to our daily activities. But what happens after Easter -- do we go back to our old routines? What if we approach Lent with the purpose of growing our relationships, with God and each other? Our 2019 Lenten sermon series and "equipping Wednesdays" are designed to help you focus on ways to develop an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus. Let's GO DEEPER with Him and see where He takes us. April 28, 2019 FOR PEOPLE WHO DOUBT Deacon Nile Gomez May 5, 2019 FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE FAILED Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation May 12, 2019 FOR WOMEN Vivian Hayes Slideshow Presentation May 19, 2019 FOR PEOPLE WANTING TO SERVE Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Special Testimony by Joan Cartledge May 26, 2019 FOR PEOPLE IN TRANSITION Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation June 2, 2019 FOR RELATIONSHIPS The Rev. David Martin Slideshow Presentation Please reload

The Rev. Dr. Martin K. O'Rourke Rector If the alumni of my graduating high school class gave an award to the person who ended up in the least likely job, I believe I would win. As a teen, I was constantly trying to prove myself through sports and by being accepted by others. It is alarming to consider where I would be today if the Lord Jesus Christ had not changed my life. I am still amazed that the Lord called me to be a pastor, and my passion is to see lives transformed by Jesus Christ. My first call in ministry is to trust and love the Lord with all my heart. I am also called to love my wonderful wife as Christ loved the church, and to be a godly father to my four children and two grandchildren. I am very thankful for God’s call on me to be a pastor, serving the people of Messiah. We seek to make disciples who in turn make disciples by emphasizing mentoring relationships. I am very encouraged by the growing diversity in our church as people connect across generations, ethnicities, economic and social backgrounds, and with those who have disabilities. We also serve our community by providing Joyful Noise Club, an outreach to young people with disabilities; having a companion relationship with a church in Portsmouth that has a ministry to the poor; and participating with other ministries, including CAST, a ministry to the homeless, Heart of Compassion, and Serve the City. I have a heart for building fellowship and unity among local church pastors, so Messiah holds a monthly gathering for ministers from various denominations. God used my heart for local church pastors to develop a training titled Guard Your Heart , designed to equip Christian leaders to walk in purity. For fun and exercise, I ride my bike five days a week with my wife, and two days a week I play racquetball. Before coming to Church of the Messiah in 1995, I served as Rector at Church of the Resurrection near Akron, Ohio; as Associate Rector at St. Martin's in Monroeville, Pa.; and as Youth Advisor to the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

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

Our Call to Reconciliation " We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20) To be fully reconciled to God we must first be fully reconciled to each other. This sermon series looks to God’s Word for His wisdom and to His Holy Spirit for His counsel on those areas of life that so easily divide us. Our desire is to be effective ambassadors proclaiming the message of reconciliation, not only in the words we speak, but in the life we live individually and corporately. September 3, 2017 Introduction: What is the Purpose of a Memorial? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation September 3, 2017 Where Do I Start? Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation September 10, 2017 Listen with Understanding Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation September 17, 2017 Battle Preparation for Reconciliation Dr. Marsha Staples Bulletin Insert September 24, 2017 God's Word on Politics Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation October 1, 2017 God's Word on Racism Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Testimony from Tom Rohrer October 8, 2017 God's Word on Religion Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 15, 2017 Confronting Evil Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation October 22, 2017 Are You Pushing Back? Rev. Mark Cartledge Please reload

Names of God PRINTABLE VERSION Names of God Our Father a forgiving God a Master in heaven a refuge for the poor a shelter from the storm an ever present help in trouble commander of the Lord's army eternal King Father to the fatherless God Most High God my stronghold God of glory God of hope God of truth God over the kingdoms of the earth God who gives endurance great and powerful God Holy Father I AM Judge of all the earth living and true God Lord God Almighty Lord my Banner. Lord of heaven and earth Lord our Maker Lord who makes you holy Maker of heaven and earth my Comforter in sorrow my helper my light my refuge in times of trouble my support our leader our refuge and strength Rock of our salvation the Eternal God the exalted God the glorious Father the God who sees me the living Father the one who sustains me the rock in whom I take refuge the true God a fortress of salvation a refuge for His people a sanctuary a source of strength architect and builder Creator of heaven and earth Father God God my Rock God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob God of gods God of love and peace God our Father God the Father God who gives encouragement great and mighty God Holy One I AM WHO I AM King of glory Lord Lord is Peace Lord my Rock Lord of kings Lord our shield Lord will Provide Most High my confidence my hiding place my mighty rock my song only wise God our Mighty One Righteous Father Shepherd the consuming fire the faithful God the Glory of Israel the great King above all gods the Majestic Glory the only God the spring of living water a glorious crown a refuge for the oppressed a shade from the heat a stronghold in times of trouble builder of everything defender of widows Father of compassion God Almighty God my Savior God of all comfort God of grace God of peace God our strength God who avenges me great and awesome God Helper of the fatherless Holy One among you Jealous King of heaven Lord Almighty Lord Most High Lord of all the earth Lord our God Lord who heals you Maker of all things my advocate my help my hope my refuge in the day of disaster my strong deliverer our dwelling place our Redeemer righteous judge Sovereign Lord the everlasting God the gardener (husbandman) the God who saves me the just and mighty One the Majesty in heaven the potter the strength of my heart Names of Jesus a banner for the peoples Anointed One author of their salvation bread of God chief cornerstone Christ of God crown of splendor first over all creation friend of tax collectors God's Son great Shepherd of the sheep head of the body, the church heir of all things Holy One of God born of salvation indescribable gift KING OF KINGS light for revelation to the Gentiles light of the world LORD OF LORDS Lord of the Sabbath Mediator of a new covenant Messiah my intercessor Physician Prince of princes refiner and purifier righteous man ruler of God's creation Shepherd and Overseer of your soul Son of the living God Teacher the Beginning and the End the First and the Last the Head the Living One the most holy the radiance of God's glory . the true light the way wisdom from God Word of God Alpha and Omega author and perfector of our faith blessed and only Ruler bread of life Chief Shepherd consolation of Israel Faithful and True friend of “sinners" God of all the earth great high priest he who searches hearts head of the church His one and only Son holy servant Jesus image of the invisible God Jesus King of the ages light of life Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Lord of peace man of sorrows merciful & faithful high priest morning star our Passover Lamb Prince and Savior Prince of the hosts resurrection and the life Righteous One ruler of the kings of the earth Son of Man Son of the Most High God the Amen the bright Morning Star the gate (door) the last Adam the living Stone the One and Only the rising of the sun, Dayspring the true vine the Word (Logos) witness to the peoples Word of life Ancient of Days author of life Branch of the Lord bridegroom chosen and precious cornerstone covenant for the people first to rise from the dead fragrant sacrifice to God God over all great light head of every man head over every authority Holy and Righteous One hope of Israel Immanuel (God with us) judge of the living and the dead Lamb of God light of men light of the mind Lord of the harvest Master messenger of the covenant my friend our peace Prince of Peace ransom for all men Righteous Judge Rock eternal (rock of ages) Savior of the world Son of the Blessed One sure foundation the atoning sacrifice for our sins the representation of his being the good shepherd the life the Lord our Righteousness the only God our Savior the stone the builders rejected the truth true bread from heaven Wonderful Counselor Names of The Holy Spirit a deposit (earnest) Holy One seal spirit of faith spirit of grace and supplication Spirit of Jesus Christ Spirit of life Spirit of the Sovereign Lord Spirit of wisdom and revelation the same gift another Counselor Holy Spirit Spirit of Christ spirit of fire Spirit of His Son spirit of judgment Spirit of our God Spirit of truth the gift Voice of the Almighty breath of the Almighty Holy Spirit of God Spirit of counsel and of power Spirit of glory Spirit of holiness spirit of justice Spirit of the Lord Spirit of understanding the promised Holy Spirit Voice of the Lord

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

Listen to different speakers share practical ways to experience Lent during deeper explorations of topics from the sermon series, "Abiding in the Living Word ." 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 Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Module 5 Module 6

Sermon Series | Fall 2019 September 8, 2019 The Lord Receives Glory, Honor and Power for Creating All Things Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation September 15, 2019 In the Beginning ... Word Became Flesh The Rev. Dr. Mark Cartledge Slideshow Presentation September 22, 2019 Let Light Shine Out of Darkness Pastor Marty O'Rourke with Dr. John Adam Dr. Adam's Slideshow Sermon Slideshow September 29, 2019 Created in His Image in an Image Driven Culture Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 6, 2019 God Created Them Male and Female Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation Testimony by Shelly James October 13, 2019 What Is the Way of Cain? Rev. Mark Cartledge October 20, 2019 Old Adam -- Christ Our New Adam Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation October 27, 2019 Are We In the Days of Noah? Deacon Nile Gomez November 3, 2019 Abraham: Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord? Pastor Marty O'Rourke November 10, 2019 Our Mission with Jesus Bishop John Guernsey November 17, 2019 Isaac on the Altar Slideshow Presentation November 24, 2019 Joseph: Trusting God's Greater Plan Pastor Nile Gomez Please reload How did the universe come to be? Why did God create us in His image? How did evil, sin and death enter His creation? What is God’s plan to accomplish His original purpose for us? Paul said the fullness of this plan was a mystery revealed in Christ Jesus. To understand this unfolding plan—connecting the creation of the heavens and earth in Genesis with the new heaven and earth in Revelation—we must start at the beginning. This sermon series will explore this plan and examine why Genesis is alluded to about 200 times in the New Testament.

We want to get to know you! Click here to fill out our Digital Connection Card! WORSHIP WITH US ONLINE! Sunday Worship | 10:00 a.m. Livestream Our services are livestreamed on our Facebook page , where FB members can post greetings, comments and prayer requests. For the latest news and announcements, click the "Sunday Bulletin" button to download the current bulletin. Refresh your web page if these links do not reflect the current service. Non-Facebook Users Facebook Livestream Sunday Bulletin Recorded Services & Sermons Sermons If you miss a service or just want to experience it again, use the links below to watch an entire service, watch just the sermon, or listen to the sermon while viewing any accompanying slide shows or sermon notes. You may also explore sermon series, testimonies, and special messages by our bishop, using the buttons here. SERMON SERIES TESTIMONIES BISHOP'S MESSAGES SERMON ARCHIVES May 10, 2026 | Sixth Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Jesus: Far Above All - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen May 3, 2026 | Fifth Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service The Conquering King - Aaron Bennett Watch | Listen April 26, 2026 | Fourth Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Pursued by LOVE - Pastor Jim Brown Watch | Listen April 19, 2026 | Third Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Christ Himself Will Restore - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides April 12, 2026 | Second Sunday of Easter | Livestreamed Service Sama Salimi’s Testimony Watch | Listen April 5, 2026 | Resurrection Sunday | Livestreamed Service The Lord Asks: “Do You Love Me?”- Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 29, 2026 | Palm Sunday | Livestreamed Service Have This Mind Among Yourselves - Pastor Jim Brown Watch | Listen March 22, 2026 | Fifth Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Jesus Desires to Meet Us in the Stillness - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 15, 2026 | Fourth Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Prayer Is to Our Renewal What Breath Is to Our Bodies - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides March 8, 2026 | Third Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service The Satisfaction of Being Known - Aaron Bennett Watch | Listen March 1, 2026 | Second Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service One on One with Jesus - Pastor Jim Brown Watch | Listen February 22, 2026 | First Sunday in Lent | Livestreamed Service Christ Desires to Meet Us in Community - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides February 15, 2026 | Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration) | Livestreamed Service Christ Desires to Make Us New Again - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides February 8, 2026 | Fifth Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service Waiting on the Lord - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides January 25, 2026 | Third Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service Wisdom: The Door to Abundant Life - Pastor Jim Brown Watch | Listen January 18, 2026 | Second Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service Wisdom: A Possession and a Person - Pastor Ken Shomo Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides January 11, 2026 | First Sunday of Epiphany | Livestreamed Service Epiphany: Laying Our Crowns at the Feet of Jesus - Pastor Marty O'Rourke Listen | Sermon Slides January 4, 2026 | Second Sunday of Christmas | Livestreamed Service Behold - Pastor Vivian Hayes Watch | Listen | Sermon Slides Past livestreams EXPLORE SERMON ARCHIVE

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

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