Sermon Series | June-July 2020 Sermon Series | Summer-Fall 2020 How do we run the race of life in the midst of a pandemic? And what does winning look like? When our in-person services were first affected by COVID-19, I thought this would be a short-term issue, more like running a sprint or a quick obstacle course. Making the jump to hold online services meant overcoming a wall for us. Now, however, it seems like we are in the midst of a marathon. -- Pastor Marty O'Rourke What goes into running — and finishing — a marathon? How do we prepare ourselves physically and mentally? Who will run with us? And what happens if we fall and hurt ourselves? Messiah member Vivian Hayes, a runner herself, shares this insight: Whether on a course filled with obstacles or on a flat road, the longer one remains on that course, the more challenging that appointed race becomes as physical and mental fatigue sets in. An endurance race has a different type of difficulty than a sprint. A sprint is about physical ability, whereas in an endurance race mental strength plays an important role. Join us in exploring how God will equip us to run this race together to become more like Christ. July 26, 2020 Our Course: Run the Race to Win Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 2, 2020 Our Commitment: Finish the Race Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 9, 2020 Our Training: Throw Hindrances Aside Pastor Nile Gomez Audio Only August 16, 2020 Our Team: Not Running Alone Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 23, 2020 Our Attitude: Run With Perseverance Vivian Hayes Audio Only Slideshow Presentation August 30, 2020 Our Encouragement: Cloud of Witnesses Vivian Hayes Audio Only Slideshow Presentation September 6, 2020 Our Commitment: Get Back Up Pastor Nile Gomez Audio Only September 13, 2020 Our Endurance: Overcoming Injury Rev. Ken Shomo Audio Only Slideshow Presentation September 20, 2020 Our Focus: Victory In Christ Pastor Marty O'Rourke Audio Only Slideshow Presentation Please reload

Ken Shomo Discipleship Pastor I grew up in the church and benefited from my mother's prayers and vibrant faith. At age 18 that faith came fully alive through the work of God's grace and Holy Spirit. I was soon called into vocational ministry and have now served in various ministries for over 30 years. I simply enjoy people and have been privileged to serve all age groups. Along the way I also earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, and I'm now working on a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min). I serve as a counselor at HopeWell Ministries. I’ve been married 20 years to Cheryl and we have two children, Cullen and Zoey.

WHO WE ARE VISION & VALUES CLERGY & STAFF VESTRY ABOUT JESUS We are people of various races, ages and backgrounds, some with disabilities, and all in need of the Savior’s grace and love. Denominationally, we are an Anglican Church and part of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). As a people, we come from various church traditions—including Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Charismatic, nondenominational, and no church tradition at all. We are a place where people can come and be refreshed by the Living Water of the Holy Spirit. Those who have been physically or emotionally wounded or are weary of running the race are being renewed, restored and healed. The outpouring of God's Presence is bringing healing to the brokenhearted, setting free those who have been held in bondage and restoring Jesus as our first love. We are very relational and embrace the Lord’s heart to put the lonely in families. This is especially lived out through our home groups, men's and women's ministries, and fellowship events. Many of our young adults are in cross-generational friendships with older people in our church because we are seeking to make disciples who in turn make other disciples. Our services are both joyful and reverent. Our worship is not something you just watch or listen to—we enjoy participating in worship and experiencing God’s presence together. During our services, children have a special time for learning and growing, then join the church family for Communion. Our Lord has called us to serve those around us as Christ has served us. We are involved in local ministries such as Crisis Pregnancy Center, Hope Charities and C.A.S.T. (Chesapeake Area Shelter Team). On Tuesday nights, we host Joyful Noise Club , our club for young people with disabilities. We believe that the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do. In addition to preaching the Gospel every Sunday and teaching the Word to our children in their Sunday classes, Messiah hosts two Community Bible Study classes during the week. God has also called us to take the good news of Christ to the entire world. People connected with our church are serving the Lord in Croatia, Honduras, and Turkey. Join us any Sunday morning at 10:00 — you’ll receive a warm welcome! I'M NEW WORSHIP WITH US WHAT TO EXPECT FAQ

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

"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.

Grasp God’s character and His work on behalf of His people, in the past and present, as a catalyst to a more intimate relationship with Him. Learn how to practically extend joy, hope, peace, and love to others during this Advent season. Fuel your worship of Christ with a deeper understanding of Advent. Sermon Series | Advent 2019 December 1, 2019 LIVING HOPE Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 8, 2019 THE PEACE OF CHRIST Rev. Mark Cartledge December 15, 2019 WHY IS OUR JOY SO IMPORTANT TO THE LORD? Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation December 22, 2019 LOVE: GOD LOVED Pastor Nile Gomez December 24, 2019 HOW DID GOD SHOW HIS LOVE AMONG US? (recording not available) Pastor Marty O'Rourke Please reload

Our Vision: Our mission is to make tangible the life-transforming power of God’s love so that all may come to know Christ. We will accomplish this through: Dynamic Worship, Authentic Community, and Creative Outreach. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Dynamic Worship: Worship in which our love for God is expressed, the Word of God is proclaimed and applied to everyday life, and Anglican liturgy is infused with the life and gifts of the Holy Spirit. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Authentic Community – Community in which all people can experience a sense of being loved and connected to one another in Christ. We make tangible the power of God’s love through Creative Outreach – Church of the Messiah is outwardly focused and committed to taking the Gospel of Christ, in the power of the Spirit, to people across the room, across the street, across the city, and across the world to reach and serve the least, the last, and the lost. Our Values: Our personal love relationship with the Triune God, through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Worship in which the Word of God is proclaimed and applied to everyday life, and Anglican liturgy is infused with the life and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Listening to God and staying in step with the Spirit in our decision-making and in accomplishing our vision. Relationships in which all people can experience a sense of being loved and connected to one another in Christ. Making and equipping disciples who submit to the Word of God as the final authority of everything they are and everything they do. Being “missional,” or outwardly focused, and committed to taking the Gospel of Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to a people across the room, across the street, across the city, and across the world, to reach and serve the least, the last, and the lost. Contending for a biblical faith and worldview in all aspects of our culture. WHO WE ARE ABOUT JESUS Learn more about Messiah's vision and values by listening to Pastor Marty's sermon, "Why Does Church of the Messiah Exist?"

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.

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

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57 No matter what the world throws at us, the apostle Paul tells us, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35-37). Thus we proclaim, “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57). This sermon series focuses on learning to live in the victory Christ has won for us by his death and resurrection. Each week we will address an issue we face in life and seek his wisdom and practical ways for living in his victory. May 7, 2017 Victory Over Death Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation May 14, 2017 Victory Over Sin Pastor Jim Brown May 21, 2017 Victory Over Satan Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation May 28, 2017 Victory in Stress Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation June 4, 2017 Victory in the Spirit Rev. Frank Allen June 11, 2017 Victory Over Fear Pastor Marty O'Rourke June 18, 2017 Victory in Failure Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation June 25, 2017 Victory in Grief Dr. Marsha Staples July 2, 2017 Victory Over Shame Rev. Robert Walter July 9, 2017 Victory Over Temptation Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation July 16, 2017 Victory in Finances: The Stewardship of Affluence Pastor John Dooley Sermon Handout July 23, 2017 Victory Over Un-Forgiveness Pastor Jim Brown Slideshow Presentation July 30, 2017 Victory in Our Emotions Rev. Mark Cartledge August 6, 2017 Victory in Broken Relationships Rev. David Martin August 13, 2017 Victory Over Our Past Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation August 20, 2017 Lifelong Living in Christ's Victory Pastor Marty O'Rourke Slideshow Presentation August 27, 2017 Knowing Christ Deeply Through Suffering Pastor John Dooley Sermon Handout Please reload

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

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